When the Power of Purpose Can Strengthen the Power of the Youth

When I look back at my professional journey, I feel that I have come a long way, but there is a lot left to accomplish. Over the last few years, I have been reflecting on the broader purpose and how I can contribute to the success of others around me. As my kids grew older, I developed a passion to work with the youth to help them achieve their potential.???

We are living in a multipolar world that is experiencing an unprecedented change. On one hand, there is the promise of digital and technology transformation, whilst on the other, this brings a risk to the demographic landscape. We continue to have political uncertainty and the dangers of climate change. And as the world gets more complicated and advanced at the same time, our younger generation needs to strive harder to make a mark for themselves.??

Getting ahead in life has a lot to do with perseverance, determination, and the ability to gain knowledge from experiences. For me, every part of my professional journey, every milestone, every project, and every client interaction, has been a learning experience. Gradually, I learned to do things out of my comfort zone and gain new and enriching experiences. I remember when I was a fresh graduate and even early in my career, I was very hesitant in talking to clients and stakeholders. Over time, working with diverse and global teams across different geographies and cultures has helped me steer impactful conversations. My amazing mentors also helped me learn the nuances of the trade and taught me to be more strategic and focused.??

When I talk about growth and opportunity, I want the youth to understand that the world is changing at a rapid pace, and along with it, the future of work. Rapid advancements in technology are not only transforming the way one works, but also enhancing their way of life. Also, the demographic dividends that we have today may significantly change in the future, creating a divide in the economic growth potential. In such a scenario, it is imperative for the youth to upskill themselves and apply knowledge in ways that meet the new demands of our changing social and economic landscape. And this is where my purpose has taken shape: to help our youth equip themselves with a greater breadth of skills and realize their optimum potential.??

Here are some insights from my personal experience that I?did not know when I?started my career, but learned over time as I went along:?

1. Be purposeful: I have always believed that having a purpose in life inspires you and keeps you motivated, focused, happy, and positive. My purpose is what most fulfils me professionally and personally. It guides how I think, act, and develop. Mark Twain, once said, “Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing.” You are here for a purpose, so, realize what it is and work toward it. Try giving back to the community in whatever way you can.??
2. ?Be curious:? What I have learned in all these years is curiosity drives growth. It does push you into the unknown but that is where you start discovering the experiences you never thought were possible, developing new and meaningful relationships, and uncovering opportunities that help you grow. I encourage people to challenge everything on the “Why axis” by asking better questions, reflecting and listening to the bigger picture, and being a continuous learner.??
3. ?Be bold: You should stop hesitating and start taking action. The world, tomorrow, will be shaped by ones who are willing to take big strides, disrupt the status quo, and make difficult decisions. What I have learned in my professional journey is that a person who is willing to take the risk will lead others. So, stop being passive, eliminate the excuses, and start speaking up; recognize your strengths and weaknesses and move beyond them.?
4. ?Be a student for life: Dedicate at least 2-3 hours to self-development, upskilling and learning each week. Data is the new currency; learn about data, analytics, digital and emerging technology. This will make you future proof. I, myself, took up reading only recently and?I realized?it is one of the most valuable sources of?gaining knowledge. So, I highly recommend listening to podcasts and reading a lot - whether it is fiction, non-fiction, biography or anything that helps you improve your vocabulary, knowledge, and confidence. ?
5. ?Network like no other: I have always considered networking as key to establishing and nurturing long-term connections. Start making meaningful conversations with people around you because they are key to establishing productive associations and developing sustained relationships and mutual trust.??
6. ?Go beyond your comfort zone: Everyone has a comfort zone, and I am no different. Although familiarity and routine may provide you with a safety net, they can also be a hindrance to your growth. So, it is important to step out of your comforts, and do things beyond your regular workaday. If you are a college student, join communities, forums, groups, book clubs, or anything that is beyond regular day-to-day academic interactions. If you are a professional, identify resource groups or volunteer for corporate social responsibility initiatives. The opportunities to expand your horizon are unlimited.??

Today, when the world is changing at a rapid pace, tomorrow’s youth should be perceptive, resilient, adaptive, and have a knack to learn and evolve. I want to use my experiences and learnings to help the younger generation be thoughtful and productive citizens. In a way, I am working for a purpose: to nurture my country’s youth to work toward a better self, learn from their failures, and love what they are working on or learning to do.?

#purpose #youth #betterworkingworld ?