Ambition: Any Age. Any Stage.

A static view of the world risks ignoring emerging sources of success.

Today, ambition is unconfined by age or stage. The interconnected world has opened up new avenues to success, allowing individuals from various backgrounds to forge their paths based on talent, creativity, and determination. Examples include:

This era enables the emergence of youthful success. Looking beyond the tech sector stories, Ritesh Agarwal, the founder of OYO Rooms, became a millionaire in his early twenties by revolutionising budget accommodation in India.

Breakthroughs are no longer exclusive to those with formal education. William Kamkwamba, a Malawian innovator, without a formal engineering education, built a windmill to provide electricity to his village. Using locally sourced materials and self-taught skills, he demonstrated that ingenuity and determination can lead to remarkable innovations.

The global reach of the digital era means that solutions and success stories can originate from any part of the world. Founded by David Vélez in Brazil, Nubank has revolutionised digital banking in Latin America. Nubank offers user-friendly, no-fee credit cards, broadening access to financial services, and employing big data for personalised products and risk assessment. Their integrated digital platform and exceptional customer service have greatly simplified banking, democratising financial access in the region.

The digital world serves as an empowering educator and facilitator, offering unprecedented access to learning and tools. Online platforms like edX and Udemy have made education more accessible, while open-source software and cloud technologies have empowered leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs across the globe.

Traditionally-Defined Ages & Stages

Traditionally, each life stage has had distinct advantages. We often place our expectations on success according to these ages and stages:

• Youth benefit from vibrant energy and a fearless mindset. Young leaders and innovators challenge conventions and bring fresh perspectives to the table.

• Young adults blend enthusiasm with nascent experience. They are often pioneers in new tech trends, unafraid to experiment and innovate.

• Mid-level professionals combine passion with deeper industry insights, playing a crucial role in turning novel ideas into tangible solutions.

• Senior leaders leverage their extensive experience and networks to drive significant industry changes. When able to successfully navigate organisational and industry attacks to new ideas, they can shape the future of their sectors.

• Individuals at the tail end of their careers bring a depth of knowledge and a vast network, ideally positioned to mentor upcoming generations and leave a lasting legacy.

Redefined Ages and Stages

In this era, the boundaries between these ages and career stages are increasingly fluid. A seasoned professional might exhibit a young entrepreneur’s curiosity, while a young innovator might display wisdom typically associated with more experienced individuals.

To confine ourselves - or others - to conventional age and stage categories is to overlook the potential and possibilities that are becoming more evident in our diverse and dynamic world. A static view risks ignoring emerging sources of success.

The Driver: Ambitious Goals

The digital age fosters a united quest for ambitious goals, encouraging participation from all, regardless of experience or geography. It favors collaborative leadership over solo triumphs and breaks down traditional barriers to success.

In this era, every moment invites action, and it is accessible to all. Those who grasp this opportunity, at any age or career stage, are on the path to future success. Are you on this path, or is it time for a course correction?