GenShift: Where Generations Explore Life, Work, and Leadership

Which generation will figure out AI first? AI startup founder and former Truist chief innovation officer Scott Zimmer joins Dr. Katherine Jeffery to share his perspective, plus the average trap and why AI sounds smartest when you know the least.

Academic Paper that Describes the Average Trap (from Oxford Academic)

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• Host: Dr. Katherine Jeffery
• Guest: Scott Zimmer
• Episode Manager: Jody Fernando
• Editor: Ariana Layton

Can a classroom actually keep pace with a workplace that's already moved on?
In Part 2, Dr. Katherine Jeffery and Ted Mitchell continue their conversation about the future of higher education, beginning with the disconnect between the modern workplace and the college environment. They take a deeper look at AI, exploring institutional guardrails, active vs passive learning, and what students gain and lose by using AI. They also discuss how educators must adapt their teaching and consider broader generational shifts around economic and cultural segregation.

Find More Information About  the American Council on Education (ACE) Here: acenet.edu/Pages/default.aspx

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• Host: Dr. Katherine Jeffery
• Guest: Ted Mitchell
• Episode Manager: Jody Fernando
• Editor: Ariana Layton

What does college even mean anymore, and does the picture in your head still match reality?
In this episode, Dr. Katherine Jeffery and Ted Mitchell explore the future of higher education and how institutions have evolved. They discuss changing college demographics, the rise of community colleges and online learning. They also talk about the issues affecting public trust, including admissions, financial aid, and transfers. Listen in to explore what degrees signal to employers and learn about the growing focus on explicit skills in the workplace.

Find the College Scorecard Here: collegescorecard.ed.gov/  

Find the Carnegie College Comparison Tool Here: carnegieclassifications.org

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• Host: Dr. Katherine Jeffery
• Guest: Ted Mitchell
• Episode Manager: Jody Fernando
• Editor: Ariana Layton

Join Dr. Katherine Jeffery for a new season exploring the future of education, the impact of AI, and how to understand generations shaping our world. Through thoughtful conversations with educators, researchers, leaders, and innovators, Dr. Jeffery will unpack how technology, generational perspectives, and changing expectations are transforming the way we learn, work, lead, and connect.

For More Information, Visit: katherinejeffery.com/

• Host: Dr. Katherine Jeffery
• Episode Manager: Jody Fernando
• Editor: Ariana Layton

As Season 1 of GenShift comes to a close, Dr. Katherine Jeffery reflects on the conversations, insights, and lessons that shaped the inaugural season. This episode highlights the key themes that resonated most with listeners. Dr. Jeffery also shares exciting updates about what's ahead for GenShift in Season 2.

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In this episode of the GenShift® Podcast, Dr. Katherine Jeffery sits down with Tom and Susie Finley, founders of Ascent Living Communities in Denver, Colorado. They have spent decades working with families navigating senior living decisions and are Gen Xers living this season themselves. The conversation covers the signs families miss, why most people wait too long, how to start a conversation with a parent who does not want to have it, and what to put in place before a crisis forces the decision. If someone in your life is aging and the conversation keeps getting postponed, this episode is worth the listen.

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Dr. Katherine Jeffery sits down with Lucia Valentine and Lily Rancatore to talk about how Gen Z is shaping the future of HR and the workplace. From mission and values to transparency, flexibility, and meaningful work, they share what matters most to the next generation and why organizations can’t afford to ignore it.

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In this episode, Dr. Katherine Jeffery sits down with Kiki Kouris to explore HR through a Millennial lens. Kiki shares her perspective on how the workplace has evolved, moving from rigid policies to a more people-centered approach. They discuss the expectations Millennials bring into HR and provide insight into how HR continues to adapt. Tune in to learn what it means for the future of work.

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In this episode, Dr. Katherine Jeffery sits down with Jenn Black to reflect on her journey in HR as a Gen Xer and the changes she’s seen along the way. As the workplace has evolved, so has HR—moving from a system centered on enforcing policies to one that prioritizes people, connection, and support. Jenn offers insight into this shift and what it looks like to bring humanity back into the workplace.

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Dr. Katherine Jeffery talks with Baby Boomer, Diane Vlcek, about her journey in HR and how the field has evolved over the years. Diane shares her wisdom on navigating professional experiences while bringing care, curiosity, and empathy to the workplace. This conversation inspires listeners to lead and collaborate with intention and connection.

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