Alastair Greener Generationally Speaking

George Cairns, founder of Get AI Powers, joins Alastair to cut through the noise around AI and explain what “agentic” systems really are: tools that can carry out computer-based work with minimal human input.

George explores how different generations respond to AI, why older workers are often more adaptable than stereotypes suggest, and why most AI projects fail not because of tech, but because organisations don’t redesign the human system around it.

5 highlights

Val Corbett brings decades of experience to a deceptively simple question: how do we get people talking again?

From prison reform to professional networking, Val argues that isolation has become a default state and that connection often has to be deliberately engineered through structure, shared spaces, and face-to-face interaction. She suggests that age doesn’t equal mindset and why phone bans don’t really work. As an advocate for speed networking she sees it as a social equaliser where connections are made through relationship-building, not selling

Val Corbett Takeaways:

Patrick Quinton-Smith joins Alastair to dismantle myths about Gen Z at work and focus on what actually improves retention, performance, and engagement.

They explore coaching as a high-ROI investment, the unintended damage of poorly designed hybrid work, and why early-career development needs urgent rethinking as AI reshapes entry-level roles.

Podcast highlights

Patrick Quinton-Smith Takeaways:

Neuroscience-informed coach Alison Blackler joins Alastair to explain why generational friction may feel personal, but why it usually isn’t.

In this fascinating episode she helps us understand how the brain’s threat response shapes communication, why certainty increases conflict, and how curiosity and empowerment create calmer, higher-performing teams.

Alison Blackler Takeaways:

Alison Blackler Links

https://www.facebook.com/2mindsuk

https://www.instagram.com/alison2minds/

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In this podcast Tyler Thompson, (award-winning speaker and youth communication coach), shares how his split upbringing of local roots and private-school opportunities, led him into public speaking and youth work. He explains how he connects with young people, why mental-health and phone culture matter, and practical ways both young and older people can close the communication gap.

Episode highlights

At just 17, Ruby juggles A-Levels, fashion-design ambitions and a record-breaking hospice-fundraiser. She credits her school’s “competitive compassion” culture for normalising charity work. Ruby shares how she builds peer support networks, manages exam stress through friend “debrief dinners”, and why asking older generations about their own passions is her favourite icebreaker.

Ruby Woodward Takeaways:

Freddie Miller shares his journey from urban London to a rural career in river management. He breaks common Gen Z stereotypes with his passion, work ethic and ability to connect across generations. A refreshing conversation about purpose, communication and the evolving relationship between younger and older workers in traditional industries.

Freddie Miller Takeaways:

Fre...

Alastair sits down with consultant-psychologist Dr Stacy Moore to explore how our “formative years” lay the tracks for the rest of our lives. From high parental expectations in immigrant families to the way tech is forcing analogue-born generations to re-wire, Stacy unpacks the research behind generational resilience. She argues that Gen Z’s emotional fluency is often misread as fragility, while Boomer stoicism can mask silent struggles. The conversation closes with science-backed mental-health habits that work at any age.

Stacy Moore Takeaways:

• Resilience looks different with each generation, and it is ex...

Steve Haynes (negotiator, mediator and trustee at the Reach charity) talks to Alastair about how his lived experience shaped his approach to negotiation. He discusses how growing up with an upper-limb difference and within multi-generational communities, shaped his perspectives that would prove to be an asset in his work. The conversation moves from practical negotiation tools (BATNA, push vs pull, value-trades and a cheeky “ask for the mats” tactic) to dealing with unconscious generational bias, reading power dynamics, and the simple discipline of listening to understand rather than listening to respond.

Steve Haynes Takeaways:

Alastair sits down with Henry Farr, a young entrepreneur navigating the generational expectations that come with running his own business. In this episode, Henry offers a grounded, self-aware view of how Gen Z approaches the workplace, identity, and relationships with older colleagues.

Open about his own learning journey, Henry reflects on what are sometimes unrealistic expectations placed on his generation: to be both assertive and respectful, progressive yet traditional, digital-first but socially sensitive. He shares practical ideas on how workplaces can embrace Gen Z’s curiosity and ambition without patronising them - and how younger workers can be...

In this episode, Alastair speaks with Kate Heathcote, a solutions architect, engineer, musician, and mother navigating life at the intersection of Gen X independence and Millennial collaboration. At 42, she reflects on how her dual upbringing shaped her need for validation, how stubbornness led her to engineering, and why she believes community support for parents has weakened.

