One of the greatest, most revealing forums where leaders share their wisdom happens every summer at colleges and universities across the country. During inspiring, annual graduation ceremonies, leaders from all walks of life—artists, athletes, writers, entrepreneurs, world leaders and more—offer their best advice to the rising generation of wide-eyed aspirants setting out to take the world by storm. The addresses provide a telling window into the highest priorities and attributes for leaders at the time. To examine this more closely, we analyzed the “leadership lessons” cast on this year’s 2025 graduating class, to identify the dominant themes that illustrate how leaders are synthesizing the leadership needs of tomorrow.
Of note, these new graduates, often around 21 years of age, will be the executives and stateswomen and men of 2045 and thereafter, a period when AI will be well manifested, Mars will be in reach, and who knows what else. We share a synthesis here and look forward to making this an annual review, so we can understand how these voices and their expectations and leadership themes evolve with the times we together face.
Resilience and Perseverance
Given the turbulent times we are living in, it is probably not surprising that the message of resilience was one of the biggest themes of this year’s commencement addresses. At Cornell University’s convocation, ballet icon Misty Copeland reflected on her journey as being “defined as much by struggle as by success,” imploring students to “embrace [your] challenges” and noting that every meaningful achievement comes with moments of “pain, confusion, loneliness and resistance.”
Similarly, baseball hall of famer, Derek Jeter, assured University of Michigan graduates that “You will fail.” The important thing, Jeter said, is to see disappointment as an opportunity to learn and grow, not as a reason to quit. “It is your job to make sure the speed bump doesn’t become a roadblock” he elucidated.
Actor and director, Le Var Burton, looked out upon a sea of new Howard University graduates and said: “Remember you are descended from some of the most resilient souls in the history of humanity. And whatever you do, do not allow fear to paralyze you into nonaction.”
Innovation and Adaptability
Innovation—paired with adaptability and curiosity—emerged as another key leadership theme. The Class of 2025, shaped by a global pandemic and the rise of AI, was urged to become creative, flexible problem-solvers. At Columbia University, journalist Claire Shipman told graduates they are “exactly what the world needs now” because “the most visionary, innovative leaders are forged in times of challenge and change,” and this class has “already navigated… considerable turbulence”.
At Lehigh University, tech CEO Kate Johnson ’89 compared the late 1980s to today, noting both eras were marked by disruptive technologies. She said: “Companies who can adapt tend to prevail,” and urged grads: “You need to help us figure this pattern out… We need you in the game – every single one of you.”
At MIT, entrepreneur and science communicator Hank Green highlighted the values of curiosity and lifelong learning. “There is no one idea of success,” Green pointed out. “The idea you have in your head of success is going to change. And you should let it.”
Ethical Leadership and Purpose
A strong message was the call to lead with ethics, integrity, and a sense of purpose. At Princeton, President Christopher Eisgruber urged students to “stand boldly for the freedoms and principles” of great universities and maintain a “fierce independence of mind” in pursuit of truth. Similarly, at Howard University, President Ben Vinson, stressed that “this is a world that is global, fast paced, and unpredictable, but one that needs your commitment to excellence, truth, and service like never before.”
Those supportive themes of stamina and timing were picked up by Stanford commencement speaker, Olympic swimming champion, Kathie Ledecky. “In my experience, there are three elements to going the distance: Pacing, process and time. Remember to ask yourself, she continued, “How do you pace your life? What do your day-to-day processes look like? How do you prioritize your time?” Finally, she stressed, “Don’t be afraid to take the lead.”
Collaboration and Shared Purpose
In a period characterized by too much disconnection and wanton independence, many speakers underscored the idea that leadership is a team endeavor – one that requires collaboration, collective effort, and a commitment to shared values.
Who better to deliver this message than the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Arden, whose leadership during the COVID crises was so universally lauded. At Yale, she reminded graduates that the future “is not just about you. It’s about us.” She stressed the need for multipolar cooperation to face global challenges like pandemics and climate change: “We are connected… and we need the strength of shared values.” And to the sea of eager young adults in front of her, she said, “And we need [your] curiosity and humility to work and learn together for the common good.”
While these are only a few standout themes of 2025 commencement addresses, they paint a clear picture of how leadership is currently being framed for the next generation. In an era defined by rapid change and global challenges, graduates are being reminded that effective leaders are resilient innovators who learn from adversity and remain curious. They were urged to strive for creativity and humanity throughout their lives and to lean into leading in a manner that makes a positive difference in the world around them. “You are not just part of a Renaissance,” urged President Vinson, “You are the Renaissance.”
“Sooner than you think, many of you will be asked to assume leadership roles,” assured Jerome Powell, U.S. Federal Reserve Chair and Princeton’s 2025 Baccalaureate speaker, “It is very common to feel… that you are not ready. Just know that almost no one is truly ready,” he said. “Go for it!... Throw yourself into the deep end of the pool… Take risks. When you fall down, get up!”
