The Irresistible Force of Leading by Example
Of what exactly does the world we live in today want to convince us? That having values and skills is counterproductive, almost an original sin. The truth, however, is that we must not give in to prevailing fashion that considers competencies undesirable and non-essential. If we look deeper than a superficial reading, in fact, the ongoing attempt is to build a narrative to replace the one that guided and explained the world as we came to know it in the last century and in the tumultuous beginning of the XXI century.
The narrative that embodied the spirit of liberalism, which has outlasted those of fascism and communism, includes certain beliefs that we thought were acquired definitively: free movement, smooth immigration, universal education and the supremacy of science, to name a few. These concepts draw their strength from values we believed universal, and from the recognized positive influence of proper training. Today there is an attempt to overlap a new storytelling, not yet fully written or consolidated, that dredges up the past and seeks to eradicate those convictions.
Currently, the fear of an uncertain future is giving voice to a narrative that favors closure to openness and pits online "democracy" against acquired competence. Because what is lacking, in addition to opportunities, are positive inspirational models, or more simply, the desire to consider them. I do not mean grand world leaders like Nelson Mandela or visionaries like Steve Jobs. In this historical moment, the strongest example comes to us from young people who have found their own path and are moving enthusiastically after investing in themselves. If the eyes that are scanning the horizon are those of generation Z, the model that maybe can show them and us the way are young people who believe in the value of skills, and who start from these to design their world. Young people who believe that the real revolution is giving a good example, and have learned how to do so competently.
For this reason, I want to thank Kim, Maria Sofia and Monika, Bocconi alumnae stationed in London, who have decided to give their time to talk about their experience of study and work to younger people, thus casting the seeds of a new story.
It is up to all of us to nurture them and help them grow.