14. Gen Z vs Gen X: Real Talk on Leadership, Respect & Communication

What happens when a Gen X CEO and a Gen Z CMO join forces to build something big?

In this episode of B Student Podcast, host Betsy Gardner sits down with her collaborator and Chief Marketing Officer, Addison Cursey, for a real conversation on navigating multigenerational leadership in the modern workplace.
From decoding communication differences to wardrobe hacks that build credibility, this episode is packed with funny, vulnerable, and incredibly practical insight into how professionals from different generations can better understand, respect, and elevate each other.

Topics include:

How to read the room across generations
Why “dressing old” might help your career
What Gen Z and Boomers misunderstand about each other
Practical tips for showing up with gravitas
The power of wonder, curiosity, and failing together

Whether you're 24 or 54, this episode will shift the way you think about collaboration, leadership, and communication in a rapidly evolving work environment.Drop your favorite takeaway in the comments—and let us know how you’re bridging the generational gap at work.

Time Stamps:

00:00 – Welcome + Meet Addison Cursey
01:42 – Why Navigating Generations Matters Now
03:27 – Gen Z vs Gen X: How We Communicate Differently
06:10 – A Website Training Gone Wrong (and Right)
08:55 – Evergreen Resources vs Real-Time Support
11:33 – Wonder, Curiosity & Learning How to Ask Better
14:25 – Becoming “Translators” Across Generations
16:02 – How HBO’s Hacks Mirrors Our Working Relationship
18:37 – Managing Up (Starting with Mom!)
21:08 – Dressing the Part: “Dress Older” Strategy Explained
23:46 – Cheat Code: Ask What to Wear
26:09 – Stakeholder Perception & the Power of Clothing
28:33 – The New Professional: Stylish, Polished & Context-Aware
30:48 – Showing Up with Gravitas Without Losing Approachability
33:24 – Pantyhose, Politics, and the Panopticon
36:01 – Dressing Your Calendar & Why Consistency Matters
38:20 – Leadership Without a Title: Earning Trust Early
40:12 – Practical Tips to Build Trust Across Generations
41:30 – Closing Thoughts & What’s Coming Next

Watch now and drop a comment with the one word that describes your B-side.

Subscribe, rate, and share the B Student Podcast—because the B side of your story might just be the best part.

Connect with Addison Cursey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/addison-cursey-mba-353344151/
Connect with Betsy Gardner: https://www.betsygardner.com/

Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/

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Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

Published on 4 weeks ago

Podcast Episode Details

14. Gen Z vs Gen X: Real Talk on Leadership, Respect & Communication