I have to tell you – ever since I’ve started to divide my time between academia and consulting a few years back, life has been one wild ride. Best. Decision. Ever.

The best part is getting to work with these kids that are just incredible, so smart. I mean, some of them, wow.

Case in point: I’m mentoring this students team for an international startup competition (929 Challenge), right? This 19-year-old sophomore – yes, 19! – comes up with this wild idea for a company. You ready? He wants to create a company that integrates energy resources from Portuguese-speaking countries. We’re talking oil from East Timor and Angola, but here’s the kicker – he wants to partner with local farmers to buy their carbon credits.

Now, to be fair, my first reaction was: “Whoa, pal, you better watch out for those greenwashing charges!” But honestly? I’m just in awe of how clever some these young minds are.

They remind me that the greatest gift I ever gave myself was choosing this life. Sure, consulting pays the bills (and then some), but hanging out with these kids? It keeps me young, keeps me on my toes and reminds me why I got into this game in the first place.

So yeah: if you’re ever thinking of really switching things up in your career, do it then. You never know what amazing experiences – or bloody brilliant ideas – you might stumble upon. I promise, it’ll be worth it.