Recipe for Future Leadership in New Book

Getting involved in community organisations or artistic pursuits at an early age grows leadership skills, Not for Profit leader and Foundation for Young Australians CEO Dr Jan Owen discusses in her latest book.

“Through these experiences, young people find their talents and capabilities in safe and supportive environments. They are allowed to dream big, experiment and fail without lasting consequences,” Owen said at the launch of The Future Chasers.

“A cup of strong family support, a sprinkle of good teachers and pinch of common purpose are also the key parts of the recipe for growing the next generation of young leaders.

“With Australia facing major global challenges like climate change and growing inequality both at home and overseas, it’s more vital than ever to foster young leaders who can rise up and develop innovative solutions,” she said.

“The Future Chasers profiles fifteen young Australians who are making profound contributions to Australian society and in many cases, the world.

“Together, they articulate a bold vision for where they believe the future should lie in Australia and what we need to do to get here.”

In examining the backgrounds and journeys, Owen said she has been able to identify a recipe in growing the leaders of tomorrow.

“Through these pursuits, young people also find a sense of common purpose and meaning that allows them an appreciation of how privileged most Australians are, as well a clear vision for the kind of future they want for the world, and themselves in it.

“Reserve Bank of Australia Deputy Governor Phillip Lowe recently noted Australia could be facing an innovation gap and that growing our human capital and promoting entrepreneurship would be key if Australia is to respond successfully to the challenges of the future.”

Dr Owen said helping young people to harness their potential would be a critical part of ensuring Australia’s success in coming years.

“The Future Chasers give lie to the public discourse that Gen Ys don’t stick to things; don’t work hard; are self-obsessed and self-interested; will eventually ‘grow up’ and out of their teenage outrage, high-minded sense of justice and mad passions; and that social entrepreneurship and enterprise is just a fad,” she said.

“This generation is well-placed to bring about social change at a scale never seen before by previous generations.

“They can galvanise tens of thousands of people around their ideas and causes through savvy use of digital and social media, and can immediately access information to support their thinking and inform their decision making.

“The Future Chasers provide a blueprint for incubating a generation of young people who have the courage, the imagination and the will to solve the challenges of tomorrow.”

Dr Jan Owen AM has been CEO of FYA since 2010. Prior to that, from 2002, she was Executive Director of Social Ventures Australia. In 1993, Jan established the CREATE Foundation, a consumer body for young people in foster care. In 2000 she was awarded membership of the Order of Australia for services to children and young people and in 2012 she was named ‘Woman of Influence’ by the Australian Financial Review and Westpac Group.

The Future Chasers will be available from September 1 at www.fya.org.au/futurechasers