Jenny Fernandez is an executive coach and professor at Columbia and NYU.

In this episode, we explore some of Gen Z's unique characteristics, such as being digital natives and the impact of "helicopter parenting."

Jenny highlights the challenges Gen Z faces, including communication skills, job security and concerns exacerbated by the pandemic.

We also explore the need for supportive work environments, effective onboarding, clear training paths, and why mentorship is important.

Jenny's tips for a happy workplace:

1. Set your employees up for success
2. Have a very clear training path so people know how to progress
3. Provide mentors and sponsors for employees

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

TEDx Talk by Jenny Fernandez

Jenny Fernandez on LinkedIn

Happy Website

In this episode of the Happy Manifesto Podcast, co-hosts Maureen and Henry engage with Helen Stuart, Managing Director of Now You're Talking.

Helen Stuart, Managing Director of Now You're Talking discusses her transformative experiences from a leadership program at TLC, emphasising trust, empowerment, and psychological safety in management.

Helen shares practical insights on fostering team ownership, leveraging individual strengths, and creating a supportive work environment based upon 'pre-approval', trust, and ownership.

The conversation also touches on the importance of vulnerability in leadership and the benefits of recognising and utilising team members' unique skills.

Helen’s tips for a happy workplace:

1. Trust and empower your team
2. Create a trusting environment that embraces freedom and ownership
3. Publicly celebrate wins and people's strengths

Nigel Paine, head of people development at the BBC, discusses the evolution of workplace learning, the creation of the BBC's iPlayer, and the importance of fostering a true learning culture in organisations.

Nigel emphasises the need for trust, autonomy, competence, and connectedness toward creating an effective learning environment and shares with us examples from Danone and WD-40 to illustrate successful learning practices

Nigel also highlights the significance of leadership qualities like courage and humility underscoring the critical role of continuous improvement and open communication in building a happy workplace culture.

Nigel’s tips for a happy workplace:

1. Make people feel part of the team and organisation.
2. Constantly work on what is stopping good things from happening.
3. Have an index: some measure of how well you are getting there

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

Nigel's book The Great Reset

Harvard Business Review