Now What? Young Leaders Are Changing the World by Working for Themselves
Growing numbers of young people are making an about face—turning their backs on working for “the man” and creating their own ventures.
The last couple of years have been tough for new college grads in all fields. Job leads are hard to follow and lines are long for new openings. Applicants are settling for lower pay and lower meaning. But do they have to?
Growing numbers of young people are making an about face—turning their backs on working for “the man” and creating their own ventures. This poses some challenges, but it’s working extremely well for many people 30 and younger: more meaning, more creativity, and sometimes close to the same or better money than they were about to settle for.
Chris Guillebeau, author of The Art of Non-Conformity, is a world traveler and an entrepreneur (among other ventures, he is publisher of unconventional world travel guidebooks). He is now 32, but at no point in his adult life has he held a “real” job. His message is: “You do not have to interpret the world or live in the world the way others tell you to.” In fact, you can invent your own life, make a living at it, and make a difference. Chris is a prime example of what I call “NextGenNow” leaders—next generation leaders leading now.
I have interviewed hundreds of NextGenNow leaders. The following characteristics and capabilities, ones they build and use often, seem to be the approaches that today’s shifting world calls for:
Do what hasn’t been done before, and never do anything the same way twice. NextGenNow leaders open themselves up to inventing what is needed in each new situation and as opportunities reveal themselves. They never look back to borrow from past practices or look sideways to borrow from others. Their eyes are forward and in the present experience. They work on understanding and initiating based on what is happening now. It takes a great deal of personal courage to believe you will figure out what to do as you go. It also takes patience and the ability to stay present until ideas flow and paths reveal themselves. These are capabilities usually gained through a lifetime of experience. These young leaders already have them. Chris put together an “art of non-conformity” entreprenuers conference with an “action team” that adapted the program as it unfolded. It sold out.
Express your talent and longing in ways that matter. NextGenNow leaders have deliberately developed depth of practice in a field or way of working, and they are applying their talent and character to arenas they care about deeply. Not that they have all the answers—the whole idea is to figure out what to do in the current moment—but they draw on disciplined backgrounds of study and application in fields they crave to know more comprehensively. They are strategic and focused; they take on projects based on what the effects will be in the world at large. They never think or work small. Chris has become an expert in developing unorthodox business models and helping others figure out how to do the same. He is followed by thousands of young people leaving their jobs to turn what they care about into a business. The founder of Legal Nomads, for example, is an attorney who combined culture, food, and travel into an unorthodox profitable travel business.
Develop deep personal agency. NextGenNow leaders draw on the inner belief that they can be the source of their own effectiveness. They experience a strong sense of personal agency and self-efficacy in themselves and foster it in others. This is not false conceit or vainglory. It is an objective appreciation of what it will take to get where they want to go. Chris builds personal development for himself and everyone in his community into all the events he organizes. The new focus is on self-guiding their decisions and their way of running a business. They engage with others, but they take accountability for the outcomes. They consciously invent new rules in everything from financing to marketing.
NextGenNow leaders are not social entrepreneurs because they don’t start with social or environmental problems, and build businesses around them. They start with and stay with their own drive and a unique vision. They use their personal passion to find ways to contribute in the world. There are hundreds of thousands of them finding their way in the new, seemingly barren jobs wilderness.
Carol Sanford is CEO of InterOctave, Inc. and the author of The Responsible Business: Reimagining Sustainability and Success, named to CNBC top biz books to read in 2011. Her upcoming book is NextGenNow, based on interviews. Find more of her guest blogs at CNBC or her website.
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COMMENTS
BY Yvonne Favors, VPP
ON June 14, 2011 04:44 PM
Assuming that a majority of these NextGenNow leaders are involved in social enterprises (or a large minority), and considering that funding for social enterprises and nonprofits specifically is quite limited, does it make sense to encourage a younger generation to go out into the world to start new ventures if they don’t have much of an idea of how to be successful?
In the for-profit market, the only person they are hurting with a failed venture is themselves. But in the social change market, there is a lot more on the line, and a lot more time and resources to be wasted. I’m concerned that this encouragement will only segment the social enterprise field more.
BY kadir ismail
ON June 14, 2011 10:03 PM
Dear Madam,
It is really a nice piece of work and thought provoking; also it will become a source of motivation. However I beg to differ on one count namely that young should go on their own and do not have to depend upon others.
We have to distinguish between young entrepreneur and young social worker. Though at the first blush it appears the same and both shading into each other, there is conceptually unbridgeable gap between the same. While the former is based on personal ambition and ego-extension, the later is on enlarged vision and ego-expansion. For an entrepreneur it is a sense of achievement and for the worker it is continuum of self rediscovery.
Failure to recognize this difference will end up in formation of subdued or surreptitiously sublime criminal.
