On April 13 2021, the POP Movement had an opportunity to speak with Ms. Peta Milan about media and entrepreneurship as a part of its series titled “Climate Leadership Conversations: A Tribute to Our Chief Mentor”. When asked about the meaning of leadership, Ms. Milan said that it is critical to remember that we are all part of nature and an interconnected web; leadership must be regenerative, where we find our sense of place and focus on the potential harnessed by it.

Sofía Lana, a youth leader from Spain, asked about the role of the media in creating future leaders. Ms. Milan spoke about how social media is complex and sometimes we tend to think that we are seeing the complete panorama when it’s not necessarily the case. Social media may limit our ability to think and act critically, as it shapes our preferential view, but we must take responsibility and seek alternate sources of information and hear views against our own. Sofía complemented Ms. Milan’s response by saying that social media can be a powerful but dangerous tool.

During the conversation, Ms. Milan spoke about the importance of bringing diversity into education as those who are exposed to more diversity are likely to support it. However, bringing diversity to places where there is none is a challenge that must be undertaken. When speaking about fake news, Ms. Milan highlighted the importance our actions have, as we can give it more power by sharing or liking content.

Ms. Milan also spoke about inequalities in education that do not allow students to become critical and analytical thinkers, which are qualities that will help them in the future. She added that as leaders, we have the opportunity to involve more people in our communities who can participate and create communities around solving challenges.

“It takes a community to be a leader because you need your community to view you as a leader.”, said Ms. Milan as the session concluded.

About the Leader:

Peta Milan is an international speaker, entrepreneur, and award-winning writer and filmmaker. She has decades of experience in management consulting and training in leadership roles. She is the Founder and CEO of Transcendent Media Capital, Director, and Co-Founder of Jade Eli Technologies, Associate Fellow of the World Academy of Arts and Science, International Advisory Board Member of the World Sustainability Forum, a member of Future Capital, and a Council Member of the Digital Economist.

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