Cultivating leadership that lasts | Myles Johnson | TEDxBGSU

Leadership isn’t about titles or age—it’s about impact. My idea is that young leaders hold a unique power to drive change by embracing authenticity, collaboration, and a vision for the future. Too often, leadership is seen as something reserved for later in life, but young people have the passion, creativity, and perspective to lead now. The key to being an eZective young leader is understanding that leadership begins with influence, not authority. It’s about stepping into opportunities, empowering others, and creating a legacy through action. By focusing on selfawareness, building strong networks, and turning challenges into learning experiences, young leaders can shape their schools, communities, and beyond. This idea is worth sharing because the world needs more young leaders who are prepared to step up, challenge the status quo, and lead with purpose. Through this talk, I’ll explore how young people can develop their leadership skills today and leave a lasting impact tomorrow. Leadership isn’t just a future goal—it’s a present opportunity, and the next generation has what it takes to rise to the challenge. Myles Johnson, a Lansing native, has been passionate about leadership and community impact since high school, where he served as Class President at Sexton High. After earning a degree in Advertising from Bowling Green State University and assisting on local campaigns, he felt called to give back to South Lansing. Myles ran for Ingham County Commissioner, and was re-elected, connecting with residents through grassroots eZorts, social media, and community outreach. His dedication made him the Ingham County Commissioner, driven by a mission to create meaningful change in the neighborhood that shaped him. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx