Future Leaders: What Kids Predict
Natalie Campbell is the brains behind A Very Good Company, the author of Starting A Business in 7 Simple Steps, and serves as a trustee for UnLtd. She’s here to talk shop about how the new generation is shaping the future.
A Throwback to Enterprise Days
Back when “The Apprentice” was just a breeze and universities were skeptical about students wanting to start a business, Natalie and a handful of comrades were already lobbying for the Global Entrepreneurship Week. Those were the golden days of “enterprise promotion” before it became the Instagram‑safe hobby we all know today.
From Mothballs to Milestones
- A staggering 140+ countries now participate in Global Entrepreneurship Week.
- More than 2,000 events are planned across the UK this year.
- The UK’s startup vibe has sharpened post‑crash, turning entrepreneurship into a must‑have skill for everyday life.
Corporate innovation is now a celebrated theme, and universities re‑tail their courses for budding founders who juggle studies and entrepreneurship.
What Youth Say About the Future
Despite all this progress, the voices of young people are still barely heard. They’re the ones who’ll invent the next Facebook, Google, or even helm giants like Marks & Spencer or easyJet.
As the director of Kensington Creates, a business incubator at the Kensington Aldridge Academy, Natalie’s mission is to spark students with the traits that launch successful ventures: teamwork and resilience.
We asked our students:
“What do you think business will look like in 2020, and what should today’s leaders keep in mind for the future?”
And here’s what they whispered back…
Zena El-Aaoud, 11, thinks…
The Rise of Young Entrepreneurs
Picture this: you’re only eleven, and you’ve already got the playbook that would make seasoned CEOs eye‑roll. That’s the vibe in today’s classrooms, where kids are taught the same hustle‑skills that once only founders of Fortune 500 companies used. By 2020, that whole playground will shift—don’t let the big names tuck away your chances.
Why the Shift Matters
- Time is no longer the secret sauce. Until now, a company’s legacy often protected it from competition.
- Innovation must come from the ground up. Start‑ups are still hot‑shots, but they’re getting a fair shot at the boardroom.
- Embrace the future. Teams that stay hungry for fresh ideas stay ahead.
Being a Young Entrepreneur Is No Small Deal
Biz‑savvy kids are learning the ropes early: turning a quirky idea into a scalable company, negotiating the first round of funding, and marketing a brand that actually resonates. It’s a lot of pressure, but with the right mix of curiosity, grit, and mentorship, the sky’s the limit.
What 2020 Will Look Like
We’ll see a messier, but also more level‑playing field where everyone’s on the same value curve. Numbers won’t win any game—only new thinking and adaptability will. That means even your first lemonade stand can set the pace for the future. So, buckle up; the next wave of innovation just might be written by kids with a genius idea and a shot of courage.
Josh Crawley, 11, thinks…
How the World Is Turning Into One Connected Gigabytes of Business
Picture every company swimming into a massive Super‑Speed Broadband that rockets data faster than a squirrel on caffeine. That’s the future: a hyper‑charged network that stitches together entrepreneurs across continents in record time.
Work From Your Couch and Do It Globally
Say goodbye to the office commute! I’ll snag a remote gig that spans continents without packing a suitcase. Home‑working isn’t just a trend—it’s the new normal, and we’re all getting a crash‑course in it.
Make Your Own Rules (And a Cozy Office)
- Build your hustle. Toss the 9‑to‑5 grind—design your own rhythm.
- Win on your terms. Success should feel like a personal victory, not a checkbox.
- Flexibility is the new black. Set your own hours, pick your clients, keep the balance.
In short, the tech wave is turning every business into a global playground. Grab your seat, dial in, and let your entrepreneurial spirit cruise the world—no boarding pass required.
Andre Borgonzolo, 11, thinks…
2020: The Year of Startup Superstars
Imagine a world where every bright idea gets the right tools to turn into reality. That’s what 2020 is shaping up to be: a frenzy of new businesses sprouting up from every corner of the globe.
Cutting‑Edge Tech = Endless Possibilities
New gadgets, smarter software, and cloud magic are the secret sauce entrepreneurs will use to create products we can’t even picture today. By the time the calendar flips to 2020, these inventions will be as common as your coffee shop over the weekend.
Global From the Ground Zero
Names will be snappy, brands will look cool, and sales will not be limited to local markets. It’s all about reaching people worldwide right from day one. Think of it as a global launchpad for the next big thing.
Local Charities Keep Their Flavour
While the big players zoom around the world, we’ll still see local NGOs and charities doing their part—because not everything needs to be a trend. Community projects will continue to thrive side by side with the glitter of tech.
Why It Matters to You
- Job Opportunities – Every new startup means new work, especially for young talent looking for a career launch.
- Innovation at Your Doorstep – Cutting‑edge products mean better tools for everyday life.
