Rethinking Resilience: What Younger Generations Can Teach Us About Navigating Disruption

February’s Roundtable on Rethinking Resilience did not disappoint. A huge thank you to everyone who joined—both in person and in spirit! The discussion made one thing clear: resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about growing forward. And for many of us, that means learning from younger generations.

When It Comes to Change, Who’s Mentoring Whom?

We started by acknowledging the uncertainty so many are facing right now. Naturally, we leaned into our usual ways of coping—many of us, raised by Traditionalist parents, defaulting to a “Keep Calm and Carry On” mindset. It’s what has helped us move through past upheavals.

But then, someone pointed out something unexpected: our kids, students, and younger colleagues aren’t just enduring change—they’re leading the way through it.

A business consultant shared, “My Gen Z kids are taking all these disruptions in stride. They’ve been adapting their whole lives.” Another participant laughed, saying, “My daughter checks in on my mental health more than I do on hers. Isn’t it supposed to be the other way around?”

This sparked a bigger realization: Younger generations aren’t waiting for stability. They’re building resilience in real time, and we have a lot to learn from them.

The Emotional Resilience Playbook—Taught by Gen Z

Unlike previous generations, today’s young professionals aren’t afraid to talk about uncertainty, anxiety, or burnout. They don’t push through in silence; they process disruption openly, often within communities that support them.

How do they do it? Here’s what we can learn from them:

✅ They normalize conversations about mental health. There’s no stigma—talking about struggles is just part of adapting.

✅ They don’t go it alone. Digital natives by nature, they lean on online communities, friend groups, and shared knowledge instead of toughing it out solo.

✅ They keep their options open. Instead of clinging to one rigid path, they pivot quickly, exploring multiple ways forward.

✅ They value work-life balance from the start. Their resilience isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about setting boundaries and prioritizing well-being.

Where Older Generations Fit In: The Role of Reverse Mentorship

If younger generations are showing us how to process change, where do older generations fit in? Not by taking charge—but by offering support, perspective, and deep listening.

Here’s what younger professionals need from us:

🟠 A Willingness to Learn. The best thing we can do? Ask. Listen. Stay open. Instead of assuming we already have the answers, we can invite younger colleagues to share what’s working for them.

🟠 Psychological Safety. Younger professionals are used to discussing mental health and emotional resilience. What they need isn’t advice—it’s a space where they feel heard without judgment.

🟠 Reassurance Without Dismissal. They don’t need a history lesson, but they do need to know that tough times don’t last forever. Sharing stories of past challenges—not as “back in my day” lectures, but as reminders that hardship is survivable—can be grounding.

🟠 Encouragement to Trust Their Own Instincts. Instead of expecting them to adapt to the old rules, we can help them trust their own adaptability.

Moving Forward—Together

As we wrapped up, I joked, “Maybe as the Boomer grandma, I just need to get out of the way—the next gen has this.”

“Not so fast,” the group responded. “Even the most resilient warrior needs a place to retreat—to hear the stories of how past generations have prevailed in tough times.”

And they were right. Resilience isn’t built alone. Younger generations bring emotional honesty and adaptability; older generations bring perspective and steadiness. Together, we create the balance needed to move forward.

So, how is your team embracing reverse mentorship? I’d love to hear your thoughts!