Each year, the Influence Nation Summit (previously known as MCON) brings together hundreds of people who are passionate about positively changing the world and exploring the influences that build and sustain social movements. This year, the Influence Nation Summit was held in Washington, D.C. and focused on improving immediate issues around us. The summit also marked the launch of new research on what influences young people in America to take action, funded by the Case Foundation. The report, Influencing Young America to Act, can be read here.
During the summit, LeaderStories spoke with some of the participants about their thoughts on effective leadership, and what emerging social purpose leaders need to know. Below are some of our favorite clips.
"That’s the definition of a leader, someone who’s willing to take the charge and bring others along." - Itzbeth Manjíver, Managing Director of Development at City Year
"What sustains me is knowing this is a recurring problem that has a solution. A solution comes from being aware." - Lillygol Sedaghat, Fulbright National Geographic Digital Media Storyteller
"I think you have opportunities every day to lead, and I love when I see people who are really leaning into the fact that they know they can make change, and they’re just bold and they’re taking that step to challenge the status quo." - Maribel Lopez, Director at Rewire.org
"Carry on with the mission and the support will come organically." - Nigel Savel, Social Entrepreneur
"I’m actually really optimistic about my generation because I see a lot of leadership in my generation personally. I feel like we’re confronting a lot of challenges with racism, climate change, income inequality, gender discrimination and all of that and we’re really proactive." - Reina Dufore, student at American University
"I think the best leaders understand that there are knowledge gaps and you can’t be great at everything. And when you’re willing to acknowledge what you don’t know, you can learn and become a better leader." - Steven Rossi, student at American University
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Elly Belle, the LeaderStories Associate Editor, is a journalist and writer with SparkAction.org, Teen Vogue, Bust and other outlets.
