Alastair sits down with Gillian White, an independent consultant in retail engineering by training, and lifelong globetrotter. A self-described Gen X cusper, Gillian pushes back on generational absolutes: agreeing with Alastair’s mantra that we’re framed by our era, not defined by it. Growing up as “the new kid” across different countries taught her adaptability, curiosity and grit. These were traits she later relied on as one of only a handful of women on her engineering course and throughout a career spanning public and private sectors (including time working in Japan).

Gillian tackles ageism head-on, arguing that the word retirement often implies redundancy rather than reinvention. “Age is a privilege,” she says as she shares the story of an 85-year-old emeritus physicist still lecturing as the model of purposeful longevity. She reflects on overcoming bias as a young female engineer (prove competence, keep going, build allies) and why she now chooses clients who respect experience while using candid feedback and clear ground rules when she spots cross-generational friction.

As a parent to a cusp-generation daughter, Gillian aimed for aspiration over prescription by looking at slightly softer edges than her own strict, military-family upbringing, but with high expectations and wide horizons. She questions whether society has become too risk-averse, urging “careful risk-taking” so younger generations can build real resilience. Her advice to older professionals: stay relevant (keep learning, yes - including AI), be humble, and be generous with your knowledge. To Gen Z: talk to us - ask, listen, don’t posture, and don’t feel you have to mimic each other’s slang to connect.

Gillian White Takeaways:

• Ageism (including the baggage of the word retirement) erases value; purpose can and should evolve.
• As a minority in engineering, progress came from competence, consistency and allies (plus ignoring noise).
• If you meet subtle bias, try open feedback and shared ground rules. If it persists, walk away.
• Parents and leaders should promote aspiration + autonomy: listen more, prescribe less.
• For seasoned pros: keep learning, especially new tools and tech; be humble and share wisdom.
• For Gen Z: communicate plainly, ask questions, and seek to understand before persuading.

Gillian White Links
www.enavant.co.uk
Linkedin
Instagram @vendingpixie

Generationally Speaking Website

Generationally Speaking on LinkedIn

Alastair on LinkedIn

In this powerful conversation, Alastair speaks to Alex Staniforth, record-breaking ultra-endurance athlete, speaker, and founder of mental health charity Mind Over Mountains. Now 30, Alex reflects on being on the generational cusp between Millennials and Gen Z, and how adversity shaped his early life, from epilepsy and bullying to stammering and school struggles. He opens up about finding solace in the outdoors, raising over £36,000 through his epic mountain challenges, and why being underestimated for his age became a hidden strength.  Alex shares why he believes younger generations are often unfairly labelled as entitled or fragile, and what older generations can do to support them more effectively.

Alex Staniforth Takeaways:
 Adversity doesn’t define you—your response to it does.
 Gen Z and Millennials are purpose-driven but often misjudged.
 Generational bias in the workplace can be subtle—but it’s real.
 Intergenerational collaboration thrives on honesty, humility, and shared goals.
 Empathy, resilience, and authenticity matter more than age.

Alex Staniforth Links
www.alexstaniforth.com

LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook

Generationally Speaking Website

Generationally Speaking on LinkedIn

Alastair on LinkedIn

In this honest and reflective episode, Alastair speaks with Kristine Long, a senior leader at IBM with a decade-long career across London and New York. Kristine explores what it means to be a "typical millennial" in the workplace - value-driven, vocal, and constantly adapting.
Now also a mother to one of the first Gen Beta babies, Kristine reflects on how her upbringing shaped her ambition, the evolving landscape of parental roles, and why millennials often delay major life milestones - not out of apathy, but due to choice and circumstance. She also unpacks how hybrid work has transformed intergenerational dynamics, and how she leads Gen Z while still being managed by Gen X.

Key Takeaways:
Millennials are bridging both ends of the generational spectrum at work.
-Career prioritisation and financial independence influence delayed milestones.
-Flexibility, empathy, and representation are key to retaining younger talent.
-Gen Z brings fresh confidence—but needs guidance with structure and context.
-Mutual respect between generations helps organisations evolve authentically.

