Gen X Grit Meets Gen Z Curiosity: Leading Across Generations

Do Something Different: A Leadership Podcast

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In this episode of Do Something Different, Rusty Gaillard sits down with Erin Mantz, VP of Marketing at Zeno Group and founder of Gen X Girls Grow Up. They dive into the importance of your first boss, how generational traits shape leadership styles, and what Gen X can learn from Gen Z in today’s workplace.

From latchkey resilience to mentoring the next generation, this conversation is packed with insights on navigating careers, building strong teams, and adapting as a modern leader.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why your first boss can shape your entire career
• How Gen X’s upbringing influences their work ethic and leadership style
• What Gen Z values at work—and why it matters
• Tips for creating better intergenerational communication at work
• The power of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership
• How to mentor and be mentored across generations

Follow Erin on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmantz/

And at Gen X Girls Grow Up:

https://www.facebook.com/GenXBlog/

Rusty Gaillard is an executive coach, helping mid-level corporate leaders create more career success while working less and enjoying it more. That's real freedom.
Get more leadership tips to grow your skillset and mindset at rustygaillard.com, and follow Rusty on LinkedIn.

Chapters

1. Gen X Grit Meets Gen Z Curiosity: Leading Across Generations (00:00:00)

2. Introduction to Generational Leadership (00:00:13)

3. Celebrating Gen X Traits (00:02:56)

4. The Impact of First Jobs (00:04:52)

5. Leadership Lessons from Early Experience (00:08:24)

6. Guiding the Next Generation (00:12:37)

7. Strengths of Gen Z (00:14:58)

8. Navigating Career Purpose (00:16:22)

9. Advice for Modern Leaders (00:20:07)