In this episode of Champion of the Underdog, leadership expert John Graci tackles one of the most common challenges for emerging leaders: how to confidently lead people who’ve been on the job longer than you’ve been alive. Whether you’re a new manager in your 20s or 30s or stepping into leadership for the first time, this episode offers real-world advice for earning trust, building respect, and leading with authenticity. John shares the biggest mistakes younger leaders make, like trying to prove they know everything, rushing to change things, or ignoring veteran employees’ wisdom, and shows what to do instead. Through humor and practical insight, he breaks down how to balance humility with authority, turn skepticism into support, and turn resistance into engagement. The takeaway? You don’t need gray hair to lead someone with gray hair. You just need consistency, clarity, and humility. Key Takeaways: Don’t fake perfection! Authenticity builds trust faster than authority. Seek wisdom from experienced employees instead of overlooking it. Avoid the “new sheriff in town” mindset; involve others in shaping change. Listen more than you talk. Relationships drive respect. Address generational differences openly and confidently. If you’re a young or new leader navigating seasoned teams, this episode gives you the communication tools and mindset shifts to lead effectively from day one.