From Problem Solver to Power Player: How to Raise an Andy Jassy

So, your teenager wants to become the next big deal in business, a Bezos or, dare we say, an Andy Jassy? Good news, parents and ambitious teens: you don’t need to be born with a silver spoon or a secret formula scribbled on a napkin at some fancy Ivy League mixer. No, the journey to becoming a top business honcho like Amazon’s Andy Jassy can start in your living room (yes, even if it’s cluttered with half-eaten pizza rolls and gaming consoles). Here’s how you can mold a teen into the next great power player without turning family dinner into a boardroom.

Step 1: Problem-Solving, Not Problem-Making

First thing’s first: great leaders are problem solvers. Not the kind who solve your Algebra II homework for you (nice try, though), but the ones who look at a problem and think, “How can I fix this and make everyone clap for me?” Encourage your teen to see setbacks as puzzles to be solved, not personal attacks from the universe.

Practical Tip: Next time your kid comes to you about a broken phone screen, don’t just say, “Well, you’re paying for it.” Say, “How do you think we can make this right?” They might brainstorm a DIY repair business or negotiate a bulk deal at the repair shop. See? Jassy in the making.

Step 2: Curiosity Didn’t Kill the Cat; It Made Him CEO

Andy Jassy’s rise wasn’t accidental. He’s curious about everything, from cloud computing to how businesses scale. Curiosity isn’t just about asking a million “why” questions as a toddler (although, hey, maybe that’s where it starts). It’s about wanting to understand things and connect the dots in unexpected ways.

Practical Tip: Foster your teen’s natural curiosity. Is your kid obsessed with sneakers? Great! Get them to read up on the supply chain of their favorite brands or brainstorm ways to create their own limited-edition line. Make it fun, but remind them: “Every CEO started with a weird obsession. Yours might just be your ticket to the top.”

Step 3: Embrace the Grind

Andy Jassy didn’t get to the top because he watched inspirational TikToks and napped. The guy rolled up his sleeves, took on tough jobs, and learned the ropes. It’s about hustle, but the kind that’s sustainable, not the kind that burns you out before prom.

Practical Tip: Let your teen pick a side hustle, whether it’s mowing lawns or selling handmade bracelets online. Real work builds grit, and grit is the secret sauce of every CEO’s success. Bonus: they’ll stop bugging you for gas money.

Step 4: Leadership 101: Start Small but Dream Big

Jassy didn’t start off managing Amazon’s entire universe. Leadership often begins in small, manageable doses. Whether it’s captaining a soccer team or organizing a neighborhood car wash, the skills of delegation, motivation, and accountability start here.

Practical Tip: Encourage your kid to take on leadership roles in clubs or activities. If they’re shy, have them start with planning something simple, like a movie night for their friends. Build their confidence one success at a time.

Step 5: Learn the Art of Networking

Here’s the deal: Jassy didn’t climb the ladder alone. The best businesspeople know the value of relationships. Networking isn’t just about schmoozing; it’s about finding people who inspire you, challenge you, and yes, sometimes give you a leg up.

Practical Tip: Teach your teen to value relationships. Whether it’s chatting with teachers after class or striking up a conversation with the barista who knows their latte order by heart, these little moments build confidence, and connections.

Step 6: Balance Brilliance with Kindness

Here’s the secret weapon that sets great leaders apart: empathy. Jassy didn’t become Amazon’s CEO by bulldozing everyone in his way. Business isn’t just about profit; it’s about people. Teach your teen to lead with kindness and integrity.

Practical Tip: Encourage your kid to volunteer or mentor younger students. Not only will it make them feel good (hello, dopamine!), but it’ll also give them firsthand experience in putting others first.

Step 7: Dream Big, Fail Bigger

Every successful businessperson has a laundry list of failures. Jassy wasn’t afraid to take risks, and your teen shouldn’t be either. Failure is a badge of honor in the business world, a sign you’re actually trying.

Practical Tip: Share stories of famous failures (hello, Steve Jobs being fired from Apple!) to normalize the concept. Then, encourage your teen to take risks, whether it’s starting a new project or entering a competition. If they fail, celebrate the effort, not the result.

Step 8: Be Your Teen’s Biggest Cheerleader (But Chill About It)

Let’s face it, parenting a future Andy Jassy is hard work. You need to encourage, support, and guide without hovering. Yes, your teen might roll their eyes at your motivational pep talks, but deep down, they’ll appreciate knowing you’re in their corner.

Practical Tip: Strike a balance between coach and cheerleader. Ask open-ended questions like, “What excites you about this idea?” or “How can I help?” Support them without smothering them.

In Conclusion: From Problem Solver to Power Player

Raising a future business tycoon like Andy Jassy isn’t about forcing your kid into a corporate box. It’s about giving them the tools, mindset, and space to dream big, hustle hard, and lead with heart. And hey, if they end up running a company that changes the world, just remind them who bought their first business book. (Hint: it’s you.)