The Gen Mess with Tess

What if the biggest obstacle to workplace harmony isn’t lazy young workers or out-of-touch bosses—but a silent, generational “stalemate” that’s sabotaging both sides? In this solo episode of Gen Mess with Tess , host Tess Brigham takes you behind the scenes of a revealing conversation with a group of seasoned law firm owners—mostly Gen Xers—who are struggling not with legal cases, but with the rap...

What if the biggest reason you hate your job isn’t YOUR fault—but a 150-year-old management system designed to treat you like a cog, not a human being? That’s exactly what gets uncovered in this episode of Gen Mess with Tess , where Tess Brigham sits down with workplace revolutionary Jason Lauritsen. Jason shares his compelling journey from Iowa farm kid to corporate HR leader and bestselling auth...

What if the generational "mess" at work isn't just about age—it's about culture, communication, and what no one ever tells you on your first day? In this revealing episode of Gen Mess with Tess , host Tess Brigham sits down with Tracy Ward, award-winning HR executive and corporate culture strategist, to unpack the real dynamics that shape our workplaces. Together, they dive deep into Tracy's uniqu...

What if your company’s employee benefits plan could be the secret weapon that keeps your top talent loyal—and even attracts new superstars through the door? In this enlightening episode of Gen Mess with Tess, host Tess Brigham sits down with powerhouse employee benefits strategist, Sirena Dimas, to pull back the curtain on what really makes benefits matter in today’s rapidly changing workplace. Ke...

What if your “common sense” approach at work is actually causing a generational divide you don’t even see? In this thought-provoking episode of Gen Mess with Tess , host Tess Brigham sits down with leadership coach and author Rachel Burr for a refreshingly honest and practical look at why generational misunderstandings are so rampant in the workplace—and how leaders (and employees!) can finally st...

What if fear isn't your enemy, but actually your greatest secret weapon? In this powerful episode of Gen Mess with Tess, host Tess Brigham sits down with the dynamic Jacqueline Wales—TEDx speaker, author, coach, and all-around powerhouse—to unpack how fear runs (and often, ruins) our lives, across every generation. Jacqueline, whose inspiring journey includes overcoming childhood trauma, financial...

What if your career achievements are actually the least memorable thing about you at work? In this captivating episode of "Gen Mess with Tess," host Tess Brigham sits down with John Garrett, a former Big Four CPA turned stand-up comedian and award-winning keynote speaker, to dig deep into the messy world of generational workplace dynamics—and why bringing your whole self to work is your biggest as...

What if the real reason your team is struggling isn’t just about generational clashes—but about whether your employees feel seen, heard, and valued at work? On this eye-opening episode of Gen Mess with Tess, host Tess Brigham sits down with Dr. Ryan Warner, award-winning consulting psychologist, military leader, and Fortune 500 organizational strategist. Together, they dig beneath the surface of g...

What if everything you think you know about addiction and recovery is wrong? In this eye-opening episode of Gen Mess with Tess, host Tess Brigham sits down with Shirley Wantland, cofounder and principal of Recovery Consultants LLC, to dismantle the conventional wisdom around substance abuse, mental health, and healing. Shirley argues that no one is born an addict—and that true recovery comes from...

Is Empathy the Missing Link in Bridging Generational Divides? In this captivating episode of "The Gen Mess with Tess," we dive deep into the world of generational dynamics with Katherine Manning, an authority on leading with empathy when it matters the most. Ever wondered how understanding and transparency can shift the way generations interact in both personal and professional spheres? Prepare to...

Have you ever considered that the real communication problem might not lie with the younger generation, but with us—the ones who should know better? In this eye-opening episode of "Gen Mess with Tess," host Tess Brigham dives into a thought-provoking conversation with Jeffrey Klubeck, a master of motivation and communication. Together, they challenge conventional wisdom about generational communic...

What if you could learn the secrets of reputation management from a Navy officer turned PR expert with nearly three decades of experience? In this episode of "Gen Mess with Tess," host Tess Brigham welcomes Dave Oates, a marketing and PR aficionado, to explore the intricacies of crisis communications and the ever-evolving world of public relations. Join Tess and Dave as they uncover Dave's unique...

Could the key to revolutionizing workplace culture lie in unlocking personal biases and silencing the noise in our minds? In this eye-opening episode of "The Gen Mess with Tess," Tess Brigham invites bias mitigation expert Matthew Cahill from The Percipio Company to unravel the intricacies of generational dynamics and biases at work. Matthew reveals actionable insights into how biases like "like m...

Ever wondered how your relationships, both personal and professional, shape your happiness and success? In this episode of Gen Mess with Tess, Dr. Abby Medcalf joins host Tess Brigham to unpack generational dynamics and their impact on relationships. With over 35 years of experience in both business and counseling, Dr. Medcalf offers a unique blend of insights that span relational connections acro...

Ever wondered if remote work can truly hinder productivity, or if it's simply an evolving work culture challenging traditional norms? In this insightful solo episode of "The Gen Mess with Tess," host Tess Brigham unpacks the controversy surrounding Jamie Dimon's leaked comments on JPMorgan's return-to-office mandate. Tess delves into the debate ignited by his blunt criticisms of remote work, parti...

Are you curious about how emotional intelligence (EQ) can transform your workplace relationships and leadership style? Tess Brigham welcomes expert Susan Schwartz, who dives deep into the world of emotional intelligence and its profound impact on leadership, teamwork, and generational dynamics in the workplace. Discover Susan’s journey from a technically-focused professional to a leader who champi...

Ever wonder why different generations approach work and life so differently? In this solo episode of "The Gen Mess with Tess," host Tess Brigham dives deep into the world of generational dynamics with a focus on how these influence our professional environments. Tess provides a comprehensive overview of the generations currently in the workforce—Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z—highligh...

Are you burned out, or know someone who is struggling with managing the balance between ambition and well-being? In this enlightening debut episode of "Gen Mess with Tess," host Tess Brigham dives deep into the intricate world of burnout with Cait Donovan, a leading expert on the subject. Cait shares her personal journey through burnout and how she helps others in recovery, focusing on the interse...

Ever wonder why workplaces feel like a battlefield between generations? In this inaugural episode of Gen Mess with Tess, host Tess Brigham dives into the chaotic state of today’s workforce, where Gen Z feels lost, older generations feel misunderstood, and no one seems to speak the same language. Tess, a seasoned psychotherapist, certified coach, and author, sets the stage for a series dedicated to...