
Generations at Work
Generations at Work is a podcast for leaders, professionals, and teams navigating a multi-generational workforce. Hosted by Dr. Tim Elmore and Susan Davis, it examines the challenges and opportunities of working across generations. Episodes include conversations with industry experts, real-world stories, and practical strategies. Listeners gain tools to improve communication, foster collaboration, and bridge generational divides.
Episodes

Helping Different Generations Get Unstuck thru Curiosity and Connection
In this episode of Generations at Work, hosts Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore welcome resilience coach Jay Abbasi to discuss navigating generational differences in the workplace. Discover why employees feel stuck or disengaged and how different generations look at meaning, recognition, and communication at work. Jay shares personal stories and practical strategies for building genuine connections,

044: 11 Gen Z Predictions on the Future of Work (Part 2)
In this episode of Generations at Work, Dr. Tim Elmore and Susan Davis continue exploring the evolving landscape of the workplace. Building on insights from Gen Z focus groups and observations from workplace futurists, they cover trends like the rise of new leadership styles, the impact of AI and robotics on jobs, and the increasing power of employees in organizational decision-making, among oth

043: 11 Gen Z Predictions on the Future of Work (Part 1)
In this episode of Generations at Work, Dr. Tim Elmore and Susan Davis explore the emerging trends shaping the future workplace as Gen Z and Millennials take the lead. Drawing from recent focus groups and futurist insights, they discuss trends like the rise of AI-driven shortcuts and the growing demand for a 4-day workweek. They unpack generational divides in work ethic, technology, and values, a

042: The Revenge of Gen Z and How Your Team Can Capitalize On It
In this episode of Generations at Work, Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore explore the emerging trend of "the revenge of Generation Z" and how organizations can harness it for a healthier, more connected workplace. Despite Gen Z's tech-heavy reputation, Tim highlights their growing desire to step away from screens, seek genuine in-person connections, and return to retro experiences. Drawing on resear

041: Baby Boomers and the Modern Workplace
In this episode of Generations at Work, Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore welcome attorney Jenny Chapin for a candid discussion on the vulnerabilities and strengths baby boomers experience in today's rapidly evolving workplace. The conversation explores the importance of bridging generational gaps through humility, respect, and curiosity, while also addressing boomers' challenges around technology,

040: The Gen X Perspective on Adaptability, Loyalty, and Leadership
In this episode of the Generations at Work podcast, Tim Elmore sits down with Randy Hain of Serviam Partners to explore the unique vulnerabilities and strengths of Generation X in today's workforce. They discuss how Gen Xers bring valuable experience and a steady presence to organizations. Adding nuance to the generation's reputation as hardy and resilient problem-solvers, Randy shares personal i

039: Gen Z at Work: Stereotypes, Challenges, and the Power of Empathy
In this episode, Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore explore the often misunderstood concept of vulnerability across generations in the workplace. Joined by Gen Z professional Josh Davis, they unpack how feelings of uncertainty and pressure show up uniquely for younger workers, especially when navigating stereotypes, workplace expectations, and the rapid rise of AI. The conversation highlights Gen Z's

038: The Benefits of Reverse Mentoring feat. Coca-Cola Consolidated
In this episode of Generations at Work, Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore are joined by Dave Katz and Beth Warren of Coca-Cola Consolidated to explore the concept of reverse mentoring. Through candid stories and practical insights, they highlight how mutual learning between newer and more experienced team members creates stronger connections, enhances company culture, and prepares organizations for

037: Midlife Millennials: Overcoming Stereotypes & Building Empathic Work Cultures
In this episode of Generations at Work, Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore are joined by Jodie, Senior Director of Global Talent and Practices at Deckers Brands, for an honest discussion on vulnerabilities in the workplace from a Millennial perspective. The conversation explores how Millennials navigate shifting perceptions as they move from being the "new kids" to mid-career leaders, often acting as

036: 11 Experiences All Gen Z Employees Need for Growth (Part 2)
In this episode of Generations at Work, Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore continue their discussion on the essential experiences Gen Z employees need for personal and professional growth. Building on part one, they explore the next six realities, including leaving toxic work environments, volunteering time and energy, and otheres. Through practical stories and actionable insights, they highlight how

035: 11 Experiences All Gen Z Employees Need for Growth (Part 1)
In this episode of Generations at Work, Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore explore five of the 11 essential realities all young employees should experience for growth in today's evolving workforce. Tim and Susan discuss the shifting job market for Gen Z, including the decline in teens taking entry-level jobs and the challenges employers face in attracting and retaining young talent. They dive into pr

034: HR & the Emerging Workforce feat. SHRM CEO Johnny C. Taylor Jr.
In this episode of Generations at Work, Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore enjoy a dynamic conversation with SHRM CEO Johnny C. Taylor Jr. as they unpack the evolving challenges facing today's multigenerational workforce. The discussion explores the rising incivility and toxicity in workplaces, the impact of technology and social media on behavior, and the growing epidemic of loneliness in both profe

033: From Transactions to Purpose: How to Ignite Gen Z's Ambition
In this episode of Generations at Work, Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore explore practical strategies for awakening ambition and incentivizing Gen Z in the workplace. They unpack the evolving motivations of Gen Z, including the significant influence of social media and shifting definitions of success, and share stories that illustrate how young professionals respond to purpose and autonomy. Discove

032: Inside the Mind of a Gen Z Professional
In this episode of Generations at Work, Dr. Tim Elmore and Susan welcome guest Colin Webb to explore the mindset of a young professional and serial entrepreneur. Colin shares his leadership journey from high school through MIT, his experiences at General Motors, and his leap into building tech startups—highlighting both the opportunities and challenges faced by Gen Z in traditional corporate envi

031: Navigating Gen Z's High Expectations in Today's Workforce
In this episode of Generations at Work, Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore tackle the pressing issue of unrealistic expectations among Gen Z employees entering the workforce. Drawing insights from Dr. Elmore's latest book, they discuss how social media, parenting styles, and shifts in views on authority have shaped Gen Z's mindset about work and leadership. The conversation highlights the importance

030: Rethinking Productivity: Burnout, Wellbeing, and Generational Shifts on the Job
In this episode, hosts Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore are joined by special guest Brooke Dukes, bestselling author of Burn On, Not Out. The trio explore the realities of burnout across different generations in the workplace, challenging the outdated notion that burnout is solely an individual resilience issue. Through Brooke Dukes's personal story and research, the episode highlights how generati

029: Practical Ways to Cultivate a Workplace Culture of Belonging
In this episode of the Generations at Work podcast, Dr. Tim Elmore is joined by Dov Baron explore how organizations can foster meaningful connections across generational divides to build a culture of belonging in the workplace. Dov introduces insights from his new book, "The Art of Belonging," emphasizing the critical distinction between fitting in and genuine belonging. They tackle the challenge

028: Creating an Irresistible Workplace: How to Retain Top Talent from Every Generation
In this episode of Generations at Work, host Dr. Tim Elmore welcomes special guest William Vanderbloemen to explore how organizations can create workplace cultures so phenomenal that the organization is irresistible to all generations. William shares his journey from pastor to founder of Vanderbloemen Search Group and discusses insights from his books Culture Wins and Be the Unicorn. Together, th

027: Why Gen Z Faces Rising Anxiety and How Leaders Can Help
In this episode of Generations at Work, Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore explore practical strategies for supporting Gen Z and addressing mental health issues in the modern workplace. They discuss the impact of technology, social isolation, and workplace culture on anxiety and depression among young employees. The conversation covers recognizable symptoms of mental health struggles, root causes lik

026: From Cancel Culture to Resilience: Strategies for Leading Gen Z Employees
In this episode of Generations at Work, hosts Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore take a deep dive into the challenges of leading and engaging Generation Z in today's workplace. They explore how feedback, conflict, and evaluations have evolved across generations, emphasizing the importance of resilience, psychological safety, and connecting before correcting. The conversation offers practical strategi

025: How to Turn Gen Z From Job Renters to Job Owners
In this episode of Generations at Work, Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore explore research-backed strategies for building authentic connections, discuss the impact of generational differences on authority and engagement, and emphasize the importance of moving from an "enforcer" or "protector" mindset to that of a mentor. The conversation features practical advice for fostering ownership, flexibility

024: Keeping Gen Z Engaged: Culture, Mentorship, and Meaningful Work
In this episode of Generations at Work, Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore explore effective strategies for attracting and retaining Generation Z employees in the workplace. Drawing from Dr. Elmore's new book The Future Begins with Z, they discuss the unique challenges employers face with Gen Z's changing attitudes toward entry-level work, higher rates of job-hopping, and the importance of workplace

023: Earning the Right: Relationship-Driven Feedback Across Generations
In this episode of Generations at Work, hosts Susan Davis & Dr. Tim Elmore are joined by leadership expert Jeff Hancher to explore the crucial role of feedback in multi-generational workplaces. The conversation delves into the nuances of delivering effective feedback across generational lines, highlighting differences in how Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z perceive and respond to feedback.

022: From Multitasking to Innovation: The Gen Z Edge in Today's Workforce
In this episode of Generations at Work, hosts Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore are joined by restaurant owner John Craze to explore the unique strengths and challenges that Gen Z team members bring to the workplace. Drawing from his experience managing a large team of young employees at Chick-fil-A, John Craze discusses the importance of flexibility, engagement, and care in retaining Gen Z workers.

021: Rethinking Leadership: Connecting with Gen Z's Agency and Diversity
In this episode of Generations at Work, host Susan Davis and guest Dr. Tim Elmore explore key insights from Dr. Elmore's upcoming book, The Future Begins with Z, focusing on how Generation Z is shaping the modern workplace. They discuss Gen Z's unique blend of agency and anxiety, increasing workplace diversity, evolving gender and identity perspectives, and the generation's entrepreneurial mindse

020: Grace and Grit: The Art of Mentoring Young Leaders
In this episode of the Generations at Work podcast, hosts Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore sit down with renowned UCLA coach Sue Enquist to explore strategies for growing into a powerful mentor for the next generation of team members. Sue shares lessons from her storied career in high-performance sports, highlighting the importance of listening without ego, balancing rest and rigor, and fostering b

019: Coping and Hoping: Inside Generation Z's Approach to Work and Life
In this episode of Generations at Work, host Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore focus on the forces that have shaped Generation Z in the workplace. Together, they examine the democratization of the workforce, the shift from top-down management to giving younger employees a voice, and how instant access to information has influenced Gen Z's expectations and behaviors. Through compelling stories and pr

018: Why Gen Z is Changing the Workplace and How Leaders Can Adapt
In this episode of Generations at Work, hosts Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore kick off a multi-part series exploring Tim's book, The Future Begins with Z. Together, they unpack the growing challenges and opportunities of leading Generation Z, the new majority. Dr. Elmore shares timely data about Gen Z's workplace struggles—from high turnover rates to the disconnect between classroom and workroom s

017: Gen Z and Beyond: Adapting HR and Corporate Culture
In this episode of Generations at Work, hosts Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore are joined by special guest Cami Mackey, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at the Atlanta Hawks, to explore how organizations can bridge generational gaps in the workplace. Cami shares her HR journey and insights into managing multiple generations, emphasizing the importance of inclusion, communication, a

016: Cultivating a "Whatever It Takes" Team Culture Across Generations
In this episode of Generations at Work, hosts Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore explore how teams can cultivate a "whatever it takes" attitude across all generations in the workplace. Drawing on research, focus groups, and personal anecdotes, Dr. Elmore unpacks the roots of generational differences in work ethic, loyalty, and commitment—debunking common myths about Gen Z along the way. The conversat

015: Mastering Feedback: Insights for Leading Multigenerational Teams Effectively
In this episode of Generations at Work, hosts Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore share how to master feedback within multigenerational teams. Together, they unpack how feedback preferences differ from Boomers to Zoomers, highlighting the importance of empathy, tailored communication, and understanding generational traits. Dr. Elmore shares actionable insights and memorable metaphors—like treating fee

