Learning to lead
How early workplace challenges shaped empathy and leadership style. What the 2025 Global 30 Under 30 reveal about the moments that built their emotional intelligence
Among this year’s Global 30 Under 30 cohort, many of the most defining career moments were not achievements, but challenges. Difficult team dynamics, demanding clients, communication breakdowns or early leadership responsibilities that felt overwhelming at the time all contributed to shaping who they are as leaders today. These moments, though uncomfortable, built empathy, emotional intelligence and a deeper understanding of how to support and influence others. Their stories remind us that leadership is not learned only through success, it is forged through challenge.
When difficult people become unexpected teachers
A common theme across the cohort is the experience of working with challenging colleagues, clients or stakeholders. Early in their careers, these situations felt intimidating or discouraging. However, with time, the honourees realised these individuals were some of their most influential teachers. Managing differing expectations taught them patience. Navigating tension taught them diplomacy. Responding to criticism taught them perspective. These experiences helped them understand not just how people behave, but why, shaping the empathetic leadership styles they carry forward.
Moments where communication went wrong
Several honourees recall instances when miscommunication created confusion or tension, either within their teams or with clients. At the time, these moments felt like failures. Looking back, they were turning points. These experiences taught them the importance of clarity, alignment and active listening. They learned to ask better questions, check understanding and adapt their communication to different audiences. What once felt like a mistake ultimately strengthened their confidence and presence.
Being given responsibility before feeling ready
Many members of the cohort describe being handed leadership responsibilities earlier than expected. Whether it was overseeing a project, managing a client relationship or guiding junior colleagues, these moments often triggered self doubt. Yet they also accelerated growth. By stepping into these roles, they developed decision making skills, discovered their leadership voice and built a deeper sense of self belief. These opportunities taught them that readiness is often built through experience, not before it.
The emotional lessons that last
Across their reflections, the honourees share a consistent truth, challenges taught them how to lead with empathy. They learned the value of listening before reacting, supporting others under pressure and creating spaces where people feel safe to contribute honestly. These emotional lessons are now central to how they build relationships, manage teams and influence stakeholders. Leadership, they discovered, is less about authority and more about understanding.
Lessons for those at the start of their careers
The cohort’s experiences offer clear advice for early career professionals. Do not avoid difficult people or situations, they are opportunities to grow. Treat communication challenges as practice for becoming clearer and more confident. Embrace early responsibility, even when it feels uncomfortable. Use every difficult moment to strengthen your emotional intelligence. These are the experiences that shape the leaders people want to follow.
Closing, challenges that build leaders
The 2025 Global 30 Under 30 show that leadership is not built in perfect conditions. It is shaped when communication falters, when expectations clash and when responsibilities stretch us. These moments build empathy, judgement and emotional maturity, the foundations of effective leadership. For anyone entering the insights industry, their message is encouraging, the challenges you face early in your career are not obstacles to leadership, they are the experiences that prepare you for it.