- Unmasks the truth about Gen Z with research-driven insights that reveal what today’s young talent really wants and needs to thrive.
- Delivers actionable strategies for leaders by equipping managers with practical tools to bridge generational divides, boost engagement, and strengthen retention.
- Brings hard-earned leadership experience through 25 years in education and a decade as a headteacher, sharing tested approaches that work in high-pressure, real-world environments.
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About Alex Atherton
Download ProfileAlex Atherton is an award-winning speaker, author, experienced educator and leadership coach. He worked in education for 25 years, mostly as a secondary school headteacher in large inner-London comprehensives. He is the ex-headteacher who heard the word ‘snowflake’ once too often to describe his former students. His book, The Snowflake Myth, was published in September 2025. Alex spent over a decade immersed in the mindset of this misunderstood generation, getting to the core of what makes them tick. He blends his experiences, research, and a hefty dose of reality to shatter the myths around Gen Z. He equips leaders and managers with proven strategies to overcome generational divides and effectively recruit, develop, and retain top young talent.
Speech Topics
Download TopicsRecruiting and Retaining Gen Z- In today’s rapidly evolving job market, attracting and keeping top talent from Generation Z has become a critical challenge. Many organisations are struggling, traditional methods of recruitment no longer work, and problems with retention are more acute than ever. This talk identifies their key characteristics and the solutions organisations can use to recruit and retain the best of this generation in any industry.
Managing The Multi-Generational Workplace– Unprecedented levels of age diversity are now the norm in many workplaces. As life expectancy increases and retirement ages rise ever higher the age gap between the youngest and oldest is expanding. For the first time in history, organisations have four or more generations working side by side, from Baby Boomers to Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. This brings both unique opportunities and the potential for a generational divide. In this talk generational expert Alex demonstrates not only how to overcome the challenges from multiple generations in your workforce but use them to move the organisation forward, and faster.
Understanding Gen Z- Generation Z is the most significant generational shift so far, poised to reshape the workplace with their unique perspectives, values, and expectations. Recruitment and retention of young staff are core concerns, yet those who have recruited the young staff they need often find that they do not understand Gen Z’s aspirations. In this talk Alex describes the key characteristics of Gen Z and also the strategies organisations can implement so that leaders and their young staff can get the best out of each other.
Big Ideas in 24 Hours
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