What if your “common sense” approach at work is actually causing a generational divide you don’t even see?

In this thought-provoking episode of Gen Mess with Tess, host Tess Brigham sits down with leadership coach and author Rachel Burr for a refreshingly honest and practical look at why generational misunderstandings are so rampant in the workplace—and how leaders (and employees!) can finally start cleaning up the “gen mess.”

Key Highlights:

• The Circuitous Path to Great Leadership: Rachel shares her real, non-linear journey from clinical psychology into executive coaching—and how detours are often where true growth happens.
• The Emperor’s New Clothes in the C-Suite: Discover why senior leaders often stop hearing the truth from their people, and why intentional listening is the most overlooked tool for powerful leadership.
• Inside-Out Leadership: We explore what it means to show up as an authentic leader (regardless of personality type), and why “cookie-cutter” solutions always fall short.
• Generational Blind Spots: Dive into the biggest misunderstandings between Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. You’ll learn how “common sense” is built on common experience—and why neither side is right or wrong.
• What Gen Z Really Wants (and Needs): Rachel shares what young professionals are seeking from their leaders—context, purpose, and the why behind what they do—and how these are human essentials, not generational demands.
• The Hard Truth About Transformation: Rachel’s new book, Butterfly Goo, challenges the Instagram myth that growth is glamorous. Real transformation is messy, uncomfortable, and never happens overnight.

Want to go deeper? Check out Rachel’s book, Butterfly Goo: The Down and Dirty Truth of Transformation, for raw, real stories and practical strategies for authentic growth.

Curious to break your own generational cycle at work? Start by sharing this episode with your team, and open up a real dialogue. Because cleaning up the gen mess starts with one honest conversation at a time.

00:00 "Humorous Memoir on Nonlinear Journeys"

06:18 Leadership Disconnection Challenges

08:40 Promotion Challenges Within a Team

11:35 Core Values and Leadership Identity

15:50 "Leaders Seeking Context and Purpose"

18:02 "Generational Experiences and Challenges"

23:00 Generational Perspectives on Change

24:38 Internalize Less, Respect More

28:36 The Challenge of Common Knowledge

32:14 Rethinking Success: Sink or Swim

34:33 "Emotional Intelligence and Management"

38:09 Shaming: Ineffective Leadership Strategy?

42:12 Bridging Generational Understanding

46:51 "Choose Your Own Transformation Adventure"

50:07 "Comfort Zones Limit Growth"

51:11 "Conscious Choice and Growth"

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