Brad Lomenick

Director of Catalyst, a movement of young leaders

Works to encourage and train the next generation of influencers through events, interviews, community and writing. Inspires the next generation of leaders to be the best version of themselves they can be.

JOSH: What is common mistakes young leaders make due to our lack of wisdom and experience?

BRAD: A couple of things immediately come to mind. One, young leaders take a short term approach without thinking about long term consequences and impact. Leaders under 40 have to think not only about what is happening now, but also what the impact will be 20-30 years from now. Second, young leaders tend to think they have it all figured out, especially in their 20′s. Most leaders get into their 30′s and realize they were incredibly naïve and lacked the experience to properly make many of the decisions they’ve made. In our 20′s we tend to think we know it all. In our 30′s we tend to realize we don’t know anything. Third, young leaders miss out on the wisdom of mentors, sages and older leaders around them because they feel a pressure to figure it out on their own. Reality is, older leaders are highly motivated to invest in younger leaders, so make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to glean wisdom from the sages who are around you.

JOSH: Out of the many successful people you have interviewed, what are some common traits you have found among those who are successful and making a difference?

BRAD: Courage is definitely a trait I’ve found among those who are making a difference. The willingness to risk and step out, even when not sure what is around the corner. Another trait is passion for what they are working on and where they are in life. Leaders with passion create the same sense of passion in their teams, and it’s contagious. Also a deep understanding of who they are and how God has wired them. Self awareness is crucial- if you understand what God has wired you best to go do, then it’s much easier to go and be who God has called you to be.

JOSH: What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made and what did you learn from it?

BRAD: Delaying a business decision I knew needed to be made, because of the potential it had to end a friendship. Leaders have to be willing to have the hard conversations, even with close friends you work with. It’s much better to address an issue head on right now, than it is to delay dealing with it and just assuming it will go away.