What if your dream job at 18 isn’t your purpose at 38? We sit with Jim Clark, CEO and President of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, to chart how a finance-minded kid became a leader devoted to expanding opportunity for millions of young people. The story moves from lecture halls to club halls, showing how the right team, mission, and mindset can turn ambition into impact.

We dig into leadership the honest way, by naming mistakes. Jim shares why waiting too long on a poor fit slows everyone down, and how hiring slow, acting fast, and keeping dignity at the center protects culture. You’ll hear practical takeaways on feedback, transitions, and building teams that match values with performance. Then we lighten things up with a teen slang showdown that proves curiosity is a bridge: “bussin,” “no cap,” “sus,” “slay,” “mid,” “bet,” “cooked,” “low-key,” “fire,” “bro,” and “drippy” all make an appearance and spark genuine connection.

Away from the office, Jim finds balance on golf courses, water skis, and snowy mountains, reminding us that play fuels better decisions. The conversation widens with stories from the Oval Office, where Jim met Presidents Obama, Trump, and Biden to advocate for after-school programs, youth safety, STEM access, and mentorship. The through line is simple and strong: try the Club before you judge it. Whether you want a creative outlet, a place to study, a path to a first job, or just friends who push you forward, there’s a lane for you.

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Doors open when someone hands you a real microphone. That’s the energy we bring to a candid conversation with Jim Clark, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, about what it truly takes to help young people feel seen, heard, and prepared for the future. We trace Jim’s journey from a corporate role in Milwaukee to leading a national movement, and we get honest about why he stayed: the transformative power of safe spaces, caring adults, and programs that turn potential into momentum.

We dig into the nuts and bolts of leadership and growth. Jim shares how Greater Milwaukee’s Clubs doubled and tripled across key metrics by rallying a thousand-person team around a clear mission, a compelling vision, and a culture that makes work meaningful, and yes, fun. He breaks down leadership as listening, strategy, and alignment, and explains why he hires people who outshine him in specific areas. We also talk about the heartbeat of the Clubs: 77,000 paid professionals who bring consistency, mentorship, and everyday encouragement that keeps teens engaged and moving forward.

From there, we examine the gaps between adults and teens: the art of listening beyond the surface, the need to grant real independence, and the reality of modern communication where texts and social platforms carry the conversation. Programs like Think Lead Create Change and Youth of the Year become case studies in youth voice and advocacy, helping teens tackle issues like food insecurity and mental health while exploring future careers. Holden shares first-person moments; speaking to community leaders, building this podcast, that show how a spotlight can reshape confidence and purpose.

If you care about youth leadership, community impact, nonprofit strategy, and practical ways to support the next generation, this conversation offers both heart and how-to.

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Nerves don’t vanish on their own, they get trained. We sit down with Ximena, the Boys and Girls Club National Youth of the Year, to trace how a once-shy student became a poised speaker, athlete, and community leader. The through line is trusting the process: more reps on stage, more honest reflection about identity, and more supportive rooms where teens can practice leadership without pretending to be perfect.

We dig into the playbook for Youth of the Year candidates and any teen aiming higher: know your story, name the people and places that shaped you, and get comfortable building relationships with mentors and CEOs alike. Ximena shares Keystone memories that broadened her world, from meeting teens on military bases to learning how culture and community shape character. Along the way, sports keep her grounded: volleyball, soccer, and track become training grounds for time management, grit, and humility while college applications stacked up.

This conversation also highlights the power of real support. Corporate partners upgrading tech centers, scholarships like Panda Cares, and opportunities to co-judge creative contests open doors that talent alone can’t. There’s joy, too: Two Truths and a Lie, meeting John Cena and Denzel Washington, and a dream dinner with Justice Sonia Sotomayor that speaks to representation and ambition. If you care about youth leadership, public speaking, and building confidence that lasts, you’ll find practical takeaways and a lot of heart.

If this resonated, tap follow, share it with a friend who needs a push to take the mic, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find the show. Your support helps us keep youth voices loud and unmuted.