101: Raising Work-Ready Teens Through Leadership and Life Skills with Arthur C. Woods

Somewhere between “I can do hard things” and “Can you order for me?” is a whole lot of teen growth waiting to happen.

Arthur C. Woods has spent decades working with teens, and he brings a refreshingly practical take on leadership that starts way earlier than a title, a team captain badge, or a future resume. We talk about why teens are more capable than we think, why they are not always being challenged to prove it, and how everyday life skills at home connect directly to leadership, resilience, and work readiness.

In this episode, we cover

• Why many teens are entering adulthood less prepared, even with more resources than ever
• How to raise “work ready” teens before they ever clock in for a first job
• Why adaptability is both a mindset and a daily practice (especially when things change)
• A simple definition of leadership that makes every teen a leader right now
• Arthur’s SPARK framework for emerging leaders (and what “singularity” means for teens)
• How chores and life skills build leadership (not because of the task, but because of the skill of learning skills)

We loved Arthur in #LifeSkillsNow Season Two, and I know you'll love hearing from him today!

Resources We Mention for Work-Ready Teens

• Check out Work-Ready Teens from Arthur C. Woods and use code KCRF for $30 off!
• Grab Arthur’s book SPARK for Emerging Leaders (Amazon/Bookshop.org)
• Start building life skills with #LifeSkillsNow
• Interview with Amy Carney on launching your teens and teaching them life skills
• Teach teens cooking and cleaning right now! 
• Visit Arthur at his website Arthur C. Woods, or check out his socials: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn

Visit raisinghealthyfamilies.com/teenscook to check out Teens Cook Real Food now!

Get your free life skills workshops at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/skills

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• Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast

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