The evolution of digital technology and rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is shifting what leadership looks like for everyone – from CFOs to middle school students. Understanding this change and learning to adapt – utilizing AI as a thought partner and tool while retaining strength of character – is critical.

At our 18^th live Siegfried Youth Leadership Program® (SYLP) event on October 21, 2025, 264 middle and high school students from 12 schools across Delaware learned what it means to transform with the environment around them. Featuring a keynote address by Eddie Cortés – national youth speaker – a courage-filled student panel, and thoughtful breakout sessions, attendees reflected on building their character ethic and personal brand to preserve and strengthen authenticity, creativity, and human empathy in a digital world. Students learned to leverage AI to empower their leadership, not replace it.

Based on the transformative idea of improving the lives of young people, SYLP provides leadership development opportunities for students in grades 8 through 12, as well as their teachers and mentors. Created and sponsored by The Siegfried Group, LLP (Siegfried), SYLP also partners closely with the University of Delaware’s Center for Economic Education and Entrepreneurship (CEEE) and Horn Entrepreneurship, as well as Junior Achievement of Delaware to organize these events.

Breakout sessions: What it means to be a leader, now and into a rapidly evolving future

Prior to Eddie’s keynote, students participated in two of four available breakout sessions tailored to their age range. Presenters, who included University of Delaware faculty and staff, as well as Leadership Advisors from Siegfried, encouraged participants to carefully consider ethical online behavior and data privacy, as well as the strength of human skills and how to develop and apply those skills for success in their bigger futures.

8^th and 9^th Grade

• Breakout Session #1 – “You are NOT a machine! Human Skills in a tech world”: Led by Nick Enos (Leadership Advisor and Associate Director, Siegfried) and Jill Braithwaite (Leadership Advisor and Chief of Staff, Siegfried), this session explored individual leadership in a tech-transformed era. The Siegfried duo discussed synergizing AI and emerging technologies with human skills, like adaptability, emotional intelligence (EQ), ethical judgement, and collaboration for enhanced leadership. “In a digital landscape, your role as a leader is to take the tools at your disposal and make them your own,” shared Nick. “You still have to bring that human element. Bring your human intellect, personality, and empathy. Bring your personal brand to AI or whatever tools you’re using.”
• Breakout Session #2 – “Innovation, Creativity, and Your Bigger Future”: Maggie Nelson, Horn Entrepreneurship, showcased how students can adapt their dreams with the evolving landscape to best prepare for future success – highlighting youth-led innovation stories and new, emerging career paths. “When you think about innovation in action, you need to consider how it impacts what you want and dream to do. What are the world’s upcoming challenges, and how can you solve them?” asked Maggie.

10^th, 11^th, and 12^th Grade

• Breakout Session #1 – “Personal Brand + Digital Citizenship. What’s real?”: Professor Nat Measley of the University of Delaware led a session focused on ethical online behavior, maintaining authenticity, and managing AI-altered media. He urged students to approach AI from an entrepreneurial leader perspective, using it as a tool for enhancing, not replacing, their capabilities. “A virtual YOU ethically acts like the Real YOU, is authentically YOU (this is a work in progress!), and is AI-informed, by the Real YOU,” Nat said.
• Breakout Session #2 – “The Subscription Economy. Is that app really free?”: Dr. Laura Ahlstrom, researcher at the University of Delaware’s CEEE, guided an informative session on financial literacy, data privacy, and the psychology of “renting” vs. “owning” in a digital world. “Data fuels our digital economy. It can be spent, stolen, invested, or wasted,” Laura explained. “Economics is the science of choice. Because of scarcity, people must make choices, and all choices involve costs – there is no such thing as a free lunch. When it comes to the internet, we pay with our data.”

The key to becoming a future-ready leader

Teachers and students also heard from keynote speaker Eddie Cortés about utilizing AI to amplify their individual leadership. “To become a future-ready leader, leverage what makes you completely and beautifully human, and then, use technology to make the world a better place,” said Eddie.

He provided students with three key tips for enhancing their interactions with AI and ultimately becoming leaders who can adapt with the world around them and wield AI to their advantage.

• Be creative! Use AI as your copilot, not autopilot. Eddie expressed that when you use AI on autopilot – take its output with no revisions, creativity, or personal touches – you remove your work’s humanity. He urged students to understand this distinction and instill individuality, authenticity, and a human world view into whatever they create to make a true impact. “Do not outsource your unique voice to AI because it will disappear,” encouraged Eddie. “Rather, use AI to automate your process so that it will amplify your purpose.”
• Critique AI’s work. Don’t blindly trust. Ask questions, and test. “AI is a mirror; it reflects what it sees – the good, the bad, and the ugly,” Eddie said. “To get the best output, you have to ask better questions. Then, run it through the most powerful processor on the planet – the human brain.” Eddie explained that when you ask AI better questions, you will generate better brainstorming, and with AI as your thought partner, you will come up with a better, more uniquely you output.
• Never forget the importance of human connection. Eddie concluded his presentation with the most critical message for growth and success – human connection is vital, in life and in work. “When it comes to collaboration, AI can help you with the research, but working with others is how you reach solutions,” shared Eddie, advising students to prioritize connecting with their peers, families, and mentors, especially when AI may seem like the easier option.

Following his keynote, Eddie co-moderated a student-led panel alongside Kelly Bench, teacher at Hodgson Vo-Tech. Four student panelists deeply considered their digital presence, reflected on their leadership lessons from the day, and discussed the meaning of character ethic and its increasing importance in the digital age.

Providing transformative experiences

“SYLP truly empowers the next generation, preparing students for a future where technology is shifting and changes are inevitable,” said Eddie. “It’s incredible for students to have the opportunity to begin thinking about their futures in this context and start asking those questions. Every middle and high schooler should experience SYLP.”

Siegfried has spent more than 35 years delivering on its higher purpose to help people transform themselves into better leaders to exponentially improve their lives. In 2016, Siegfried’s CEO and Founder, Rob Siegfried, expanded this reach and created SYLP, which is designed for students in grades 8 through 12, as well as their teachers and mentors. As part of the program, the SYLP team hosts events during which student participants focus on developing the qualities they need to start, or continue, their journey toward becoming strong individual leaders and building successful futures. Overall, the program aims to create a more rhythmic approach to focusing on individual leadership.

This SYLP event was hosted at the University of Delaware on October 21, 2025. The next SYLP event at the University of Delaware will take place in Spring 2026.