GenShift: Where Generations Explore Life, Work, and Leadership

Which generation will figure out AI first? AI startup founder and former Truist chief innovation officer Scott Zimmer joins Dr. Katherine Jeffery to share his perspective, plus the average trap and why AI sounds smartest when you know the least. Academic Paper that Describes the Average Trap (from Oxford Academic) Find all GenShift episodes here .  Host: Dr. Katherine Jeffery Guest: Scott Zim...

Can a classroom actually keep pace with a workplace that's already moved on? In Part 2, Dr. Katherine Jeffery and Ted Mitchell continue their conversation about the future of higher education, beginning with the disconnect between the modern workplace and the college environment. They take a deeper look at AI, exploring institutional guardrails, active vs passive learning, and what students gain a...

What does college even mean anymore, and does the picture in your head still match reality? In this episode, Dr. Katherine Jeffery and Ted Mitchell explore the future of higher education and how institutions have evolved. They discuss changing college demographics, the rise of community colleges and online learning. They also talk about the issues affecting public trust, including admissions, fina...

Join Dr. Katherine Jeffery for a new season exploring the future of education, the impact of AI, and how to understand generations shaping our world. Through thoughtful conversations with educators, researchers, leaders, and innovators, Dr. Jeffery will unpack how technology, generational perspectives, and changing expectations are transforming the way we learn, work, lead, and connect. For More I...

As Season 1 of GenShift comes to a close, Dr. Katherine Jeffery reflects on the conversations, insights, and lessons that shaped the inaugural season. This episode highlights the key themes that resonated most with listeners. Dr. Jeffery also shares exciting updates about what's ahead for GenShift in Season 2. Find all GenShift episodes here .  Host: Dr. Katherine Jeffery Episode Manager: Jody Fer...

In this episode of the GenShift® Podcast, Dr. Katherine Jeffery sits down with Tom and Susie Finley, founders of Ascent Living Communities in Denver, Colorado. They have spent decades working with families navigating senior living decisions and are Gen Xers living this season themselves. The conversation covers the signs families miss, why most people wait too long, how to start a conversation wit...

Dr. Katherine Jeffery sits down with Lucia Valentine and Lily Rancatore to talk about how Gen Z is shaping the future of HR and the workplace. From mission and values to transparency, flexibility, and meaningful work, they share what matters most to the next generation and why organizations can’t afford to ignore it. Find all GenShift episodes here .  Host: Dr. Katherine Jeffery Guests: Lucia Vale...

In this episode, Dr. Katherine Jeffery sits down with Kiki Kouris to explore HR through a Millennial lens. Kiki shares her perspective on how the workplace has evolved, moving from rigid policies to a more people-centered approach. They discuss the expectations Millennials bring into HR and provide insight into how HR continues to adapt. Tune in to learn what it means for the future of work. Find...

In this episode, Dr. Katherine Jeffery sits down with Jenn Black to reflect on her journey in HR as a Gen Xer and the changes she’s seen along the way. As the workplace has evolved, so has HR—moving from a system centered on enforcing policies to one that prioritizes people, connection, and support. Jenn offers insight into this shift and what it looks like to bring humanity back into the workplac...

Dr. Katherine Jeffery talks with Baby Boomer, Diane Vlcek, about her journey in HR and how the field has evolved over the years. Diane shares her wisdom on navigating professional experiences while bringing care, curiosity, and empathy to the workplace. This conversation inspires listeners to lead and collaborate with intention and connection. Find all GenShift episodes here .  Host: Dr. Katherine...

Dr. Katherine Jeffery makes the case that generational conflict at work is usually misread. It's not really an age problem. And treating it like one is where most leaders go wrong. In this episode, she walks through her 3 C's framework—Care, Curiosity, and Collaboration—and shows how three simple questions can shift the way trust gets built, conversations happen, and teams actually work together....

Dr. Katherine Jeffery talks with Brandon, a Gen Z service member in the United States Air Force, about what military life looks like for his generation. They unpack generational differences in leadership, communication, and values.   Find all GenShift episodes here .  Host: Dr. Katherine Jeffery Guests: Brandon Episode Manager: Jody Fernando Editor: Ariana Layton

In this episode of GenShift, Dr. Katherine Jeffery sits down with Millennial guests Andres Alvarado and Marissa Jennings to explore what shaped their generation and how those early experiences continue to influence today’s workplaces. From entering adulthood during economic instability to growing up alongside rapid technological change, Millennials learned to adapt quickly while redefining success...