BY Dr Om Prakash Kansal
ON June 15, 2011 12:18 AM
COuld you please few exmples of such leaders frm Idia where I knowa lot of such Gennext thing are happning. If yu could also ctially analys afew case scearios with pro and cons or precautions to be taken, I am sure this would help others, who have potential and inclination to jump into this innovative leadership scene.
BY Cee El
ON June 15, 2011 06:39 AM
Jeff Raderstrong, why would you make your assumption, “Assuming that a majority of these NextGenNow leaders are involved in social enterprises”?
The author of this piece clearly states, “NextGenNow leaders are not social entrepreneurs ....”
The only person they are hurting with a failed venture is themselves? Why do you care? They’re typically under 30 or slightly older. If they’re going to fail, now is the time to do it when there’s not much on the line. Additionally, entrepreneurial failure is a great learning experience.
According to the article, they’re apparently not failing because these guys are making “sometimes close to the same or better money than they were about to settle for.”
BY Stacy McCoy
ON June 15, 2011 09:08 AM
As a NextGenNow leader I loved this post because I could really relate to it. And I am on the social enterprise side of the fence. For me, a big reason why I started this venture was because I saw a whole in the market I could fill, I had the time, I’m at a place where I could take the risk, and I wasn’t finding that perfect career opportunity, so I decided to create it. I did some number crunching and quickly realized that if this is a success I could be making more than most entry-level jobs are offering. I also like the idea that my success is completely dependent on myself. All of this, makes starting your own business really attractive to my generation.
I would like to respond to some of the comments above. Because I just launched my venture about a month and a half ago the whole success vs. failure is still a big question mark. But, every venture that someone launches has the same risk. Of course some are more calculated than others, but the chance for failure is always high. I don’t think that this risk should dissuade social entrepreneurs. My venture is completely self-funded between me and my business partner. It’s web-based so the investment required a relatively low amount of capital compared to what other startups might run. We do not depend on angel investors. So lack of available funding was never an issue. But even if you need funding there’s no reason not to go for it. If you have a social mission in mind there’s even more reason to go for it because you could help a lot of people. That’s a much bigger motivator than just filling your own pockets. Also, strictly for-profit companies like major corporations have had some of the biggest positive impact on society because of their CSR and sustainability programs. If they hadn’t seen their success they wouldn’t have been able to help the number of people they have. Business is trending towards being more responsible in general. In this respect, the positive impact potential is there for any business.
BY Will Beadle
ON June 15, 2011 09:27 AM
Thought this might be of interest to the 41/20 group.
Bob Himber
BY Carol Sanford, author of post
ON June 15, 2011 11:26 AM
Delighted to see all these engagement here. I see this new generation as very different that those of us who came before and they are doing everything much more organically than their elders. For example, they are in many social organizations where they are getting what they need—not isolated. They think about their effect on Earth and communities without any programs or certifications to tell them to do so. So social in built in- not the place to start or not added on. Responsibility is imbedded.
It is not just social enterprises that harms people when they fail. A business is part of a community and does affect many—positively and negatively. The NextGenNow are aware of this and I hope they influence other businesses to see the value of such thinking.
My most important comment is, no one is encouraging this generation to go out into the world in this way. Not me either. I just see it happening and think it is the way of OUR collective future. I want to tell their story and am starting a video blog to do just that. I think NextGenNow leaders ROCK
BY Jay Standish
ON June 15, 2011 11:46 AM
I also would consider myself a nextgen type- 26 years old, founded and exited one successful social enterprise, founded a media project about the new economy, and working on another social enterprise startup now.
I think Carol’s distinction between people who start from a place of personal passion and vision vs. crusading against a worldly problem is an important one. I waiver between these two types of motivation, and am beginning to find that the “NextGen” way of developing a life around one’s own dreams, passions and gifts is more sustainable because the work itself is enjoyable, while sometimes social entrepreneurs can have a bit of a martyr complex that leads to burnout.
BY Jennifer
ON June 15, 2011 11:59 AM
I just graduated and am not willing to continue working as an unpaid or underpaid intern, which is all that seems to be available for recent graduates. I took my passions and started my own business while in school. In this economy, you can’t wait around for opportunities to present themselves, you have to create them for yourself. It’s funny to read these types of articles about “my” generation that contain detailed descriptions. I think I’m just a scrappy entrepreneur.
BY Marc Baizman
ON June 15, 2011 08:54 PM
In a lot of cases, these “NextGen” leaders often have no choice BUT to start their own organizations. In many nonprofits both small and large, senior leadership is still very tightly holding onto the reins, and unwilling or unable to let go. At the Boston Chapter of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network, which I co-chair, we believe that young people are not given adequate (or, in the most dire cases, any) mentorship or opportunities to become leaders within the organizations they work for. As a result, young people either start their own organizations, or simply leave the sector entirely, never to return. Our experience is that nonprofits simply don’t invest in their young talent, period. We hypothesize this happens for several reasons: nonprofits don’t know how to invest in their employees effectively; or they are so resource constrained that they don’t invest in *any* employee development, thus leading to a “nonprofit leadership skills starvation cycle” so that young people never get the skills they need to advance to a mid-level or senior position, and thus are kept at the bottom of the hierarchy, and are churned through as new graduates join the sector and work for little to no salary, replacing the previous young person before them. This is a grim scenario, to be sure, but I would bet if you took a look, you would see this played out over and over again at nonprofits across the country.
BY Franklin Amoo
ON June 16, 2011 01:17 AM
Nice article, but I must point out a significant characteristic of NextGenNow leaders you seem to have neglected: wealthy parents who can subsidize and underwrite the often expensive process of “figur[ing] out what to do as you go” and “stay[ing] present until ideas flow and paths reveal themselves”. While they are lost in deep thought and busily developing innovative business models, it is helpful to have someone else pay the rent and keep a stocked refrigerator.
The country’s future would benefit from programs that would democratize the entrepreneurship arena by broadening the demographic of bright, young would-be business creators by defraying the cost of funding basic living expenses during the early start-up period.
BY Alexandra Wilson
ON June 16, 2011 08:50 AM
I firstly would like to thank the author for such an inspiring piece. I am a part of this generation and am struggling to find a job in my field that is not an internship. Because of layoffs and the lack of jobs people with more experience than me are taking jobs at lower pay or something more entry level. What does that leave us with? Not a whole lot. I relunctantly took a position at an accounting firm, a far cry from my fashion degree. To pursue my career in fashion I am moonlighting as a designer from home. In April myself and a fellow graduate, who is now my business partner, launched our first sustainable collection of wedding dresses and are looking forward to next season. While I don’t think we can quit our day jobs just yet, I look forward to transistioning to being a full time entreprenuer and designer.
To Franklin, not sure where you are getting your information from. I, along with many other recent graduates I know, have been living on our own (ie. paying our own rent and stocking our own refridgerator) since I was 17. I also payed for my tuition on my own. It taught me a lot about money management. I’m insulted that you see us NextGenNowers like that. It’s a shame you feel that way.
I know there are post-graduate programs (one offered at George Brown) that are geared toward small business entreprenuership which allows students to participate in competitions for startup money and helps students obtain government loans and grants. You should also check out the Canadian Youth Business Foundation http://www.cybf.ca/
BY Carol Sanford, author of post
ON June 16, 2011 03:51 PM
Love this engagement. Just a couple more comments. Less than 10% of the people I interviewed have parents helping and most of those were not wealthy. They sometime borrowed to help. Looking at my notes about 65 % had to borrow money but most from friends, mentors, even people who were willing to invest (mostly small amounts). That is what amazes me about their courage. They find a way, or as Jennifer said, they are just scrappy.
I am looking at programs designed to help them generation but so far I am not impressed. I think they are built off old models that are thinking of the Millenniels as selfish rather than self-determing, self directed. And not understanding that the sense of caring about the world is more built-in, where for previous generations it had to be bolted on. Not that all Millennials are NextGenNow although they are all NextGen. NextGenNow leaders feel the need to make a difference, a BIG difference with the work they do. And that if they do not do “their work to change something”, it may not get done. They are driven and do not take many “no’s” for an answer especially when the people saying them are not compelled to do something that matters, and comes from their CORE.
BY Laurie Robinson
ON June 16, 2011 05:42 PM
I have to agree immensely with what Marc said about non-profits because it recently just happened to me. I was trying to push myself and develop more skills and build upon what I know but all I found was fear that I would change things or push against the grain. My position was eliminated but they couldn’t fire me so they forced me into a position that I already turned down and refused to interview me for another position I was interested in. I ended filing a formal complaint with HR and all I got was, “Well, we can do that to you”. Now I am in a job that will lead me no where but I am planning my next steps. This article gave me hope that I can create the live and job that I want. Thank you!
BY Jim Engineer
ON June 20, 2011 08:30 PM
Hi Carol,
A quick introduction and a big thank you for bringing more perspective and definition to NextGenNow.
Our group, NextGenNow (http://www.nextgennow.org) is an advocacy organization for the next generation of Zoroastrian parents, professionals, students and leaders. We have a socio-religious focus on the issues most critical to advancing Zoroastrian (Zarathushti) religious communities in North America and throughout the world.
We’d like to take this opportunity to go on the record in being the first to coin the name NextGenNow in October 2007 at our inaugural conference
As you might expect, we operate and are fueled by ideas and influence - not money or bureaucracy - and have amassed our own niche following using social media. Follow us on Twitter @nextgennow.
We are a catalyst organization with a high road approach to problem solving. We offer perspective, share information, survey our base, sharpen our platform, collaborate on editorial opportunities, conduct and program special events, generate social media following and serve as an agent of change on the issues most relevant to the next generation of Zoroastrians.
