The Empathy Edge

Courage to Advance: Leading Gen Z with Dr. Meisha Rouser

Mar 20, 2025

44:42

Traditional Management Models Are Failing (And What Actually Works)

What if Gen Z's approach to work isn't just different, but better? Join Kim Bohr and Dr. Meisha Rouser as they challenge "kids these days" stereotypes and explore why traditional management is failing this generation.

Discover why questions about pay transparency and work-life boundaries signal evolution, not entitlement. Learn how leaders can adapt by understanding economic realities, setting clear expectations, and transforming feedback approaches.

Dr. Rouser shares practical leadership strategies to create meaningful growth opportunities that retain Gen Z talent while building more adaptive, high-performing teams.

Tune in every 3rd Thursday, right here on The Empathy Edge for the Courage to Advance episodes!

To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.com

Key Takeaways:

Why the "pay your dues" mentality is driving away top talent
How to transform feedback and development approaches for maximum impact
The importance of clear expectations and boundaries
Understanding the economic realities shaping Gen Z workplace needs
Why challenging workplace norms isn't entitlement but evolution

"This generation isn't just challenging workplace norms - they're showing us a better way forward. When they ask 'why do we work this way?' they're not being difficult, they're pushing us to create workplaces that actually work for everyone." – Dr. Meisha Rouser, PCC

About Dr. Meisha Rouser, PCC

Meisha is a recognized expert in organizational development, leadership, and change management with over 20 years of experience. She specializes in cultural transformation, executive coaching, and building high-performing leadership teams. 

As an organizational psychologist, her research on Gen Z in the workplace provides groundbreaking insights for creating productive and meaningful work environments. She skillfully navigates organizational culture to ensure lasting impact and strategic success.

Meisha holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University, a Master’s in Organizational Development, and an Executive Leadership Certificate from MIT Sloan school of business. She has worked with clients including HP, FujiFilms, Intel, Jackson Laboratories, and the U.S. Navy.

About SparkEffect

SparkEffect partners with organizations to unlock the full potential of their greatest asset: their people. Through their tailored assessments and expert coaching at every level, SparkEffect helps organizations manage change, sustain growth, and chart a path to a brighter future.

Go to sparkeffect.com/edge now and download your complimentary Professional and Organizational Alignment Review today.

Connect with Dr. Meisha Rouser:

Website: https://meisharouser.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meisharouser/

Connect with Kim Bohr and SparkEffect

SparkEffect: sparkeffect.com

Courage to Advance recording and resources:

sparkeffect.com/courage-to-advance-podcast

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sparkeffect

LinkedIn for Kim Bohr: linkedin.com/in/kimbohr

Connect with Maria:

Get Maria's books on empathy: Red-Slice.com/books