MAKING ROOM TO LEAD

My work with the Nepalese Young Entrepreneurs’ Forum Kathmandu brought me into a different kind of community — young entrepreneurs, students and people who were trying to build something of their own.

As President of the Kathmandu Chapter, I saw how much energy already existed among young people.

The challenge was often not ambition.

It was access to networks, exposure, encouragement and opportunities to test an idea.

We worked on engaging colleges and students, encouraging participation in entrepreneurship and startup awards, and making recognition more meaningful by thinking about how award money could act as seed funding.

I became increasingly convinced that leadership is not simply about being given a title.

It is about being given enough trust and opportunity to do something with it.

When young people are given the space to participate, build and take responsibility, the impact extends well beyond one programme or one organisation.