As workplaces become more generationally diverse than ever, the question facing leaders isn’t how to manage the divide—but how to embrace it. In a recent episode of the Future Fit Leadership Spotlight Series, I spoke with Ashleigh Fell, social researcher and Director of Advisory at McCrindle, about what it takes to lead well into the next decade. Her answer? Be curious, be adaptable, and most importantly, be human.
According to McCrindle’s research, Millennials, Gen Z, and the emerging Gen Alpha generation now make up more than half the Australian population. Gen Z is no longer the future of work—they are the present. And Gen Alpha? They're coming fast, bringing a fully digital mindset shaped from birth by iPads, AI, and visual-first communication. This generational shift isn’t just demographic—it’s cultural, behavioural, and deeply transformative for how we work.
Ashleigh reminded us that the best leaders will be those who stay curious—not just about trends or new technologies, but about people. "The leaders that will thrive," she said, "are those who stay curious and committed to learning—not just about trends, but about people." In other words, leadership today requires more than technical skill or strategic smarts. It requires the humility to ask questions, to listen deeply, and to learn across generations.
In our conversation, Ashleigh challenged the notion that generational differences are a problem to solve. Instead, she reframed them as one of our greatest organisational strengths. "Intergenerational teams are not a challenge to fix—they’re an opportunity to unlock," she said. It’s a powerful shift in mindset. Gen Z and Alpha bring fresh perspectives, a demand for purpose, and digital fluency. Older generations offer lived experience, resilience, and context. The magic lies in bringing those attributes together.
So, what does future-fit leadership really look like? It looks like leaders who embrace visual and digital communication as fluently as face-to-face. Leaders who foster cultures of psychological safety where questions are welcomed and generational knowledge is shared freely. Leaders who see the full team—young and old—as co-creators of culture, innovation, and impact.
Ashleigh’s work at McCrindle continues to highlight that younger generations aren’t looking for perfection in their leaders. They’re looking for authenticity, flexibility, and a sense of purpose. Leadership that’s less about hierarchy and more about humanity.
For those of us already leading—or aspiring to—it’s a timely reminder. The future isn’t something to be managed. It’s something to be shaped—with empathy, openness, and courage.
To hear more from Ashleigh Fell, tune in to our Spotlight episode on the Future Fit Leadership podcast.