FUTURE TALENTED Autumn Term 2018 - Issue 1 | Page 65

LEADERSHIP One formula for success? So what does it actually take to realise your potential? Are those pithy one liners about ‘the secret of success’ right? Is it simply motivation? Heavyweight boxing legend Wladimir Klitschko told us he doesn’t think so. Is it hard work and dedication? Hockey gold medallist Maddie Hinch said that is far too simple. Is it just resilience or ‘grit’? Explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes thinks not. Self-confidence then? Bear Grylls says “no” to that as well. After interviewing some of the most ‘successful’ people alive, it’s fair to say that what it takes to succeed at the highest levels is rarely understood, but it is most definitely identifiable, codifiable and teachable. We are collaborating with Future Talent to share insights from our interviews and our research on what it really does take to be successful in the 21st century – the skills, knowledge, attitudes and goals that really count. As the former South African President and Nobel Peace Prize winner FW de Klerk told us: “All of us have potential and the great challenge is to help each individual achieve his or her full potential.” Wladimir Klitschko – became an Olympic Gold medallist and World Heavyweight Boxing champion “There is a lot of wisdom in life from different people – where and when you learn doesn’t always make sense” “As a society, we need to pause for thought and ask how we can really prepare young people for a rapidly changing and uncertain future” This is the reason most teachers choose their profession (or vocation) and it’s the reason BecomingX exists. We hope that by providing our insights, we can help senior educators develop the culture, content and programmes to equip young people for the future. Helping more people to raise their aspirations and realise their goals is, however, going to take a huge effort and a shift in how we think about human performance. One thing is for sure, there’s no better place to start this journey than in the classroom. ABOUT BECOMINGX BecomingX is a charity focused on creating a world where everyone can realise their potential no matter what their starting point in life. becomingx.org FUTURE TALENT // 65