What if your dream job at 18 isn’t your purpose at 38? We sit with Jim Clark, CEO and President of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, to chart how a finance-minded kid became a leader devoted to expanding opportunity for millions of young people. The story moves from lecture halls to club halls, showing how the right team, mission, and mindset can turn ambition into impact.
We dig into leadership the honest way, by naming mistakes. Jim shares why waiting too long on a poor fit slows everyone down, and how hiring slow, acting fast, and keeping dignity at the center protects culture. You’ll hear practical takeaways on feedback, transitions, and building teams that match values with performance. Then we lighten things up with a teen slang showdown that proves curiosity is a bridge: “bussin,” “no cap,” “sus,” “slay,” “mid,” “bet,” “cooked,” “low-key,” “fire,” “bro,” and “drippy” all make an appearance and spark genuine connection.
Away from the office, Jim finds balance on golf courses, water skis, and snowy mountains, reminding us that play fuels better decisions. The conversation widens with stories from the Oval Office, where Jim met Presidents Obama, Trump, and Biden to advocate for after-school programs, youth safety, STEM access, and mentorship. The through line is simple and strong: try the Club before you judge it. Whether you want a creative outlet, a place to study, a path to a first job, or just friends who push you forward, there’s a lane for you.
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More About this Episode
Youth Leadership, Vision, and the Power of Listening: A Conversation with Boys & Girls Clubs of America CEO Jim Clark
When we talk about shaping the future, we’re really talking about shaping the lives of young people today. And the truth is, shaping youth doesn’t just happen through grand gestures or large-scale policies, it happens in the daily commitment to create spaces where young people feel heard, supported, and inspired.
That was the core message I took away from my recent conversation with Jim Clark, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). As someone who has personally benefited from the incredible programs and opportunities my local Boys & Girls Club offers, having the chance to sit down with Mr. Clark felt both full circle and forward-looking.
A Journey Rooted in Community Impact
Mr. Clark didn’t start out planning to lead one of the nation’s most impactful youth-serving organizations. His journey began in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, working in the corporate world. At the time, his CEO encouraged him to get involved in the community and suggested the Boys & Girls Club. With little prior knowledge about the organization, Mr. Clark said “yes,” and that yes led to a lifelong passion for youth empowerment.
What began as a professional development opportunity quickly became a calling.
“The impact the Boys & Girls Clubs were having on young people, on families, and on the community was truly significant,” he shared. “And I fell in love pretty quickly.”
That early experience evolved into a leadership role as CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, one of the largest club systems in the country. Under his guidance, the organization doubled, and in some areas, tripled, in size. That kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident. It’s rooted in vision, strategy, and something Mr. Clark repeatedly emphasized: teamwork.
Leadership Rooted in Listening
Throughout our conversation, one theme came through loud and clear: real leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about asking the right questions, and listening deeply to the answers.
“A leader isn’t about being perfect or right all the time,” Mr. Clark said. “It’s about navigating, listening, and caring. It’s about casting a vision and creating a culture that motivates people to be part of something bigger.”
That culture, as he described, is built on shared values and a unified mission. At BGCA, that mission is simple but powerful: helping young people reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. But the execution of that mission is where the real work, and impact, happens.
From developing new programs to expanding into underserved communities, the work requires not only passion but also strategic vision and consistent effort. For Mr. Clark, one of the most important aspects of his leadership is creating an environment where team members feel both challenged and supported.
“I want people who want to be here, who want to do the work,” he explained. “When you care about what you do, that’s when the best work happens.”
Youth Empowerment Through Real Opportunity
One of the most impactful parts of our conversation centered around the idea of spotlighting youth voices. For many young people, the Boys & Girls Club is the first place where they are truly seen and heard. It’s not just about after-school care or homework help, it’s about giving youth the tools and the platform to speak out on the issues they care about most.
For me, that spotlight has been life-changing. Programs like Youth of the Year and Think, Learn, Create Change have allowed me to step into advocacy roles, speak to community leaders, and develop a sense of agency around the challenges facing my peers. Whether it’s food insecurity or mental health awareness, the Club has helped me realize that I don’t have to wait to make a difference. I can lead now.
Mr. Clark agreed. “Behind every young person is a staff member who’s invested in them, who sees their potential and helps them thrive,” he said. “That’s what makes our Clubs so special.”
With over 77,000 paid youth development professionals across the country, BGCA is uniquely positioned to offer consistent, high-impact support to kids and teens. These staff members become mentors, motivators, and sometimes even lifelines, helping youth navigate challenges and recognize their strengths.
From Struggles to Strengths: The Personal Side of Growth
Mr. Clark and I both reflected on our own lives as teens. For him, it was growing up in a big family, working part-time through high school, and participating in sports. For me, it’s been about finding stability and support while being raised by a single mother, and working at Sonic while balancing school, sports, and community involvement.
The Club became the difference-maker.
Not only has it given me tangible resources like college prep and job readiness, but it’s also given me the confidence to envision a different future, one where I don’t just survive, but thrive. And one where I can lift others up, too.
Mr. Clark emphasized the importance of young people like me being able to enjoy what we do. “If you’re not having fun, it’s not the place for you,” he said. “We’re blessed to do work that’s not only meaningful but enjoyable, and that’s a powerful combination.”
Adults: It’s Time to Listen
One of the most insightful parts of our discussion was when Mr. Clark was asked: What’s one thing adults misunderstand about teens today?
His answer: “Listening.”
Too often, adults assume they know best, forgetting that young people are living in a very different world than they did. The digital era, the speed of information, and the challenges teens face today require adults to lead with curiosity, not assumptions.
“There’s a lot of talk, but not always enough listening,” Mr. Clark said. “And if we truly want to support young people, we need to meet them where they are and appreciate the unique challenges they’re facing.”
This idea isn’t just a feel-good message, it’s essential for progress. When young people are heard, supported, and given real opportunities to lead, they don’t just become future leaders, they are leaders now.
The Club as a Launchpad for Lifelong Impact
Whether it’s advocating for food security, building public speaking skills, or discovering career passions, the Boys & Girls Club offers more than programs, it offers a launchpad.
As a youth participant, I’ve seen the transformation firsthand, not just in myself, but in my peers. Teens who once struggled with confidence are now giving speeches. Youth who felt invisible are now leading community projects. This isn’t just youth development, it’s life development.
And it all starts with a simple, powerful belief: young people matter.
That belief is what drives Jim Clark and his team at BGCA every day. It’s what drives club professionals like Ashley in my local chapter. And it’s what continues to inspire me to use my voice, tell my story, and empower others to do the same.
Because when we listen to youth, invest in their growth, and trust them with responsibility, we don’t just change lives, we shape the future.