At our most recent ACE Summit in New Orleans, LA held with our partners at McFarlin Stanford, we hosted more than 225 of our ACE Peer Group Members and their spouses for three days of networking, learning, and a lot of fun, too. My favorite parts of the event were the annual awards dinner, our VIP tour of the National World War II Museum, and a private Mississippi River dinner jazz cruise on the Creole Queen. We also gave our ACE Peer Group Members a preview of some of our GROW! 2025 breakout sessions, including on panel discussion on different generations' viewpoints on work.

I moderated this panel with representatives from other generations joining to share their perspectives: Tommy Cole (Gen X), Barrett Chow (Millennials), and Paul Myers (Gen Z). We knew that each generation would bring their own perspectives: Gen X (born 1965-1980) came of age during the rise of personal computing and value independence, resourcefulness, and strong work ethic. Millennials (born 1981-1996) grew up alongside the internet and prioritize collaboration, work-life balance, and purpose-driven careers. Gen Z (born 1997-) are digital natives shaped by social media and a fast-paced, interconnected world. They often value inclusivity, adaptability, and innovation. 

All three generations want meaningful work and growth opportunities, but their communication styles, technology preferences, and priorities differ. There were some fantastic conversations had around this topic, here were my top takeaways:

Career Growth
Gen X views career growth as a linear progression tied to loyalty and experience. 
Millennials focus on finding purpose and are willing to change roles to advance their career. 
Gen Z is looking for rapid skill building and diverse opportunities. They often value passion projects alongside their main responsibilities. 

Work-Live Balance
Gen X values clear boundaries between work and personal life, reflecting their experiences in a more "traditional" work culture.
Millennials emphasize flexibility and work-life integration. 
Gen Z is looking for more mental health awareness and sustainable work environments. 

Personal Financial Priorities
Gen X is focused on saving for retirement and paying off their mortgage. 
Millennials are paying down student loans while balancing saving. They value spending on experiences. 
Gen Z is interested in early investments and learning financial literacy, and they often have side hustles.

For both Millennials and Gen Z, their biggest financial worry is buying (and affording) a home. 

Technology
All three generations use technology as a tool for productivity and efficiency, but their willingness to try new tools and the way they embrace it varies. Gen Z specifically expects technology to be a seamless part of their workday. 

Shared Values
Despite their differences, all three generations value workplaces where there is authenticity, trust, and opportunities for growth. 

This panel helped us to address some common misconceptions and the assumptions generations make about each other in the workforce, and I left with a greater understanding of what's motivating the different ages I interact with. We're excited to continue this conversation at GROW! 2025 on February 24-25 in Columbus, OH, and this time I'll bring a referee to break up the fighting! I hope to see you there!