What High School Students Can Teach Us About Leadership, Resilience, and Growth
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When we think about leadership lessons, we often look to CEOs, executives, and experienced professionals. But some of the most meaningful insights can come from people who are just beginning their journey.
In a recent episode of the Leadership Vision Podcast, Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring reflected on an opportunity to work with a group of graduating high school students. Using concepts from their book, Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane, they invited students to explore their dreams, life experiences, and the people and events that have shaped them.
What stood out wasn’t how different these students were from adults—it was how similar they were.
Students spoke openly about their hopes for the future, the challenges they have faced, and the experiences that have become part of their story. Through conversations about “mountain folds” and “valley folds,” they recognized that while certain circumstances may shape us, they do not define us.
Vulnerability
One of the most powerful moments came as students reflected on the realities of their own lives and demonstrated a level of vulnerability, self-awareness, and resilience that often surprises adults. Their willingness to engage honestly with their experiences served as a reminder that growth is not reserved for a particular age or stage of life.
The experience also reinforced an important truth: everyone has dreams. Some are clear. Others are still taking shape. But regardless of age, we are all trying to understand who we are becoming and how our experiences contribute to that journey.
For leaders, parents, educators, and mentors, this conversation offers an important reminder. The next generation is paying attention, asking meaningful questions, and learning how to navigate both challenges and opportunities. They may have more to teach us than we realize.
Listen to the Full Episode
In this episode, Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring discuss:
- Why everyone has dreams—even when they can’t fully articulate them.
- How life experiences become the “folds” that shape our story.
- What high school students taught them about resilience and vulnerability.
- Why mentorship and encouragement matter at every stage of life.
- Leadership lessons that transcend generations.
Listen to the full episode to hear the stories, reflections, and insights from this memorable experience with the next generation of leaders.
About The Leadership Vision Podcast
The Leadership Vision Podcast is a weekly show sharing our expertise in the discovery, practice, and implementation of a strengths-based approach to people, teams, and culture. We believe that knowing your Strengths is only the beginning. Our highest potential exists in the ongoing exploration of our talents.
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