Generational Alchemy: Turning Age Diversity into Organizational Gold
Harnessing generational diversity is crucial for organizational success. This session explores how generational perspectives shape work environments, influence decision-making, and impact business culture.
In this interactive session, we'll examine each generation's unique strengths and their shared desires which form the ‘elements’ of a Generational Alchemy. This Generational Alchemy becomes a filter to measure and discuss strategies to bridge generational gaps, fostering a more cohesive, engaged, and productive workplace. Whether you're an experienced executive or an emerging leader, you'll gain insights and methods to transform generational differences into catalysts for innovation and growth.
Prepare to challenge assumptions, gain fresh perspectives, and learn how to harness intergenerational dynamics to propel your organization forward.
Thomas Braham, FAIA, is the founder of BRAHAM, a consultancy guiding architecture and design practices to e ectively mind the business of design. With decades of leadership experience in nationally recognized firms, Tom brings a unique blend of creative problem-solving and rational judgment to every endeavor. In an industry where creativity must often be balanced with business acumen, he stands out as a leader who truly understands how to bridge this gap. During his 18-year tenure at Gensler, Tom led studios of 20-60 people, cultivating talent, improving productivity, and driving innovation in design and delivery. Known as the "voice of reason," his leadership style combines empathy for diverse perspectives with calm, rational decision-making. Tom's influence extends beyond his immediate professional sphere. He has served as an AIA board member at chapter, state, and national levels, contributing his insights and experience to shape the future of the architecture profession. Tom balances his professional rigor with a keen sense of humor, honed through improv training at Chicago's Second City. This unique skill set allows him to navigate complex situations with agility and inject levity when needed, fostering a creative and collaborative environment.
David Lewis Bradley, AIA PCC
Collaborator, BRAHAM, Inc.
Founder, Blueprint for Living Coaching
David Lewis Bradley, AIA, PCC, collaborates with BRAHAM, bringing over 30 years of architectural experience and executive coaching expertise. He focuses on e ective communication and personal development to drive organizational change, leadership growth, and dynamic firm cultures. Having experienced the challenges of running his own design firm, David founded his coaching practice, Blueprint For Living Coaching, with a mission to help design professionals who seek to access their untapped potential, develop their leadership, and create great things in their personal and professional lives, as individuals or as teams. His clientele ranges from solopreneurs to small firm owners to C-Suite leaders in some of the world’s most prominent architecture firms. He draws upon his skills as a coach, architect, leader, motivational speaker, mentor and businessman to inspire excellence in his clients and call them to be their best. David is an avid cyclist and has completed numerous 100-mile Centuries, both for charitable causes and personal adventure. A Certified Rescue Diver, he has been lucky enough to dive reefs from the Caribbean to the Great Barrier Reef. He is fluent in German, conversationally fluent in French, and dabbles in Swedish, Portuguese and Swahili if you press him.
Tom and David have known each other for more than 20 years, first meeting through their work and individual presidencies of AIA Illinois. That professional relationship grew and evolved into what has now become a long-term collaborative relationship.
Learning Objectives (1.5 LUs)
- Identify key generational cohorts along with their defining characteristics.
- Analyze how different generational perspectives influence power dynamics and decision-making processes within organizations.
- Evaluate strategies for fostering effective intergenerational collaboration and two-way knowledge transfer.
- Unlock potential of intergenerational diversity as a strategic asset to enhance competitive advantage and drive business performance.