I was excited to get started in a Chicago high school mentoring program that I volunteered for back in 2007 when I started our Chicago project. Then, when our Chicago deal fell apart, I realized I enjoyed being a mentor for future entrepreneurs and especially kids who might not have much of opportunity to meet different successful entrepreneurs.

Each year the Future Founders program kicks off with an exciting Big Idea Day.  We dive right in and start working with kids from the seven different schools involved in the program.  I have found that collaborating with these kids is actually just as much an opportunity for myself and the other mentors to learn about our ability to connect with the younger generation. In addition, we get to meet other like minded managers and entrepreneurs which also leads to expanding our business relationships. There are wins from every angle. I even get to bring the business planning games back to my team at Nick’s for more development in our Nick’s University.

I continue to learn from these high school students, not just about how we develop entrepreneurs in our society, but also about myself and how I could be more effective as a leader. I highly recommend you join me this year – it’s not too late. Give just one class a try and see what you learn about your own leadership style.

For more information about the Future Founders Foundation click here.