Should tech savvy teens sit on boards?

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, where technological advancements occur at lightning speed, the question of whether tech-savvy teenagers should sit on company boards has sparked a debate in Silicon Valley. The idea of having teenagers contribute to innovation and decision-making processes in technology companies is gaining traction, with some industry experts advocating for greater age diversity on boards to stay ahead of the competition. Ellen Reyes, CEO of Reyes Corp, joins CNBC Africa to delve into this thought-provoking topic. With the ever-increasing pace of change in the technology sector, the argument for including teens on company boards is gaining momentum. Ellen Reyes emphasizes the importance of considering age diversity alongside gender and racial diversity within the digital space. She suggests that having teenagers provide their perspectives and insights on products designed for youth could be invaluable. By tapping into the unique insights of tech-savvy teens, companies could gain a competitive edge and better understand the evolving trends in the digital landscape. While the idea of teens sitting on company boards may seem unconventional in traditional industries, the tech sector is known for its disruptive and innovative nature, making it more receptive to such novel approaches. Ellen Reyes argues that teenagers, who are early adopters of technology and social media platforms, can offer valuable insights into emerging trends and consumer preferences. By involving teenagers in advisory roles, companies can benefit from their fresh perspectives and tech fluency, ultimately shaping more innovative products and strategies. The paradigm shift towards including teenagers in decision-making processes reflects a recognition of their influence and relevance in shaping the digital future. The debate surrounding the integration of teenagers on company boards has elicited a range of responses from the local technology space. While some view the idea with skepticism and amusement, others see it as a promising step towards fostering diversity and innovation in the industry. Ellen Reyes's proposal of a possible 10% quota of teens on boards has sparked discussions about the practicality and potential benefits of such a bold initiative. Despite initial reactions varying from laughter to curiosity, the notion of involving tech-savvy teenagers in corporate governance is being met with a growing sense of openness and interest. As the tech industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing consumer behaviors and technological advancements, the inclusion of younger voices on company boards could offer a fresh perspective and drive innovation in unprecedented ways. By embracing age diversity and leveraging the insights of tech-savvy teens, companies can position themselves at the forefront of digital transformation and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving market landscape.