2022: Presenting the Next Generation of Leaders

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Identifying individuals who show the potential to be great leaders is a risky undertaking. The qualities that make someone capable of persuading others to follow them are not always evident – especially at a distance. So to compile this list, we looked for individuals who have demonstrated such abilities, if on a relatively small scale or in fields other than business. After all, NJBIZ is a business publication – we’re looking mainly for future business leaders.

For that reason, a few of the names on this list will be familiar to many readers and that warrants some explanation.

The best example is Carli Lloyd. She had a truly remarkable career as a soccer player – ranking among the top players internationally and becoming a major star in the process. Most of that fame was the result of her playing for the U.S. Women’s National Team, with which she won several championships. But she played her club soccer at Gotham FC, formerly Sky Blue FC. Now, retired from playing, Lloyd is a part owner of the team. That puts her firmly on the business side.

For good analog, think of a young person working at a sub shop, who then buys the place and builds it into a national brand. It happens, right?

Is this a prediction that Gotham FC will someday turn into the sports equivalent of Jersey Mike’s Subs? No. It’s not even clear what that would look like.

But Carli Lloyd has already shown that she has the drive and discipline to reach the pinnacle of her field. Those qualities will serve her well as she makes her way in the business world and bode well for the team’s future.

So, take a look at the profiles in these pages and let us know what you think of the list. And also, let us know who you think deserves such recognition in the future. There must be Carli Lloyds in law, accounting, manufacturing, health care and any number of other industries.

Click through to meet the 2022 Next Generation of Leaders.