Why a New Generation is Cultivating Empathy

Back-to-school season is in full swing!

This is one of my favorite times of year because it means I get to reconnect with our Marketing & Experience interns, find out how they enjoyed their time at T-Mobile, and hear what’s on their minds at lunches and gatherings.

Chatting with our interns always take me back. In my early 20s, I never could have predicted what lay ahead for my career or future. At their age, rugby was my life—it was my everything. When I was young, the only thing I knew for sure was the thrill of competition and that failure was not an option.

In the ensuing years, I’d like to say I’ve matured on that front and come to realize that while having drive is important—you don’t have to crush everything. Winning isn’t everything—and more than that: Not winning can actually be a victory.

So, when an M/X intern asked me recently which superhero power I would most like to possess, I had to chuckle. Twenty-year-old me would have said, “Super-human speed.”

But today? There’s something I’d enjoy far more: To make people happy. 

Sure, lightning-fast speed, flying, and shooting lasers out of your eyes would be very cool, but over the years I’ve found that the ability to empathize might be the most important superhero ability a person can cultivate. From a business perspective, that means infusing meaning into your work, listening to customers and colleagues, and striving to create an environment where everyone can bring their full selves to work.

When I look around, I am pleased to find that many others feel as I do.

While that doesn’t necessarily surprise me, what does surprise me is how much wiser today’s young people are than I was at their age. In the last few months, for example, I’ve encountered more than my fair share of high school and college-aged superheroes—young people who act with empathy in all they do.

For example, earlier this year, when T-Mobile partnered with Ashoka to issue a call to action for anyone aged 13 to 23 with a plan to improve their community, we were met by an overwhelming amount of “changemaking” ideas from young people across the country. These young people then presented their solutions to some of the toughest challenges of the day to a panel of judges made up of T-Mobile’s leadership team.

From my position on the panel, I heard from a generation with a powerful social conscience and belief that they can make a difference.

One group of challengers who really resonated with me (given my work with the Obama White House’s “Let’s Move!” initiative a few years back) was Urban BEET. Founded by some wickedly smart young entrepreneurs, this startup works to connect urban schools to local rooftop gardens, increasing access to nutritious food and reducing carbon footprints all in one swoop. 

But from tackling the stigma surrounding mental health to tapping into the power of selfies, each group demonstrated that this new generation has a passion for using available technology and resources to enhance the lives of those around them.*

One thing was abundantly clear: The next generation deeply understands the power of empathy.

In a world full of challenges that can feel insurmountable, these past few weeks have reminded me that empathy is a superpower available to all of us. Certainly, our T-Mobile interns and Changemakers know this.

However great the challenge, it only takes an idea to spark a revolution. I’m proud that T-Mobile can provide some of the fuel.

I’m so inspired by what I’ve seen from a new generation and I sleep a little easier knowing that our future is in the hands of compassionate people who share a sense of social and environmental responsibility—people who place “us” before “me.” 

Nick Drake is the Executive Vice President of Marketing & Experience at T-Mobile USA, Inc. He can be found on Twitter @drakenic and on Instagram @itsnickdrake.

*Our CEO John Legere announced the Top 6 Changemaker Challenge Teams on August 22. All six CEO Picks (Echo Effect, Yellow Tulip Project, ArtPass, Aware, Dios Del Sol, and Peerlift) will be returning to HQ for in-depth mentoring from our Legal, Marketing, and Finance teams.