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How do you lead people who think, work, and expect things differently from you?
Many leaders struggle with cross-generational collaboration, especially when it comes to managing Gen Z. Do they really need constant feedback? Are they resistant to structure? Or is there a different way to align expectations without frustration?
In this episode, I sit down with Shirley Han, a senior banking executive in APAC with nearly 30 years of leadership experience, to discuss the real challenges and opportunities in leading younger generations. She shares how to navigate misaligned expectations, involve Gen Z in decision-making, and build leadership clarity without micromanaging.
You’ll hear about:
✔️ Why Gen Z responds differently to leadership—and how to adapt
✔️ The “Standing Beside vs. Standing in Front” leadership approach
✔️ The right way to involve younger employees in decision-making
✔️ Why investing in young talent is never wasted—despite high turnover
✔️ The biggest mistake senior leaders make when driving change
If you want to lead across generations without authority struggles or constant friction, this episode is for you.
(00:00) - (02:01) Intro: Are You a Strawberry or a Watermelon?
(02:02) - (05:50) Generational Labels: How Do They Impact Leadership?
(05:51) - (07:52) How Shirley Bridged Gaps Between Senior and Junior Employees
(07:53) - (10:42) What Leaders Often Get Wrong About Managing Gen Z
(10:43) - (12:20) How to Align Expectations Between Senior and Junior Talent
(12:21) - (15:46) The Right Way to Involve Younger Employees in Decision-Making
(15:47) - (19:52) When Gen Z Pushes Back: How to Handle Resistance as a Leader
(19:53) - (22:30) The ‘Standing Beside’ vs. ‘Standing in Front’ Leadership Approach
(22:31) - (25:15) Why Investment in Young Talent Is Never a Waste
(25:16) - (27:59) What Leaders Need to Understand About Change Management
(28:00) - (31:20) Why Gen Z Adapts to Change Faster Than Previous Generations
(31:21) - (33:45) The Most Common Mistake Senior Leaders Make When Managing Change
(33:46) - (36:45) How Senior Leaders Can Build an Open Mindset for Future Success
(36:46) - (39:45) Why Leaders Need to Ask for Feedback—And How to Do It Right
(39:46) - (41:50) The Power of Creating Space for Different Personalities at Work
(41:51) - (45:00) Shirley’s Biggest Leadership Lessons on Influence & Generational Leadership
(45:01) - (47:31) Closing: The One Thing You Should Apply from This Episode
How do you lead people who think, work, and expect things differently from you?
Many leaders struggle with cross-generational collaboration, especially when it comes to managing Gen Z. Do they really need constant feedback? Are they resistant to structure? Or is there a different way to align expectations without frustration?
In this episode, I sit down with Shirley Han, a senior banking executive in APAC with nearly 30 years of leadership experience, to discuss the real challenges and opportunities in leading younger generations. She shares how to navigate misaligned expectations, involve Gen Z in decision-making, and build leadership clarity without micromanaging.
You’ll hear about:
✔️ Why Gen Z responds differently to leadership—and how to adapt
✔️ The “Standing Beside vs. Standing in Front” leadership approach
✔️ The right way to involve younger employees in decision-making
✔️ Why investing in young talent is never wasted—despite high turnover
✔️ The biggest mistake senior leaders make when driving change
If you want to lead across generations without authority struggles or constant friction, this episode is for you.
(00:00) - (02:01) Intro: Are You a Strawberry or a Watermelon?
(02:02) - (05:50) Generational Labels: How Do They Impact Leadership?
(05:51) - (07:52) How Shirley Bridged Gaps Between Senior and Junior Employees
(07:53) - (10:42) What Leaders Often Get Wrong About Managing Gen Z
(10:43) - (12:20) How to Align Expectations Between Senior and Junior Talent
(12:21) - (15:46) The Right Way to Involve Younger Employees in Decision-Making
(15:47) - (19:52) When Gen Z Pushes Back: How to Handle Resistance as a Leader
(19:53) - (22:30) The ‘Standing Beside’ vs. ‘Standing in Front’ Leadership Approach
(22:31) - (25:15) Why Investment in Young Talent Is Never a Waste
(25:16) - (27:59) What Leaders Need to Understand About Change Management
(28:00) - (31:20) Why Gen Z Adapts to Change Faster Than Previous Generations
(31:21) - (33:45) The Most Common Mistake Senior Leaders Make When Managing Change
(33:46) - (36:45) How Senior Leaders Can Build an Open Mindset for Future Success
(36:46) - (39:45) Why Leaders Need to Ask for Feedback—And How to Do It Right
(39:46) - (41:50) The Power of Creating Space for Different Personalities at Work
(41:51) - (45:00) Shirley’s Biggest Leadership Lessons on Influence & Generational Leadership
(45:01) - (47:31) Closing: The One Thing You Should Apply from This Episode