014: Building Teamwork Across Ages: Stories from Chick fil-A's Multigenerational Staff
In this episode of Generations at Work, host Susan Davis is joined by Dr. Tim Elmore and Chick-fil-A owner-operator Zach Thomas to explore the challenges and rewards of leading a multigenerational workforce in the quick service industry. Zach shares engaging stories from his restaurant, highlighting memorable moments of intergenerational teamwork and the importance of building relationships acros

013: Loyalty, Purpose, and Productivity: Generational Trends in the Workplace
In this episode of Generations at Work, hosts Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore are joined by Barna Research Institute's Matt Randerson to explore how shifting cultural trends and generational differences are reshaping the workplace. Drawing on Barna's latest research, the conversation uncovers the growing importance of belonging, relational connection, and purpose at work—particularly among Gen Z a

012: Setting Clear Expectations to Unite Generations at Work
In this episode of Generations at Work, host Susan Davis and generational expert Dr. Tim Elmore explore the crucial role of setting clear expectations to bridge gaps between different generations in the workplace. They discuss why generational differences lead to varied expectations, how unspoken assumptions can undermine team cohesion, and why ongoing, clear communication is essential for maintai

011: Accountability in the Multi-Generational workplace
In this episode of Generations at Work, hosts Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore unpack the complexities of accountability in today's multi-generational workplace. Together, they explore how different generations—from Boomers to Gen Z—perceive and respond to accountability, and discuss the impact of management styles, trust, and organizational culture on team performance. Tim shares practical stories

010: Mental Health and the Generations You Work With
In this episode of Generations at Work, host Susan Davis and generational expert Dr. Tim Elmore tackle the complex topic of mental health across multiple generations in the workplace. Together, they explore how perceptions of mental health have evolved—from the stigma and silence of older generations to the more open dialogue of Millennials and Gen Z. Dr. Elmore shares eye-opening statistics on t

009: Navigating Life's "Curves" with Dr. Arthur C. Brooks
In this episode of the Generations at Work podcast, Dr. Tim Elmore sits down with Dr. Arthur C. Brooks to explore how leaders can navigate the evolving stages of life and work with purpose and fulfillment. Drawing on the research of Raymond Cattell, Dr. Brooks breaks down the transition from fluid to crystallized intelligence, offering insights into how our strengths shift as we age and why embrac

008: Understanding the Emerging Generation (Part 2) with David Yeager
In this episode of Generations at Work, hosts Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore continue their discussion with author and psychological scientist Dr. David Yeager on effectively leading and motivating younger generations in the workplace. Dr. Yeager shares insights from his book 10 to 25 and introduces the mentor mindset—a balanced approach that combines high standards with high support. See the scie

007: Understanding the Emerging Generation (Part 1) with David Yeager
In this episode of Generations at Work, host Susan Davis, generational expert Dr. Tim Elmore, and special guest Dr. David Yeager explore the unique motivations and needs of the emerging generation in the workplace. Drawing on insights from Dr. Yeager's book 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, they discuss the pitfalls of the "neurobiological incompetence model," which underestimates

006: Bridging the Generational Gap with Communication
In this conversation, Tim Elmore and Susan Davis explore the complexities of communication across different generations in the workplace. They discuss the varying communication styles, the widening generational gap, and the importance of establishing clear communication norms. The conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to understand preferences, expectations, and demands of team members to f

005: Working with Gen X
In this episode of Generations at Work, host Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore are joined by guests Colin Sewell of the Sewell Family of Companies and Valorie Burton, bestselling author of Successful Women Think Differently. Together, they delve into the nuances of working with Generation X. The conversation explores the unique position of Gen X as a bridge between the old and new, blending traditio

004: Working with Millenials
In this episode of Generations at Work, Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore are joined by Millennial guests Mission Mobile Medical president & CFO Amanda LeFever and bestselling leadership author Ryan Jenkins. In this episode, our hosts and guests delve into the intricacies of working with the Millennial generation, emphasizing the importance of bridging generational gaps in the workplace. They explore

003: Working with Generation Z
In this episode of Generations at Work, host Susan Davis and guest Dr. Tim Elmore sit down with Generation Z members Natalie Letchworth and Christian Jones to delve into the dynamics of working and connecting across generations. Dr. Elmore paints a portrait of Gen Z, highlighting their memories shaped solely by the 21st century. Natalie and Christian share their experiences and perspectives on bri

002: Expectations and Preferences of Different Generations
In this episode of the Generations at Work podcast, Susan Davis is joined by generational expert Dr. Tim Elmore to explore the complexities of generational dynamics within the workplace. Together, they delve into defining a generation, understanding the varying expectations, demands, and preferences of different age groups, and how these differences influence perceptions of jobs and careers. Dr.

001: Welcome to Generations at Work
In this inaugural episode of Generations at Work, Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore embark on a comprehensive exploration of the diverse generations present in today's workforce and strategies to bridge generational gaps for enhanced productivity. Dr. Elmore traces his journey studying generational diversity starting from the 1980s, introducing terms like "Baby Buster" and "Generation X." Together, S

Introducing School on a Mission Podcast. Premiering August 15th!
Audio Correction: First Episode will drop on August 15th, 2024! Welcome to "School on a Mission," a new podcast co-hosted by Andrew McPeak and Gina Watts, dedicated to exploring the transformative potential of education beyond just grades and GPAs. This podcast is designed for educational leaders who view their schools as opportunities to impact the lives of everyone in the […]

Becoming a Servant Leader with Christa Campbell
Christa Campbell is a Trustee Scholar and honors student at Boston University studying business strategy and innovation. Although she now lives far from home, Christa grew up in Gwinnett County in Georgia and always loves coming back and serving the community that gave so much to her. She has been passionate about service since she was young and has been […]

Exciting Updates about the Future of our Podcast!
In this episode, Andrew and Tim announce exciting changes for the podcast, revealing that it will split into two new shows: "School on a Mission" and "Leading the Next Generation with Tim Elmore." "School on a Mission," launching on August 14th, 2024, will be hosted by Andrew and Gina Watts, focusing on the challenges and innovations in educational leadership for […]

Three Skills Students Need to Become Digital Citizens
Digital citizenship is about what constitutes healthy behavior when engaging with others online. If you are a member of Generation X or Baby Boomers and grew up in the United States, you likely received training in civics and etiquette to become a good citizen. Digital citizenship is ultimately an attempt to update these topics for the digital age. Just like […]

You Have Three Options When You Face a Loss
Sometimes, when we face hard times or lose something important, we might feel like it defines or limits us. But most people don't know that there are three ways to respond to these challenges. First, we can let them define us, making us sad or lose our motivation. Second, we can let them confine us, where we feel stuck and […]

We Don't Actually Want Our Kids to Be Happy
Are we, as adults, overly fixated on our children's happiness and success? Research suggests that our obsession with these goals might be leading to unintended consequences. We need to reconsider our parenting or leadership priorities and strive to create environments that nurture not only achievement but also empathy, connection, and fulfillment. In this episode, Tim and Andrew explore the findin

Four Data Points that Should Inform Your Decisions This School Year
We live in a world that has constant concerns about artificial intelligence, gun violence's impact on mental health, and gender disparities in schools. By understanding these issues and taking action, we can create better learning environments for students. We have curated recent findings from the Pew Research Center, Gallup, the CDC, and other sources to give our listeners a big-picture […]

Strategies Schools Are Using to Curb Social Media Abuse
These days, we are reading about school decisions regarding smartphone use, ranging from banning portable devices to displaying laissez-faire attitudes regarding phones. Many educators and support staff feel that students' constant access to social media on their smartphones harms their mental well-being and hinders their ability to learn. Some educators go so far as to say that students are addic

Leading Kids: Is Empathy or Compassion Better?
When empathy grows into compassion, it becomes more helpful for both you and the person for whom you demonstrate it. Empathy feels good to give, but you may feel someone's pain so deeply that you're not even able to act. Compassion allows you to practice metacognition and rise above the pain so you can treat the need. In this episode, […]

What the Amish Can Teach Us About Getting Kids Ready for Life
Every teacher, school administrator, coach, youth leader, and parent we know wants to help their kids prepare for the life that awaits them as adults. We want them to be ready to embark on a career after graduation with a sense of self-assured confidence, to see the big picture, and to bet on themselves as they enter job interviews. Believe […]

