Navigating Uncertainty — Together
In times of upheaval, we often ask ourselves:
What now?
How do we move forward when nothing feels certain?
But maybe the better question is: Who are we moving forward with?
In 2020, when face-to-face gatherings stopped almost overnight, I felt like the ground had disappeared beneath my feet. So much of my work as a generational inclusion consultant was rooted in real-time, in-person interaction—reading the room, seeing the spark of understanding, watching intergenerational trust form in those shared moments. How could that possibly translate to Zoom?
At first, I panicked.
Then I asked for help.
Millennial mentors—with more tech fluency than I had at the time—guided me through the shift.
Gen Z participants reminded me that mental health, flexibility, and inclusion weren’t optional; they were essential.
And with time, I discovered something surprising: the connections weren’t lost. They just looked different.
What Each Generation Brought to the Table
Looking back, I realize that uncertainty didn’t just shake us—it shaped us. And the more I reflect, the more I see that each generation brings something vital to navigating the unknown.
🧭 Traditionalists showed us what steadfastness looks like.
Raised during the Great Depression and WWII, they didn’t panic. They modeled stability, calm, and a deep sense of duty—reminding us that perseverance is a quiet strength.
🧠 Boomers leaned on experience.
They had been through historic shifts before and carried the long view. In moments of doubt, they reminded us: We’ve been here before. We know how to get through.
⚖️ Gen X brought balance and perspective.
Often managing up and down at once, Gen X held steady. They prioritized work-life integration and modeled how to juggle demands with realism and dry humor. They kept things moving.
💡 Millennials offered digital creativity and agility.
They adapted quickly, finding new ways to work, connect, and innovate. They weren’t afraid to say, “Let’s try this instead.” They moved the needle forward.
🌍 Gen Z insisted that we not lose sight of values.
Though new to the workforce, they voiced the need for inclusion, mental health support, and social responsibility. They reminded us that how we treat each other matters—and that uncertainty doesn’t excuse injustice.
Taken together, these aren’t just isolated traits—they’re a collective map.
When we stop trying to “figure it out” alone and instead lean into the diverse strengths across generations, we don’t just survive change. We grow from it.
💬 Let’s Talk About It
As we head into our May roundtable—
“Navigating Uncertainty: What We’ve Learned, What We Need Now”—
I invite you to reflect on your own experience:
What did uncertainty reveal about your strengths?
Who showed up for you in ways you didn’t expect?
Which generational voices helped you stay grounded, inspired, or bold?
Let’s talk about it. Let’s learn from each other.
Because we are navigating change together—
and that’s where the magic happens.
More soon,
Mary