When Peyton Robertson was just 11 years old, he watched Hurricane Sandy tear through the U.S. coastline. He saw rescue workers on TV desperately trying to hold back the floodwaters that inundated homes, cars, and roads. Despite placing sandbags in numerous locations, the water kept pouring through. The storm left a trail of destruction and thousands of people struggling to recover.
What captured Peyton’s attention was how ineffective the sandbags were. He couldn't understand why there wasn’t a more effective solution. Peyton asked his friend, family, and teachers why no one had come up with a better idea. No one seemed to have an answer.
That’s when Peyton began to wonder, “What can I do?”
He knew he had a curious mind, a passion for science, and the ability to think beyond the limitations others saw.
So what did he do? He invented a sandbag—without the sand.
Growing up in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Peyton had seen his share of storms and floods. His experiences inspired him to design a new, more effective solution to protect against flooding and hurricanes. He named his invention the Sandless Operational Sandbag (SOS). Here’s how he approached the problem:
Traditional sandbags are heavy and difficult to transport.
They also leave gaps that allow water to seep through.
People needed a lighter, more flexible option that could expand to fill those gaps.
What if he created a bag filled with salt and a polymer that could absorb water?
When soaked, the polymer would expand, making the bag lightweight, easy to store, and more efficient at blocking water.
It made perfect sense—and the best part? It worked. Peyton saw beyond the limitations of conventional thinking and found a solution others missed. Sandbags have been used since the 18th century, but Peyton reimagined the concept, creating a more practical and effective alternative. His ability to think outside the box and his determination to make a difference led to his breakthrough.
In 2013, Peyton’s invention earned him the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.”
Join the conversation with the WWTO Leadership community in the comment section below.
How did Peyton demonstrate leadership qualities when he identified a problem and created a solution?
In what ways does curiosity play a key role in effective leadership?
How important is taking initiative in leadership?
What leadership lessons can we learn from Peyton’s ability to think outside the box?
How can leaders encourage innovative thinking and problem-solving in their teams or communities?
I used to have a boss who would ask my opinion and support my ideas. I was young and didn't really know what I was doing - but he'd ask me anyway. I didn't realize it then but he was trying to inspire initiative and build leadership in me. Looking back now I see that he did this at the expense of his time, efficiency, and vision. If we want to build leaders with initiative, we need to be willing to do the same.