Claire Madden

For Generation Z (born 1995-2009), a world of Wi-Fi is the only one they have ever known. Digital is their default, Siri is their personal assistant and with over 6 billion Google searches every day, access to any piece of information is only ever seconds away.  They are digital linguists, social networkers, global collaborators and sensory engagers. In this session, Claire will unpack 5 key characteristics of this emerging generation, and equip you with keys to better understand, engage and work with the generation who are the most formally educated, technologically literate and materially endowed generation in history.

In a little over a generation, organisations have been transformed from hierarchical structures to collaborative environments. Staff and volunteers have moved from long term commitment to valuing variety and frequent change. It is imperative that leaders are equipped with strategies to build a culture which attracts and inspires, implement leadership which supports and empowers and shapes an organisational climate which produces both productivity and engagement. In this session, Claire will unpack 7 leadership qualities that emerging generations resonate with, and equip leaders, managers and teams to attract, engage and retain talent across a multi-generational workforce.

In the wave of computerisation, global connectivity and automation across our workforce, it’s estimated 40% of our jobs will be threatened by computerisation in the next 10-15 years.  The jobs which are more likely to be safe are those that require high levels of creativity and problem solving, high levels of social interaction and EQ, and high levels of dexterity.  Workers of the future will need to be lifelong learners, be agile and adaptive to changing job roles and tasks with increased automation, and be responsive to new markets.  Gen Z will not be thinking ‘job for life’ – they will be thinking about job mobility rather than job security as they will need to continue to adapt to the changing external environment.  They will be looking to gain transferable skills that they can continue to build on as their career develops.

The rapid acceleration of technological advancements and the increased integration of digital devices into our lives has demanded that pedagogical approaches adapt and change to facilitate most effective learning for Gen Z, the Screenagers.  Educators are at the forefront of needing to respond to the changes as the emerging generations redefine working, learning and community.  From sensory engagers to digital linguists and social networkers, this session will deliver insights from the latest research on characteristics defining Gen Z.  Claire’s session will also unpack implications for the education sector, from flipped learning to virtual libraries and connected classrooms.

In a world of online networks and communities, increased mobility and constant transitions, creating a vibrant, dynamic and engaging workplace culture is key in attracting and retaining top talent.  Culture effectively fills the gap between what is announced and what is actually experienced in reality.  From creating ownership around a shared purpose and vision, to fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, in this session, Claire will outline 5 keys to facilitating greater engagement across multigenerational teams.

Demographic realities, including a growing and ageing population, changing household types and cultural and generational diversity impact our society, economy and workforce in multiple ways.  Along with the impact of technological change, demographics drive the growth opportunities for employment sectors, impacting where the jobs of the future will emerge from.  With the increased densification of our cities, not only are household structures changing, but lifestyle patterns and the building of communities is being redefined.  In this session, Claire will provide a demographic overview of the key mega trends which are shaping our society, and highlight the impact on your sector and workforce.