Doors open when someone hands you a real microphone. That’s the energy we bring to a candid conversation with Jim Clark, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, about what it truly takes to help young people feel seen, heard, and prepared for the future. We trace Jim’s journey from a corporate role in Milwaukee to leading a national movement, and we get honest about why he stayed: the transformative power of safe spaces, caring adults, and programs that turn potential into momentum.
We dig into the nuts and bolts of leadership and growth. Jim shares how Greater Milwaukee’s Clubs doubled and tripled across key metrics by rallying a thousand-person team around a clear mission, a compelling vision, and a culture that makes work meaningful, and yes, fun. He breaks down leadership as listening, strategy, and alignment, and explains why he hires people who outshine him in specific areas. We also talk about the heartbeat of the Clubs: 77,000 paid professionals who bring consistency, mentorship, and everyday encouragement that keeps teens engaged and moving forward.
From there, we examine the gaps between adults and teens: the art of listening beyond the surface, the need to grant real independence, and the reality of modern communication where texts and social platforms carry the conversation. Programs like Think Lead Create Change and Youth of the Year become case studies in youth voice and advocacy, helping teens tackle issues like food insecurity and mental health while exploring future careers. Holden shares first-person moments; speaking to community leaders, building this podcast, that show how a spotlight can reshape confidence and purpose.
If you care about youth leadership, community impact, nonprofit strategy, and practical ways to support the next generation, this conversation offers both heart and how-to.
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More About this Episode
From Finance to Impact: Jim Clark’s Journey and Lessons in Youth Leadership
There’s a quiet power in choosing a path not because it promises prestige or profit, but because it promises purpose. In a recent episode of Youth Unmuted, I had the honor of sitting down with Jim Clark, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. What followed was a conversation not just about job titles or executive leadership, but about the journey, how we grow into the roles we’re meant for, the mistakes that shape us, and the passions that keep us grounded.
Whether you’re a young person figuring out your first steps, a parent looking to guide your teen, or a mentor hoping to light a spark in someone else’s life, the insights from Jim’s journey are both timely and timeless.
From Finance Major to National Leader
When asked what his dream job was growing up, Jim didn’t hesitate. “I always thought I’d be in the financial industry: stockbroker, investment banker, something like that,” he shared. With a double major in finance and marketing, his early career plans seemed to align with that vision. But something shifted.
While he once flirted with the idea of becoming a lawyer or even entering politics, Jim ultimately leaned into the marketing side of his education and, eventually, into mission-driven work that was less about profit margins and more about people.
This pivot speaks volumes about the importance of flexibility in career planning. As teens today face mounting pressure to choose “the right path,” Jim’s story is a reminder that the best career might not be the one you first imagined, it might be the one that allows you to make the most meaningful impact.
Leadership Mistakes and the Lessons They Teach
Every leader makes mistakes, it’s what you learn from them that matters. When I asked Jim about a leadership mistake that taught him something valuable, his response was candid and insightful: knowing when to let someone go.
“It’s a mistake I made early in my career,” he said. “I’d wait too long to move someone out of a role that wasn’t a good fit. I thought I was helping by giving them more chances, but I was really holding them back, and the team, too.”
This echoes a broader leadership lesson that applies far beyond boardrooms: recognizing when something, or someone, isn’t in the right place is a sign of maturity, not failure. Sometimes letting go is the first step toward growth, for everyone involved.
In Jim’s words, “Most of the time, it ends up being good. People find roles that they’re happier in. It doesn’t have to be adversarial.” For teens and young adults learning to navigate relationships, jobs, and leadership positions of their own, that message carries real weight.
The Power of Passion Outside of Work
What keeps a national CEO grounded? For Jim, it’s time spent on the water or the slopes. An avid water skier and snow skier, Jim finds balance through activities that connect him to nature and to family. “I still water ski in the summer and snow ski in the winter,” he said. “My son and I are actually heading to Jackson Hole soon.”
His mention of golf, often seen as a more leisurely pastime, was especially relatable. “Some people don’t think it’s relaxing,” he laughed, “but I do. You get four or five hours outside, with a small group, just talking and playing.”
The takeaway here is simple yet powerful: no matter how busy or high-profile your career becomes, carving out time for joy matters. For teens who are often told to grind, hustle, and constantly perform, hearing that from someone in Jim’s position is both refreshing and affirming.
Bridging the Gap Between Generations Through Slang
One of the most entertaining parts of our conversation was a game of “Teen Slang,” where Jim took a stab at defining current phrases like bussin', no cap, sus, slay, and more. Some he nailed, and others, not so much.
The laughs weren’t just for show. This segment revealed a deeper truth: communication between generations can be fun, not forced. When adults take the time to understand youth culture, even just for a laugh, they build bridges.
“Slay? I hear my son say that one,” Jim said, chuckling. “It’s like swagger, right?” Pretty close, actually. Whether it was “drippy” (stylish) or “mid” (average, and usually not in a good way), Jim was game for all of it. His openness, humility, and sense of humor were all on full display, modeling a kind of leadership that feels inclusive and approachable.
Meeting Presidents and Staying Humble
Jim’s career has taken him to some of the most powerful rooms in the world. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet three presidents in the Oval Office; President Obama, President Trump, and President Biden,” he shared. More than just shaking hands, these were real conversations about the mission and future of the Boys & Girls Clubs.
Still, Jim didn’t linger on fame. Instead, he highlighted the privilege of being able to share the work of the organization at the highest levels, showing that recognition is most meaningful when it elevates the mission, not the person.
For teens listening in, this moment served as a powerful reminder that influence isn’t about celebrity, it’s about how many lives you can touch.
Why Every Teen Should Give Boys & Girls Club a Try
Jim’s final message was directed squarely at teens: “Just try it,” he said. “Too many people pass judgment before they’ve even walked through the door. The Boys & Girls Club can be different things for different people.”
Whether your interest is in academics, sports, leadership, arts, or simply a safe space to be yourself, the Club is more than just a building, it’s a community.
Jim’s words challenge a common mindset among teens: that something isn’t worth trying unless you already know you’ll like it. But in reality, exploration is how we find out who we are and what we care about. For any teen on the fence about joining, his advice couldn’t be more relevant: walk in, give it a chance, and see for yourself.
Final Thoughts: Leading with Purpose, Living with Joy
Jim Clark’s journey from finance student to national youth leader isn’t just a story of career transformation, it’s a roadmap for how to lead with heart, make hard decisions with integrity, and stay curious about the world around you.
At a time when so many young people are searching for identity, purpose, and connection, his story reminds us that fulfillment doesn’t come from titles or salaries. It comes from doing work that matters, surrounding yourself with people who challenge and support you, and never forgetting to laugh, even if it’s while trying to define “bussin’.”
For teens everywhere looking to grow, lead, and live with impact, the Boys & Girls Club is a powerful place to start.