What if the generational "mess" at work isn't just about age—it's about culture, communication, and what no one ever tells you on your first day?

In this revealing episode of Gen Mess with Tess, host Tess Brigham sits down with Tracy Ward, award-winning HR executive and corporate culture strategist, to unpack the real dynamics that shape our workplaces. Together, they dive deep into Tracy's unique journey from aspiring bioengineer to HR leader, and share eye-opening insights on why so many new employees feel lost—not because they're unprepared, but because companies forget to teach the "unwritten rules" that create true belonging at work.

Key Highlights:

• The hidden pitfalls of workplace culture that trip up new hires—and how to fix them before burnout sets in.
• Generational patterns at work: How Gen Z's desire for purpose, Gen X's "work first" mentality, and evolving attitudes toward boundaries and self-care are changing the way leaders need to engage and retain talent.
• Actionable ways to make your onboarding process more intentional, including assigning buddies, demystifying strange company jargon, and leveraging peer support.
• The critical importance of communication around employee benefits, and why reminding your team about available resources is an act of genuine care.
• Why relationships at work—not just salary or perks—are the #1 reason people stick around (or leave).
• Balancing business goals with creating sustainable, people-first workplaces—and the business case for happiness and trust.

Ready to clean up the gen mess at your own workplace? Tune in and discover practical strategies to create a place where every generation—and every individual—can thrive.

Resources: Find Tracy Ward and learn more about Forward Talent Strategies at www.forwardtalentstrategies.com, or connect with her on LinkedIn. And don’t forget: the path to a healthier, more vibrant work culture starts with one intentional conversation—maybe yours!

00:00 "Passion for HR Leadership Journey"

06:05 Onboarding: Organizational Responsibility Debate

08:53 Generational Shifts in Workplace Values

10:25 Empowered Employee Communication

15:45 Enhancing Employee Benefits Communication

18:45 Promoting Resources Through Accessibility

22:50 Workplace Bonds and Purpose

24:51 "Impact of Employee Turnover"

27:13 Leadership Change and Influence Struggles

33:03 Importance of Third-Party Trust

34:34 Balancing People and Profits

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your company’s employee benefits plan could be the secret weapon that keeps your top talent loyal—and even attracts new superstars through the door?

In this enlightening episode of Gen Mess with Tess, host Tess Brigham sits down with powerhouse employee benefits strategist, Sirena Dimas, to pull back the curtain on what really makes benefits matter in today’s rapidly changing workplace.

Key Highlights:

• Why company benefits aren’t just an expense—they’re an underused asset that could drive business growth and retention (and how to shift your mindset).
• Sirena’s unique journey from young mom to industry leader, and the “listening” skill that launched her success.
• The generational evolution of benefits: what companies (and employees!) wanted 20 years ago versus today, including a powerful look at the rise of mental health support and financial wellness benefits.
• Candid stories on multigenerational workplaces and families—like what happens when a Gen X, an elder Millennial, Gen Z, and Alphas all live together (hint: mediation skills come in VERY handy!).
• Practical tips for boosting benefit engagement—open enrollment meetings, digital resources, FAQs, and why communication must match each generation’s style.

Whether you lead a business, manage a team, or just want to understand how work culture is evolving across generations, this episode is packed with the wisdom (and real-world stories) you need to start fixing the Gen Mess—one conversation at a time.

Loved this episode?

• Share it with a manager or HR pro who wants to rethink their benefits strategy!
• Try a new way of communicating with your colleagues this week—see what clarity and connection you can create.
• Stay tuned and subscribe for more insights on navigating generational dynamics at work and at home.

Remember: Your benefits package and your people are your company’s greatest assets. Make sure everyone knows how to use them!

00:00 "Gen Mess Podcast with Tess"

03:27 Insurance: A Personal Journey

07:25 Consumer Mindset: Expense to Asset

11:19 Employee Financial Literacy Gaps

13:47 Navigating Employee Health Benefits

19:54 Children Witness Work Stress

22:39 Graduating in the '90s vs. '00s

25:28 Supportive Client Relationships

29:05 Hands-On Learning Beats Tech

31:20 Printer and Battery Misunderstandings

34:18 Parenting Approaches Across Generations

37:18 "First Speaker Buys the Product"

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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"

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.