Introducing the most power-packed episode we've ever had: It's the ASAE edition of the Gen Z Podcast. 45 minutes of Gen Z insights from association leaders and influencers in every industry you can think of, ranging from Bob Morrissey of the National Watermelon Association to Toni Brearly of the Australasian Society of Association Executives.

Full Guest List:

Shirley Wilcher, Executive Director 

 American Association of Access, Equity, and Diversity

Emily Hilton, Executive Director

Houston Apartment Association 

Bob Morrisey, Executive Director

National Watermelon Association

JT Tezak, Executive Director

Colorado Society of Association Executives 

Mary Todd, Executive Director

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

Carol Bowers, Senior Managing Director, Member Communities

American Society of Civil Engineers

Trish Jaraice, Director of Marketing and Communications

Mike Moss, President

The Society of College and University Planning

Ken Schoppman, Executive Director

Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology

Christi Beatty, Vice President, Chapter Services & Member Engagement

Associated General Contractors

Dayna Jackson, Director of Membership

 Medical Association of Georgia

Fred Stemme, COO

National Corn Growers Association

Rodneikka Scott, Director of Membership and Communications

Endocrine Society

Jason Bell, Director of Membership

Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association

Ralph Johnson, Executive Director

Veterinary Medical Association Executives

Patrick Flynn, Group Relations Manager

Encology Nursing Society

Callie Walker, Inbound Marketing Specialist 

Mark Sedgley, CEO

Memberclicks

Stuart Levy, Professor of Management 

George Washington University Business School

Ankur Ponda, 

NACUBO

Toni Brealy, CEO

Australian Society of Association Executives

Description: In this episode, Josh and Sarah interview David Rager, the immediate past-president of the American Water Works Association.

Key Podcast Takeaways :

• Takeaway – 1: The American Water Works is experiencing workforce turnover on a drastic scale. 
• Takeaway – 2: Gen Z has been fitting in well with the water industry thus far due to the social aspect of the work — importance of access to clean, fresh water. 
• Takeaway – 3: AWWA places emphasis on student engagement through scholarships and university chapters, especially through science based programs and departments.

David Rager is the immediate past-president of the American Water Works Association.  Rager is principal of Rager Management Consulting, LLC, and was CEO for SD1 for four years and the Greater Cincinnati Water Works for 17 years. He has served as AWWA's Treasurer, Chair of the Water Utility Council and a member of the International Council.

American Water Works Association (AWWA) is an international non-profit, scientific and educational association founded to improve water quality and supply. Established in 1881, it has a membership of around 50,000 members worldwide. AWWA members include water utilities, treatment plant operators and managers, scientists, environmentalists, manufacturers, academics, regulators, and others with an interest in water supply and public health.] AWWA works through advocacy, communications, conferences, education and training, science and technology, and local action among 43 AWWA Sections throughout North America.

https://www.facebook.com/AmericanWaterWorksAssociation/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-water-works-association/

@AWWA

In this episode, Josh interviews Joe Mariano, the CEO of the Direct Selling Association, and Jeff Kaufman, Chair of the DSA's Industry Research Committee.

Key Podcast Takeaways :

• Takeaway – 1: The Direct Selling Association is a case study for the growth of the gig economy. Generation Z will look to join the gig economy workforce as they are an entrepreneurial generation that also craves stability.
• Takeaway – 2: Trends as a whole, especially in retail, tend to leave out the fact that more innovation will occur to meet those trends and in turn create new trends. For example, the rise of Amazon and e-commerce will create short-term challenges but also long-term opportunity.
• Takeaway – 3: Like other industries, Direct Selling must continue to adapt and evolve to adopt new ideas and best practices, particularly with the rise of social media and localized commerce.

  Guest Bio:

  Joe Mariano joined the Direct Selling Association in 1985 and assumed the role of President in 2011. Previously, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Mariano serves as chief executive officer of the Association with ultimate responsibility for all association programs and activities; he is charged with providing progressive association leadership, development and implementation of Association policies in the fields of government, consumer and international affairs. He has been responsible for representing the Association's interests in all fifty state capitals and on Capitol Hill. He serves as a personal resource to direct selling companies who need overall guidance on general legal and business trends that affect direct sellers both in the US and worldwide.

  Jeff Kaufmann was the Director of Customer and Field Insights at Isagenix, a leading health and wellness direct selling company based in Arizona. Jeff is also the Chair of the DSA's Industry Research Committee. Previously, Dr. Kaufman worked for Avery Office Products, ConAgra Foods, and Kraft Foods, and was awarded the prestigious Ogilvy award in Advertising Research in 2005.