Kate opens up about being one of only a handful of women in her university engineering cohort, navigating gender bias in the workplace, and what has (and hasn’t) changed for female engineers today. She also shares her perspective on parenting la...

Alastair is joined by Keith Fraser, former police officer and Chair of the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales, for a deep and necessary conversation about race, justice, authority, and how generational assumptions shape all of those. With decades of experience working with young people - particularly those affected by systemic inequalities - Keith reflects on what it means to be a visible role model, the importance of authenticity, and why power must be questioned, not protected.

Keith also shares his personal journey as a black man in British policing, his thoughts on how the justice...

Alastair sits down with Gillian White, an independent consultant in retail engineering by training, and lifelong globetrotter. A self-described Gen X cusper, Gillian pushes back on generational absolutes: agreeing with Alastair’s mantra that we’re framed by our era, not defined by it. Growing up as “the new kid” across different countries taught her adaptability, curiosity and grit. These were traits she later relied on as one of only a handful of women on her engineering course and throughout a career spanning public and private sectors (including time working in Japan).

Gillian tackles ageism head-on, arguing...

In this powerful conversation, Alastair speaks to Alex Staniforth, record-breaking ultra-endurance athlete, speaker, and founder of mental health charity Mind Over Mountains. Now 30, Alex reflects on being on the generational cusp between Millennials and Gen Z, and how adversity shaped his early life, from epilepsy and bullying to stammering and school struggles. He opens up about finding solace in the outdoors, raising over £36,000 through his epic mountain challenges, and why being underestimated for his age became a hidden strength.  Alex shares why he believes younger generations are often unfairly labelled as entitled or fragile, and what older generations can do...

In this honest and reflective episode, Alastair speaks with Kristine Long, a senior leader at IBM with a decade-long career across London and New York. Kristine explores what it means to be a "typical millennial" in the workplace - value-driven, vocal, and constantly adapting.
Now also a mother to one of the first Gen Beta babies, Kristine reflects on how her upbringing shaped her ambition, the evolving landscape of parental roles, and why millennials often delay major life milestones - not out of apathy, but due to choice and circumstance. She also unpacks how hybrid work has transformed...

In one of the most striking conversations of the series, Alastair Greener sits down with
Keenan Noori, the articulate and passionate 15-year-old founder of the Nexus Party, who’s
on a mission to reform UK politics. Frustrated by ideological tribalism and rigid party lines,
Keenan shares his vision for a centrist, evidence-based political approach that unites rather
than divides.
With a level of eloquence and clarity rare in any age group, Keenan challenges the notion
that Gen Z lacks resilience or seriousness. He discusses how growing up in a multicultural
household in Wi...

Alastair is joined by award-winning social entrepreneur Lise Kaye-Bell, founder of Soundproof Box, an immersive theatre company using live performance to explore tough topics with young people. From misogyny and coercive control to drug trafficking and self-worth, Lise’s work has reached over 13,000 students and counting.
As a Gen Xer with a Gen Z daughter, Lise brings both personal and professional insight into how generational communication is evolving. She shares why she never wanted to be the “old lady with a PowerPoint,” how she co-creates shows that resonate with Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and why asking questions (not gi...

In this values-driven episode, Paul Hargreaves - B Corp leader, author, and CEO of
Cotswold Fayre - talks with Alastair about how purpose-led businesses are better for people,
planet, and profit. With years of experience leading ethical enterprises, Paul explores how
different generations approach leadership, legacy, and social responsibility. He reflects on
his Gen X upbringing and how it sparked his passion for fairness and sustainability.
Paul also delves into how younger generations are holding leaders accountable and why
that’s a good thing. From his advocacy for conscious capitalism to his insights on...

Alastair welcomes Maurice Collins, a 90-year-old inventor, entrepreneur, and author, whose wisdom and wit span nearly a century of generational change. With infectious humour and humility, Maurice reflects on growing up in wartime Britain, the discipline of hand-setting printing type, and the joy of collecting eccentric Victorian gadgets. But more than that, he shares how his life has been defined by continual reinvention - from entrepreneur to disability rights campaigner.

This episode is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and the value of living a purposeful life, regardless of age. Maurice proves that learning is lifelong, age is...

Show Notes
In this energising episode, Kim Seeling Smith - future-of-work strategist and founder of Ignite Global - joins Alastair to unpack what younger generations want from their careers, and why their demands might actually be saving the workplace. Drawing on global research and her extensive HR expertise, Kim explores why Millennials and Gen Z are prioritising purpose, flexibility, and feedback as well as what older generations can learn from them.

