Reposted from Tim Richardson

Someone Took a Chance on You. Who Are You Going to Encourage?

At some point in your career, someone took a chance on you. Not because you had all the experience. Not because you were the safest choice. But because they saw something others didn’t. Today, that same opportunity is missing for many young professionals trying to get their start.

The challenge:
Take a chance on someone today! At 29 years old, the future felt uncertain. A wedding was approaching. A master’s degree from Florida State University had been completed. A business had been launched. But the speaking engagements weren’t coming fast enough to support the next chapter of life. There was belief in the talent. Others weren’t so sure. In fact, one national seminar company had already decided otherwise. What was needed wasn’t more effort. It was opportunity. It was belief. It was someone willing to take a chance. That someone was Bob Pike CSP, CPAE, CPTD Fellow. Bob built a nationally recognized training organization now called The Bob Pike Group. Bob and was known for his innovative, high-energy, participant-centered approach. Many wanted to work with him. Not everyone got the opportunity. During the training process for a young experienced trainer, one senior trainer questioned whether the potential was there. That opinion eventually changed, but at the time, it could have ended the journey before it began. Instead, Bob chose to invest in a young person high on potential but low on experience. Fast forward to today, and the need for leaders like Bob has never been greater.

Recent data shows:

• Nearly 50% of college graduates are underemployed in their first job after graduation
• More than 60% of employers say graduates lack the “experience” needed for open roles
• Entry-level hiring has slowed significantly, with many organizations expecting “experience” for even junior positions

At the same time, organizations are struggling to find:

• Engaged employees
• Future leaders
• People willing to stay and grow within the company

There’s a disconnect. Young professionals aren’t lacking talent or desire. They’re lacking opportunity, guidance, and someone willing to develop them. Mentorship is not just a “nice to have.” It is a competitive advantage. The best leaders don’t just hire experience. They develop potential. Some of the most successful professionals didn’t start fully formed. They started as:

• Raw talent
• High energy
• Willing learners

What changed their trajectory? Someone paused long enough to notice them. Someone listened. Someone believed. Someone took a chance. In a world moving faster than ever, it’s easy to overlook emerging talent. It’s easier to hire the “safe” candidate. It’s easier to demand experience. It’s easier to move on. But leadership isn’t about doing what’s easiest. It’s about doing what matters. Look around your organization this week.

• Who has the right attitude but lacks experience?
• Who shows potential but hasn’t been given a real opportunity?
• Who reminds you of yourself early in your career?

Then take one simple step: Have a conversation. Offer guidance. Give them a chance to grow. Because the next great leader in your organization may not be the most polished. They may just be waiting for someone to believe in them. Just like Bob Pike did for me many years ago. Happy heavenly 77th birthday, Bob and thank you for believing in me when no one else did.

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