Want Your Teen to Lead Like Dave Ricks? Here’s the Secret Formula

So, your teen dreams of being the next big business mogul, huh? Maybe they’re inspired by the likes of Dave Ricks, the CEO of Eli Lilly, or maybe they just want to wear a snazzy suit and boss people around (hopefully with some actual skill). Either way, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s the not-so-secret formula to help your teenager walk the path to success. Buckle up, this is going to be as fun as it is enlightening!

1. Start with Big Ideas (Even if They’re Slightly Outlandish)

Let’s face it: every CEO was once a kid with a crazy idea. Think about it, do you really think Dave Ricks got to where he is without daydreaming about big things? Encourage your teen to think outside the box. Whether it’s creating a new app, opening a lemonade stand empire, or designing pet-friendly drones (okay, maybe not that last one), dreaming big is the first step.

 Pro Tip: Keep a “Big Idea Journal” for your teen. It’s where brilliance begins. Even if some ideas are more “meh” than “wow,” creativity needs room to grow.

2. Learn to Love Failure (Yes, Really!)

Here’s a spicy truth: failure is the unofficial MBA of life. Did you know Dave Ricks once faced challenges leading up to Eli Lilly’s major transformations? Spoiler alert: he didn’t quit. Teach your teen that setbacks are just plot twists in their business origin story. If they bomb a school project or accidentally burn the cookies for their bake sale fundraiser, remind them that even the greatest leaders make mistakes, then they learn and bounce back stronger.

3. Develop Killer Communication Skills

If your teen can’t explain their “groundbreaking” business idea in 60 seconds, they’ve got some work to do. CEOs like Dave Ricks don’t just sit in boardrooms silently nodding. They inspire, motivate, and make people believe in their vision. Practice with your teen. Ask them to pitch you a random idea, like selling sneakers for cats (hey, don’t judge), and see how compelling they can make it.

 Exercise: Host a family “Shark Tank” night. Give them three minutes to pitch an idea. Bonus points for enthusiasm and creativity!

4. Master the Art of Problem-Solving

Business leaders thrive because they’re masters at solving problems. Is there a school event that needs organizing? A friend group drama that requires mediation? These are golden opportunities for your teen to flex their problem-solving muscles. Encourage them to jump in, analyze the issue, and suggest solutions.

 Practice Tip: Teach them frameworks like “What, Why, and How.” What’s the problem? Why does it matter? How can we fix it? Boom, instant CEO mindset.

5. Build a Network (Even if It Starts with Aunt Karen)

Let’s be honest: networking sounds fancy, but it’s really just building connections with people who can help you, and whom you can help in return. Your teen’s network might start with their teacher, their soccer coach, or even your cousin Karen, who knows a guy, who knows a guy, who once met Warren Buffett. Teach them the value of relationships, because in the business world, who you know can make a big difference.

 Social Media Tip: Encourage them to use LinkedIn, not just TikTok. Building a professional presence early? Genius move.

6. Read, Watch, and Absorb Everything Business

You can’t lead like Dave Ricks if you don’t know the basics of business. Your teen doesn’t need to dive into dense business textbooks (yawn!), but they should follow trends, read inspiring stories, and even watch entertaining business movies.

 Recommendations:

  • Books: The Lean Startup by Eric Ries, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
  • Movies: The Social Network, Moneyball, and yes, even The Wolf of Wall Street (but maybe preview it first…).

7. Stay Grounded and Grateful

Here’s where we get a little soft. Leaders like Dave Ricks are not just about profits; they’re about people. Teach your teen to be empathetic, humble, and grateful for opportunities. Volunteer work, helping a friend, or just saying “thank you” can go a long way in shaping their character. Trust us, no one likes an arrogant teen CEO wannabe.

 Life Lesson: Gratitude is like the secret sauce that makes every success taste sweeter.

8. Have Fun with It

The journey to becoming a top-notch leader shouldn’t feel like a grind. If your teen isn’t having fun along the way, what’s the point? Let them experiment, take risks, and even laugh at their missteps. Remind them that every awkward school presentation, every burnt pancake, and every “oops” moment is just part of the adventure.

The Wrap-Up: The Dave Ricks Playbook

So, there you have it, the not-so-secret formula to help your teen channel their inner Dave Ricks. It’s a mix of dreaming big, embracing failure, building connections, and never taking life too seriously. With the right mindset and a touch of humor, they’ll be leading boardrooms in no time.

And hey, even if they don’t become the next big CEO, at least they’ll have the skills to impress at the next family dinner. That’s a win-win, right? 

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