The Gen Mess with Tess

Last episode, Tess told you why the toxic workplace pattern repeats, and identified each of the patterns: avoidance, disconnection, and measuring the environment instead of looking inward. This follow up episode provide 3 exercises to disrupt those patterns.These exercises are designed to go to the root of where you actually get stuck.If you haven't listened to Episode 60 yet, start there first. This episode will make a lot more sense once you've identified which pattern is yours.In this episode:Why avoidance is an anxiety problem, not a communication problem, and why that distinction changes everythingStephen Hayes's avoidance trap from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: why avoidance works in the short term and costs you everything long termThe exposure therapy approach that actually rewires the pattern, starting with one small moment this weekWhy disconnection from your own feelings is a survival strategy, not a character flawAntonio Damasio's research on how the body sends signals your brain needs to hear, and how to start listening againThe one question to ask yourself at the end of each day that rebuilds your internal compassWhy most people measure opportunities by the wrong things not because they weren't taught better, but because the right questions are scarier to answerKristin Neff's research on self-compassion and the fear of honest self-assessmentThree questions to ask before your next interview, your next career decision, or your current job right nowResearcher credits:Stephen Hayes, developer of ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)Antonio Damasio, neuroscientist, research on somatic signals and decision-makingKristin Neff, self-compassion researcher, University of Texas AustinFollow The Gen Mess with Tess for weekly episodes. Visit tessbrigham.com to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You did everything right. The school, the job, the hustle. You followed the path, and you're good at it! So why does it still feel like something's missing?This week, Tess sits down with Malaika Smyth, a coach for high achievers who have checked every box and still find themselves asking a surprisingly hard question: what do I actually want for myself?Malaika brings a rare combination of experience as a Division I athlete background, nearly eight years scaling coaching operations at BetterUp from 50 to over 3,500 coaches, and her own winding path through quarter-life crisis, identity shifts, and a gift box business detour. She helps people build success that actually feels like theirs.This conversation goes deep on the psychology of high achievement, what Silicon Valley's performance culture does to young people, and why so many accomplished professionals have never once stopped to ask what they actually want.In this episode:Why high achievers often tie their entire self-worth to how hard they workThe Silicon Valley "duck effect" — calm on the surface, paddling furiously underneathWhat a Gen Z employee taught Malaika about a kind of career maturity she'd never seen beforeWhy age doesn't automatically equal wisdom — and what actually doesThe sunk cost trap that keeps high achievers stuck on the wrong pathWhat every client ultimately wants at their core (it's always the same thing)The 75-year-old exercise that cuts through all the noise and gets to what actually mattersWhere AI fits in the future of coaching — and where it absolutely doesn'tTo connect with Malaika Smyth, visit malaikasmyth.com or find her on LinkedIn.CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Welcome & Malaika Smyth introduction01:20 — When Malaika first questioned whether being a high achiever was actually working for her02:43 — Where the drive came from — internal wiring or outside pressure?04:10 — Growing up in Silicon Valley: the unspoken assumption that you had to do something "big"07:00 — The duck metaphor: calm on the surface, paddling furiously underneath08:40 — College as non-negotiable — and how environment sets a path without anyone saying a word09:50 — Graduating in 2014: a Bay Area overflowing with opportunity and equity dreams11:00 — Following her brother into product management — and realizing it wasn't right11:40 — Quarter-life crisis at year two: the moment she knew something had to change12:40 — Designing Your Life — the book that opened a new door13:50 — Joining BetterUp and discovering what coaching actually was14:55 — The question Malaika asks clients who are rewarded for hustle16:00 — "My only value is that I work hard" — and why coaching helped her see beyond it17:00 — The decision to leave BetterUp and what came next18:30 — The gift box business detour — and the important lesson it taught20:25 — The sunk cost trap: why people stay on the wrong path long after they know better23:40 — Selling yourself vs. selling a product: the vulnerability of a coaching business24:35 — "I don't really care if you work with me. I care that you work on yourself."28:45 — The power of silence — and celebration — in a coaching session32:00 — Learning to trust your instincts and why being wrong can still be useful37:30 — What every client ultimately wants at their core39:50 — Managing both younger and older employees at BetterUp41:10 — The Gen Z employee who floored Malaika with an unexpected kind of maturity43:00 — Age does not equal wisdom — a lesson that changed how Malaika leads46:45 — "I've been talking to ChatGPT all morning and I need to talk to a human"48:00 — Tess on AI: the real hope, the real fear, and what's actually at stake54:15 — The first question to ask when you've done everything right and it still feels off55:00 — The 75-year-old exercise: what do you want your life to have been about?57:00 — How to connect with Malaika + closing thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is AI really replacing jobs, or are we misunderstanding AI's role at work?In this episode of The Gen Mess with Tess, Tess Brigham sits down with People Operations executive Erin Turnmeyer to break down what leaders, employees, and organizations are getting wrong about AI in the workplace.With 15+ years of experience building talent systems, including time at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Erin brings a data-driven perspective on how AI, automation, and analytics are reshaping work.💡 In this episode, we cover:Why AI is a force multiplier, not a replacementThe real reason companies are making AI-related layoffsWhat tasks should (and should NOT) be automatedHow to use AI without losing the human element at workWhy resume screening with AI can backfirePractical ways to start using AI without feeling overwhelmedHow early-career professionals can stand out in an AI-driven worldIf you’ve been feeling anxious, confused, or curious about AI, this conversation will help you rethink what’s actually happening—and how to adapt without fear.Whether you’re a leader, job seeker, or just trying to keep up with the future of work, this episode will give you clarity and practical takeaways.Timestamps00:00 – Intro: “Fixing the mess vs living in it”00:42 – Meet Erin Turnmeyer (People Ops + AI perspective)01:05 – From chem bio weapons analyst → HR leader03:10 – What people get wrong about AI at work04:00 – “AI is a force multiplier, not a replacement”05:00 – Fear-based headlines & why they’re misleading06:00 – Why fear blocks people from learning AI07:30 – How companies fail at AI adoption08:15 – Real example: teaching AI internally at work09:30 – What AI should NOT replace (human touchpoints)10:30 – What to automate vs keep human11:10 – Why AI resume screening is flawed13:00 – Smart ways to use AI in recruiting (without bias)15:00 – Removing “administrative weight” from work16:00 – Will AI lead to layoffs—or growth?17:00 – The real opportunity: 20% more strategic thinking18:10 – Why companies must allow time to learn AI19:20 – Advice for early-career professionals20:00 – Using AI as a daily learning coach21:30 – Don’t outsource your thinking23:00 – Could AI finally deliver work-life balance?24:00 – The 4-day workweek conversation25:00 – Real-world AI use cases (healthcare, systems, etc.)26:00 – What happens to jobs AI can fully replace?27:00 – What actually gets someone hired today28:00 – Why AI-generated resumes are hurting candidates30:00 – How to use AI correctly for resumes32:00 – Training AI to sound like you34:00 – Spotting AI-generated applications instantly35:00 – How young professionals can “train” AI on themselves37:00 – Using AI as a thinking partner (not a cheerleader)38:00 – Trust but verify: why sources matter40:00 – First step: how to start using AI today41:00 – Unexpected tip: use AI for shopping decisions43:00 – Final thoughts + where to find ErinConnect with Tess at tessbrigham.comSubscribe to Erin's Substack, AI for Human Operators, at hrai.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Think you're not a morning person? Think again.This week, Tess sits down with Amy Landino, bestselling author, content creator, and founder of Vlog Boss Studios. Together, they blow up everything you think you know about morning routines, productivity, and what it actually means to start your day on your own terms.Amy's newly expanded book, Good Morning, Good Life, isn't about waking up at 5am or turning your morning into an Instagram aesthetic. It's about reclaiming ownership of your day before the world gets a vote, and her simple three-bucket framework (Movement, Mindfulness, and Mastery) makes that possible for anyone, in any season of life.Tess and Amy also get into the messy generational stuff: why Millennials were conditioned to believe "work harder" was always the answer, why a six-figure business might actually be the wrong goal, and the moment Amy told her dad she'd already made $90K that year