About this episode

Impatient, unreliable snowflakes - Gen Z often get labelled as such by the media, business leaders and frustrated managers. If you work with a younger colleague who’s at the beginning of their career, then this episode is for you. I explore the real story of Gen Z — what they’ve lived through, how they see the world, and why they seemingly reject traditional approaches to work and careers that have worked for the rest of us who’ve been around for longer. We unpack the myths, frustrations, and opportunities leaders face when managing this new generation, and practical ways to develop your Gen Z talent and keep them fizzing with enthusiasm.

My guest, Alex Atherton, is an educator, leadership coach, and keynote speaker with over 25 years’ experience in inner-city schools, including more than a decade as a London headteacher. He’s also author of The Snowflake Myth: explaining Gen Z in the workplace and beyond. Alex specialises in bridging generational gaps at work — bringing rich insights into what Gen Z truly value and how organisations can help them thrive.