5 Key Insights Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders with Cam Turner
Leadership across generations is hard, but we believe success in cross-generational leadership begins with listening and empathy. That's what we want to do in our everyday lives. Today, we have a very special episode for our listeners. Joining Tim and Andrew is Growing Leaders' Research Coordinator Cam Turner! Cam is a brilliant leader, and he is also a member of […]

How to Stop Faking Courage and Actually Practice It
Today, as we all know, it's easy to hide behind a screen and post something that seems courageous, but leaders realize we can and must do better. **I now believe you can't be a good leader without courage**. Peter Drucker once said, "When you see a successful organization, you know that someone at some time made a courageous decision." Our […]

What Students Say Will Motivate Them Most
Many educators and youth leaders struggle to motivate kids or to keep them engaged for any period of time. It's worth periodically reminding yourself: that students, particularly those who may misbehave often, face struggles when they're not in the classroom. Because of that, students should always be given a second chance to get their behavior in check. When we don't […]

Build the Year You Want
Most people view happiness as a positive emotion. Without thinking, we may say, "I wish I were happy all the time!" However negative emotions play a useful role in our lives. Happiness is not the goal and unhappiness is not the enemy. In this episode, Tim and Andrew discuss their top books of 2023 and stop to highlight the insightful […]

Drunk on Dopamine
We live in a society that loves to "binge" on things we like. These can be addictions to drugs or alcohol, but they can also be simple pleasures like Netflix, TikTok, or even junk food. There's a sort of "seesaw" or "teeter totter" inside our brains that goes up and down, releasing chemicals we need to remain stable. Feeling low, […]

Using Purpose to Make Change with Brett Hagler
Please be advised: The sound quality may be affected due to the podcast host and guest being in different locations. We still recommend that you listen to the amazing words of advice from our guest speaker because we believe it is incredibly relevant to the world we live in now. Thank you for your continuous support. Brett Hagler is […]

Why I've Given My Life to Developing Young Leaders
Often, students become interested in solving a problem; later, they identify as an activist; and eventually, they become a leader. It begins with the desire to "right a wrong" and soon becomes much bigger than merely acting as an individual. It becomes about influencing others. Thanks to social media, an act of kindness or service can multiply. In this episode, […]

Who Is Responsible for Student Success?
When asked, "What is the most important thing that needs to be addressed when you think about this upcoming school year?" two subjects that rose to the top of the list for parents, teachers, and administrators were the safety of the school building and addressing students' mental health and emotional well-being. We all agree that mental health and emotional well-being […]

Understanding Different Generations with Dr. Jean Twenge
Dr. Jean Twenge is a Professor of Psychology at San Diego State University and is the author of several books including her latest entitled: "Generations: The Real Difference Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers and the Silent Generation." Dr. Twenge frequently gives talks and seminars on generational differences and technology. Her audiences have included college faculty and staff, parent [

Three Organic Strategies to Engage Teens
Today many educators, coaches, and leaders look for a "life hack" or fresh ideas on how to keep often distracted students engaged in the fun of learning. When we better engage students, we help them to perform better. In this episode, Tim and Andrew give practical advice on how to keep students engaged in a world of distractions. Find out […]

Shaping Generation Z's Worldview
Content Warning: To skip the mention of suicide, jump to 5:36. As teachers, parents, coaches, and youth workers watch young people (Gen Z and Gen Alpha) grow up, they're seeing a distance in how they view life. Their perspective has evolved beyond where Gen X and Gen Y stood decades ago. These worldviews can be put into three categories: Pre-Modern […]

Living Up to Your Fullest Potential with John Acuff
Jon Acuff is the New York Times bestselling author of nine books, including "Soundtracks," "Your New Playlist," and the Wall Street Journal #1 bestseller "Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done." When he's not writing or recording his popular podcast, "All It Takes Is a Goal," Acuff can be found on a stage as one of INC's Top 100 Leadership […]

