Humans have always needed heroes. From the warriors who defended ancient kingdoms to the visionaries who shaped modern society, heroes inspire us to see beyond our limitations. They motivate us to rise above our fears, challenges, and insecurities. They remind us of what’s possible. The story of humanity is a tapestry of heroic acts, some grand and public, others quiet and personal, yet all significant in their impact.

But as we stand on the threshold of 2025, I believe the kind of heroes we need has fundamentally shifted. Over the course of 2024, I spent a great deal of time pondering this question: What would the heroes of the future look like? The more I reflected, the more I became convinced that they will, more often than not, not resemble the ones we have traditionally placed on pedestals. The issues and opportunities of our time are different. The insecurities we face, the ambitions we chase, and the questions we struggle to answer are more layered, nuanced, and interconnected than ever before. It is no longer enough for our heroes to excel in isolation or operate on a pedestal. To guide and elevate us in this increasingly complex world, they must bring something new to the table – a combination of courage, empathy, and vision that meets the unique demands of the moment.

The heroes of the future will not be cut from the same cloth as those we have admired in the past. Their greatness will not be defined by feats of strength or solitary genius but by their ability to navigate complexity, inspire inclusivity, and act with intention. I think they will not just solve problems; they will redefine how we approach them.

At their core, these future heroes will possess three defining characteristics that set them apart.

First, they will have the courage to question. They will challenge the narratives we’ve grown comfortable with, refusing to accept what is simply because it has always been. This courage will not manifest as rebellion for its own sake but as an intentional pursuit of better answers, sharper insights, and more just outcomes. I contend their bravery will be quiet yet transformative, igniting a collective willingness to explore uncharted territories.

Second, they will lead with empathy in action. In a world divided by ideologies, interests, and inequities, empathy is no longer a soft skill – it is an essential one. But the heroes of tomorrow won’t just feel deeply; they will act decisively. They will use their empathy as a tool to connect, to heal, and to create. They will listen to voices that are often silenced, amplify perspectives that are often ignored, and build bridges across divides that seem insurmountable. Their strength will come not from dominance but from their ability to lift others up, recognizing that true leadership is a shared endeavor.

Finally, they will be anchored by a vision rooted in sustainability. These heroes will think beyond the immediate. They will dream in decades, not days. They will champion causes that transcend individual or organizational gain, striving for outcomes that endure across generations. I believe their vision will reflect a deep understanding of interconnectedness. They will see the world not as a set of isolated problems but as a system in which every decision has ripple effects.

These heroes will not just inspire us to follow them; they will challenge us to grow alongside them. And to ground this reflection, here’s what I think we must remember about these defining traits:

• Courage to Question: They will seek better answers by challenging what’s accepted and navigating uncharted territories.
• Empathy in Action: They will transform empathy into meaningful acts that connect, heal, and uplift.
• Vision Rooted in Sustainability: They will focus on solutions that endure, benefitting humanity and the planet alike.

And perhaps the most humbling realization is this: we all have the capacity to embody these traits. The heroes of 2025 will not be mythical figures or untouchable icons. They will be people who rise from within us – parents, teachers, colleagues, and neighbors who dare to ask better questions, who care enough to act, and who see the world not just as it is but as it could be.

So, as we look ahead, let us not only admire these heroes when they emerge but also strive to become them. Let us examine our own lives and ask: Do we have the courage to question? Do we act with empathy? Do we build visions that will outlast us?

The heroes we need are already among us, and perhaps, with the right intention, they could be us.