In early 2025 I wrote about conscious leadership and the qualities young people might need as they step into sustainability work.
Returning to this old thoughts, I find myself thinking a slightly different approach: what are we asking young people to carry, and how are we supporting them?
It is easy to encourage the next generation to be courageous, innovative and resilient. But when the challenges feel enormous and the future uncertain, encouragement alone is not enough. They also need space to learn, people they can trust, and opportunities to contribute without feeling they must already have all the answers.
For me, this is where conscious leadership begins. And these thoughts can be used by anyone in life actually.
It means being aware of how we show up, what guides our decisions, and how our actions affect others. It means bringing our whole selves into our work, and remembering that our energy needs to be taken care of too.
A few qualities feel especially valuable to me now.
==> Being present enough to notice
There is so much pressure to respond quickly, keep moving and produce results. Yet meaningful work also asks us to pause.
- Are we listening?
- Are our decisions aligned with our values?
- Are we noticing who has gone quiet, who feels left out, or who is carrying too much?
Good points to re-remember, right?
Presence helps us recognise what needs our attention. Sometimes that leads to a new idea. Sometimes it means changing direction or having a conversation we have been putting off.
I keep returning to this question:
Does the way we work...
reflect the future...
we say we want...
to create?
==> Building trust through everyday actions
Trust grows when people feel heard (please re-read this) and see that their contribution matters. It deepens when we follow through, admit uncertainty and make room for different perspectives.
For young people entering sustainability work, that can make a real difference. Having someone take your ideas seriously, explain a difficult decision, or support you through a mistake can help you find your voice.
And this listening needs to go both ways. Those of us with more experience have something to offer, but we also have much to learn. Myself being always taking seminars and doing new stuff (it comes also with a negative angle to it, more about that later, or not!).
==> Staying curious and willing to reconsider
Personal growth remains part of leadership - always. I value the willingness to ask questions, receive feedback and recognise when an old approach no longer serves us.
We need places where we can think together, explore possibilities and try things without pretending to know exactly how they will unfold.
That asks for humility, mild self approach also. It also asks for courage, especially when changing our minds means letting go of something we once felt certain about.
==> Caring for the people doing the work (attn.!)
People who care deeply about the Earth can feel a strong responsibility to keep going, even when they are tired.
I believe our approach to sustainability needs to make room for this human reality. We need supportive relationships at home and in work, shared responsibility and time to recover our energy. We need to be able to ask for help, that is so damn difficult for some.
Looking back at my earlier article, I still believe in presence, trust, growth and connection. Today, I feel more strongly that we need to practise these qualities. That is where my support ability as a coach cuts short, I wish I could have a magic way of emphasizing the practice part.
I want us to: encourage young people’s imagination and commitment while offering them real support. To value their contribution today, as well as the leadership they may bring in the years ahead.
Perhaps this is a useful place to begin:
==> Lean into the thinking of what would help the people around us feel able to contribute, learn and keep going.
Spreading mindfully all the support to young people all around.
Above all: Be Kind & Be Global.
Berglind
Sustainability Coach & Author
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