Former First Lady Michelle Obama spoke on leadership and generational succession in a recent appearance on the IMO Podcast.
She stressed on the importance of knowing when to step aside to make room for emerging leaders.
“Leaders are supposed to move on to make room for the next generation that has new ideas, new energy,” Obama said in the podcast.
She noted that a common societal issue is that many senior leaders hold onto power longer than is practical, limiting opportunities for younger leaders to innovate and contribute.
Obama explained that society has not yet developed adequate ways to honor outgoing leaders, creating a culture in which many cling to positions beyond their usefulness.
“We haven’t figured out how to honor our elders, to give them a space to leave gracefully, to really give them a place of honor so that they feel ready and anxious to go there,” she said.
The podcast, shared by IMO Podcast on social media, included a message of gratitude to the Progressive organization for facilitating the discussion.
The conversation underscores Obama’s long-standing advocacy for mentorship, leadership development, and creating pathways for new voices in public and organizational life.
For more information on related initiatives and leadership programs, listeners are directed to visit www.aclu.org.