and watched him go completely speechless.In this episode:Why your morning routine is probably built around someone else's agendaThe key difference between starting your day "on offense" vs. "on defense"Amy's three-bucket framework: Movement, Mindfulness & Mastery explained simplyThe real reason you're "not a morning person" (it's not what you think)Why a six-figure business might be the worst goal you're chasing right nowThe Millennial financial reality: student loans, a broken housing market, and boomer advice that no longer appliesHow self-compassion and accountability actually work together, not against each otherAmy Landino's book Good Morning, Good Life is available now. DM Amy on Instagram @AmyLandino the word "Tess" to receive her free Extraordinary Action Framework.CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Welcome & Amy Landino introduction01:00 — Amy's origin story: moving out at 18 and the "there's gotta be a better way" mindset04:00 — The wedding video that started everything — and how YouTube changed her life07:00 — What people get wrong about morning routines (hint: Instagram flex culture)09:30 — Checking email vs. checking your goals: offense vs. defense12:00 — Why you apologize for not replying fast enough — and why you need to stop13:15 — Is Good Morning, Good Life the Gen Z version of Miracle Morning? Tess makes the case16:45 — The three-bucket framework: Movement, Mindfulness & Mastery19:20 — Tess's morning confession: sitting with her dogs, and finally giving herself permission21:00 — "I'm not a morning person" — the #1 objection, completely reframed24:00 — "But I have kids" — excuse #2, and Amy's surprisingly honest answer28:45 — The Extraordinary Action Framework: DM Amy on Instagram to get it free29:20 — Self-compassion + accountability: why they're not opposites33:45 — Screw "realistic" — why shooting for the unrealistic actually makes sense34:45 — Hot take: Why Amy tells clients with six-figure businesses to just go get a job40:00 — Generational spotlight: Millennials as the internet's guinea pigs42:30 — Student loans, the housing market, and what Millennials actually inherited47:20 — Boomer advice vs. Millennial reality — a tension that's very, very real48:00 — The $90K moment: Amy's dad, and why the people who love you don't always know what's possible for youSUBSCRIBE to The Gen Mess with Tess podcast for weekly insights on workplace culture, generational challenges, and relationship advice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 53 of The Gen Mess with Tess, Tess Brigham sits down with Amy Leneker, founder and CEO of the Center for Joyful Work, to explore why burnout keeps happening even to highly successful leaders who know better.Amy has helped more than 100,000 leaders and teams, including Fortune 100 companies, rethink leadership, workplace stress, and employee well-being. A former public policy executive and recovering workaholic, Amy shares how burning out twice forced her to confront the internal patterns that kept driving overwork, achievement, and chronic stress.Together, Tess and Amy unpack why burnout is not simply about workload; it is often tied to identity, workplace systems, leadership culture, and the stories people tell themselves about success.This conversation explores:why high performers often confuse overworking with worthhow burnout can repeat even after changing jobswhat workplace stress is doing to leadership pipelineswhy younger employees are redefining ambitionhow Gen Z experiences stress differently at workwhy recognition and appreciation matter more than many leaders realizethe three conditions that create joy at work: meaning, mattering, and momentumhow AI may force a new era of critical thinking in leadershipAmy also shares findings from her national workforce research showing that employees increasingly need joy at work to perform well, yet many leaders still operate inside systems that reward exhaustion instead of sustainability.For HR leaders, managers, and executives, this episode offers a practical framework for understanding employee burnout, generational tension, workplace stress, leadership development, and what healthy ambition may need to look like next.If your organization is asking why employees are disengaged, overwhelmed, or pulling back from leadership, this conversation explains what may be underneath it.Chapters with Timestamps00:00 – Why Amy Leneker Burned Out Twice02:14 – The Stress Story High Achievers Carry04:12 – Why Leadership Still Rewards Burnout06:45 – Why Joy Belongs in the Future of Leadership08:21 – Gen Z, Stress, and New Definitions of Work11:52 – Are Younger Workers Redefining Ambition?16:15 – The Three Conditions That Create Joy at Work20:23 – Why Gen Z Needs Appreciation More Than Leaders Think25:36 – The Exercise That Changed Amy’s Career31:13 – Parenting, Leadership, and Invisible Overwork35:01 – Why Workplace Systems