40-Under-40 Galas Are Nice. But Who's Lining Up Chairs For 100-Under-100 Events?

Can you believe Harlequin Cat has been invited to NINE 40-under-40 leadership galas? And it’s not even February yet.

I just hope I don’t get invited to a 5-under-5 gala, although I bet the speeches would be short and sweet – maybe just a few words like “Thanks" or “I wanna go home.” Cupcake centerpieces would grace every table and everyone would marvel over the mac and cheese.

But back to my 40-under-40 invitations. They all pretty much read the same: “Meet business’s hottest young stars under 40. They’re value creators, dynamics leaders and agents of change.”

Recognition of these individuals inspires others, of course. It also builds readership for national business magazines and hundreds of local business journals (translation: advertising dollars).

Not knocking our future ­­­whatever-under-whatever leaders. But what happened to 60-under-60 invites? Or 70-under-70? Or do leadership skills fade at age 41?

Two years ago, the University of West Indies celebrated its 60^th anniversary by honoring 60-under-60 individuals who “support the competitiveness of our society, as well as the humanitarian dimension, to ensure that the care of the most vulnerable in our society, and in the world, are not ignored by the rich and powerful.”

Now that’s nice. Experience counts for something.

I’m thinking it’s time someone throws a 100-under-100 gala.

And I’m not talking about 100 items for $100 or less at Target.

I’m talking about a gala for value creators, dynamic leaders and agents of change.