Generationally speaking: generations at work with Alastair Greener

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How can you communicate, collaborate and build trust across generations at work? This episode addresses this leadership challenge that many organisations are quietly navigating, but not always naming clearly.

As workplaces become more complex, AI accelerates change, and expectations around leadership evolve, generational differences can easily become a source of misunderstanding, frustration or missed opportunity.

Yet beneath the stereotypes about Gen Z, Millennials or Gen X, there is a much more nuanced conversation to have about identity, experience, communication and human connection.

In this conversation with Alastair Greener, generational communication expert, founder of Present Yourself communications training, event MC, moderator, and current President of the Professional Speaking Association, we explore what really shapes generational behaviours. We examine why curiosity, not judgement, may be one of the most important leadership capabilities for the future.

Alastair has worked in communications for over 30 years, with a background in TV presenting and performance, and helps organisations create stronger relationships and more cohesive workplaces through effective generational communication. His recently published book, Generationally Speaking, explores how generations communicate and what organisations need to understand to bridge differences more effectively.

At the heart of this conversation is an important reminder: generational tensions are rarely only about age. They are often about expectations, upbringing, context, communication styles and the environments leaders create around people.

What you will learn in this episode:

Why generational stereotypes can create more barriers than understanding
How communication gaps between generations can quietly impact productivity, engagement and retention
Curiosity as one of the most powerful leadership skills when working across generations
The role onboarding, expectations and workplace culture play in building trust with younger generations entering organisations
Practical ways leaders can create stronger cross-generational relationships and more inclusive team dynamics
Designing conversations and environments for social connection, learning and team
Why future-focused leaders will need to embrace continual adaptation

One of the strongest themes throughout this conversation is the tension between stereotypes and understanding.

It is easy to describe generations with labels, but these don’t help us build stronger relationships. Instead, understanding comes from asking better questions and recognising the wider influences shaping how people communicate and behave.

Where might assumptions about generations be influencing how you communicate with your team?