Keep Breaking People40:13 – AI, Critical Thinking, and the Future of Work Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 51 of The Gen Mess with Tess, Tess is joined by Corrine Ishio, founder of My Working Soul, to explore a challenge many fast-growing companies face but rarely talk about: scaling the business faster than the culture can keep up.When organizations grow quickly, hiring often becomes reactive. Leaders focus on roles and results, while the human side of the company quietly gets lost. The result? Misalignment, disengagement, and teams that no longer feel connected to the mission that once energized them.Corrine shares her perspective from years working in talent, recruiting, and HR; helping founders and leadership teams rethink how they hire, communicate, and define culture during periods of rapid growth.In this conversation, Tess and Corrine explore:Why companies struggle to maintain culture as they scaleThe complicated role HR plays between employees and leadershipHow generational misunderstandings shape today’s workplaceWhy Gen Z communication patterns are confusing many managersThe influence of social media on workplace behavior and identityWhy purpose is becoming central to work in the AI eraThey also discuss how leaders can create healthier workplaces by focusing less on rigid definitions of culture and more on communication, self-awareness, and intentional hiring. Because when companies grow quickly, it’s easy to forget the most important part of any organization: the humans building it.Chapters (Timestamps)00:00 – Introduction to Corrine Ishio & My Working Soul 01:05 – Corrine’s Path Into HR & Human-Centered Work 04:00 – What HR Actually Does (vs. what people think it does) 07:00 – Why HR Often Feels Stuck Between Employees & Companies 11:00 – The “Human” Lens Inside Business Operations 13:00 – The Meaning Behind “My Working Soul” 17:00 – Why Culture Breaks When Companies Grow Quickly 20:30 – What a Healthy Workplace Actually Looks Like 23:00 – Communication Differences Across Generations 29:30 – Why Younger Workers Are Often Misunderstood 34:30 – Purpose, Work, and the AI Era 38:30 – Are Younger Employees Harder to Manage? 43:00 – Millennials, Social Media, and Cultural Fragmentation 49:00 – Safety, Identity, and the Digital Workplace Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tess sits down with Trent Cotton - self-described “non-HR HR executive,” author of Sprint Recruiting and High Performance Recruiting, and Head of Talent Insights at iCIMS. Discussing the nuanced conversation about what the data tells us about AI, generational skepticism from Gen Z to Boomers, and what leaders are getting wrong about the future of work, including:Why leaders often hide behind data instead of using it to deepen human conversationsWhat current workforce data actually says about AI adoption across generationsWhy Gen Z may be more skeptical of AI than expectedThe risk of eliminating entry-level roles too quicklyThe emerging power skills of “agency” and “orchestration”How AI can both enhance human potential and erode connection if misusedThis is not a hype conversation about AI. It’s a grounded discussion about leadership responsibility, workforce redesign, emotional regulation, and the long-term talent implications organizations must prepare for now.If you’re an HR leader, executive, or people strategist navigating uncertainty around automation, layoffs, bias, and generational tension — this episode offers clarity without panic.Because the future of work isn’t just technological. It’s psychological.Chapters with Timestamps00:00 – Welcome + Meet Trent Cotton The “non-HR HR executive” and why business fluency matters in people strategy.04:20 – Data vs. Humanity: Where Leaders Get It Wrong Why hiding behind numbers erodes trust — and how to use data to deepen conversations.11:20 – AI Anxiety: Survival Instinct or Rational Fear? Why resistance to AI may be more about control than job loss.14:50 – The Early Career Crisis No One Is Talking About The danger of automating entry-level roles too quickly.21:00 – Is AI Replacing Human Connection? Attachment to tech, loss of discomfort, and emotional consequences.29:00 – How to Actually Use AI Without Losing Your Voice Practical examples of human-AI collaboration.38:45 – What the Data Says About Generations & AI Why Gen Z may be more skeptical than you think.43:05 – The New Power Skills: Agency & Orchestration What leaders should be developing now.48:05 – AI, Disability & Expanding Human Capability Where technology can increase access and inclusion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Gen Mess with Tess, Tess is joined by Ashley Herd, founder and CEO of The Manager Method, employment attorney, former HR leader at McKinsey & Company and Yum Brands, co-host of the HR Besties podcast, and author of the newly released book The Manager Method: A Practical