Where Have All the Leaders Gone? A Call to Cultivate Leadership in the Next Generation

In my years of working in security, mentoring youth, and serving within the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet program, one truth has become increasingly clear: leadership is not a title—it’s a responsibility. It’s a calling to serve, to guide, and to inspire. And yet, as I look around at the world today, I see a troubling void. Our youth—bright, connected, and full of potential—are growing up in a time when true leadership feels more absent than ever.

We live in an era dominated by social media, where attention spans are measured in seconds and trends change by the hour. In this environment, leadership is often reduced to soundbites and popularity contests. Politicians, once seen as pillars of vision and conviction, now seem to govern by polls rather than principles. The result? A generation that sees leadership not as a path of integrity and service, but as a performance.

This is not a critique of our youth—it’s a call to action for those of us who have walked the path before them. We must be the mentors, the guides, the examples. We must show that leadership is about standing firm in your values, making tough decisions, and lifting others up even when it’s inconvenient or unpopular.

At NorthStar Perspectives, our mission is to illuminate the path forward. We believe that leadership is learned, nurtured, and lived. It’s forged in the fires of challenge and refined through service, humility, and courage. We are committed to helping young people discover their inner leaders—not just for their own success, but for the betterment of our communities, our country, and our world.

The problems facing today’s youth—anxiety, disconnection, disillusionment—are not just social or economic. They are spiritual and moral. They stem from a lack of direction, a lack of purpose, and a lack of role models who embody the values we claim to cherish. It’s time to change that.

Let’s invest in leadership. Let’s teach our youth that leadership is about more than likes and followers—it’s about legacy. Let’s show them that real leaders don’t follow the crowd; they lead it with compassion, courage, and conviction.

The future is watching. Let’s give them something worth following.