Podcast
From X to Z
Hosted by Purple Acorn · EN
Welcome to From X to Z, the show that believes you never age out of learning about the world around you. Featuring social media maven Danielle Farage and Mervyn Dinnen, the analyst who puts the X in ‘expert,’ they’re here to talk all things jobs, HR, and trends. So mind the generational gap, this is From X to Z.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
#28 - Bridging Generational Gaps in the Workforce
Mar 1600:34:49Tap to summarizeJoin Danielle Farage and Mervyn Dinnan in this insightful episode of From X to Z as they explore the evolving landscape of the workforce across generations. Discover how emerging trends and technologies are reshaping the way we work and interact.Mervyn shares his experiences from recent conferences in the US, including the HR Technology Conference and Expo, where AI and tech mergers were hot topics. Listen in as they delve into the nuances of managing a multi-generational workforce, addressing the challenges and opportunities that come with a diverse age range in the workplace.The episode also touches on the 'hope gap' phenomenon, as discussed by NYU professor Susie Welch. Learn why younger generations might feel disillusioned despite working as hard as their predecessors, and how side hustles have become a common pursuit among Gen Z. This episode is packed with insights on creating supportive work environments and understanding the unique aspirations of today's workforce. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →#27 - Understanding Work Slop and Generational Dynamics
Mar 900:25:12Tap to summarizeIn this episode of From X to Z, join hosts Danielle Farage and Mervyn Dinnan as they delve into the intriguing world of 'work slop' and its impact on the modern workplace. This episode unpacks the phenomenon of AI-generated content that looks polished but lacks substance, a trend that's quietly affecting productivity and trust in organizations.Mervyn Dinnan, the analyst who puts the X in expert, shares insights from recent research by Better App Labs and Stanford, highlighting how work slop is costing companies millions in lost productivity. The discussion also touches on the generational dynamics in the workplace, exploring how different age groups approach work and learning.Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by a multi-generational workforce, the importance of effective communication, and the potential pitfalls of relying too heavily on AI-generated content. Tune in to discover how to navigate these complexities and foster a more cohesive and productive work environment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →#26 - Intergenerational Insights: Bridging Work Cultures
Mar 200:31:36Tap to summarizeIn this episode of From X to Z, hosts Danielle Farage and Mervyn Dinnan delve into the evolving dynamics of the workplace, focusing on the generational exchange of ideas and practices. Discover how Gen Z is reshaping work culture and what older generations are learning from their younger colleagues.Danielle and Mervyn explore the shift towards a more balanced work-life approach, as highlighted by the experiences of Soraya Easterbrook, founder of SEO agency Dig Heads. Learn how Gen Z's prioritization of personal well-being over traditional work norms is influencing companies to embrace a more holistic work environment.Join the conversation as they discuss the importance of mutual respect and understanding in fostering intergenerational harmony within organizations. This episode offers valuable insights into how different generations can collaborate effectively, creating a workplace culture that values both productivity and personal growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →#25 - The Career Web: Rethinking Success
Feb 2300:36:36Tap to summarizeIn this episode of From X to Z, hosts Danielle Farage and Mervyn Dinnan dive into the evolving landscape of career success, challenging the traditional notion of the career ladder. With insights from the latest Deloitte Gen Z and millennial survey, they explore why today's career paths resemble a web rather than a ladder.Mervyn Dinnan, an expert analyst, shares his breakdown of the survey, which gathered data from 23,000 young workers across 44 countries. They discuss how only 6% of Gen Z aspire to leadership roles and how this generation is driven by a sense of purpose and social impact rather than traditional status symbols. Danielle and Mervyn also highlight the importance of incentives in the workplace and how Gen Z prioritizes loyalty to family over employers.Listeners will learn about the shift in learning attitudes, with Gen Z viewing learning as a continuous lifestyle rather than a one-time event. The episode sheds light on how young professionals today seek meaningful work experiences and the knowledge that can be accessed on-demand, reshaping the future of work and personal growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →#24 - Workplace Absence: Generational Perspectives
Feb 1600:40:27Tap to summarizeWelcome back to From X to Z, where hosts Danielle Farage and Mervyn Dinnen delve into the complex world of workplace absence. In this enlightening episode, they dismantle the stereotypes surrounding different generations' approach to taking time off work. Listeners will discover how generational differences impact perceptions of workplace absence, revealing that it's not just about laziness but a reflection of diverse life stages and responsibilities. Danielle and Mervyn explore the nuanced reasons behind why Gen Z and millennials might take mental health days, while Gen X and boomers often juggle caregiving duties. They highlight the pressing need for organizations to move away from a 'one size fits all' policy to prevent disengagement and burnout. The episode also touches on a viral LinkedIn post about the taboo topic of miscarriage, underscoring the importance of understanding diverse absence needs. Join this insightful conversation as Danielle and Mervyn advocate for empathy and understanding across generations, challenging biases and fostering a more inclusive workplace culture. Whether you're a leader, HR professional, or simply curious about generational dynamics, this episode offers valuable insights into creating a supportive work environment for all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →#23 - Rethinking Career Commitment Across Generations
Sep 1000:37:06Tap to summarizeGen Z is shaking up the workplace with a very different approach to careers—and employers are taking notice. A new survey shows nearly half of Gen Z plans to leave their job within a year, with many averaging less than two years in a role. What does this mean for organizations trying to build loyalty, and for young professionals navigating their early careers? Danielle Farage and Mervyn Dinnen dig into the data, exploring why Gen Z is redefining career commitment and how companies can adapt to a workforce that values growth, purpose, and flexibility over long-term tenure. They challenge assumptions about loyalty, discuss the implications for hiring and retention strategies, and consider how leaders can create environments that inspire people to stay. Whether you’re leading a multigenerational team or rethinking your own career path, this conversation offers sharp insights into the future of work—and why the definition of commitment is changing fast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →#22 - What Today’s Workforce Wants From Employers
Sep 300:33:07Tap to summarizeWork isn’t just changing—it’s transforming before our eyes. From shifting career paths to the growing influence of technology, today’s workplace looks nothing like it did even a decade ago. But what does that mean for employees, leaders, and organizations trying to keep up? Danielle Farage and Mervyn Dinnen bring two very different perspectives to the conversation—one rooted in the Gen Z experience of entering the workforce, the other shaped by years of analyzing HR trends across industries. Together, they unpack how generational expectations influence everything from job satisfaction to leadership styles, and why listening across age groups is the key to thriving in a rapidly evolving world of work. Whether you’re navigating your first role, leading teams through change, or rethinking the future of talent strategy, this episode offers fresh insights and actionable takeaways for anyone invested in the human side of work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →#21 - The 'Gen Z Stare': What Does It Mean? We Can't Ignore It.
