65: Unlocking the Power of Liquid Leadership: Bridging Generational Gaps | Brad Szollose
Are generational differences creating tension in your orginization?
With Baby Boomers, Gen Z, and everyone in between working side by side, understanding how to motivate and manage these vastly different generations is essential for business success. In a world where technology and expectations are rapidly evolving, how can leaders keep up?
In this episode of “The Learn-It-All Podcast,” hosts Damon Lembi and Darren Bridgett are joined by Brad Szollose, bestselling author of Liquid Leadership and host of Awakened Nation. Together, they dive into the critical strategies needed to bridge generational gaps, build trust, and foster communication in the modern workplace. Brad shares practical tips for business leaders looking to adapt and thrive in today’s multigenerational environment.
What You’ll Learn:
How different generations approach work—and why it matters.
Actionable insights to bridge the gap between Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.
Leadership strategies that foster collaboration and increase productivity.
Understanding how digital technology shapes behaviors and workplace expectations.
How to bridge the generational divide in today’s workplace
Why traditional leadership styles need to adapt to digital natives
The importance of emotional intelligence and trust in modern leadership
Strategies for leading and motivating diverse, cross-generational teams
How to build a flexible and collaborative work environment
In This Episode:
(00:00) Introduction to Brad Szollose – Damon and Darren introduce Brad Szollose, bestselling author and leadership expert, and set up the conversation on navigating generational differences in the workplace.
(02:00) How Leadership Has Evolved – Brad discusses how leadership styles have changed with the rise of digital natives and why traditional command-and-control models no longer work.
(05:46) The Impact of Generational Habits on Leadership – Brad talks about how each generation’s upbringing has shaped their work habits, motivations, and expectations from leaders.
(09:00) Bridging the Generational Divide – Brad shares how leaders can bridge the gap between baby boomers and younger generations by fostering better communication and understanding.
(12:33) Leadership in a Digital World – Brad explains how today’s digital natives expect a different approach to leadership, one that involves trust, empathy, and collaboration.
(17:42) Building Trust Across Generations – Brad emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space where employees can share ideas and speak the truth without fear of repercussions.
(21:30) Leading in a Hybrid World – Brad reflects on the challenges of leading in hybrid work environments and how leaders can adapt to the rapidly changing workplace.
(33:18) Leadership Lessons for the Future – Brad offers his final thoughts on how leaders can stay ahead by embracing new leadership styles that cater to a multigenerational workforce.
About Our Guest:
Brad Szollose is a globally recognized business adviser, former C-Level executive, and Generation Y expert who helps companies like Dell and MasterCard navigate the impact of technology on corporate culture, particularly how it affects the management of Millennials. With over 35 years of experience, including co-founding K2 Design and taking it public on NASDAQ, Brad offers practical insights through keynotes and workshops. He is also the award-winning author of Liquid Leadership, focusing on multigenerational management and leadership in the digital age, and is the host of the Awakened Nation podcast.
Resources:
Website: https://www.bradszollose.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.szollose
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradszollose
Podcast: https://awakenednationpodcast.com/
Email: info@liquidleadership.com
Liquid Leadership: https://greenleafbookgroup.com/titles/liquid-leadership
Resources Referenced:
Brad Szollose’s “The Age of Radical Disruption” TEDx Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99Q3aP8q8Xw
Cal Newport’s Slow Productivity - https://calnewport.com/my-new-book-slow-productivity/
Maryanne Wolf’s Proust and the Squid - https://www.maryannewolf.com/proust-and-the-squid
Stephen Covey’s Trust and Inspire - https://www.franklincovey.com/books/trust-and-inspire/
Want to Learn More?:
- For more episodes on personal growth and success stories, subscribe to “The Learn-It-All Podcast.”
- Share this episode to motivate others.
- Visit learnit.com for additional resources and learning opportunities.
Podcast Contact Information:
- Website: www.learnit.com
- Email: podcast@learnit.com
- Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.