Five Insights on Teen Loneliness from A Member of Generation Z with Kiera Colson
Today we are experiencing a pandemic of loneliness. It's global. And one of our interns this summer has been on a personal journey to discover the "human side" of this epidemic we all keep talking about. Kiera Colson was an intern with us at Growing Leaders this summer, but she actually started partnering with us last fall when she […]

Four Ideas to Develop Student Leaders on your Campus this Year
When we bake a chocolate cake, we know there are essential ingredients that make the recipe work. For that matter, baking or cooking anything tasty is not random. There are fundamental ingredients that must be added to reach a flavorful outcome. Similarly, when leaders cultivate healthy, young leaders out of students, there are four ingredients that always go into the […]

Helping Students Handle Their Regret with Dan Pink
Daniel H. Pink is the author of five New York Times bestsellers, including his latest, The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward. With Pink's signature blend of big ideas and practical takeaways, captivating stories and crisp humor, The Power of Regret offers an urgent and indispensable guide for a life well lived. His other books include the […]

What's the right age to give your child a smartphone?
The negative effects of smartphones and social media are being recognized by today's teens and many of them are not waiting for young adulthood to begin questioning the validity of their digital lifestyles. In this episode, Tim and Andrew talk about the many ways teens are starting to view their phones and how parents and educators can help to help […]

Leading Disengaged Young People
We all know that today's young people are distrusting institutions and leaders in greater numbers today than ever before. Often our individual preferences take precedence over the needs and preferences of those around us. Because of these realities, it can be difficult to know how to have conversations with them about the importance of the social world around them. In […]

Leading In Schools Today with Gary Davison
Dr. Gary Davison is a successful high school administrator and K-12 teacher. In his 33 years of service to students, he has developed dozens of young leaders into executive-level positions within the field of education. His proteges are leading schools and school systems all over the country. In this episode, Tim and Gary discuss the lessons he's learned and some […]

Teaching Students How to Build Social Capital
When a person (who may or may not be in a leadership position) possesses capabilities, qualities, or skills that others don't have, they accumulate social capital. They earn influence. Their growing authority often has nothing to do with a badge or title. In this episode, Tim and Andrew discuss the rules for building social capital and how we help younger […]

Creating a Game Plan for Educators and Parents on ChatGPT
You've probably heard of ChatGPT. It's been all the rage the first few months of 2023. It is an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot developed by Open AI that initially launched in November 2022, but had its stable launch on March 14, 2023. By January 2023, ChatGPT reached over 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application to date. In this episode, Tim and […]

Timely Lessons for the Starving Baker With Randy Hain
In this episode, our very special guest Randy Hain is here to discuss his brand-new book, Upon Reflection: Helpful Insights and Timeless Lessons for Busy Professionals. In this interview, Randy offers timeless lessons and practical ideas on a myriad of topics drawn from his thirty-plus years of senior leadership, executive coaching, and consulting experience to help fuel the career success […]

How Soft Skills Become Leadership Skills
While personal growth is important, the goal of social and emotional growth is greater than the benefits it gives young people in job qualification, behavioral improvements, or even academic performance. Soft skills are the beginning of the leadership journey for many young people. In this episode, Tim and Andrew discuss how social and emotional skills are not only for ourselves […]

Whiteout Conditions: The New Normal for Educational Leaders Today
You may be facing a combination of factors right now that have come together to create your very own version of whiteout conditions. Whiteout conditions are situations where a storm gets so bad that you can't see even a few feet in front of you. These conditions are most frustrating for leaders who have been previously successful in their roles […]

One Secret That Fosters Responsibility in Teens
An identity crisis is defined as a period of uncertainty or confusion in a person's life and can occur when a person's sense of identity comes into question. These crises can happen in both the young and the old and the symptoms can include questioning your character, anxiety, unrest, altering your values and inclinations, and difficulty answering questions about yourself. […]

Connectable: How Leaders Can Move Teams From Isolated to All In with Ryan Jenkins
Please be advised: As we were recording this podcast, we unfortunately had a technical difficulty that could not be fixed behind the scenes. We apologize for the sound quality of this podcast. We still recommend that you listen to the amazing words of advice from our guest speaker because we believe it is incredibly relevant to the world we live […]











