21 | Teaching Leadership to the Next Generation

In this episode of the Ripple Effect Leadership Podcast, Jen Brown and Hugo Rodriguez reflect on Hugo’s first year serving as a Professor of Practice in Leadership after a 25-year diplomatic career.Together, they explore what today’s college students are teaching us about leadership, emotional intelligence, trust, motivation, resilience, and growth.The conversation dives into:Why emotional intelligence is not “soft” leadershipThe shift from positional leadership to trust-based leadershipWhat young adults are really looking for in leadersThe challenge of grades versus genuine learningWhy failure is an essential part of growthLeadership lessons from sports teams, classrooms, and real lifeHow parents and mentors can better prepare young adults for the futureThis episode is an honest reflection on leadership across generations — and a reminder that great leaders never stop learning.