I celebrate my 34th birthday today. As I commemorate another passing year, it is perhaps fitting that I reflect upon the role of age in the workplace. I find myself more comfortably in the Radio 2 listening bracket of the company. This was further compounded by the tumbleweed minimal response from the younger staff in the office when I excitedly reported that I’d spotted Former England Goalkeeper David Seaman…I know.
For the first time in recent history, there is potential for five generations to be in the workplace at the same time. Currently, it comprises: the Silent Generation, baby boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z (did that make you feel old just getting your head round that?).
As it stands, the working lives for most of us will continue well into our seventies. For businesses, the multigenerational span of employees will only continue to grow. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), a multigenerational force is key to economic growth. The diverse age groups and working styles present both challenges and opportunities. As we enter a new age of workforce demographics, how can organisations foster a strong sense of unity and collaboration across the ‘Gens’? What can we teach and ‘unteach’ ourselves to engage and retain staff?
At Fane Speakers, our speakers show an amazing depth of understanding for the importance of communication, innovation, and connecting intergenerational workforces.
In the interest of staying ‘on brand’ this weekend, I shall be celebrating in a multi-generational fashion at ABBA Voyage. So why not ‘Take a Chance’ on our speakers…
Dihraj Mukherjee
Dihraj Mukherjee is the co-founder of Shazam Entertainment, the world’s first mobile phone-based music recognition service. Shazam was acquired by Apple in 2017 for a reported $400 million. He is now an active angel investor focused on emerging technologies and “Tech for Good,” and was selected for Smith & Williamson’s “Power 100” in 2017 for supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in the U.K.
As the rapid development of technology is a defining feature of our modern age, Dihraj recognises the importance of investing in young people and how we need to continually learn how to adapt to change despite our ageing years.
Greg Searle
One of Britain’s greatest rowers of all time Greg Searle draws upon his experience of elite performance as an Olympic Gold Medalist. Together with his brother Jonny, ‘The Searle brothers’ famously won a Gold Medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. After retiring from rowing, he took to sailing, taking part in the America’s Cup Challenger Series. Greg came out of retirement, aged 40, to compete in London 2012, winning bronze with the rowing men’s eight on home soil.
As the oldest person in the boat, Greg talks to clients to inspire peak performance by sharing the behaviours required to harness the energy he had at 20 to the wisdom he had at 40.
The Rev’d Kate Bottley
The Rev’d Kate Bottley is passionate about sharing stories of her faith to the widest audience possible, and with that, she faces one of the great challenges of how to keep her message relevant for all ages. Kate’s recent book Have A Little Faith is written with her customary wit, warmth and humanity. She talks about what she’s learned about life’s challenges, including love, death, loneliness and conflict, and how sharing those experiences can unite us.
Kate is a champion of inclusivity and talks openly about how you need to stay engaged and bridge the communication gap over the different age groups.
Hayley Mulenda
Hayley Mulenda is an author and change agent. After nearly taking her own life at the age of 18, Hayley realised how mental health issues are increasingly affecting millennials and she was passionate to do something about it. From helping leaders bridge the gap with millennials and Gen-Zs to creating a safe space through mentoring hundreds of young people from diverse and lower socioeconomic backgrounds, Hayley really is passionate to make a change.
Hayley sits on the board of Wagamama as well as consulting their CEO to help reach young people from more diverse backgrounds.
She was awarded her Damehood in 2017 for services to the UK economy and for her work supporting women and the LGBTQ+ community.
To explore our speakers further, click here, or enquire with hello@fanespeakers.co.uk.
