NextGen Leaders: Building the Future, Beyond Just Skills
How are young professionals being prepared for the realities of the workplace? While technical skills are crucial, emotional intelligence, resilience, and adaptability are just as vital in shaping future-ready leaders.
South Africa operates on a three-pillar system—Job Creation, Skills Development, and Access to Opportunities. However, bridging the gap between education and meaningful employment requires more than traditional skills training. Leverage Leadership’s NextGen Leaders initiative was designed to fill this gap, providing holistic youth development that goes beyond employability to build confidence, leadership, and workplace readiness.
The NextGen Leaders Approach
Recognising the need for more than just technical upskilling, Leverage Leadership has developed a structured youth empowerment vertical:
- Future Leaders Now – Equipping young professionals with essential workplace skills, career readiness, and personal growth strategies.
- Resilience Ready – Helping youth navigate workplace challenges, develop adaptability, and build emotional intelligence.
- Grads@Work – Aimed at graduates entering the workforce, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and workplace realities.
While government initiatives exist to support youth employment, the responsibility does not lie with policymakers alone. Organisations and business leaders must also take an active role in shaping the next generation, ensuring that youth are not only job-ready but mentally and emotionally equipped for long-term success.
A Shift in Mindset: From Prevention to Empowerment
The concept of Positive Youth Development (PYD), as explored in the article “Involving Young People in Positive Youth Development is a Must“, aligns closely with this approach. PYD is a strength-based, future-focused strategy that nurtures essential skills such as:
- Confidence and self-awareness
- Communication and problem-solving
- Goal-setting and decision-making
These are not just ‘nice-to-haves’—they are critical components of employability and leadership. Rather than viewing youth development as a preventative measure, it should be seen as a launchpad—a structured foundation from which young professionals can build successful, fulfilling careers.
Reframing the Narrative on Gen Z in the Workplace
In a recent commentary, Simon Sinek (The Optimism Company) highlighted a growing misconception about Gen Z professionals—labelling them as ‘difficult’ or ‘entitled’. However, these young professionals bring a fresh perspective, digital fluency, and a strong sense of purpose to the workplace. Instead of dismissing their differences, organisations should be leveraging their strengths.
Through NextGen Leaders, Leverage Leadership aims to bridge the generational divide, ensuring that young professionals are prepared, empowered, and integrated into thriving workplaces. The focus is not just on employability but on sustainable leadership development—giving them the skills to adapt, innovate, and lead in a rapidly shifting work environment.
The Future of Leadership Starts Now
Empowering youth isn’t just about ticking a skills development box—it’s about cultivating a generation of leaders who can drive meaningful change. By investing in structured, holistic development, organisations ensure that workplace readiness is not just a goal but a reality.
The question isn’t whether South Africa’s youth have potential—it’s whether we are doing enough to unlock it.
Ready to take the next step? Explore our leadership programmes and start leading the future today.