Framework to Lead, Support, and Get Results.Ashley brings a rare, inside view of management from every angle - frontline work, legal risk, HR leadership, and executive training - to unpack why managers have an outsized impact on employee mental health, engagement, and retention. Drawing on research showing that a manager can influence wellbeing as much as a spouse, Tess and Ashley explore how leadership behavior ripples far beyond performance metrics and into people’s lives at home.This conversation tackles the realities facing modern managers: promotion without training, identity loss when high performers become leaders, generational misunderstandings, and the crushing pressure placed on middle managers. Together, they offer practical, human-centered strategies for leading effectively without burning people out, including Ashley’s core framework: Pause, Consider, Act.This episode is essential listening for HR professionals, people managers, and executives responsible for building sustainable leadership pipelines and healthier workplace cultures in 2026 and beyond.Be sure to subscribe to The Gen Mess with Tess podcast for new episodes weekly. 00:01 – Welcome & Introducing Ashley Herd 02:02 – From employment attorney to leadership educator 03:29 – Why great individual contributors often struggle as managers 05:31 – Promotion myths and the cost of untrained leadership 07:59 – Identity loss when high performers become managers 10:06 – The “LinkedIn test” and chasing titles over fit 12:19 – Why work identity is so powerful (especially in the U.S.) 16:05 – Middle managers: too much responsibility, too little support 18:58 – Why one-on-ones still matter at every leadership level 21:33 – The data: managers impact mental health as much as spouses 24:20 – How leadership stress follows people home 27:58 – Generations at work: framework, not stereotypes 32:23 – Technology, boundaries, and modern burnout 38:22 – Overcorrection, distrust, and workplace isolation 41:16 – One shift every manager can make today: Pause, Consider, Act 44:33 – Ashley’s book, resources, and closing reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode of The Gen Mess with Tess, Tess Brigham explores a surprising social experiment that connected strangers across political divides and why it offers a powerful lesson for today’s leaders in the workplace.Drawing from her background as a therapist and her coaching work with organizations, Tess unpacks what HR leaders and managers are experiencing in 2026: burnout that isn’t driven by workload or flexibility, but by chronic psychological strain, emotional role overload, and an increasing inability to tolerate discomfort.Using the “Party Line” experiment as a metaphor, Tess examines how algorithm-driven culture has reshaped our nervous systems, intensified polarization, and made everyday workplace conversations feel high-stakes and unsafe. She breaks down how different generations experience discomfort at work, why psychological safety is often misunderstood, and how avoiding discomfort quietly erodes trust, collaboration, and culture.This episode reframes discomfort not as a failure of leadership, but as a critical skill organizations must relearn if they want healthy teams, resilient managers, and sustainable workplace cultures.00:01 — Welcome to The Gen Mess with Tess Introducing the episode and the theme of learning to live in the mess.00:58 — The “Party Line” Social Experiment Explained Two payphones, two cities, and a radical idea: conversation without algorithms.02:21 — Why Human Connection Changes the Nervous System Dopamine, cortisol, and why constant conflict keeps us dysregulated.03:42 — It’s Hard to Demonize a Human Voice What happens when stereotypes are replaced with real conversation.04:42 — What We’ve Lost Culturally Discomfort avoidance, algorithm-driven identity, and polarization.06:05 — When Beliefs Become Identity Why disagreement now feels like danger instead of difference.06:56 — Connection Requires Discomfort Why real connection—socially and at work—has always been uncomfortable.08:19 — Why Shaming Hardens People The psychological cost of humiliation, judgment, and moral certainty.08:49 — The Workplace Parallel Why the “Party Line” is a metaphor for modern workplace culture.09:16 — Generational Relationships to Discomfort Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, and how each navigates stress and challenge.11:36 — Discomfort vs. Harm Why discomfort is often misinterpreted as trauma or boundary violation.12:34 — Nervous Systems, Not Moral Failures Reframing generational conflict at work.12:34 — The Leadership Skill We Avoid Curiosity, repair, and staying in the conversation.14:18 — Discomfort as Leadership Work Why these “soft skills” are actually advanced leadership competencies.14:48 — Final Reflection Discomfort as the doorway to healthier workplaces and human connection. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode of The Gen Mess with Tess, Tess Brigham unpacks one of the most emotionally charged conversations happening right now: adult children going no contact with a parent.Drawing from her work as a therapist and her own lived experience, Tess challenges the oversimplified narratives dominating social media and reframes "no contact" not as a trend, punishment, or failure, but as a response to long-standing emotional disconnection and a lack of acknowledgement.This episode explores the generational divide shaping these conversations, why intent does not erase impact, and why emotional safety, accountability, and repair matter more than endurance or tradition. Tess also shares a deeply personal story about her relationship with her father, illustrating how acknowledgement - not perfection - creates the possibility for healing.For leaders, HR professionals, and parents alike, this episode offers a powerful reminder: relationships break down not because people are “too emotional,” but because discomfort is avoided instead of addressed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if finding your dream job actually takes a year—or even longer? In this eye-opening episode of "Gen Mess with Tess," host Tess Brigham sits down with career strategist Liz Helton to pull back the curtain on the realities of job searching and career transformation in today's ever-evolving workforce. If you've ever wondered why sending off hundreds of applications can feel like shouting into a void, this episode will reveal why—and most importantly, what you can do about it.Together, Tess Brigham and Liz Helton dig into:The shocking length of the modern job search—and why it’s no longer a "three-month process"How technology and AI have totally transformed the hiring landscape (for better and worse)Actionable strategies for networking that actually work, whether you’re an introvert, a new grad, or making a mid-career pivotThe key differences in how Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X approach work, fulfillment, and branding themselvesWhy keeping your own “brag book” is essential for beating imposter syndrome and keeping your confidence alive amid career changesHow AI isn’t taking jobs, but people who know AI are—and how you can upskill right nowYou’ll learn practical tips for standing out in a crowded applicant pool, making LinkedIn work for you, and reframing both rejection and uncertainty as essential steps toward meaningful work. Plus, Liz Helton shares her own journey from PR exec to career consultant, and why sometimes your superpower is that thing that feels as natural as breathing.If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about your next step—no matter your age—this heartfelt, actionable episode is for you.Episode Overview with Timestamps:[00:00:01] Introduction: Bridging generational gaps at work[00:01:16] Meet Liz Helton: From PR to guiding career transformations[00:06:44] The evolving job search: Why it takes so much longer now[00:08:47] Why everyone feels like they’re “shouting into a void”[00:13:13] How to beat interview anxiety and imposter syndrome[00:17:44] Building resilience: The emotional side of job hunting[00:19:38] Essential networking tips for introverts and extroverts alike[00:27:40] AI in the job hunt: What you need to know now[00:36:42] How Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X view work differently[00:43:01] Liz Helton’s #1 piece of advice for anyone feeling stuck[00:46:49] Where to find Liz Helton and free career resourcesTune in to discover why you’re not alone in your career mess—and how you can thrive in it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the secret to building a thriving law firm wasn’t about grinding out endless billable hours—but about rethinking the entire way attorneys work and lead? In this eye-opening episode of Gen Mess With Tess, host Tess Brigham welcomes law firm growth expert Alay Yajnik for a candid conversation that shakes up everything you thought you knew about legal hustle and business success.Discover how Alay Yajnik pivoted from running multimillion-dollar Silicon Valley companies to coaching attorneys—and why most lawyers stumble when it comes to building a lasting, profitable business. You’ll learn why working harder doesn’t always mean earning more, and how breaking out of traditional law firm mindsets—from hourly billing to team management and rate setting—is the real game-changer.Key episode highlights:Why technical skills don’t equal business success (and how “The E Myth Revisited” nails the problem for lawyers, therapists, and service pros)The biggest pain points holding law firm owners back—hint: it’s not just the “hours in a day”How shifting your mindset can help you work smarter, not harder—and finally create the time and income you wantNavigating generational tensions in the workplace: What attorneys