The AscendED Workplace

Raising Workforce Ready Students: A Conversation with Maisie Lynch founder of ForwardReady U

In this episode of The AscendED Workplace, Adam sits down with Maisie Lynch founder of ForwardReady U, a college and career educator who spent a decade teaching students inside the school system and now works directly with families navigating college and career decisions. Together they explore the growing preparation gap between academic achievement and real-world readiness and what parents, educators, and students can do to close it. This conversation dives into the difference between high-achieving students and truly prepared young adults, the role parents play in developing independence, and the habits that consistently make young professionals stand out in the workplace. This episode is especially valuable for parents, educators, and leaders who want to better prepare the next generation for success beyond graduation. #TheAscendEDWorkplace #WorkforceReadiness #ParentingForSuccess #CareerReadiness #FutureOfWork #LeadershipDevelopment Contact information for Maisie Lynch can be found at ForwardReady U [https://www.forwardreadyu.com/]

HR Strategies That Actually Work with Gen Z. A Conversation with Jack Foust

Struggling to recruit, manage, or retain Gen Z? You're not alone, and you're not imagining the shift. In this episode of The Ascended Workplace, Rebecca Burtram sits down with HR leader Jack Foust to break down what’s REALLY happening with Gen Z talent and what the most effective HR leaders are doing to adapt. Drawing from years of recruiting, onboarding, and developing young professionals across multiple industries (including the accounting field), Jack reveals: -Why Gen Z is actually the most honest and authentic talent pool -How hybrid onboarding models outperform handholding and sink-or-swim approaches -The 30-60-90 day structure that forces soft-skill growth -The weekly feedback cadence Gen Z requires to stay engaged and on track -How to prevent “promotion expectation shock” with clear development pathways -Why celebrating departures can improve retention -How to bridge cross-generational conflict with simple structural changes -What HR leaders consistently misunderstand about Gen Z Whether you’re a CEO, HR Director, Talent Manager, or firm owner, this episode gives you practical, system-level strategies to develop Gen Z into high-performing, loyal contributors. If your organization is struggling with: -Gen Z communication issues -Soft skills gaps -Unrealistic promotion expectations -Turnover or disengagement -Frustration between younger and older employees -Ineffective onboarding …this conversation will give you immediately actionable solutions.

Restorative Justice to Conflict in the Workplace: What Gen Z Learned from RJ... and What They Didn't

In this episode, Rebecca turns the mic toward Adam for a candid conversation rooted in his years as a Restorative Justice (RJ) coach in K–12 schools. What began as a well-intentioned approach to repairing harm and strengthening community eventually drifted into something different: a system where accountability blurred, consequences disappeared, and students, particularly Gen Z, walked away with mixed lessons about conflict and responsibility. Adam shares real, behind-the-scenes stories that reveal both the strengths and the shortcomings of how RJ was implemented in many schools. Together, Adam and Rebecca unpack how these experiences shape the way today’s youngest professionals approach conflict, feedback, communication, and accountability at work. Whether you're a leader, HR professional, or simply someone trying to better understand the cultural dynamics Gen Z brings into the workplace, this episode offers grounded insight, and practical takeaways.  #TheAscendEDWorkplace   #WorkplaceCulture  #LeadershipDevelopment  #RestorativeJustice  #AccountabilityMatters  #GenZWorkforce  #ConflictResolution  #ProfessionalGrowth  #OrganizationalLeadership  #ModernWorkplace

The Generations At Work: Are We Really That Different?

Every generation thinks the next one “just doesn’t get it.” But what if generational conflict at work isn’t really about age it’s actually about context? In this episode of The AscendED Workplace, we break down what’s actually new about Gen Z in the workplace and what’s just history repeating itself. From differing views on work ethic to communication breakdowns and tech tension, we unpack why these gaps exist and how leaders can close them. You’ll learn: * Why “Gen Z laziness” is often a training gap, not a character flaw * The historical cycle of generational misunderstandings * How leaders can rebuild accountability and persistence as teachable skills * Four strategies to create a workplace where Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z thrive together It’s time to stop asking “What’s wrong with this generation?” and start asking “What shaped them and how can I lead them effectively?” 🎧 Tune in to learn how to transform generational tension into teamwork. #TheAscendEDWorkplace #LeadershipDevelopment #GenZAtWork #MultigenerationalWorkplace #FutureOfWork #WorkplaceCulture #PeopleLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #GenerationalDifferences #TeamDevelopment #AccountabilityCulture #InclusiveLeadership #WorkplaceLearning #LeadershipPodcast

High Expectations + High Support = High Performance

Are your Gen Z employees underperforming, disengaged, or resistant to feedback? You do not need to lower the standard. You need to raise the support. In this episode of The AscendED Workplace, Adam and Rebecca reveal a truth that many leaders miss. Gen Z is not lazy, entitled, or soft. They are capable of high performance when given the right structure, feedback, and clarity. Designed for CEOs, people leaders, and HR professionals, this episode offers real strategies to help you close the gap between expectations and outcomes by building systems of support that drive growth, accountability, and motivation. We unpack why Gen Z often sees accountability as punishment, how their upbringing shaped their work style, and why they are wired to ask for the “why” behind decisions. If your organization is facing high turnover, low ownership, or inconsistent performance from younger employees, this episode will give you tools to shift the culture and get results without burning out your leadership team. Subscribe for practical strategies at the intersection of accountability, growth mindset, and generational performance. Visit AscendED-Consulting.com to learn how we help companies build real systems that drive high performance. #GenZInTheWorkplace #ManagingGenZ #HowToLeadGenZ #LeadershipStrategiesForGenZ #GenZAccountability #CoachingYoungerEmployees #BuildingAccountabilityCulture #ManagingMillennialsAndGenZ #ExpectationsAndSupport #ImprovingWorkplacePerformance #EmployeeMotivationStrategies #AscendEDConsulting #AccountabilityCulture #GrowthMindsetAtWork #LeadershipPodcastForExecutives #accountabilityislove