Learning From Next-Gen Leaders

Exploring the challenges and triumphs faced by emerging leaders in the nonprofit sector, from the fresh perspectives that Generation Z brings to the table, with guests Anum Qadir and Christian Celeste Tate from the Bridgespan Group.

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Host Julia Patrick kicks off this eye-opening chat by acknowledging the frequent exclusion of young leaders from critical discussions about the future. "It's just a bunch of old people like me yammering on and not engaging our next-gen leaders," she remarks, setting the stage for this thought-provoking dialogue. 

Christian Celeste Tate, who co-hosts Bridgespan's "Dreaming in Color" podcast, shares key takeaways from their recent season, which focuses on elevating leaders of color within the social sector. "One of the most powerful messages for me personally comes from Michael Tubbs," Christian says, referencing the former mayor of Stockton, CA. Tubbs emphasizes the importance of identifying not just what we want to succeed for but what we are willing to fail for. "That measure is such a different bar that really requires you to reflect on what's important to you and what you're willing to go out on a limb for." 

Anum Qadir, also from the Bridgespan Group, speaks on the necessity of embracing risk, particularly for young leaders who might feel intimidated by the possibility of failure. She highlights the different forms that risk can take and emphasizes the importance of pushing boundaries. "You can't even imagine what's possible unless you're willing to try and push those boundaries," Anum states, drawing from her own experiences and those of her colleagues. 

The trio dig into the importance of celebrating success as a form of activism. Anum shares insights from a conversation with Arlan Hamilton of Backstage Capital, who proposes that celebrating success not only sustains individuals but also serves as a model for others. "Success is a form of activism. It helps us see that even when things get hard, there is progress being made," Anum quotes, which points out the dual benefit of personal and communal upliftment. 

Christian and Anum touch on the necessity of creating inclusive and supportive environments. Christian notes that building a new world involves risk and requires bold, imaginative steps. "When we're building a world that doesn't exist today, there's no way forward that doesn't involve risk," he says, advocating for a mindset that embraces both success and failure as part of the journey. 

Continuing, about the dynamics of leadership, in relation to gender and cultural expectations, Anum reflects on her own upbringing in a South Asian household and the cultural nuances that influence one's approach to leadership. She emphasizes the values of listening to and integrating diverse perspectives, saying that true progress comes from acknowledging and harnessing the full potential of a group's collective brilliance. 

The episode ends with a reflection on the concept of radical love in leadership. Christian and Anum agree that embodying the values we strive for in ou

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