Kristine Long Links
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristine-long-567b1540/

In one of the most striking conversations of the series, Alastair Greener sits down with
Keenan Noori, the articulate and passionate 15-year-old founder of the Nexus Party, who’s
on a mission to reform UK politics. Frustrated by ideological tribalism and rigid party lines,
Keenan shares his vision for a centrist, evidence-based political approach that unites rather
than divides.
With a level of eloquence and clarity rare in any age group, Keenan challenges the notion
that Gen Z lacks resilience or seriousness. He discusses how growing up in a multicultural
household in Wiltshire shaped his views, why older generations should engage rather than
condescend, and how young people can—and should—be active participants in shaping the
future. His father Amer joins partway through the episode, offering a heartfelt perspective on
raising a son so deeply engaged with public life.
This episode is a powerful reminder that wisdom doesn’t always come with age - and that
the next generation is more ready than we may think.

Kenan Noori Takeaways:

• Age isn’t a barrier to political awareness or impact—curiosity and effort matter more.
• Keenan’s Nexus Party is a movement rooted in pragmatism, not partisanship.
• Social media divides can be overcome with face-to-face conversations and inclusive messaging.
• Resilience isn’t missing from Gen Z—it just shows up differently.
• Youth engagement in politics grows when young people are treated with seriousness, not stereotypes.
• Older generations can support youth by engaging in open dialogue and mentorship, not gatekeeping.
• Education, housing, and healthcare remain key issues that young people care deeply about—if they’re invited into the conversation.

Kenan Noori Links

Instagram: partynexus
https://www.nexus-party.com

Alastair is joined by award-winning social entrepreneur Lise Kaye-Bell, founder of Soundproof Box, an immersive theatre company using live performance to explore tough topics with young people. From misogyny and coercive control to drug trafficking and self-worth, Lise’s work has reached over 13,000 students and counting.
As a Gen Xer with a Gen Z daughter, Lise brings both personal and professional insight into how generational communication is evolving. She shares why she never wanted to be the “old lady with a PowerPoint,” how she co-creates shows that resonate with Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and why asking questions (not giving answers) is key to unlocking trust and engagement. With humour, honesty and empathy, this episode offers practical lessons for parents, educators and anyone struggling to connect with the next generation.

Lise Kaye-Bell Takeaways:

1. Language and humour matter: Keeping up with Gen Z slang, tech, and tone is essential for resonance.
2. Cultural literacy gaps: Today’s teens are informed and inclusive, but their sources can be unfiltered or narrow.
3. Content-rich, context-poor: Gen Z’s world is full of opinions, but not always the tools to evaluate them.
4. Tech tension: Phones aren’t just distractions—they’re creative tools when used with purpose.
5. Resilience shift: Gen Z may be less resilient in traditional ways—but more emotionally articulate and socially conscious.
6. Advice for Gen Z: Your elders have lived experience—ask questions, challenge kindly, and keep talking.

Lise Kaye-Bell Links
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lise-kaye-bell/
https://www.facebook.com/Soundproofboxcic/
https://www.instagram.com/soundproof_box/
https://www.youtube.com/@Soundproofboxcic

In this values-driven episode, Paul Hargreaves - B Corp leader, author, and CEO of
Cotswold Fayre - talks with Alastair about how purpose-led businesses are better for people,
planet, and profit. With years of experience leading ethical enterprises, Paul explores how
different generations approach leadership, legacy, and social responsibility. He reflects on
his Gen X upbringing and how it sparked his passion for fairness and sustainability.
Paul also delves into how younger generations are holding leaders accountable and why
that’s a good thing. From his advocacy for conscious capitalism to his insights on
neurodiversity, humility, and mentoring, Paul lays out a powerful vision for a
multigenerational workforce united by shared values.

Paul Hargreaves Takeaways:

• Why the best leaders are now “generous leaders”—collaborative, humble, and inclusive.
• Gen Z is driving transparency and social impact—and that’s reshaping business
• priorities.
• Diversity (of age, thought, and background) fuels innovation and culture.
• Leadership isn’t about hierarchy—it’s about human connection and purpose.

Paul Hargreaves Links
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulwhargreaves/
https://www.instagram.com/cotswoldpaul
https://www.tiktok.com/@paul_hargreaves1
www.paulhargreaves.co.uk
Podcast:  https://podfollow.com/4th-bottom-line

Generationally Speaking Links:

Generationally Speaking Website
Generationally Speaking on LinkedIn
Alastair on LinkedIn

Alastair welcomes Maurice Collins, a 90-year-old inventor, entrepreneur, and author, whose wisdom and wit span nearly a century of generational change. With infectious humour and humility, Maurice reflects on growing up in wartime Britain, the discipline of hand-setting printing type, and the joy of collecting eccentric Victorian gadgets. But more than that, he shares how his life has been defined by continual reinvention - from entrepreneur to disability rights campaigner.

