The joys of ageing and youth

I read a wonderful article in The London Paper this week, written by a recent graduate bemoaning the abuse of graduates in the workplace now, in times of few jobs and limited opportunities.

Part of me wanted to shake the author and part of me wanted to hug her. I have the daily joy of being CEO to a group of fabulous young men and women who are at the coal face of young entrepreneurship. They bring enthusiasm and headstrong attitudes, lack of judgement and lack of prejudice, energy and clarity. They are often wrong and often right and I love them.

On the other hand, I am currently also building a new business to change the face of business in the UK. For that, I am choosing experience over radicalism and grey hairs over youthful enthusiasm. (this from someone who was a fervent SNP supporter in her youth, to the point of militancy). Why?

For many, 20 years of experience is simply one year repeated 20 times BUT we have a huge bank of wonderful people who can bring real change to business and society.

This is the time to marry up all of our talents - to let the experienced lead, inspire and learn and to let the young see what the years can deliver to the wise and aware. We are all dependent on each other. It's time to get our balls out and make a difference instead of simply commentating. Be the change you want to see in the world (thanks to Gandhi) and stop bitching about how things are.