Join Jason for an insightful, heartfelt conversation with his daughter Bailey, a high school senior and returning guest who brings a fresh, next-generation perspective on work, communication, and the rapidly changing world of careers.

As the year comes to a close, Bailey returns to reflect on her early work experiences, lessons in workplace culture, and what the future holds. As a member of Gen Z looking towards college and preparing for a career in the age of AI, she offers valuable insight into the expectations of tomorrow’s workforce.

Bailey shares her takes on what makes for a good work experience, what she looks for when considering a part-time job (including the "vibe" of the place), and how she and her peers are thinking about their career prospects beyond high school graduation.

Some highlights from Bailey's perspective include:

👉 Prioritize people and communicate consistently; your hardest workers check out long before you notice if you neglect to follow up or show genuine care.

👉 Authentic happiness at work matters; employees can sense when colleagues are “putting on a show” versus truly enjoying their environment.

👉 Candidates evaluate your culture (the “vibes”) from the moment they interact with your organization, make it a two-way street, not just an act for outsiders.

👉 Today’s young workers are practical and pragmatic. They’re weighing their education and career choices against a backdrop of cost, job stability, and AI disruption.

👉 Teach and encourage healthy skepticism: critical thinking is now a survival skill when technology can fabricate reality at scale.

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JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK.

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**

Connect with Jason:

Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/

Join Jason for a thought-provoking episode as he welcomes Shalynne Jackson, Chief Culture and Engagement Officer and CEO of Sonder Strategies. Shalynne is renowned for her commitment to building workplaces where people feel seen, connected, and valued.

In this episode, Jason and Shalynne dive deep into how organizations can foster meaningful human connection at work, especially in times when disconnection and loneliness are all too common. The conversation unpacks actionable strategies for cultivating workplace cultures rooted in trust, psychological safety, and accountability. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or hands-on advice, this discussion is full of practical wisdom for anyone looking to elevate their organization’s employee experience.

Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include:

👉 Mentorship and peer circles are high-impact vehicles for building relationships across departments and roles, fostering trust and growth.

👉 Intentionally connecting people over lunch or informal interactions can give rise to lasting relationships and unexpected support networks.

👉 Connection isn’t proximity. Being physically present doesn’t guarantee meaningful workplace relationships; true connection is built intentionally.

👉 Leaders should ask themselves, “Would I want me as my manager?” Empathy and accountability go hand in hand, shaping how people experience their work.

👉 Privilege and inclusion demand curiosity, humility, and active listening. Leaders can’t just treat others as they wish to be treated, they need to learn how others want to be cared for.

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Connect with Shalynne:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalynnejackson/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalynnejackson/?hl=en

Website: https://www.shalynnespeaks.com/

**

JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK.

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**

Connect with Jason:

Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/

"I'm going to enjoy my life now. If there is no golden goose at the end of this, no pot, there's no money at the end of this rainbow, I'm just going to enjoy my life now." - Tess Brigham speaking about the Gen Z perspective on work

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Join Jason Lauritsen for an insightful episode featuring Tess Brigham, licensed therapist, certified coach, and TEDx speaker. Tess brings over 20 years of expertise in guiding young people to understand themselves and build fulfilling lives.

In this episode, Jason and Tess dive deep into the realities facing Gen Z in the workplace and at home. If you’re an HR leader seeking practical ways to attract, engage, and retain young talent while fostering a healthier work culture, this conversation is loaded with relevant, actionable advice and thought-provoking perspectives. Discover why understanding Gen Z’s mindset matters and how rethinking your approach can improve organizational success and employee well-being.

Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include:

👉 Start with curiosity over judgment. Many workplace frustrations with young employees come from our own biases and assumptions. Pause. Ask. Listen.

👉 The future of work depends on leaders' role modeling healthy boundaries, emotional intelligence, and a willingness to rethink “the way it’s always been.”

👉 Stop solving, start coaching. For both parents and managers, the best path is asking more questions and letting them wrestle with the answers, rather than swooping in with “advice.”

👉 Gen Z puts mental health and boundaries first because the work “contract” is broken. If we want loyalty and engagement, we have to recognize and support that.

👉 You can’t rely on “what worked for me at that age.” Gen Z’s reality is shaped by economic uncertainty, skyrocketing costs, and social media—completely different contexts than previous generations.

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Connect with Tess:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessbrigham/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tess_brigham/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2EuYiwREu0fiQ8hrFwUNFU?si=1ca9799100344f40

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gen-mess-with-tess/id1797064230

Website: https://tessbrigham.com/

TEDx Talks: https://youtu.be/2nNEMBsf8e4?si=9ld4lpFhsKEcoxKC

**

JOIN THOUSANDS OF LEADERS WHO ARE HARNESSING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK.

📌 Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3c...

**

Connect with Jason:

Website: https://jasonlauritsen.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLauritsenVideo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonlauritsen/