Inspiring a new generation of leaders
It’s no secret that advances in technology and the rise of millennials in the workforce have led to a drastic shift in leadership styles and demands.
Organizations are increasingly becoming flattened, the opp- osing priorities of always- on connectedness and peoples’ need for a healthy work- life balance continue to duel, and increased global consciousness means that social responsibility programs have never been more important.
The c hanging demands of customers and t he workforce have given rise to shifts in the business world, along with changes to the types of training programs that are available for youth. These programs are essential for those who are looking to give back, but also receive leadership training to give them a leg up in Canada’s slow youth employment market.
One program that is helping to shape and promote socially conscious leaders is Enactus –an international non-profit organization that empowers post-secondary students to give back to their communities through entrepreneurial action. Enactus chapters develop programs, volunteer their time, fundraise and deliver programming to under- resourced groups and communities, all while carrying a post- secondary workload.
On September 30, 2016, top teams from 36 countries around the world will come together in Toronto to present their best programs during the final round of the Enactus World Cup competition.
Teams present their top initiatives to business and political leaders, showcasing their innovative approach, social impact, sustainability, opportunity for growth, and ability to create new careers. Students in turn learn the importance of tying social impact to the bottom line, and are set up to take these ideals into their new careers.
According to a recent Capital One Canada study conducted by MARU/ VCR& C, 3 in 4 Canadians ( 76 per cent) agree that business l eaders who are socially conscious are most effective. This new dynamic in l eadership is consistent with the 80 per cent of Canadians who feel it is important that the company they work for is involved in the community. One third of Canadians ( 33 per cent) would not even consider working for a company that did not take part in any charitable programs.
“Basic leadership skills are no longer enough to compete in the globalized market and democratized workplace,” says Shane Holdaway, President of Capital One Canada. “We’ve seen firsthand how programs like Enactus can help develop young leaders by giving them experience organizing people and ideas to make a positive impact where it’s needed most.”
Capital One Canada is a host country sponsor of the Enactus World Cup. Earlier this year, the
WE’VE SEEN FIRST- HAND HOW PROGRAMS LIKE ENACTUS CAN HELP DEVELOP YOUNG LEADERS BY GIVING THEM EXPERIENCE ORGANIZING PEOPLE AND I DEAS TO MAKE A POSITIVE I MPACT WHERE I T’S NEEDED MOST.
t eam f rom Memorial University beat out more than 60 other schools to become the national champion and gained the opportunity to represent Canada at the global competition. Their project SucSeed sells hydroponic systems to rural communities i n Newfoundland and Labrador that lack access to fresh and affordable produce. The systems are made from recycled materials and are built by homeless and at- risk youth who also receive wages, on- the- job training and financial literacy education as part of the program.
The Memorial University team was also crowned eastern- Canada regional champion of Enactus Canada’s Capital One Financial Education Challenge, now in its fifth year. Teams from across the country present projects that most effectively use fi nancial education to empower people to improve their lives.
Other regional winners of the Capital One Financial Education Challenge were Saint Mary’s University, Ryerson University, University of Windsor, Simon Fraser University and Okanagan College.