7 Reasons Why Hiring Young People Changed the Way I Lead, and Why It Could Transform Your Business Too
I’ve spent the last few 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.
At 22, I’ve had the chance to build Youth Leadership Academy Australia (YLAA), and travel across the country working with schools, communities, and teams of passionate youth. This journey has shown me why hiring and empowering young people 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, 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 teens who can design a Canva deck, schedule an email campaign, and edit a promo video in the same afternoon—and still have time to launch a social media challenge that goes viral.
Young people live online, and that’s an asset any business should be tapping into.
3. They adapt quickly and help others do the same
Whether we’re switching venues 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-paced 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 often, those fresh observations lead to better systems.
5. They care deeply—but differently
You’ll hear that young people “aren’t loyal” or “lack work ethic.” But in my experience, that’s not true. They just want to know their work means something. If you show them how their role connects to a bigger purpose, 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. When you give young people ownership, they often bring more creativity, agility, and value than many expect.
7. They build culture by being themselves
Authenticity matters. The best part of working with youth is that there’s no facade. They bring their whole selves—and that encourages others 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 doesn’t have experience but has fire in their belly. Or the 22-year-old who might not know the industry inside out but is brimming with fresh 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.
Love always Wil