Discover how to navigate the four-generation workplace, challenge outdated practices without seeming arrogant, and build teams that genuinely get the best out of everyone.
Episode Overview
This episode of It's A Yes! Making It In Media tackles one of the most talked-about topics in modern workplaces: generation gaps. For the first time in history, four generations are working side by side—Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z—each bringing different expectations, communication styles, and values to the table.
Jo and Debra explore what this looks like inside the media industry right now, from the challenge of working in open plan offices and shared Slack channels to navigating hybrid working expectations across generations. They share practical strategies for younger professionals who want to challenge "this is how we've always done it" without seeming arrogant, and millennial managers trying to bridge the gap with Gen Z team members who have completely different expectations about promotion timelines and work-life balance.
Listener questions come from Ella, age 24, who's struggling to challenge outdated practices, and Dan, a millennial manager navigating Gen Z expectations. Industry experts Claire Kearney (News UK) and Darren McKay (Alight Out of Home) share honest perspectives on what actually works—from reverse mentoring and employee networks to the truth about Gen Z stereotypes.
What This Episode Covers
- The four generations in today's workplace: Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z
- Setting clear expectations: what Gen Z needs to achieve before getting promoted
- Reverse mentoring: what older generations can learn from younger colleagues
- The importance of asking questions to understand different generational values
- Managing promotion expectations: honest conversations about budgets, profits, and progression
- What else motivates beyond money: recognition, new projects, and feeling connected to work
- Challenging Gen Z stereotypes: do they really lack commitment and work ethic?
- Why Gen Z's uncompromising attitude toward life outside work is actually admirable
Guest Experts
Claire Kearney — Head of Learning and Development at News UK
Darren McKay — Commercial Director at Alight Out of Home
The YES List
Eat Sleep Work Repeat — Bruce Daisley (Podcast & Newsletter)
This episode's recommendation is Bruce Daisley's podcast and newsletter. Bruce is former VP of Twitter Europe and has held senior roles at YouTube and Google, so he really understands fast-moving commercial environments like media. He researches what makes workplace culture genuinely work, and whether you're leading a team or part of one, there's something here for everyone.
Head to eatsleepworkrepeat.com, sign up for the newsletter, and get curated insights, the latest workplace research, and Bruce's straight-talking take delivered straight to your inbox.
Get In Touch
This is the final episode of Series 1! The podcast will return at the end of May with Series 2. In the meantime, the hosts would love to hear your thoughts on the podcast, including which topics you'd like them to explore in Season 2.
Send your feedback and Series 2 topic suggestions to hello@makingitinmedia.com
Upcoming Workshops
Debra runs live, interactive online media sales training workshops focused on building commercial confidence and capability.
Details of upcoming sessions can be found here: https://makingitinmedia.com/sales-training-courses/
Subscribe & Share
Follow the show for conversations about building a career in media, and share this episode with someone navigating generational dynamics in their workplace.
About the Hosts
It’s A Yes! Making It In Media is hosted by Jo Wood and Debra Sharron.
Jo is Managing Director of The Media Exchange, a specialist media recruitment consultancy working closely with candidates and employers across the industry.
Debra is founder of Media Sales Training, where she designs and delivers training for media sales teams, supporting professionals at every stage of their careers.
Together, they combine recruitment insight and sales expertise shaped by decades of experience inside the media industry.
Disclaimer: The views shared on this podcast are for general information only and reflect personal experience. They should not be taken as specific career, legal or financial advice.