An ancient religion with a population today of less than 150,000, Zoroastrianism is the world’s first monotheistic religion that shaped/influenced Christianity and Judaism in later years. Today’s population struggle forms the mandate for the next generation of leaders to not just stay alive, but to thrive and grow in numbers over time.
Notable Zoroastrians include Cyrus the Great, Queen’s Freddie Mercury, the Tata family of industrialists, and maestro Zubin Mehta.
We welcome feedback and thank you again for your insight.
Best wishes,
Mantreh Atashband (Toronto)
Jim Engineer (Chicago)
Armaity Homavazir (Toronto)
Dr. Nikan Khatibi (Southern California)
Zubin Mistry (Washington, D.C.)
http://www.nextgennow.org
twitter.com/nextgennow
BY Roda Langrana (nee Homavazir)
ON June 21, 2011 09:53 AM
Hi,
I think the younger generation need to be encouraged to venture out on their own ... that is in line with God’s plan .... its called creativity and creation - using your mind and God given talents. It creates opportunities and when you are your own boss the sky’s the limit. That does not mean that a few may actually fail in their first attempt - that is a possibility too and nothing to be discouraged about ... for sometimes a failure allows you to intensify your efforts so that you succeed beyond your wildest dreams.
There’s a lot to be said for positive thinking and a never say die attitude.
BY Ole Hongvanthong
ON June 28, 2011 08:38 AM
love this article. I am 29 and run my own business. I have been doing so for 2 years and love every second of it. I do things my way and my clients love me for it. I encourage everyone to find their passion and go for it.
BY Garrity Powers
ON June 28, 2011 09:40 AM
Encouraging. I have always felt that the greatest job security a person can have is being their own boss. While it is intimidating to start a business, the rewards and payoffs go far beyond monetary compensation. Right now the job market is dismal, but entrepreneurship is thriving.
BY Iris Lemmer
ON June 28, 2011 10:07 AM
I really appreciate this article, too. My husband and I are founders of Sound Connexions, an organization that is a community of practice for social entrepreneurs. We jumped into our own social innovation project, called 3231 Creatives in Everett, WA about a year ago. 3231 is a collaborative, co-working space that supports artisans and entrepreneurs. Much like people have expressed here, we’ve found that fortunately many young, bright folks of today aren’t afraid to jump in and use their talent and passion to begin new ventures with us. They have been the most enterprising folks who find a way with us to fund their projects and execute on what they want to see happen. We really appreciate their zeal and willingness to push the envelop and their fortitude in leading and executing on their ideas.
BY Luke Mastalli-Kelly, CEO Starfish Enterprise, LLC
ON June 28, 2011 02:31 PM
As a 19 year old running his own business, I certainly hope that we’re the future. Frankly, with the resources available to individuals today, there is very little reason to wait for a job with a larger organization. Everything you need to begin is available- all it takes is an idea.
BY Jeffrey Lovingood, Founder, People Do That!
ON June 28, 2011 05:17 PM
I absolutely L-O-V-E this article! thankyouthankyouthankyou!
While I’m not NextGenNow - I’m 41 - it wasn’t until my mid-30’s that I realize that not only did the old way of doing things not work today, the people teaching me the old ways didn’t tell me all of their secrets! In many cases, it was because they themselves didn’t know. So where is a 16-year-old going to get information about their options if the people they trust do know either?
Well, NextGenNow entrepreneurs are self-guided enough to find out for themselves. The great thing is, though, it’s not just NextGenNow entrepreneurs that are looking to do something great! There are plenty of NextGen people who, while they may be somewhat risk-averse or don’t believe they have the resources to put a great idea into reality (whatever!), will be fantastic employees with a lot of fresh insight and new ways of solving old problems.
With my business, People Do That!, I’m looking to help all of the NextGenNow leaders and NextGen others utilize their skills and interests to develop businesses, jobs and careers that they may not have thought were possible!
BY Augustine Mututu
ON June 29, 2011 01:39 AM
I quite agree with the concept of starting on something and being your own boss. it appears to me however that many people are being more theoretical. I think we need to be more practical and face the reality. Yes we need to embark on something but HOW CAN THAT BE DONE WITHOUT CAPITAL? HOW CAN YOU START ON SOMETHING WITHOUT CAPITAL. So according to me one needs to have a job first inorder to raise capital for own venture. please help if am wrong or advise how someone can start on something without a capital base.
BY Forester Jenkins
ON June 29, 2011 08:17 AM
It’s amazing how the comments today is the same as it was in the day the telephone, car, you name it was invented. I wonder what the critics are doing to improve themselves? I just they are still following the herd.
That’s what great about America, it allows you to be creative. Don’t stifle others because you don’t have the guts to try something different.