Generations at Work
Tim Elmore, Susan Davis
Generations at Work is the must-listen podcast for leaders, professionals, and teams striving to bridge the generational divide in today's workplace. Hosted by Dr. Tim Elmore, best-selling author and generational leadership expert, and Susan Davis, Maxwell Leadership Facilitator and Coach, this podcast dives deep into the challenges and opportunities of a multi-generational workforce.
Each episode features insightful conversations with industry experts, real-world stories, and actionable strategies to foster collaboration, improve communication, and drive organizational success. Whether you're a seasoned leader managing a diverse team or an emerging professional navigating workplace dynamics, Generations at Work delivers the tools and insights you need to build bridges, not walls between generations.
Each episode features insightful conversations with industry experts, real-world stories, and actionable strategies to foster collaboration, improve communication, and drive organizational success. Whether you're a seasoned leader managing a diverse team or an emerging professional navigating workplace dynamics, Generations at Work delivers the tools and insights you need to build bridges, not walls between generations.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 2, 2025 • 24min
023: Earning the Right: Relationship-Driven Feedback Across Generations
Jeff Hancher, a leadership expert and author of Firm Feedback, dives into the importance of feedback in multi-generational workplaces. He discusses how Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z perceive feedback differently and shares ways to tailor feedback to each generation. Jeff emphasizes the value of building trust and setting clear expectations, recounting a personal story of transformation through tough love from his manager. The conversation is rich with actionable tips for leaders to create a culture of meaningful and effective feedback.
Nov 18, 2025 • 20min
022: From Multitasking to Innovation: The Gen Z Edge in Today's Workforce
John Craze, owner-operator of a Chick-fil-A in Alpharetta, Georgia, shares valuable insights from managing a team of predominantly Gen Z employees. He discusses strategies for engaging and retaining young workers through flexibility and purpose. John highlights Gen Z's impressive multitasking skills and adaptability in fast-paced environments, while also explaining how they drive innovative social media content. With a focus on cultivating a caring work culture, he reveals how empowering young employees leads to remarkable service and operational success.
Nov 4, 2025 • 27min
021: Rethinking Leadership: Connecting with Gen Z's Agency and Diversity
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.
Oct 21, 2025 • 31min
020: Grace and Grit: The Art of Mentoring Young Leaders
In this discussion, Sue Enquist, a legendary former UCLA softball coach and mentor for emerging leaders, shares her insights on effective mentorship. She emphasizes the importance of listening without ego and balancing rest with rigor for sustainable performance. Sue discusses strategies for fostering belief in young leaders and offers practical habits like gratitude and team awareness. She explores peer mentoring dynamics and the necessity of creating psychological safety, all aimed at bridging generational gaps in both sports and corporate environments.
5 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 25min
019: Coping and Hoping: Inside Generation Z's Approach to Work and Life
Tim Elmore, a generational leadership expert and best-selling author, joins the conversation to explore the unique traits of Generation Z in the workplace. He discusses the democratization of the workforce, emphasizing that younger employees crave a voice in decision-making. Tim highlights the importance of adapting leadership styles to foster trust and connection. The impact of instant information access on Gen Z's expectations is also examined, along with strategies for nurturing mental health in a binge-culture world. Tim's insights empower leaders to bridge generational gaps effectively.
Sep 23, 2025 • 33min
018: Why Gen Z is Changing the Workplace and How Leaders Can Adapt
Dr. Tim Elmore, a generational leadership expert and author of The Future Begins With Z, discusses how to effectively lead Generation Z in the workplace. He reveals alarming statistics on Gen Z's struggles, including high turnover and a skills gap between education and employment. Elmore introduces the Peter Pan Paradox, highlighting their unique blend of creativity and delayed maturity. He advocates for extended onboarding, mentorship, and the A-L-E-G framework to improve communication. The conversation is filled with practical strategies for fostering engagement and retaining young talent.
Sep 9, 2025 • 21min
017: Gen Z and Beyond: Adapting HR and Corporate Culture
Cami Mackey, the Chief People Officer at the Atlanta Hawks with over 30 years in HR, shares her insights on bridging generational gaps in the workplace. She emphasizes the distinct communication styles and work ethics of different generations. Cami reveals what Gen Z seeks from employers: purpose, flexibility, and growth opportunities. She discusses innovative recruitment techniques and the Hawks' data-driven strategies to attract younger fans and talent. With a focus on inclusion and continuous learning, this conversation offers valuable leadership tips for today's diverse workforce.
Aug 26, 2025 • 25min
016: Cultivating a "Whatever It Takes" Team Culture Across Generations
Dr. Tim Elmore, a generational leadership expert and bestselling author, discusses how to foster a 'whatever it takes' team culture across diverse age groups. He delves into how generational upbringing influences work attitudes and debunks myths surrounding Gen Z's work ethic. Tim emphasizes that Gen Z values loyalty to leaders over institutions, especially after pandemic layoffs. He shares practical strategies for leaders to build trust and offers inspiring metaphors like the 'second mile' to motivate teams to go above and beyond.
Aug 12, 2025 • 30min
015: Mastering Feedback: Insights for Leading Multigenerational Teams Effectively
Dr. Tim Elmore, a generational leadership expert and bestselling author, dives into the nuances of feedback across different age groups. He explains why understanding these preferences is crucial for effective leadership. Generational feedback styles vary significantly—Boomers favor annual reviews, while Gen Z prefers continuous, empathetic communication. Elmore’s memorable metaphors, like viewing feedback through a surgeon's lens, emphasize the importance of thoughtful correction. He also introduces the ALEG framework to help leaders connect deeper with their teams.
Jul 29, 2025 • 27min
014: Building Teamwork Across Ages: Stories from Chick fil-A's Multigenerational Staff
In this conversation, Chick-fil-A owner-operator Zach Thomas shares insights from his extensive experience managing a multigenerational team. He recounts humorous stories, like playful banter with a 71-year-old team member, showcasing how cross-generational rapport fosters connection. Discussing the challenges leaders face, Zach emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and adapting leadership styles to meet the needs of a diverse workforce. He also likens leadership to parenting, advocating for empathy and structure to strengthen workplace relationships.
