With all the discussion of age in recent months, perhaps there is something we can learn. Question, in fact: do we recognize youth as a strength? Note the following, fascinating stories of success. Yes, there is much we can learn…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first emperor of Rome, Augustus Caesar, became a Roman senator at 20 years old.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Joan of Arc was 17 when she helped turn things around for France.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n French mathematician Blaise Pascal began developing a handheld calculator at 19.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Louis Braille created the Braille language for the blind at only 15 years of age.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Mozart wrote his first symphony at the wee age of 8.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Also in the music world, Beethoven published his first work at only 13.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Mary, mother of Jesus, was said to be only up to 17 at the time of his birth.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n History\u2019s King David was crowned at age 30.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Moving to a bit more of a contemporary season, Bill Gates was 20 when he founded Microsoft.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Steve Jobs was 21 when Apple was born.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Malala Yousafzai spoke out against the Taliban and how they treated women, becoming the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize at age 17.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only was Jesse Owens recognized as the world\u2019s fastest human at 22, but he also was credited with “single-handedly crushing Hitler’s myth of Aryan supremacy.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Several young authors led via their youthful creativity\u2026 Mary Shelley writing Frankenstein at 17 and both Charles Dickens and Truman Capote having iconic success at only 24.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Creativity continues as one Miss Taylor Alison Swift began professional songwriting at 14.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The \u201cKing of Pop\u201d Michael Jackson went solo also at only 14.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n We get a little older but remain youthful when we remember that Elon Musk founded SpaceX at 30.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n And Anjez\u00eb Gonxhe Bojaxhiu \u2014 aka Mother Teresa \u2014 founded Missionaries of Charity at age 40.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n At 52, Colin Powell became Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest position in the Department of Defense, becoming the youngest officer to serve in this capacity.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lest we forget the athletes, Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes each led their teams to their first Super Bowl wins at age 24.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n And the one and only Nadia Com\u0103neci became the first Olympic gymnast to score a perfect 10.0 at only 14 years of age.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Suffice it to say, there is great talent, leadership and gifting in our youth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While I will always offer and encourage deep respect for those who\u2019ve gone before us \u2014 those who have deep wells of experience and sweet stories to share, I feel like we need to tap into our younger generations. Instead of being the \u201cone\u201d \u2014 the leader, head honcho, top dog, you-name-it \u2014 those who are wisest know when to tap into others who could also be the “one.” Wise leadership is never self-preserving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Last week, no less, as written, our staff participated in an interactive, team building event. Indeed, it was \u201cepic.\u201d There were four teams, each with a pre-chosen leader, a gifted, very capable captain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Who were our captains?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Well, our four youthful interns and apprentices, of course. What a joy to see them succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Respectfully\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n AR<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" With all the discussion of age in recent months, perhaps there is something we can learn. Question, in fact: do we recognize youth as a strength? Note the following, fascinating stories of success. Yes, there is much we can learn… The first emperor of Rome, Augustus Caesar, became a Roman senator at 20 years old. … <\/p>\n