In this episode, Dr. Katherine Jeffery is joined by guests Christopher Margolin and Tracy Lampert to explore the Gen X perspective in today’s evolving workplace. They reflect on how well-being and empathy have grown from afterthoughts into essential leadership priorities over the course of their careers. This episode highlights how Gen X’s lived experience uniquely positions them to value both res...

Join Dr. Katherine Jeffery in her conversation with Gen Z teens Sean de Miranda and Connor Moneta about their experiences with school, friends, and creative endeavors. Together, they explore communication gaps, authority, peer influence, and what educators and parents can do to build trust and meaningful connections with Gen Z teenagers.   Find all GenShift episodes here .  Hosts Dr. Katherine Jef...

Dr. Katherine Jeffery sits down with guests Ben Miner, Jessica Schneider, and Robbie Shaul to explore what it truly means to be a Xennial—caught between Gen X and Millennials. They discuss growing up analog while adapting to a digital world, and how that unique experience shapes identity, leadership, and communication today. This conversation highlights why Xennials often serve as natural bridges...

Cross-generational work doesn’t fail because people are different. It fails when curiosity is missing. In this episode, Dr. Katherine Jeffery talks with Baby Boomer Carol Wagner and Gen Z professional Valerie Hebenstreit about how listening, thoughtful feedback, and letting go of assumptions turned their manager-intern dynamic into a true partnership. Find all GenShift episodes here .  Hosts Dr. K...

What really keeps Gen Z engaged at work? In this conversation, Paulina Seyffert (Gen Z) and Dr. Katherine Jeffery dig into the power of transparent communication, understanding, and connection in the workplace. Paulina shares the values that matter most to Gen Z and what loyalty to an employer truly means to them. Find all GenShift episodes here .  Hosts Dr. Katherine Jeffery Guests: Paulina Seyff...

We talk a lot about emerging generations, but we don’t talk enough about what we can learn from the ones who’ve led for decades. Katherine sits down with Baby Boomer leaders Meredith and Larry to explore the insight, pattern-recognition, and emotional steadiness that only comes from long experience. They share how they shifted from command-and-control habits to more collaborative, empathetic leade...

What happens when a Traditionalist leader and a Gen Z professional sit down to compare their views on purpose, motivation, and values at work? In this episode, Dr. Katherine Jeffery brings together David Zerfoss and Isabelle Patterson for an open, insightful conversation that uncovers what divides and connects their generations—and reveals how curiosity and respect can bridge the generational gap...

In this episode of GenShift, Dr. Katherine Jeffery dives into the unique world of Zillennials—those caught between Millennials and Gen Z. Guests Rachel Bagda and Marissa Gratz share what it’s like to live in that in-between space, exploring how growing up before smartphones yet coming of age with social media shapes their identity, work, and relationships. Find all GenShift episodes here .  Hosts...

In this episode of GenShift, Dr. Katherine Jeffery sits down with 23-year-old project manager Jake Eudy, who chose the skilled trades over the traditional college path. He shares how mentorship, grit, and a hunger for authenticity are shaping not only his career but also Gen Z’s redefinition of success in the trades.  Find all GenShift episodes here .  Hosts Dr. Katherine Jeffery Guests: Jake Eudy...

In this episode of GenShift, Dr. Katherine Jeffery explores the Traditionalist generation, highlighting how their values of hard work, loyalty, and responsibility helped shape today’s workplace culture. Guest Dave Zerfoss shares his personal experiences growing up in that era, the lessons learned through sacrifice and discipline, and the legacy Traditionalists continue to leave for future generati...

In the first episode of GenShift, Dr. Katherine Jeffery sits down with three Gen Z professionals to explore what motivates their generation at work, how they navigate stereotypes, and the values they bring into leadership and teamwork. Together, they uncover Gen Z’s desire for transparency, empathy, and purpose-driven workplaces. Find all GenShift episodes here .  Hosts Dr. Katherine Jeffery Guest...

Find all GenShift episodes here .  Host: Dr. Katherine Jeffery Episode Manager: Jody Fernando Editor: Ariana Layton