CEOS ARE BORN IN HIGH SCHOOL

It’s a bold claim, isn’t it?

- BY PRATHAM MITTAL, FOUNDER, MASTERS' UNION

CEOs are born in high school — not in MBA classrooms, but in the noisy, messy hallways of a high school. Surprising? Perhaps. But think back to those formative years. High school is where most of us first encountered the realities of leadership, decision-making, and, yes, even failure.

So why aren’t we talking about it more?

High school is where students begin exploring their identities and defining who they are. It’s where they take on responsibilities — sometimes willingly, sometimes reluctantly. Students learn to set goals, manage resources, and navigate conflicts. The seed of leadership is planted here, long before formal business education begins.

Consider this: High school is a playground for experimentation. Want to start a photography club? Go ahead. Want to raise funds for a local cause? Try it. The stakes are low, but the lessons are invaluable.

Here’s a fun fact. Many renowned CEOs exhibited a flair for entrepreneurship as teenagers. Jeff Bezos launched a summer camp business at 16. Elon Musk sold his first video game at 12. These weren’t monumental ventures, but they ignited an entrepreneurial mindset — one that’s rooted in curiosity, risk-taking, and problem-solving.