Which matters more when it comes to leadership: age or preparation? Many societies especially in Africa, have been said not to give enough leadership opportunities to young people. But is age enough to qualify for leadership? This episode looks at the contentious issue of age in leadership. 

Because leaders generally do not know the circumstances in which they will be required to lead, they must be prepared to deal with whatever challenges they find when they get there. Using the examples of two internationally acknowledged leaders, Fusi shows how preparation and not age, is what matters with regards to leadership. 

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was 67 years old when she became President of post-conflict Liberia and had to deal with numerous problems in her quest to turn the country around. Jacinta Arden on the other hand became Prime Minister of New Zealand at the age of just 37. By the time she was 40 she had had to deal with a terror attack and the coronavirus pandemic for which her country has been acknowledged as having one of the best responses in the world. Both leaders were prepared for leadership. Their preparation and readiness for leadership was what qualified them both and not that one was old or young. Leadership is not about excuses, but about performance. Anyone who makes excuses is clearly not prepared nor ready for leadership. 

The Leadership in Action section challenges listeners to prepare, whether they are pursuing leadership in any capacity, or they just simply want to be a positive influence right where they are. 

No matter our age, preparation for leadership is what matters. 

For more, please visit: howyoucanlead.com