She debunks myths around work ethic and loyalty while highlighting the danger of ignoring Gen Z’s desire for growth. She goes on to sh...

 At just 19 years old, Tom Penketh is making his voice heard in local politics. In this episode, Alastair speaks with Tom about his experience on a Youth Council, his views on representation, and how Gen Z perceives authority, activism, and communication.

Tom challenges assumptions about his generation being disengaged and apathetic. Instead, he paints a picture of a digitally native, socially conscious cohort that values community impact, mental health, and accountability. He also offers a fresh perspective on how adults can better support young people: not by giving them a voice, but by listening to the o...

Dr. Lynda Shaw, a behavioural neuroscientist and leadership psychologist, talks to Alastair about how each generation’s brain wiring influences perceptions and decision-making. She demystifies unconscious bias, explains why different age groups see the world in unique ways, and offers practical tips for keeping communication open and respectful. Whether at home or in the workplace, Dr. Shaw highlights the role of curiosity and mutual respect in uniting generations.

Key Takeaways

Arthur Dallimer is a high-achieving property developer who began his journey at just 18. In this episode he chats with Alastair about his unconventional path, how having an older father shaped his early sense of responsibility, and why he believes in transforming entire cities—not just his bank balance. Arthur explains the challenges of bridging generational differences in work ethics and aspirations, shedding light on how younger generations can achieve big goals sooner than they think.

Key Takeaways

In a conversation with Alastair, Shelley Bridgman discusses psychotherapy, comedy, and generational attitudes. She unpacks the art of truly listening to young people - without judgment or assumption. She contrasts the fluid identity norms of younger generations with the more rigid stereotypes often held by older people. Touching on her comedy background, Shelley shows how humour, curiosity, and adaptability can keep communication lines open across all ages.

Key Takeaways

Managing director of MICE Knowledge, Rob Davidson talks to Alastair about how the business events industry is evolving to serve Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. He explain s why conferences can’t be one-size-fits-all, how younger attendees demand interactive participation, and what event planners must do to create experiences that cater to every age group. In this episode, Rob explains why face-to-face events still matter in a digital world and why multigenerational networking can thrive with the right approach.

Key Takeaways

In this episode, Alastair talks to Carole Spiers, an internationally recognized stress management guru and author, and they discuss how each generation experiences and copes with stress. Carole talks about her own Boomer upbringing, the impact of technology overload, and the importance of communication between older and younger generations—whether at work or home. Carole also offers practical steps to alleviate stress and anxiety across generational lines.

Key Takeaways

Join Alastair Greener as he dives into the complexities of social media with Mark Saxby, founder of Positive Social. They discuss social media's influence on younger generations, strategies for healthier usage, and its implications for workplaces.

Key Takeaways:

Mark Saxby:

Mark’s LinkedIn

Mark’s Website

Generationally Speaking:

Generationally Speaking Website

Gene...

Episode: Claudette Dawson - Five Generations Under One Roof
Alastair sits down with Claudette Dawson, a specialist soft skills facilitator and trainer, to discuss her unique experience of living in a household with five generations. Claudette shares invaluable insights into adapting communication styles and the lessons learned from working across age groups.

Key Takeaways:

Claudette on LinkedIn

Generationally Speaking:

Generationally...

In this episode, Alastair chats with Anthony Stears, aka "The Telephone Assassin," about how phone communication has evolved and its generational nuances. They explore practical techniques for overcoming communication barriers in a tech-driven world.

Key Takeaways:

Anthony Stears

Anthony’s X

Anthony’s LinkedIn

Anthony’s Website

Anthony’s Telephone Assassin Academy

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In this episode, Alastair Greener talks to Paul Carter, tech expert and BBC presenter, about how generational attitudes toward technology have evolved. They explore Paul's personal journey, from his early exposure to assistive technology to his work advocating for inclusivity in tech. Discover insights into resilience among younger generations and predictions for how AI and robotics will reshape our workplaces.

Key Takeaways:

Paul Carter:
Paul's X
Paul's LinkedIn

Ever feel like you’re speaking different languages across the generations? Join host Alastair Greener in Generationally Speaking, a 30-minute podcast exploring how each generation thinks, works, and communicates. With guests from diverse backgrounds, Alastair debunks myths, challenges stereotypes, and offers practical tips for building stronger intergenerational connections. New episodes drop every two weeks—tune in to bridge the generation gap and make communication easier.

For more details, visit Generationallyspeaking.co.uk.