Not Too Young to Lead: Balancing Confidence, Credibility, and Connection

Leadership has no age requirement, yet stepping into these roles as a young professional can feel daunting. From supervising more than 100 student employees to managing full-time staff members with more experience, young leaders often face imposter syndrome, generational dynamics, and the challenge of distinguishing managing from leading. Along the way, successful leaders learn to lean on their team’s expertise, communicate effectively in all directions, and advocate for both their own needs and the needs of their staff. Not Too Young to Lead offers practical strategies and honest reflections to help young professionals embrace leadership with confidence, humility, and authenticity.

Committee Group: Group V: Access and Equity

First Learning Outcome: Identify strategies to overcome imposter syndrome and build confidence as a young professional in leadership roles. 

Second Learning Outcome: Develop approaches for leading across generational lines, balancing confidence with humility while leveraging team members’ expertise.

Third Learning Outcome: Strengthen communication skills to effectively advocate upward to supervisors and downward to direct reports, fostering trust and collaboration.

Core Competency: Leadership and Management

Proficiency: Enrollment Management Proficiencies

Presenter(s): 

Kearstynn Goulette Purdue University - Main Campus

Elizabeth Campbell Indiana University Indianapolis