Invest in the Young, Reap a Lifetime of Riches

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in life is the value of spending time with the young people around you—your children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, the children of friends, and even younger siblings. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, focused on peers, colleagues, or people in higher positions, thinking that networking or currying favor with those already at the top is the path to success. But the moments you dedicate to mentoring, supporting, and simply being present for the youth in your life are investments that pay far greater dividends, often in ways you can’t anticipate at the time.

I learned this lesson early in my career. I was in a lower management role when a newly hired staff member joined our team—a graduate of the Wharton School of Business, smart, driven, and with outstanding managerial skills. From the moment I saw her potential, I devoted extra time to mentor her, helping her navigate the company, introducing her to leaders, and placing her in assignments that would get her noticed. Over the years, she rose through the ranks and eventually became an EVP of the company. My relationship with her paid back tenfold—not in money, but in ease, influence, and perspective. I may never have been cut out for top executive roles myself, but the time I invested in her made my career smoother, richer, and far more rewarding than any promotion I could have chased for myself.

This example underscores a broader truth: too many people focus on their peers or those in higher positions, seeking approval or advantage. Few stop to think about the young people around them—the ones who will carry the future. Investing time in them, mentoring them, sharing knowledge, or even just showing genuine interest in their growth creates relationships and opportunities that often return to you in unexpected ways. That includes younger siblings, too—helping them, guiding them, and cheering them on can shape their lives and your bond with them in ways that last a lifetime.

I also see a generational shift happening. Many young people today struggle because they were raised by a generation focused on self-gratification, often overlooking the importance of investing in the next generation. But I am encouraged by a growing awareness among parents, mentors, and older siblings who now understand that nurturing, guiding, and developing the young is not just a responsibility—it’s a privilege.

Investing in young people is about more than shaping their future—it shapes yours. Every moment you spend teaching, guiding, or just sharing your presence builds connections and experiences that last a lifetime. The joy, wisdom, and perspective you gain are irreplaceable, and the relationships you cultivate will reward you far beyond what you ever imagined. Time spent investing in youth, whether children, nieces, nephews, or younger siblings, is never wasted—it is one of the most meaningful, powerful, and enduring gifts you can give—and receive.