Generations at Work 021: Rethinking Leadership: Connecting with Gen Z's Agency and Diversity
Nov 4, 2025
Join Tim Elmore, a generational leadership expert and author, as he unpacks insights from his book, focusing on Gen Z's unique blend of agency and anxiety. He highlights the importance of workplace diversity and evolving identities, encouraging leaders to shift from control to connection. Elmore suggests embracing Gen Z's entrepreneurial spirit and promoting innovation internally. He also shares predictions about future work dynamics, like the rise of four-day workweeks and the increasing influence of young, socially-savvy employees.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Agency Paired With Anxiety
- Gen Z shows high agency alongside high anxiety, appearing confident yet often struggling with mental health.
- Their smartphone-saturated lives fuel both empowerment and overwhelm.
Masterpiece In A Cheap Frame
- Tim Elmore tells of a $4 thrift-store frame that contained a $191,000 N.C. Wyeth painting.
- The story illustrates that a seemingly low-cost hire can contain a hidden masterpiece.
Most Diverse Workforce Yet
- Generation Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse cohort entering the workplace.
- Leaders must make room for diverse perspectives or miss valuable insights.
