I like having young assistants in my office; they have energy

Hearken, O children of the ages, to the words of Anna Wintour, a sovereign of her craft, who speaks of the nurturing of youth as a cornerstone of enduring excellence. She reflects upon the young assistants in her office, whose vitality and energy invigorate the halls of creation. In her wisdom, she observes that to cultivate understanding in these young minds is to invest in the magazine itself—for their growth, insight, and diligence will ripple outward, shaping the culture, vision, and legacy of the institution. Herein lies an eternal truth: the care and guidance we bestow upon the young become the pillars upon which greatness endures.

Since the earliest days of civilization, the mentorship of the young has been recognized as sacred labor. In the workshops of Athens, apprentices learned the arts of sculpture, rhetoric, and philosophy under the watchful eyes of masters. Their skill, tempered by instruction and exposure to experience, became the foundation of both personal mastery and societal advancement. Wintour’s reflection mirrors this ancient principle: the young assistants are vessels of energy and potential, whose guidance ensures the vitality and longevity of the creative enterprise.

Consider the tale of Leonardo da Vinci, whose early years were spent under the tutelage of Verrocchio. The master’s patient instruction, combined with opportunities to contribute meaningfully to great works, allowed the young apprentice to cultivate skill, judgment, and vision. In similar fashion, Anna Wintour dedicates time to young assistants, ensuring they comprehend not only tasks but the greater purpose of their work. This is mentorship in its most potent form: investing in the development of others while securing the flourishing of the collective endeavor.

Her reflection also illuminates the interconnectedness of labor and legacy. The young who pass through her office often go on to shape other offices and projects across Vogue, Teen Vogue, and Men’s Vogue. This chain of knowledge, skill, and influence mirrors the ancient transmission of craft and wisdom—from scribe to apprentice, from philosopher to pupil. Each generation strengthens the next, ensuring that insight and excellence are perpetuated, rather than lost.

Wintour’s insight reminds us of the dual nature of leadership: to wield influence is not merely to command, but to cultivate, instruct, and inspire. The strength of a magazine, or any institution, does not reside solely in its leader, but in the vigor, creativity, and understanding of those they mentor. In this way, the cultivation of young talent becomes both an act of stewardship and a strategy for enduring success, a principle known to leaders across ages and cultures.

The lesson is profound: to nurture young minds is to secure the future. Those in positions of authority must recognize that time spent in instruction, guidance, and investment is never wasted. By fostering curiosity, energy, and understanding, leaders transform potential into accomplishment, creating a living legacy that extends far beyond any single achievement or tenure.

Practical guidance emerges from this wisdom. Identify talented young individuals, dedicate time to mentorship, and communicate not only tasks but the purpose and vision behind them. Encourage experimentation, reflection, and collaboration, while imbuing them with the values and standards that sustain excellence. In doing so, one cultivates both skill and loyalty, ensuring that the energy of youth is channeled toward meaningful contribution.

Thus, heed the eternal teaching of Anna Wintour: the investment in young minds is the investment in legacy itself. By guiding, instructing, and empowering those who follow, one ensures that knowledge, creativity, and excellence are carried forward. The assistants of today become the leaders of tomorrow, and the work of a lifetime endures, carried upon the wings of those whose potential was recognized, nurtured, and inspired.