Bold Company Podcast - Getting the best out of youth employees

Youth Hub
5 hours ago
2 min read

Dame Sue had a great time recently, chatting with Business Canterbury on the Bold Company Podcast, focussing on how employers can get the best out of their young employees.

Sitting down with Hannah and Tim, she reflected on what it means to be “adult-ish” (Sue often uses this term to describe herself!) - that in-between space where growth is constant, expectations are shifting, and the need for connection has never been more important. With a passion for training the adults who work alongside young people, which she does through the Collaborative Trust, Sue is keen to train business leaders on strengthening relationships with youth to create happy, productive work places.

With a clear belief in the potential of young people, Sue speaks about the role workplaces can play in shaping better futures - not just as places of employment, but as environments where young people feel seen, supported, and valued. Because when that happens, something powerful shifts. Confidence grows. Capability follows. And performance becomes a natural outcome of connection, not pressure.

Sue highlights the importance of showing up, listening well, and creating space for young people to find their footing. It’s this kind of relational leadership that leaves a lasting impact.

If we want young people to thrive, we need to think differently about how we bring them into the workforce - how we support their transition, how we nurture their strengths, and how we build cultures that make room for learning, growth, and contribution.

Sue shared her insights on youth employment, mentoring, and building workplace cultures where young people feel they belong. Some of her key points included:

Belonging Drives Performance

When young people feel supported at work, confidence grows - and so does performance. Creating a sense of belonging is key to helping young people thrive in the workplace.

Mentoring Matters

Mentoring doesn’t have to be formal. Showing up, listening, and building strong relationships can make a lasting impact on a young person’s journey into work.