How it All Began

I didn’t realize it at the time, but the seeds of my work in generational inclusion were planted long ago—on a small stage in my Pacific Northwest hometown.

Every spring, our town came together for the annual pageant. Young people poured their energy into performances, while older generations guided, mentored, and collaborated. The result? A creative force greater than the sum of its parts. Even then, I was witnessing the power of generations learning from one another.

That experience led me to the world of theater—first as a student, then as a professor with a doctorate in the field. I was drawn not just to performance, but to how theater could bring people together to communicate, imagine, and innovate.

Early in my career, I worked with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation on a multi-generational initiative that put young people at the table alongside seasoned community leaders. We rejected the top-down approach and instead built something together. The result? Stronger ideas, deeper trust, and a lasting impact. It was a defining moment for me—I saw firsthand that generational diversity wasn’t just important. It was necessary.

Bridging Generations in the Workplace

By the time I was teaching university students in the ’90s, I recognized a familiar dynamic. My students thrived when their ideas were valued, when their perspectives were met with curiosity rather than criticism. But something shifted around 2007. A new generation arrived on campus, challenging assumptions and pushing back against traditional hierarchies. At first, it was frustrating. Then, it was transformational.

I came to understand what many leaders struggle with today: Each generation brings something new to the table. When we embrace that reality, we don’t just bridge gaps—we build something better.

That’s why I founded Generation IQ—to help leaders in higher education, business, and beyond create workplaces where generational diversity is a strength, not a struggle.

Why Work with Me?

With over 20 years as a university professor, I’ve taught and worked alongside Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, watching workplace expectations evolve in real time. Through Generation IQ, I’ve helped organizations like Wayne State University, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Wayne County Third Circuit Court, and Consumers Energy turn generational differences into strategic advantages.

At the heart of my approach is a simple truth: The future of work depends on how well we harness the strengths of every generation. And that’s exactly what I help organizations do.