How to Become a Young Business Leader Before You're Ready

How do you become a successful young entrepreneur or business leader when you're still figuring out what you want to do with your life? At just 23 years old, Kaila Brunetti is an Executive Director of BNI Maine, helping lead a regional business networking organization alongside her family. Recorded at the 2026 BNI Global Convention in Monaco, this episode of the BNI San Diego Podcast explores Kaila's journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial family to becoming a next-generation leader. Kaila shares how she developed leadership skills, learned from experienced business owners, built meaningful professional relationships, and discovered her career path by getting involved rather than waiting until she had everything figured out. In this episode: Young entrepreneurship and leadership development Taking over and growing a family business Finding your career path through experience Building confidence in business and public speaking Learning from successful entrepreneurs and mentors The importance of business networking and relationships Working with family in a multigenerational business Why curiosity creates career opportunities Taking risks and stepping outside your comfort zone The next generation of BNI leadership Kaila's advice for young entrepreneurs is simple: Take the leap. Put yourself in situations where you can learn, contribute, and discover what you enjoy. Whether you're a young professional, aspiring entrepreneur, family business successor, or experienced business owner mentoring the next generation, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on leadership, opportunity, and professional growth. What's one opportunity you wish you'd taken earlier in your career? Share your experience in the comments. Subscribe to the BNI San Diego Podcast for conversations about entrepreneurship, leadership, business growth, networking, and the people building stronger business communities. #YoungEntrepreneur #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipDevelopment #FamilyBusiness #NextGenerationLeadership #BusinessNetworking #BusinessLeadership #YoungProfessionals #CareerDevelopment #BNI #BNIMaine #BNISanDiego Visit us online: https://bnisd.com BNI is the world's most successful organization of its type in the world. Members pass millions of referrals which translates to billions of dollars in business. BNI San Diego (619) 255-2620 Visit a chapter: https://bnisd.com/en-US/findachapter