  About the Direct Selling Association:

  DSA is the 109-year-old not-for-profit national trade organization representing 130 direct sales firms, and their 6.2 million direct sellers, and more than 36 million customers. The Association's mission is "To protect, serve and promote the effectiveness of member companies and the independent business people they represent. To ensure that the marketing by member companies of products and/or the direct sales opportunity is conducted with the highest level of business ethics and service to consumers."

Guest Social Media Handles:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSAssn/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/direct-selling-association/

Twitter: @DSAAssn

In this episode, Josh interviews Stefanie Reeves, the Executive Director of the Maryland Psychological Association.

Key Podcast Takeaways :

• Takeaway – 1: Increased academic pressures, social media, the political climate, financial burdens, and social pressures have all contributed to the perception of Generation Z being synonymous with stress.
• Takeaway – 2: Companies and educational institutions must recognize that young people want to receive respect and be offered a voice. That will help provide purpose and enjoyment in work.
• Takeaway – 3: Associations in the psychological profession, and more broadly the healthcare profession, need to understand the problems that its members are facing. For example, the MD Psychological Association offers student loan assistance to help more psychologists overcome the financial hurdles of successfully doing their job.

Guest Bio: Stefanie Reeves is the Executive Director of the Maryland Psychological Association. She has considerable association management and government relations experience, previously working at the American Psychological Association, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and National Telecommunications Cooperative Association. She serves on the ASAE Board of Directors and is a Diversity Executive Leadership Program Scholar.

Social Media Handles:

https://www.facebook.com/MarylandPsychologicalAssociation

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjreevesmacae

https://twitter.com/stefanieatwork

In this episode, Josh interviews Sarah Sladek, CEO of XYZ University.

Key Podcast Takeaways :

• Takeaway – 1: The most effective organizations are the ones who can balance day-to-day tasks and satisfy current needs while at the same time understanding who -- and what -- is coming next.
• Takeaway – 2: The generations gap in the workforce is worse than its ever been, due to the arrival of technology making generational shifts becoming more pronounced. That's why it's so important to learn and understand other generations.
• Takeaway – 3: Generation Z is different than those that came before it. They will blend characteristics from all other generations and add their own spin on it.

About Sarah Sladek: After being promoted to leadership roles at a young age, Sarah Sladek became aware of age gaps in organizations and their lack of planning for future generations. In 2002, she founded XYZ University, the nation's first future-focused generational research and management consulting firm. Sarah has been an advocate for younger generations and succession planning for 17 years. She brings this passion to the stage, inspiring audiences with her message and equipping them with tactics to succeed.

Sarah's Social Media Handles:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/public/Sarah-Sladek
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahsladek/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahSladek?s=17

In this episode, Josh interviews Steve Young, the President of AICC, the Independent Packaging Association.

Key Podcast Takeaways :

• Takeaway – 1: Manufacturing is experiencing war for talent -- the lack of qualified workers is currently one of the most pressing issues facing the industry.
• Takeaway – 2: There is a common misconception that manufacturing is dirty, loud, and hot -- in actuality, many of these jobs are very technically advanced and should be marketed as such.
• Takeaway – 3: One way that companies can differentiate themselves from competitors when it comes to engaging young talent is to truly make an effort to invest in the next generation.Steve Young is the President of AICC, the Independent Packaging Association. AICC represents, and protects the business interests of members in the independent sector of the corrugated, folding carton, and rigid box industries. Steve has been with AICC for over 30 years and has held nearly every position within the Association, acting as a steward of AICC and membership working to best support it's privately held members.Social Media Handles:
• https://www.facebook.com/AICCbox/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/aicc
• @findaboxmaker

In this episode, Josh interviews Emily Dickens, Chief of Staff of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), discussing what the arrival of Generation Z means for the future of the HR profession and the greater workforce.

Key Podcast Takeaways :

• Takeaway – 1: Yes, Generation Z wants purpose in their work -- all people do. But the majority of Gen Zs are more motivated by financial stability than job enjoyment.
• Takeaway – 2: The best organizations are never content -- they feel they can always do better, especially as it becomes to engaging Gen Z. SHRM, specifically, has continued to do excellent work revamping and strengthening their student chapter program.
• Takeaway – 3: Every student in the country is entitled to an excellent K-12 education. College, however, needs to be reevaluated and looked at as an option for students rather than a requirement.
• Takeaway - 4: An association's value to Generation Z has three main components: Education/Certification, Community, and Advocacy.

