In this engaging episode, Patrick Dunne and Rebecca Robins delve into the fascinating and timely subject of multigenerational organizations, drawn from insights in their book Five Generations at Work: How We Win Together, For Good.
For the first time in history, we have five distinct generations working concurrently across organizations globally, presenting both challenges and immense opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and social impact.
Dunne and Robins argue that the current generational discourse has become reductive, often fixated on stereotypes that do little to foster understanding or promote synergy. Instead, they propose a new narrative that embraces the strengths of every generation — whether it be Gen Z's agility and digital fluency or the seasoned wisdom and reflective thinking that older workers offer. They emphasize the importance of shifting from an "either-or" mindset that pits generations against each other to a "both-and" approach that maximizes the contributions of all age groups.
The authors highlight key findings from six years of research, drawing on extensive interviews and case studies from diverse global organizations like LVMH, Mars and the EY Foundation. These organizations have successfully integrated intergenerational dynamics to not only solve internal business challenges but also to drive positive social outcomes.
They also discuss various models of collaboration, such as NextGen boards, which have proven effective in creating an inclusive environment where different generations can share leadership and decision-making roles.
The episode also touches on how different cultures define generations and how these definitions impact workplace dynamics. From the post-apartheid "Born Free" generation in South Africa to the "9X" generation in Vietnam, the authors provide a nuanced understanding of how context shapes generational identities.
Dunne and Robins conclude with a call to action, urging leaders to recognize the unique moment we are living through — where the convergence of generations presents a "renaissance" of sorts. Instead of framing generational differences as a source of tension, leaders should see this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to foster collaboration and drive collective progress, not only within organizations but across broader societal challenges like climate change, inequality, and technological disruption.
This thought-provoking discussion reframes how we should think about multigenerational workplaces, encouraging a more optimistic and pragmatic view that underscores the power of collaboration across ages to "win together for good."
About Patrick Dunne
Patrick Dunne is a leading expert on boards and good governance. An experienced Chair and serial social entrepreneur, his executive experience was with Air Products and FTSE 100 private equity business 3i Group plc where he held a variety of senior roles including Communications Director and a member of its Operating Committee.
Patrick is the author of the award-winning Boards and co-author of Five Generations at Work. A member of the Higgs review, and recognised as a guru on governance, he also heads up board consultancy Boardelta. He has supported Chairs across a wide range of sectors in Europe, Africa, Asia, Middle East and North America in transforming the effectiveness of their boards.
He is Chair of the charities The Royal Voluntary Service and ESSA-Education Sub Saharan Africa. Patrick is also a Visiting Professor at Cranfield University, and Associate Fellow at Warwick Business School. He was also the founding Chair of the EY Foundation and the founder of Warwick in Africa.
Patrick was awarded an OBE in the King’s 2023 Birthday Honours list for services to charity and philanthropy in Africa and the UK.
About Rebecca Robins
Rebecca Robins is a recognised expert in brand leadership and now CEO and Founder of a consultancy at the intersection of brand, culture and leadership. She has over 20 years’ experience across the world, advising leading global corporates, founders and family businesses.
Known for her energising approach and the ability to make things stick, she is called on to work with companies from the everyday to the extraordinary. Having architected and led centres of excellence in professional development, she also teaches on leadership programmes at leading business schools and universities, including Cambridge University and Oxford University.
A prolific writer and commentator for publications such as The BBC, The Business of Fashion, The Guardian and Quartz, she is the author of three books, including the best-selling Meta-luxury: Brands and the Culture of Excellence (Macmillan), and the brand new Five Generations at Work: How we win together for good (Wiley).
Education is at the heart of Rebecca’s non-profit and wider commitments, including on the advisories of The Chartered Management Institute, a leading AI for good company and serving as Board Trustee of The EY Foundation.
A linguist and philosopher by background, Rebecca holds two degrees from Cambridge University.
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