Rethinking Leadership: Kindness, Courage, and Connection
During a recent conversation with Alex Charlton, a Media graduate from the University of East Anglia, we explored what leadership means to the next generation entering the workforce. In this blog, Alexander shares his personal reflections on the type of leaders young professionals want to work with, those who inspire through kindness, courage, and authenticity. He also offers his thoughts on how leadership must evolve in a fast-changing world, shaped by technology, diversity, and the need for genuine human connection. His insights capture the voice of a generation ready to make its mark.
As I begin my career, I’ve been thinking about the kind of leader I want to work with. For me, the best leaders are inspirational, hardworking, and kind. They lead with purpose and energy, and they genuinely care about the people they work with. A great leader motivates others not through authority, but through compassion, respect, and example.
The qualities that make a truly great leader today are a strong voice, intelligence, compassion, charisma, and bravery. But I’d also add one that’s often overlooked, a sense of humour. A leader who can make people laugh and bring lightness to the workplace creates an environment where people feel comfortable, creative, and connected.
I believe authenticity, transparency, and vulnerability are essential in leadership. When leaders are genuine, it allows them to understand you as a person, not just as an employee. It builds trust and reminds us that leadership is about human connection as much as it is about results.
I also think leaders should take a stand on social and environmental issues. These are some of the most pressing challenges of our time, whether it’s wars, politics, or global warming, and leaders have an important role to play. Using their voice and influence responsibly shows courage and integrity, and it helps create positive change beyond the workplace.
Looking ahead, I think leadership in 10 to 15 years will be heavily influenced by AI. Technology is advancing so quickly that it will continue to change how we work and interact. To stay relevant, leaders will need to be more interactive, engaging, and fun, finding new ways to connect with their teams and keep collaboration meaningful, even in a digital world.
In a truly inclusive and diverse workplace, great leadership means being open to different people’s views and opinions and showing respect for everyone’s experiences. Leadership should never be about sameness, it’s about valuing difference and creating space for all voices to be heard.
What makes me feel genuinely heard or valued by a leader is simple: appraisal, advice, and encouragement. Taking the time to recognise effort, give feedback, or share guidance can completely change how someone feels about their work. On the other hand, one thing leaders should stop doing is treating young people like kids. We might be at the start of our careers, but that doesn’t mean we lack ambition or capability. Trust us, include us, and give us the chance to prove ourselves.
If I were to write a leadership manifesto for the next generation, my top three messages would be:
Lead with a positive impact towards others. Use your influence to inspire and lift people up.
Work together and help each other when times get tough. Great leadership means standing together.
Be innovative and keep up with new technologies. Staying relevant keeps leadership exciting and forward-thinking.
Final Reflections
To me, the future of leadership is about kindness, connection, and creativity. It’s about leading with authenticity and understanding, while staying curious about new technologies and new ways of thinking.
For today’s business leaders, my advice is simple:
Lead with empathy and humour—it makes you relatable and respected.
Take a stand for what matters—your influence extends far beyond the boardroom.
Be open-minded and inclusive—great ideas come from diverse voices.
Trust young talent—we’re eager to learn, contribute, and make a difference.
The leaders who embrace these qualities will not only stay relevant in a changing world but will also inspire a new generation to lead with heart, courage, and purpose.
— Alex Charlton
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