Elisia Keown is a Gen X leader and Ioanna Mantzouridou Onasi is a Gen Z leader.

Whether you saw the Barbie movie, spent time on a "hot girl walk," flexed your influence with a Stanley cup, or treated yourself to a "girl dinner" — women's empowerment took center stage last year. But as the excitement and spotlight inevitably fade with all trends, how can we strengthen bonds among women of different generations in ways that build on these moments and inspire lasting change?
 

Particularly in workplace dynamics, discussions on generational differences often overshadow the shared ground that unites us. Despite constant comparisons and contrasts, it's time to redefine the conversation and celebrate the shared ideals that bind us together regardless of the year we were born.

Unifying Women in the Pursuit of Success

As an executive coach, I specialize in guiding senior and C-suite leaders to enhance their leadership. What drew me into executive coaching was the realization that, contrary to the assumption that senior leaders have it all figured out, they are learning, growing, and grappling with the complexities of their roles — like all of us.

While I'm a Gen X member and have observed an array of leadership traits across generations, beneath the surface, we all want the same: success, a fulfilling personal life, and a balance between work and our personal lives. Despite generational differences in technology and experiences, success drives us all.

A recent survey conducted by Fe league, a group dedicated to enhancing representation and gender equity, challenges the notion that women from different age groups are fundamentally disconnected from one another in how they define success and move through their careers. The survey, which reached hundreds of women, including Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, reveals that despite initial assumptions, we share more similarities than differences.

Appreciating Generational Communication Styles

As a Gen Z CEO of an AI talent coaching platform, I'm constantly navigating different generations at work. Engaging with individuals from various departments, career stages, and age groups, I've noted distinct differences in communication styles across generations. Baby Boomers tend to be straightforward — pose a challenging question, and you'll receive a direct answer. Gen Z values empathy and education, rejecting a transactional approach in communication.

The survey found that different communication styles were a major source of conflict for women of all generations in their careers. Despite variations in overall communication styles, women of all ages share a commonality in their approach. Such conversations naturally focus on personal aspects like mental health and family life, illustrating their value for meaningful connections.

Being mindful of age-related stereotypes, I've come to appreciate diverse communication styles. During my early days as a recruiter, an older candidate for a VP role appeared frank when the position didn’t match their expectations and insisted on speaking directly to my boss. Initially puzzled, I later realized their straightforward approach was a way of expressing that they didn’t want to continue the process. Moving forward, the experience taught me to better recognize disinterest without taking it personally.

Navigating Career Transformations and Shared Challenges

As a Gen X woman, I initially embraced the traditional mindset we tend to think of as having been instilled by Boomers: join a company, work hard, follow the rules, and stay loyal. However, as my career progressed, especially as I became a parent, my priorities changed. This shift in focus is a shared experience — not exclusive to me.

According to the survey, all generations share a common starting point, initially considering income and career advancement as the most significant factors in their professional development. However, as their careers progressed, income and work-life balance took precedence.

Women from different generations face common challenges, emphasizing the effort required to foster an inclusive and equitable workplace. The survey shows that 69% of respondents see pay inequity and unclear salary structures as major hurdles, while 63% are concerned about the under representation of women in decision-making roles and on boards.

Embracing a Supportive Network Through Shared Wisdom

As a Gen Xer early in my career, I felt isolated, thinking everyone else had it figured out except for me. It wasn't until later that I realized how many people, especially women, weren’t my competitors but allies willing to offer guidance and mentorship.

Peer-to-peer mentorship across generations has proven to be rewarding. I was pleasantly surprised when older women sought advice from me, creating a bond of mutual respect. Building connections grounded in shared values is essential for dispelling the illusion of significant generational differences and fostering unity among generations.

The Year of the Girl was a milestone — not the finish line. In 2024, let's build on that momentum and strengthen connections across generations. Recognizing that generational unity is the missing link, we can create a more inclusive, supportive, and empowering workplace culture for women of all ages.

Author Bio

	Elisia Keown is the Executive Coach and Founder of Keown Coaching, and Ioanna Mantzouridou Onasi is the Co-founder of Dextego.

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