This episode is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and the value of living a purposeful life, regardless of age. Maurice proves that learning is lifelong, age is just a number, and intergenerational collaboration is richer when we replace judgement with curiosity.

Key Takeaways

• How growing up during wartime shaped Maurice’s values of resilience and self-reliance.
• The surprising parallels between the Silent Generation and Gen Z’s desire for purpose.
• Why curiosity, not technology, is the real engine of progress.
• Intergenerational respect starts with genuinely listening—on both sides.

Maurice's links
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSpu5_x_HJU&t=132s

https://victoriangadgets.com/

Generationally Speaking:
Generationally Speaking Website
Generationally Speaking on LinkedIn

Alastair Greener
Alastair on LinkedIn

Show Notes
In this energising episode, Kim Seeling Smith - future-of-work strategist and founder of Ignite Global - joins Alastair to unpack what younger generations want from their careers, and why their demands might actually be saving the workplace. Drawing on global research and her extensive HR expertise, Kim explores why Millennials and Gen Z are prioritising purpose, flexibility, and feedback as well as what older generations can learn from them.

She debunks myths around work ethic and loyalty while highlighting the danger of ignoring Gen Z’s desire for growth. She goes on to share how AI is reshaping jobs across all age groups. Kim also discusses the concept of mutual mentoring and why leaders must become more emotionally fluent and curious to attract, and retain, younger talent. This is a wake-up call for any business still operating in a pre-pandemic mindset.

Key Takeaways

• Why “command and control” leadership styles are fast becoming obsolete.
• Gen Z’s feedback hunger isn’t entitlement—it’s a tool for growth.
• AI is removing the need for “BS jobs” and pushing all generations to level up.
• Building cross-generational trust requires curiosity, empathy, and humility.

Kim Seeling Smith

https://kimseelingsmith.com/

https://linkedin.com/in/kimseelingsmith

Generationally Speaking:

Generationally Speaking Website

Generationally Speaking on LinkedIn

Alastair Greener

Alastair on LinkedIn

 At just 19 years old, Tom Penketh is making his voice heard in local politics. In this episode, Alastair speaks with Tom about his experience on a Youth Council, his views on representation, and how Gen Z perceives authority, activism, and communication.

Tom challenges assumptions about his generation being disengaged and apathetic. Instead, he paints a picture of a digitally native, socially conscious cohort that values community impact, mental health, and accountability. He also offers a fresh perspective on how adults can better support young people: not by giving them a voice, but by listening to the one they already have.

Key Takeaways

• Gen Z values authenticity and expects to be heard and not dismissed.
• Intergenerational dialogue must be based on respect rather than condescension.
• Local government has huge potential as a training ground for young leaders.
• The “entitled youth” narrative is tired. Today’s youth are deeply engaged, when given the chance.

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/1AZxe1cpAS/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-penketh
Website - https://cllrtompenketh.mycouncillor.org.uk

Generationally Speaking:

Generationally Speaking Website

Generationally Speaking on LinkedIn

Alastair Greener

Alastair on LinkedIn

Dr. Lynda Shaw, a behavioural neuroscientist and leadership psychologist, talks to Alastair about how each generation’s brain wiring influences perceptions and decision-making. She demystifies unconscious bias, explains why different age groups see the world in unique ways, and offers practical tips for keeping communication open and respectful. Whether at home or in the workplace, Dr. Shaw highlights the role of curiosity and mutual respect in uniting generations.

Key Takeaways

• Our brains are softwired through experience, culture, and personal history
• Unconscious bias and stereotyping can hinder effective cross-generational communication
• Curiosity is crucial, so asking questions will help break down age-based assumptions
• Simple, empathetic communication fosters inclusion and reduces generational silos

Lynda Shaw 

http://uk.linkedin.com/in/lyndashaw

www.drlyndashaw.com

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwXWnDYw2s2mdZnCjWp0GkA 

Generationally Speaking:

Generationally Speaking Website

Generationally Speaking on LinkedIn

Alastair Greener

Alastair on LinkedIn