The Golden Ticket to Youth Success: Why Vulnerability and Communication Skills Matter More Than Ever

generation youth podcast Oct 03, 2025
 

Lessons from Derek Kinney on Empowering Teens and Parents to Build Confidence, Connection, and Opportunity


Empowering the Next Generation with Confidence

As parents, educators, and coaches, we know the world our teens are growing up in is buzzing with distractions, pressures, and opportunities. It can feel overwhelming trying to prepare them for the real world. That’s why I was excited to sit down with Derek Kinney—entrepreneur, mentor, and educator—on a recent episode of the Generation Youth Podcast.

Our conversation was packed with powerful insights on vulnerability, communication, and the importance of modeling imperfection. If you’ve ever wondered how to better connect with your teen while equipping them for future success, Derek’s message is a golden ticket worth holding onto.

🎧 You can listen and watch the full episode here:


Vulnerability: The Foundation for Connection and Growth

Derek started with a truth every parent wrestles with: the fear of being imperfect in front of our kids. But as he said, “People like imperfect people better.”

He shared a personal story about telling his children during a family dinner that he had made a big financial mistake. Instead of losing respect, his vulnerability opened the door for honest, meaningful conversations.

This struck a chord with me. Too often, we try to shield our kids from our failures. Yet failure is not who we are—it’s simply an event. When we model honesty about our struggles, we show our teens how to bounce back, how to grow, and how to see mistakes not as the end but as a step forward.


Parenting with a Vision: Future Adults, Not Just Today’s Kids

One of Derek’s strongest points was this: “We’re not parenting kids now—we’re parenting future adults.”

When we shift our mindset to raising future adults, it changes how we parent. It’s not just about making sure our kids are comfortable in the moment—it’s about preparing them to handle the challenges life will inevitably throw their way. Sharing both victories and mistakes helps normalize imperfection and gives them the confidence to take risks, fail, and try again.

That’s what builds grit, creativity, and a mindset for lifelong success.


The Soft Skills Playbook: Building Communication and Confidence

So, what can we practically teach teens to give them an edge? Derek believes it all comes down to communication—and he laid out some simple but powerful plays:

  • The Retail Store Play
    When teens run into someone they know in public, instead of hiding, they can walk up, greet them, share something positive, and leave with confidence. Small, intentional moments build presence and connection.

  • The Sports Stand Play
    If seated next to a stranger at a game, strike up a conversation. Ask who they’re cheering for, learn something about them, and discover their passions. These small risks often lead to surprising opportunities—and adults are often more eager to connect than teens think.

  • The Power of a Smile and Directness
    Encourage your teen to practice their smile and communicate directly. Whether it’s setting up weekly family check-ins about schedules or asking which chores matter most, clear communication builds trust and leadership at home.


The “Negative Takeaway” Strategy

Parents often find that giving direct instructions to teens sparks resistance. Derek shared a clever alternative: the “negative takeaway.”

Instead of saying, “You should do this,” try framing it as, “This might not be for you, but…” By making the opportunity feel like it might slip away, teens often lean in with curiosity and take ownership.


Unlocking Opportunities—One Conversation at a Time

At the end of the day, empowering teens isn’t about giving long lectures. It’s about modeling authenticity, inviting real conversations, and equipping them with the soft skills that create confidence and opportunity.

As Derek put it, “Confident teens achieve opportunities and their dreams.”

That golden ticket we all want for our youth? It’s not a secret formula. It’s the courage to be real, to communicate, and to embrace both wins and losses as part of the journey.

Want to learn more from Derek? Check out his resources at SimpleTeenSuccess.com. And don’t forget to dive into this full conversation on the Generation Youth Podcast:

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