A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate has delivered a TEDx talk in Canada on the theme of kindness being a core leadership competency.

Robin Young is a Canadian native who studied Commercial Music at UWS Ayr campus as part of the partnership with Harris Institute in Toronto, Canada. Graduating in 2013, he also subsequently completed his MBA at UWS in 2021.

At TEDxOshawa his presentation explored how small, compassionate actions can create a powerful ripple effect in personal and professional environments.

“Earlier this year, I stepped out of my comfort zone and delivered a talk on leading with kindness,” explained Robin. “In the talk I encourage leaders to pause, reflect and choose kindness in times of stress and negativity, in order to create positive and lasting change in workplaces and communities.”

Currently Director of Corporate Training Services at Durham College, Robin helps people and organisations boost performance and integrate change through workforce development.

Talking about his time studying in Scotland, Robin said: “UWS provided me with the experience of a lifetime!

“As a Canadian student studying abroad, I was lucky enough to study at the new Ayr campus, where I met many other international and EU students in the same situation – we quickly became one big family.

“I left UWS with many opportunities ahead and my time there will always be treasured as it was the time when I began a better life.”

His “idea worth spreading” is simple but powerful: kindness is a core leadership competency.

“We all lead; in our workplaces, families and communities,” continued Robin. “If watching my talk inspires someone to show kindness to even one person, I’ll consider that a huge success.”

Watch the talk here:

ABOUT TED​

TED is an annual event where some of the world’s leading thinkers and doers are invited to share what they are most passionate about. “TED” stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design – three broad subject areas that are collectively shaping our future.

​TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events licensed by TED that brings people together to share ideas worth spreading. At a TEDx event, where “x” stands for independently organized event, “ideas worth spreading” are invited from the general public.