What does it really look like to lead the next generation well? In this episode of The Leadership Foundry Podcast, co-host Brandon Smith sits down with Scott Doyne, author of π˜•π˜’π˜·π˜ͺ𝘨𝘒𝘡π˜ͺ𝘯𝘨 𝘡𝘩𝘦 𝘘𝘢𝘒𝘳𝘡𝘦𝘳𝘭π˜ͺ𝘧𝘦 𝘊𝘒𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘳 𝘊𝘳π˜ͺ𝘴π˜ͺ𝘴: π˜™π˜¦π˜’π˜­ 𝘚𝘡𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴, π˜™π˜¦π˜’π˜­ 𝘚𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘡π˜ͺ𝘰𝘯𝘴, to unpack the realities facing young professionals today. From the pressures of comparison fueled by social media to the uncertainty of navigating early career decisions, this stage of life (roughly 18–30) comes with real stressorsβ€”and real opportunities for leaders to show up.

2:00 From midlife to quarterlife. Scott shares about his first book and how it led to the second.

4:00 What new challenges is this generation facing?

6:00 “Bad News, Good News”: the impact of technology.

7:30 Scott breaks down the definition of quarterlife. “To me, it’s more about life stage than age.”

10:00 Brand association, first jobs and navigating FOMO (fear of missing out or making the wrong decision).

12:00 Scott provides practical tips for stress relief: family, friends and pets.

13:00 One research participant noted her generation is “the most overconnected and disconnected generation.”

15:00 Expectations and the timeline shift.

18:00 Perception vs. reality (a segment about late bloomers).

21:00 What does this generation want more of? Networking and mentorship.

23:00 The shift between remote and office work for Gen Z.

26:00 The role leaders play: Scott highlights the importance of asking questions and incorporating personal goals into professional roles.

27:00 Scott emphasizes a key takeaway: Remember that the stress is real. Leaders can come alongside this generation to help ease the tension.

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