Page 17 - BOSS Today Issue 62

BOSS Today #62 BOSS MEMBERS’ DAY BOSS Today #62

Q&A with: experience, opportunities to experiment, How are schools preparing The real challenge of course fundamental as digital literacy was a

students to utilise AI?
and the freedom to explore. They are
decade ago. But don’t assume that youth
If I’m honest – not well enough! But
more likely to seek out lateral moves
= digital literacy. Many young people are
experts in social media, TikTok, gaming
or project-based work if it offers new
generalisations are misleading. There
is ensuring students don’t
Cory Lowde Do you think there is a shift in schools and private schools. The best simply see AI as a shortcut, or process reports or work-based data.
and phones, but may never send emails
learning and development.
are pockets of brilliance, in both state
They will face the embarrassment of this
schools are embracing the idea of AI
but as a tool for critical
digital paradox – and we have to help
how younger generations define
as essential to modern life, and are
thinking, creativity, and
“success” at work?
them not feel self-conscious.
trying to coach the children into how
Yes, absolutely. Success for many Gen Z
But candidates who can demonstrate
appropriate level. The worst schools still
and Gen Alpha employees is less about
immediately stand out. It is not just
financial reward alone and more about to be a self-taught learner, at an age- productivity. thoughtful, effective use of AI will
think it is cheating and try to avoid it. I
impact and fulfilment. They want to have been involved with entrepreneurs about technical familiarity, but about
know their work matters, whether and investors who seek to create new to see that in its supply chains and using AI wisely and responsibly. That is
HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE NEXT GENERATION that’s contributing to a wider mission, schools that are entirely built around AI day-to-day decisions. Purpose is not a where the competitive edge lies.
marketing slogan; it is a lived reality. For
supporting a team, or making a positive
for learning, and yet use this to condense
ENTERING THE WORKFORCE social difference. Salary still matters a the curriculum into shorter periods Gen Z and Gen Alpha, social impact is What are you most optimistic about
lot of course, so it can feel like a paradox, so that they can focus on social skills part of the contract between employer regarding the future workforce?
or a ‘you want it all’ situation, but it’s development through play. and employee. For most companies I am optimistic about young people’s
more complex than that. For example, I have seen some amazing schools though, the actual product or service will courage and creativity. They are
ory has over 30 years of international the most striking trend is the demand focus more on the qualities of resilience be secondary to the concept of corporate challenging old assumptions about
Cleadership experience, including a for authenticity. These generations have and character through outward bound culture. I advise companies to worry less work, and that is a positive force. They
decade as the head of a co-educational grown up with unprecedented access to pursuits for example, but this indirectly about their ‘product’ and more about are asking the right questions: How can
independent boarding school near information and social networks. prepares young people for the challenges their day-to-day practice. Let’s put the work be more meaningful? How can
London. A respected voice in the field of They expect workplaces to reflect the above far better than lecturing or sitting ‘fun’ back into the ‘fundamentals’! organisations be more ethical? How can
education, he specialises in the future values they see as essential like diversity, in front of a computer. technology serve people, rather than
of learning, teenage brain development, sustainability, and genuine inclusivity. The real challenge of course is How do you see AI shaping the roles the other way around? That drive to
organisational culture, and the human- At the same time, flexibility has become ensuring students don’t simply see AI and expectations of the next generation reimagine the workplace is energising.
centred leadership required in rapidly non-negotiable. They are not interested as a shortcut, but as a tool for critical entering the workforce, and what skills The environment that surrounds us is
evolving times. in rigid structures but in environments thinking, creativity, and productivity. The will be most critical for them to thrive changing, but human brains have evolved
BOSS was delighted to welcome where they can grow, contribute best schools are encouraging students to alongside increasingly intelligent over thousands of years, and the same
Cory to its recent Members’ Day, creatively, and balance work with life. question outputs, to understand bias, and systems? spirit will get us through the latest
where he shared valuable insights into from an older generation, there were Success can mean ‘happy’. to develop ethical awareness alongside I already use AI in all my work. No doubt challenges.
the attitudes, behaviours, and values unwritten expectations in life. Some practical use. you do too. But it’s interesting. My career
that the next generation brings to the of these were probably that you would Are soft skills being undervalued or was in schools, and my children tell me If you could change one thing in how
workplace. He offered a compelling look follow a certain path: get a job, earn a overemphasised in discussions about What kind of workplace culture is most that lazy teachers use AI to short-cut businesses prepare for the next
at the expectations young people have living, get a mortgage, have a family, pay youth workforce readiness? appealing to emerging talent today? their preparation and marking ‘and yet generation, what would it be?
of future employers, and the reasons it off, retire, inherit if you were lucky, Well, the truth is they are essential, One where their voice matters and their they tell us not to use it for homework’. I would encourage businesses to invest
behind them. Cory also explored how and so on… But this has changed. The but often misunderstood. Employers needs are recognised. In that sense, this We have to avoid this hypocrisy and more in mentoring and intergenerational
artificial intelligence is shaping children’s cost of living is sky high. Mortgages feel sometimes see technical or digital is not new. Everyone seeks this at work. embrace AI for systems and processes to exchange. Too often, young people
development and influencing future unobtainable. House prices are rocketing. skills as the priority, yet it is However, hierarchy for hierarchy’s sake free up a space for ideas, discussion and enter the workforce without the benefit
career paths. Job security is low. People change jobs resilience, adaptability, empathy, is unappealing. They want openness, creativity. The most critical abilities will of close guidance from those with
To delve deeper into these important with surprising frequency. This is a and communication that will enable mentoring, and collaboration across be agility in learning, ethical judgement, experience. If businesses focused less on
themes, we recently sat down with Cory profound shift in cultural norms and has young people to thrive. Particularly levels of seniority. A workplace that is and the capacity to work effectively with quick fixes and more on building deep,
for a dedicated Q&A. In this follow-up a big impact on young people entering in an AI-driven world, the uniquely transparent, supportive of mental health, intelligent tools. Rather than competing human connections between seasoned
conversation, he expands on the evolving the workforce. human qualities of listening, leading, and committed to inclusion will stand with AI, we must learn to collaborate professionals and new entrants,
landscape of education, trends shaping collaborating; these are what out. Culture is not a perk; it is central to with it, treating AI even as a partner, not we would all benefit! It is in these
younger generations the impact on these How do younger workers differ in differentiate a good employee from a whether young people stay or move on. a threat. conversations that wisdom, resilience,
on the future workforce. their approach to career growth great one. Having said that, schools and values are passed on.
compared to previous generations? are struggling with the highest ever What role does purpose or social Do you believe from an employer
What key trends are shaping the Career growth is measured in terms rates of learning needs and anxiety. impact play in how younger generations standpoint that younger employees To watch Cory’s video from BOSS
expectations and behaviours of Gen Z of skills gained, networks built, and We are, to put it bluntly, expecting the choose employers? should be accustomed to AI? And if yes, Members’ Day, click here. You can read
and Gen Alpha in the workplace? experiences accumulated, rather than teenage brain, which is still developing, A huge role. Young people want to align do you think this gives a competitive our article on Conscious Unbossing is
A shift in the idea of ‘reference points’. simply promotions or titles. The days to be ‘too much too soon’, and it is with organisations whose actions reflect edge for younger candidates? this edition of BOSS Today.
This is what I call the assumptions we of linear career ladders are largely overwhelming. their words. If a company says it values Yes. But I think this is misleading.
used to have as we grew up. If you are gone. Younger workers want breadth of sustainability, young employees expect Comfort with AI is rapidly becoming as

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