get wrong about Gen Z, and why the newest workforce expects more work-life balance and financial stability than everReal talk about raising rates, burnout, hiring, and having those difficult employee conversations (plus how to screen for clients who are truly ready for change)Whether you lead a law firm, run a small business, or just want to understand how generational perspectives are upending the way we work, this episode is loaded with actionable insights and relatable stories.Episode Overview:[00:00:31] Tess Brigham: Welcomes Alay Yajnik; his background in law firm growth[00:01:23] Alay Yajnik: Story of switching from Silicon Valley to coaching attorneys[00:03:08] Discussion: Why attorneys make great clients and what they uniquely struggle with[00:05:15] Skills gap between technical expertise and business acumen; "The E Myth Revisited"[00:07:16] The real issue: Time, burnout, and working smarter[00:09:32] Traditional law firms vs. startup mindset; resistance to change[00:12:11] Symptom vs. cure: Time management as a lever for transforming business results[00:13:19] Raising rates, money fears, and business growth challenges[00:17:27] Navigating client readiness and coaching intake[00:18:07] Generational tensions: Gen Z’s approach to work, bonuses, and raises[00:22:05] How the cost of living, technology, and burnout are shaping new workplace expectations[00:27:04] A deeper look at employee expectations, creativity, and the evolving legal workplace[00:36:33] Final reflections: Lessons from coaching lawyers, generational stereotypes, and business owner frustrations[00:41:06] How to connect withAlay Yajnik and his resources for law firm owners[00:43:17]Intro Announcer: Show outro and next episode previewTune in for an episode that’s more than just law—it’s about building the future of work, one honest conversation at a time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if everything we thought was “wrong” with Gen Z was actually the outcome of generations striving to do better for their children? In this solo episode of Gen Mess with Tess, host Tess Brigham turns the tables on common complaints about today’s youth and boldly reveals how every “mess” in the workplace and at home is really generational evolution in real time—and a sign of remarkable progress.Drawing deeply from her own life as a Gen Xer, therapist, and parent to a Gen Z son, Tess Brigham unpacks the hidden links between generational values, shifting parenting philosophies, and the transformation of work and life. She discusses the evolution from silent survivalists, boomers’ pursuit of success, to Gen X’s badge of independence—and how each generation has tried to heal the wounds of the last, often by swinging the pendulum in new directions.Key highlights from this episode:Why labeling Gen Z as "entitled" or "too sensitive" misses the bigger story of progressTess Brigham’s personal journey parenting a son with mental health challenges—and how it shaped her view of parenting and resilienceHow workplace frustrations with Gen Z are linked to conscious choices Gen X and Millennial parents made to create emotionally safer homesThe groundbreaking shift: Gen Z prizes wellness, therapy, and boundaries not as luxuries, but as new standardsA timely message for every parent and leader: Why the generational mess we’re in is not a mistake, but humanity learning to live, not just surviveBy the end of the episode, you’ll see generational “mess” through a new lens—one of ongoing evolution, empathy, and hope.Timestamped Episode Overview:00:00:01 – Tess Brigham sets the stage: generational challenges and introducing00:00:32 –Tess Brigham: Opening thoughts on Gen Z, the new world of work, and the evolution of values00:02:22 – The progression from the Silent Generation to Gen X: how each raised their children to break new ground00:05:21 –Tess Brighamreflects on Gen X parenting—its aspirations and overcorrections00:07:00 – Ad break:Tess Brighamdiscusses her work with organizations to “clean up the gen mess”00:07:54 – Personal story: Raising her son Max, the challenges of mental health, and questioning modern parenting00:12:06 – The new parenting paradigm: Responding to the child you have, not the one you imagined00:12:44 – The impact on the workplace: Today’s Gen Zers as products of generational evolution00:13:24 – Generational values: How priorities have shifted over time00:14:19 –Tess Brigham shares about her father’s late-in-life emotional growth and seeing progress across the generations00:15:15 – Looking at Gen Z through a lens of celebration, not criticism00:16:19 –Tess Brighamwraps up with a call to embrace the mess as part of evolution00:16:51 –O utro Voiceover: Closes with info about connecting with Tess and future resourcesReady to witness how generational messiness is actually a story of hope and healing? Press play. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.