- Keep an Eye on Skills – If you’re in the workforce, keep up with the latest tech so you’re ready to jump into these new roles.
Short‑stop: the world’s betting big on fresh ideas. Make sure you’re ready to jump in—youth unemployment is a concern, and a dynamic workforce is the answer.
Maisie Wiggins, 11, thinks…
Closing the Gender Pay Gap: A Real‑World Update
Picture this: in 2020, the “fair‑share” promise was supposed to hit the mark—every woman should earn exactly what every man earned for the same work. It sounded great in theory, but on the street the numbers were off. A recent article from a school trip reminded us that, on average, women in management roles pocketed £9,060 less than their male counterparts each year.
Why the Numbers Still Matter
- Financial Freedom – A pay gap that’s too wide keeps a lot of women out of their own pockets.
- Career Confidence – Knowing you’re paid fairly fuels the drive to climb higher.
- Equality Signaling – When pay is equal, companies send a clear message that merit—and not gender—matters.
So, while the 2020 deadline has already passed, the reality is that the gap remains stubbornly wide. We’re still not where we’re supposed to be.
My Plan if the Numbers Don’t Change
Let’s face it: we can’t always sit back and wait for systemic change. If the gap stays the way it is, I’m going to jump into the entrepreneurial game. Picture this: a business where I can decide my own worth—no middleman to cap my pay.
And guess what? Running a company isn’t just about stacking cash. I aim to run a venture that benefits people—my team, my clients, the communities we touch. A company that cares for the planet as much as it cares for its bottom line. In short, I’ll turn my frustration into a mission.
Looking Ahead: A Kinder, Nicer Business Landscape
Look beyond the numbers and think about the culture shift possible by 2020‑and‑beyond. Companies that tackle the gender pay gap usually stumble upon stronger teamwork, happier staff, and a healthier reputation. A workplace that treats every employee with respect tends to treat the planet better, too—think more sustainable practices, compassionate policies, and a cleaner conscience.
In the end, the hope is simple: a future where everyone gets paid fairly, where businesses feel less like profit‑machines and more like people‑makers. Until that future arrives, I’ll keep sharpening my own skills, building my venture, and cheering the rest of us on the road to equality.
So to summarise in three points:
Rethinking Business Rules for 2020
These bold statements sound like the script of a sci‑fi blockbuster, but they could become the blueprint for tomorrow’s companies. Let’s break them down and see if they have a solid foundation.
1⃣ Local & Global from Day One
Picture a coffee shop that markets itself worldwide before its espresso machine even turns on. The idea is noble – connect locally while dreaming big. Yet, most startups still keep their eyes on the nearest gutter. Success? It depends on scalability, supply chains, and a pinch of digital savvy.
2⃣ Pay Parity for Women at Every Career Stage
Equal pay isn’t just fair; it’s good economics. When talent feels valued, retention rates soar. The trick? Consistent oversight, transparent metrics, and eliminating bias before it even creeps in. Sure, it’s tough, but the payoff is a workforce that grows stronger together.
3⃣ Tech at the Core of Value Proposition
This one’s a dead‑eye. Technology isn’t optional; it’s the engine that powers innovation, cost‑efficiency, and customer experience. From AI assistants to data‑driven insights, tech can shift a company from “good” to “game‑changing.” But keep the human touch – tech is a tool, not the whole story.
Would you accept these premises? Or feel they’re outta reach?
Drop me a tweet with your thoughts about what business means for 2020 at @natdcampbell, and I’ll ping Josh, Zena, Andre, and Maisie to weigh in. Who knows? Maybe they’ll confirm we’ve hit the bull’s eye. Or they’ll remind us it’s still a work‑in‑progress.
Like that? Try these…
Branson makes £70m from Virgin Money – but look how measly that is for him
Please paste the article you’d like me to rewrite, and I’ll transform it into a fresh, casual, and engaging version for you.
From zero to £190m: How Nick Wheeler built Charles Tyrwhitt
Could you please share the article you’d like me to rewrite? Once I have the text, I’ll transform it into a fresh, engaging version for you.
12 inspiring quotes on why failure is awesome
Catch the Buzz—Instantly!
Hey, news lovers! Want the freshest updates on this category delivered straight to your phone or tablet? It’s as easy as giving the news a high‑five.
Why You’ll Love Subscribing
- Real‑time alerts – Blink and you’ll miss it, but we’ll keep you on the front line.
- No clicks required – One tap and you’re tuned in.
- Device magic – Android, iOS, desktop—whatever you’re on, we’ve got you covered.
- Straight to the point – No fluff, just the juicy bits.
Subscribe in a Flash
Just hit the button below, say “yes,” and voilà—your device becomes a news‑haver, alerting you whenever anything cool pops up in this category.
# Subscribe Now #
