At Lime, our work is all about optimising human performance. Our mission, therefore, is built around empowering young people to build their own, better futures, equipping them with the essential skills to navigate the complexity of growing up in the 21st Century.
Last week, our CEO, Mark Ashfield, had the privilege of addressing the Future Forward conference at Warwick School. This pivotal gathering brings leaders in education and business together to consider how they can support and empower young futures. The conference provided a compelling platform to share some of the complex challenges facing today’s young people. With societal upheavals, rapid technological advancements, and existential threats shaping their world, young people must navigate a landscape where external influences often impact their psychological and emotional wellbeing.
A study by the Pew Research Center found that 95% of teens (ages 13-17) have access to a smartphone, and 45% say they are online “almost constantly.” This high connectivity influences their social interactions, learning habits, and worldview. The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that Gen Z is the generation most likely to register poor mental health. About 91% of Gen Z adults (ages 18-23) reported at least one physical or emotional symptom due to stress in the past month, compared to 74% of adults overall.
Reflecting on a decade-long commitment to understanding and addressing these challenges, it is clear that resilience, confidence, and self-awareness are crucial for young people to thrive amidst such complexities. Our initiatives, including the Ignite Youth Leadership programme we deliver in Warwickshire, exemplify our proactive approach to nurturing these vital skills.
During an opening address to conference delegates, Mark shared the compelling need for programmes such as Ignite and the urgency of our mission while also challenging how Gen Z is sometimes portrayed. A pivotal moment at the conference was introducing our Gen Z panel. These young individuals, whom we’ve mentored closely through our programmes, captivated the audience with their articulate perspectives on their challenges and how a little help and guidance goes a long way.
The Center for Generational Kinetics notes that Gen Z values education highly, with 89% believing further and higher education to be important for their future success. They are also more likely than older generations to prioritise practical skills and entrepreneurial opportunities alongside traditional education. As for our panel, they eloquently discussed topics ranging from curriculum innovation and arts integration to the impact of technology and the importance of inclusive education. Their insights sparked robust discussions among attendees, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to address these multifaceted challenges and calling for every delegate to consider how they might support future generations to thrive.
We hope the conference serves as a catalyst for fostering resilience and empowering young futures, enabling young people to thrive in an ever-changing world. Reflecting on the themes and issues raised reaffirms our commitment to driving meaningful change in young people’s lives. By fostering dialogue, innovation, and collaboration among leaders across sectors, we are collectively shaping a future where every young person has the skills and support to navigate and excel in our increasingly complex world.
We can also be hopeful that the future is in good hands. A survey by DoSomething Strategic reveals that 76% of Gen Z members have purchased a product to support a cause they believe in, and 77% have volunteered their time to a cause they care about. At the same time, Deloitte’s Global Millennial Survey reports that 76% of Gen Z believe a diverse workforce leads to more innovative thinking and better business outcomes. They prioritise diversity and inclusion in their career choices and expect organisations to demonstrate these values.
We may have as much to learn from them as they do from us.
To find out more, please get in touch with us at: chat@engagelime.com or here.
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