What an incredible journey our first season has been! When I launched Gen Z @ Work, I set out to move past the headlines and dive deep into real conversations about the future of work. Thanks to our amazing guests and listeners, we’ve done exactly that – uncovering actionable insights that organizations can use to build stronger, more dynamic workplaces.

Season 1 Highlights

Let me share some of my favorite moments and key insights from our standout episodes:

Semira’s Game-Changing Gamification at IBM

One of our most inspiring stories came from Semira Allen, who transformed team collaboration at IBM through innovative gamification. Starting with social events (including unconventional pumpkin spice tastings!), she built a program that included team mascots, individual rewards, and group achievements. The result?

A dramatic improvement in knowledge sharing and cross-generational collaboration. As Semira noted, “What that created was this kind of sense of healthy competition, where we’re starting to come together and figure out how can we beat this as a team?”

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Dr. Matt Zakreski on Neurodiversity in the Workplace

Dr. Matt brought crucial insights about creating truly inclusive workplaces, emphasizing the need to “make the implicit explicit.” His practical approach to workplace adaptation showed how changes that benefit neurodivergent employees often improve the work environment for everyone.

His memorable quote: “When you increase the company knowledge, when you increase the internal brain trust, everybody benefits – it raises the collective floor and when we have a higher floor, you’re almost certainly gonna have a higher ceiling.”

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Mariam & Amina Matin’s Generational Bridge

The Matin sisters provided a unique perspective on workplace evolution by combining Millennial and Gen Z viewpoints. Their discussion of the “Structure-Freedom Paradox” highlighted how Gen Z simultaneously craves workplace autonomy while needing clear guidance and support.

As they pointed out, “We have to be able to do a little bit of both… I don’t think we can assume anymore that anybody wants to stay at a company for 30 years… But also they do need support.”

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Key Themes from Season 1

Throughout our conversations, several powerful themes emerged:

• The Power of Purpose: Gen Z seeks meaningful work and clear connection to larger organizational goals
• Authentic Communication: Traditional corporate speak is out; real, transparent dialogue is in
• Work-Life Integration: Success is measured holistically, not just professionally
• Technology as an Enabler: Using digital tools to enhance, not replace, human connection

Looking Ahead

As we wrap up Season 1, I’m incredibly grateful to all our guests who shared their stories and insights so openly. Their experiences are helping shape how organizations approach talent development, workplace culture, and the Future of Work.

Stay tuned for Season 2, where we’ll continue exploring these themes and bringing you fresh perspectives on building workplaces where all generations can thrive!

Want to catch up on Season 1?

Find all our episodes here and wherever you get your podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next!

Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we’re not just talking about the Future of Work – we’re helping create it! 🚀