Want to Change the World? Inspiring Student Leaders to Inspire Others

I spoke to 1000 high-performing student leaders this weekend in Novi, Michigan. I talked about getting involved as active global citizens, told stories of the work One Hundred For Haiti and its partners has done since 2010, and explained how in fourteen years of working for, with, and next to Haitians, both in and out of Haiti, that not one has ever once eaten a pet. Take that as you will.

These students were inspired and ready to be active on behalf of others. In addition they were incredible examples of a next generation that is focused to build a better now in order to create the future that they want. They were present, powerfully minded, and filled with potential.

These are students who are learning that the best leaders inspire, rather than just managing tasks or achieving goals. They were there to get motivated to be a beacon for others in the midst of transformational leadership.

As I spoke about the origins and inspirations behind One Hundred For Haiti, the theme was that we need to move into leadership with authenticity, and to cultivate a vision with following. When we recognize the worth of others we empower them to join us. In the case of the people with whom I work in Haiti, we see resilience and inspiration amidst adversity and that served as a metaphor for the idea of remaining steadfast and solution-oriented during challenging times.

A compelling vision is always going to influence and draw people towards a cause. And when these student leaders came together to support the work I do in response to requests from Haiti, the vision was truly a shared one amongst us all.

Leadership is about supporting others, not about ego gratification. Teamwork is about recognizing the value in others, and making sure that people feel like they matter. Communication is an essential tool, to be continually developed and enhanced, in order for teamwork to thrive and for inspired leaders to share and grow alongside the people they serve.

The students raised enough money to send the twenty five Haitian students One Hundred For Haiti supports from kindergarten through 12th grade to school for all of 2025-2026, and got inspired to be citizens of the world and think beyond borders. 

If we want to build a better future, we need to establish trust and solid bonds with the people with whom we work and create. These student leaders exemplified all of the best qualities of leadership

Thank you Eric Scobie (teacher at Novi HIgh School) for bringing me in and for making this event happen. His inexhaustible energy and enthusiasm for student achievement is remarkable.

Greg Bennick, keynote speaker, at Novi High School (Novi, Michigan)