Written by Marti Copeland

Take Action:
What’s one way you’re engaging younger professionals in your work?

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The Story:

Every great leader knows this truth: your legacy isn’t about what you build—it’s about who you empower.

I have four children. Since they were young, they have seen me go on an entrepreneurship journey, trying to find my way.

One thing that I did differently was include them in conversation. In my career before entrepreneurship, I was a HR practitioner, and I would come home and have a “mini-staff meeting” where each of them could share about their day with the rest of us. I would then tell them about my day and encourage them to share their opinion on how it could have been handled differently – or any lessons learned. It was fascinating to see their minds work and they often gave me insights that my adult mind hadn’t even considered.

Powerful.

Later on, I turned to my two now adult daughters to help me build out a vision to start a counseling company. The goal was to build something that not only empowered others but also encouraged the counseling staff. I could have hired outside of family but instead chose to tap one daughter to help with business operations and the other to help with marketing operations. They are now off doing well in thriving careers, but them helping me build and strategize was the fondest memory I can imagine. I felt like I had the best team in the world.

And it was a reminder as someone in an older generation – to always bet on the next generation.

In my counseling practice, I’ve made it a priority to engage the younger generation. They bring fresh ideas, new techniques, and a hunger to innovate. By creating space for their voices, I’m ensuring that this work will thrive far beyond me.

Why Engaging the Next Generation Matters:
Younger professionals offer:

• Fresh perspectives on long-standing challenges.
• Innovative approaches to problem-solving.
• The energy and adaptability to embrace change.

But for this collaboration to work, older leaders must be intentional about creating opportunities for mentorship, learning, and collaboration.

Practical Ways to Engage the Younger Generation:

1. Mentorship Programs: Share your knowledge while remaining open to learning from their insights.
2. Collaboration Opportunities: Involve younger professionals in decision-making and innovation projects.
3. Continuous Learning: Stay updated on new techniques and approaches they bring to the table.
4. Empower Their Vision: Encourage them to lead and take ownership of projects.

Conclusion:
The future of any field depends on how well we empower the next generation. By combining experience with innovation, we create something timeless.