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Lovell tells mayors' breakfast youths are today's leaders by Bob Mitchell Oakville Beaver Staff 13 | Thursday, June 4, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Companies should embrace youths and their unique ideas, not ignore them to achieve future success, Kelly Lovell, one of Canada's youngest motivational speakers, says. "I truly believe we are a changed generation," Lovell told a packed house at the annual Spring Breakfast of the Mayors on Friday in Oakville. "Youth are not the leaders of tomorrow. We are the leaders of today. "It's the matter of giving youth the opportunity to discover their potential and have the courage to act on their ideas." Named Youth Entrepreneur of 2014, Lovell was the keynote speaker at the event organized by the Halton Industry Education Council (HIEC) and held at the OE Banquet and Conference Centre. The theme was Amazing Young Minds Under-25. HIEC also celebrated its 25th year of presenting programs and initiatives. Leaders from the business, political and industrial sectors were captivated by Lovell's speech as she demonstrated why they needed to understand what motivates today's Generation Z -- those born after 1991 -- and why traditional business environments and practices don't meet the needs of today's youth. As soon as companies understand the values and needs of today's youth, the better they can "harness their energy and passion," Lovell said. She described how today's youth needs "feedback" from their employers because they have grown up in an environment of social interaction with their friends where they receive instant text replies and immediate reaction from Internet posts. "Social is a very hot topic with youth today. It's one of the biggest challenges. But I usually advise organizations trying to connect with youth to provide feedback," said Lovell, a youth advisor for Fortune 500 companies. "Our generation lives on immediate feedback." They're not just needy, said Lovell, adding today's youth simply needs reassurance they're progressing in their job and their bosses are paying attention to them. "A simple thing like saying `you're doing a great job' lets them know they're valued and appreciated," Lovell said. "The smallest of things makes a big difference." Being young also doesn't mean "inexperienced," or "entitled, naïve, addicted to social, technology slaves or outspoken," Lovell said. see Money on p.21 Since 1967 Mid-Century Modern, Traditional or Contemporary whatever your style.... upholstery & design We can make it! Kelly Lovell, pictured, was the keynote speaker at Friday's Spring Breakfast with the Mayors. Also included was a panel discussion with four other young people -- Dasha Metropolitansky, Ben Buchmuller, Emma Mogus and Cory Hudson. | photo by Graham Paine ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) Sofas · Chairs · Headboards · Throw Pillows · Drapery & Hardware 2345 Wyecroft Rd, #11 Oakville · 905.616.3156 · www.baiers.ca AyA Kitchens of oAKville 1195 north service roAd west 905.847.1522 ayaoakville.com