Confidence does not suddenly show up in adulthood. It starts much earlier — and so does leadership.

In this episode, we sit down with Sharice Johnson, a youth empowerment leader, mentor, and education administrator at Milton Hershey School. With two decades of experience helping young people build confidence, leadership skills, and voice, Sharice shares what girls really need from the adults around them — and why this work matters long before they ever enter the workplace.

We cover:

• how confidence is modeled before it is taught
• why repetition and practice help girls build leadership skills
• how mentorship can change a young person’s trajectory
• why exposure to different people and opportunities matters
• practical ways women can support girls in their own families and communities

If we want stronger women leaders in the future, this conversation makes one thing clear: it starts now.

Chapters

00:00 — Why Kids Belong in This Conversation

02:10 — Who Is Sharice Johnson?

04:05 — From Service to Student Leadership0

6:20 — Leadership Starts Earlier Than We Think

08:45 — Confidence Is Built, Not Given

11:30 — Setting the Foundation for Young Girls

14:05 — Mentorship Changes Everything

17:20 — Giving Kids Real Responsibility

20:10 — What Young People Actually Need From Us

23:00 — Helping Kids Feel Seen

26:15 — Women Leaders Have a Role to Play

29:05 — Advice for the Next Generation

31:20 — The Foundation Starts Now