At Bambuddha Group, we believe everyone has a unique perspective to share, especially the next generation of leaders. We asked one of our interns to anonymously write an opinion piece about their hopes for the future of leadership, and here’s what they had to say:

I want to start by saying that no matter where you are in the world—physically, emotionally, or financially—hope is a powerful thing. Please, never give up hope for humanity.

Starting with each individual person, my hope for 2035 is that we all begin to focus less on just benefiting ourselves and more on contributing to the greater good of humanity. No matter what industry you’re in, there’s always a way to serve others. These acts don’t have to be huge or headline-worthy. It could be going out to volunteer with your colleagues, spending a Saturday giving back with your family, or simply doing something kind for someone in need. These small acts of service add up—and if we all do them, the impact will be massive.

Even through our work, we can all make a difference. Whether it’s making the effort to put your coffee cup in the correct recycling bin or resisting the urge to recycle something that clearly belongs in the rubbish, these small, mindful decisions help. It’s not always about making a grand gesture—it’s about making thoughtful ones. My hope is that by 2035, more people will believe in the power of small, positive choices.

Another hope I have is for people to be more informed. I believe that in 2035, every person should be aware of what’s happening not only in their home country but across the world. As a young man from the United States, I’ve noticed that many people my age and in my demographic don’t regularly follow the news. And while it can be overwhelming or even discouraging, staying informed is important. What we buy, how we dispose of waste, what companies we support—these choices all affect the wider world.

I’ve personally found that reading short news articles on my phone while on the bus or waiting around is a great use of time. It helps me make better decisions and gives me something meaningful to think about. Social media can’t replace credible journalism. One world. That’s all we’ve got. And each day that passes, the need to protect it becomes more urgent. The idea that “I’m just one person, I can’t make a difference” is one of the most dangerous mindsets to have. If everyone thought that way, nothing would ever change.

Which brings me to the topic of American politics and the importance of voting. Right now, the political divide in the US is deeper than I’ve ever seen in my lifetime. There’s so much fear, hatred, and judgement. And in my opinion, both sides of the political spectrum are contributing to that divide. I’ve heard far too many people say they can’t even talk to someone who voted differently from them. That’s not how democracy works. We don’t have to agree with one another, but we should be willing to listen, and to respect each other’s right to have a different view.

I really admire the voting system in Australia, where voting is compulsory. It encourages people to be informed and engaged. In the US, many people don’t vote at all. I believe that should change. Voting gives people a voice, even if it’s just about one issue they care about. And when people vote, they’re more likely to follow the news and take ownership of their choices. I didn’t like the outcome of the last election back home. It didn’t go the way I wanted, but I still respect the result. That’s the beauty—and the challenge—of democracy.

As I reflect on what I hope to see by 2035, I also want to talk directly to people who share my demographic: young, white, middle-class men. We’ve had it pretty good, overall. Of course, we all face struggles. But in the big picture, we’ve had a lot of advantages. I think we owe it to ourselves—and to others—to acknowledge that privilege and use it for good. Gratitude is something I’m working on more personally. When life gets hard, I often default to “this is unfair.” But I’m learning to reframe that thinking. I now try to see struggle as something that happens for me, not to me. Sometimes, there’s real beauty in the hard moments—they teach us, they shape us, and they help us grow.

Key Takeaways – My Hopes for 2035:

• Never give up hope – No matter where you are in the world, hope is powerful and essential for progress.
• Lead with purpose and kindness – Responsible leadership is about service, not just personal gain.
• Make small, consistent actions count – Volunteering, recycling, and everyday choices all contribute to positive change.
• Stay informed and engaged – Choose reliable news sources and understand your impact on the world.
• Respect diverse opinions – Democracy thrives when we listen, not when we divide.
• Vote with intention – Everyone’s voice matters, and participation leads to more informed communities.
• Acknowledge privilege and show gratitude – Use your advantages to lift others and reflect on your journey.
• Embrace the struggle – Challenges often bring growth, perspective, and unexpected beauty.

Let’s make 2035 a year where more people choose to lead kindly, act responsibly, and believe in a better future for everyone.