Understanding Intergenerational Challenges
Andrew helps organisations navigate generational challenges by focusing on managing the person rather than the stereotype. With twenty years of experience in health and wellbeing communications, he has discovered that communication strategy is often overlooked in discussions about wellbeing. However, he believes that getting team communication right directly impacts performance.
His passion for effective communication has led him on a quest to draw wisdom from the past, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational leadership. He encourages audiences to reflect on their own generational biases and to take proactive steps toward cultivating a Timeless Team ethos for the future.
The Generational Assumption Tax:
Five generations at work and the cost of getting each other wrong...
Whatever our age, we seek much the same things from work. So why does it often feel like we are speaking different languages? The gap that most organizations attempt to bridge is not the one that is truly costing them. When measured accurately, the generational challenges between different age groups are minor. However, the assumptions we make about these differences are not.
This leads us to act based on stereotypes rather than understanding the individuals in front of us. A phenomenon we call the generational assumption tax, and it manifests in stalled projects, failure to transfer knowledge, and talented employees who quietly depart.
Andrew's solution to this issue came from an unexpected source—his grandmother, Harriet Weston, who lived to 107. She experienced more change in her lifetime than any five generations working today and retained the ability to communicate with anyone.
In this keynote, audiences will explore:
- Why the generation gap, as commonly described, does not withstand scrutiny from the evidence.
- The generational assumption tax: its costs and how to eliminate it.
- Insights into the five generations at work and what truly unites them.
- Five practical strategies for fostering intergenerational leadership in the H.U.M.A.N. workplace to build a timeless team.
“Andrew was a fantastic speaker at the Event Organisers Summit 2026, sharing valuable insights, practical advice and fresh perspectives that really resonated with the audience. His engaging delivery and depth of knowledge made his session both informative and inspiring.
Natasha Cobbold - Partnerships Manager Forum Events 2026
“I recently had the pleasure of seeing Andrew present on generational challenges and communication. The session was very informative and I would highly recommend.”
Sam Young, Programme Director Nuffield Health September 2025