Right now you're leading up to five generations on the same team, and most of what's getting lost between them has nothing to do with personality.

In this episode, Desiree sits down with workplace teacher Liz Carlson to unpack why communication breaks down across generations, what shaped the way each generation shows up at work, and how leaders can start closing the gap without walking on eggshells.

Liz shares what she's learned spending years inside real teams, including why 93 percent of communication is nonverbal, how Gen Z is misunderstood rather than broken, and why Gen X, millennials, and boomers each bring their own hardwired communication style to the table.

Key Topics Covered:

Why the basics of communication get skipped in favor of new programs and assessments
The breakdown of nonverbal communication and why tone and body language carry more weight than words
What's really going on with Gen Z's communication habits
How each generation was shaped, by parenting, technology, and the workplace they came into
Practical ways to lead people who process the world differently than you do
Why culture is defined by the worst behavior tolerated, not the best intentions

About Liz Carlson:

Liz Carlson is a workplace teacher who spends her time inside real teams, helping leaders close the communication gaps that get in the way of trust and culture. She spent 12 years teaching in higher education, including designing and delivering business communication courses, and now brings that same lens to workplaces navigating five generations under one roof.

Connect with Liz on Linkedin

Intentional Leader Summit 2026 — Liz is a featured speaker.

Find more information at intentionalleadersummit.com

This podcast for managers is here to help you:

• Grow your leadership development
• Navigate team management with confidence
• Learn how to handle conflict at work
• Apply real, practical leadership tips

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