Guest Name and Title:  Emily Dickens is the Chief of Staff at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). She is the executive responsible for coordinating staff to implement the CEO's vision, serving as corporate secretary for the SHRM Board and subsidiary boards, as well as managing external partnerships and providing oversight for the Government Affairs division.

Emily's Social Media Handles:

https://www.facebook.com/pg/societyforhumanresourcemanagement/posts/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emdesquire

https://twitter.com/search?q=emily%20dickens&src=typd

In this episode, Josh interviews Scott Grayson, Executive Director of the American Public Works Association, on what the arrival of Generation Z means for the future of public works.

Key Podcast Takeaways :

• Takeaway – 1: College expenses are at an all-time high and ROI on a degree is decreasing. The trades must capitalize on this and be portrayed as a viable alternative.
• Takeaway – 2: With Baby Boomers retiring, it is essential for the public works to replace those workers with Gen Z.
• Takeaway – 3: Gen Z workers are loyal and hardworking, but some laws prevent minors (those under 18) from fulfilling some tasks -- operating heavy machinery, etc.

Scott Grayson is the Executive Director of both the American Public Works Association (APWA) and the Canadian Public Works Association (CPWA). In this role, he leads the organizations' operations to provide strategic leadership and ensure that the vision and core values of APWA and CPWA are communicated and implemented at all levels of the organization. Grayson serves as the spokesperson, along with the APWA and CPWA Presidents, on behalf of APWA's 30,000 members. He collaborates with key stakeholders in the public works sector including the U.S. Congress, Canadian Parliament, federal, and provincial/state branches of government and agencies.

Social Media Handles:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scott.grayson.75?fref=search&__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARCc4TpR5u-QvKiaG8zdrOhJfT0bn8M_LOTVgwMVRClS2K-J3t0m0CNLGmgQKz5iHDSd63H_sqLJ4DCV
• https://www.facebook.com/AmericanPublicWorksAssociation/
• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottgrayson/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/APWAScott

In this episode, Josh interviews Linda Wedul, president of the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants, discussing what the arrival of Generation Z means for the future of the accounting profession.

Key Podcast Takeaways :

• Takeaway – 1: It's key to engage minority Gen Z students in the accounting profession, as they are traditionally underrepresented in the finance world. Organizations that can engage young minority employees will greatly benefit.
• Takeaway – 2: 'On-demand' learning is essential to keep Gen Z's attention. They've grown up in a world of Netflix and Youtube, and expect to be able to access content wherever and whenever.
• Takeaway – 3: Accounting is in the midst of a transformation, being driven by technology. Hopefully, Gen Z will be able to bring technical skills and prowess to the field and help modernize companies.
• Takeaway - 4: Soft skills are essential to the future of the accounting profession. Not only do accountants need to understand the numbers, but understand how to tell the story of the numbers.

Linda Wedul serves as president of the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants, a not-for-profit professional organization. They offer services and professional development for CPAs with 8,500 members working in public accounting, industry, government, and education with the purpose of helping members succeed professionally while being mindful of serving the public

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=535917001

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindawedul/

@lwedul

In this episode, Josh interviews two leaders in the association and healthcare space, discussing what the arrival of Gen Z is going to mean for the healthcare industry, what organizations can do to engage Gen Z, and what the future of medical education looks like.

Key Podcast Takeaways :

• Takeaway – 1: Educational systems need to emphasize training students holistically, teaching soft skills that might be out of a student's specific domain.
• Takeaway – 2: Yes, employers need talent now, but they will also need talent in 10-15 years. Be sure to also take a long-term view when making decisions.
• Takeaway – 3: Healthcare, above all, needs more workers to compensate for retirements and an increase in demand for healthcare from an aging population.
• Takeaway - 4: The values of the healthcare industry are shared with Gen Z. As much as there may be some challenges to engaging young workers, that value alignment -- changing lives, helping people -- will allow healthcare to succeed.

Guests: 

Tyler Ebert is the CEO of AdrenaCard Pharmaceuticals, a specialty pharmaceutical company that combines proven, life-saving drugs with devices that make them easier to carry, more intuitive to use, and accessible to those who need them.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerebert

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001439511279

Frank Jaskulke is the VP of Intelligence at the Medical Alley Association. The Medical Alley Association supports and advances the global leadership of Medical Alley's healthcare industry, ranging from startups to major players in the healthcare space. Frank's role as VP of intelligence is to ensure that association members have better information to make better decisions.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankjaskulke

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=13906327

@fjaskulke