Aug 2700:33:16Tap to summarizeHosts Danielle Farage and Mervyn Dinnon tackle the social media phenomenon known as the "Gen Z Stare". Danielle describes it as a flat, zombie-like, and disengaged expression that is often difficult to read, particularly in the workplace or when interacting with customers. Mervyn and Danielle demonstrate the stare before exploring its origins. Danielle cites a TikTok therapist who suggests the stare is a symptom of a larger cultural shift, where Gen Z wants to skip small talk and get straight to the point because pleasantries can be exhausting to them. This shift may be rooted in a decrease in social interactions due to the pandemic and an increased reliance on digital communication. Mervyn agrees that the nature of person-to-person interaction has changed, noting that in the past, small talk was a key part of customer service and positive customer experiences. He believes that with more forms of communication, the era of small talk is fading. Danielle adds that the many different ways to connect, from liking a post to in-person meetings, have created a sense of "superficial connection" that contributes to higher levels of loneliness among young people. The hosts discuss how a manager could respond to the "Gen Z Stare" by being curious and asking if something is going on. Danielle suggests that by offering their own personal tips or narratives, a manager can build trust and earn the employee's attention. Mervyn emphasizes that politeness costs nothing and that in a working environment, it's important to be polite to everyone because you never know when your paths will cross again. He concludes by stressing the importance of maintaining humanity in human resources and not cutting off human interaction in an age of digital communication and AI. Danielle agrees, stating that the ability to make people feel a certain way and inspire them to go above and beyond is a skill that helps ensure job security in a world with AI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →#20 - Nearly 9% of Younger Workers Use Alcohol or Drugs at Work
Aug 2000:31:22Tap to summarizeHosts Danielle Farage and Mervyn Dinnon discuss a recent headline about younger workers and substance use in the workplace. Danielle begins by sharing her weekend, which included a course on public speaking and a trip to Long Island to visit family. Mervyn recounts his weekend activities, which involved an open-air concert in Kent and a walk along the River Thames. The hosts dive into the main topic, prompted by the statistic that nearly 9% of younger workers use alcohol or drugs at work. Mervyn initially finds the headline to be "clickbait" and compares it to past workplace cultures, recalling a time in the UK when drinking during lunch was common, though not necessarily at one's desk. Danielle references a study from the American Journal of Industrial Medicine that found 5.6% of employees surveyed drank alcohol at work, while 3.1% used marijuana and 0.8% used hard drugs. The study also showed higher substance abuse among food industry, white-collar, and safety-sensitive workers. Danielle notes that while drug positivity rates have decreased, drug test cheating has increased, suggesting people may be using substances on weekends and trying to avoid detection at work. She questions the practice of drug and alcohol testing for recreational use, arguing that workplace policies should reflect the evolving cultural perspective on these substances. Mervyn and Danielle also discuss the historical context of substance use in the workplace. Danielle mentions a statistic that in 1971, one in ten US executives were considered "functioning alcoholics". Mervyn points out that people often underestimate the lingering effects of substances on their work performance the following day. Danielle concludes the conversation by suggesting that the concept of using "uppers" to get through the workday is not new, but the methods have changed. She highlights the rise of supplements and other "healthier ways" to achieve a boost, noting a shift from traditional substances to things like "functional mushrooms" and "neuro gum". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →#19 - Saying vs. Supporting: A Workplace Disconnect
Aug 600:34:28Tap to summarizeIn this episode of From X to Z, Mervyn Dinnen and Danielle Farage dive into the messy middle of workplace transformation—where systems are shifting, but expectations haven’t caught up. They explore the gap between what organizations say they want (innovation, agility, inclusion) and what they actually support through policy, leadership, and structure. From the myth of “readiness” to the dangers of waiting for permission to act, Mervyn and Danielle challenge conventional thinking and offer a more adaptive, human lens for navigating change. If you’ve ever felt stuck between old models and new realities, this episode will resonate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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