7 reasons hiring young people changed the way I lead

I’ve spent years working alongside thousands of young Australians. I’ve seen them take stages, run events, launch projects and stand up for causes they care about. Not because someone told them to, but because they believed they could.

And that’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned: young people are more capable than we give them credit for.

Building Youth Leadership Academy Australia has meant hiring young. Here is why that isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s smart business.

1. They bring a different kind of energy

There’s something powerful about working with people who aren’t afraid to ask “why not?” One of the first students to speak at our conference, Caitlin, came in nervous and unsure. By the end of the year she was leading mental health campaigns and launching school-wide charity projects. No management training. No corporate onboarding. Just belief and an opportunity.

2. They get digital better than most

I’m talking about teenagers who can design a deck, schedule an email campaign and edit a promo video in the same afternoon, then launch a social campaign that actually travels. Young people live online. That is an asset any business should be using.

3. They adapt quickly and help others do the same

Whether we’re switching venues at the last minute or pivoting mid-tour, it’s always the young members of our team who find the fastest way forward. They’ve grown up in fast-moving environments and they’re used to learning on the go.

4. They notice what others overlook

I’ve lost count of the number of times a teenager has spotted a broken process or called out something that “doesn’t make sense”. It’s not criticism. It’s curiosity. And those fresh observations usually lead to better systems.

5. They care deeply, but differently

You’ll hear that young people “aren’t loyal” or “lack work ethic”. In my experience that’s not true. They just want to know their work means something. Show them how their role connects to a bigger purpose and they’ll show up in ways that surprise you.

6. They do a lot with a little

Some of our most impactful projects have been run by student volunteers or early-career team members. Give young people ownership and they bring more creativity, agility and value than most expect.

7. They build culture by being themselves

Authenticity matters. The best part of working with young people is that there’s no facade. They bring their whole selves, and that gives everyone else permission to do the same. It creates a culture that’s inclusive, honest and forward-looking.

Final thoughts

Every young person I’ve worked with has reminded me of something: leadership isn’t about age. It’s about action.

If you’re running a business or building a team, don’t overlook the 17-year-old who has no experience but has fire in their belly. Or the 22-year-old who doesn’t know the industry inside out but is brimming with ideas.

Hiring young isn’t about lowering the bar. It’s about raising the standard for what’s possible when you believe in people early.

Who did you back before they had proven themselves?