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Generation Gap: Rethinking Soft Skills in the Hybrid Workplace
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How Will Gen Alpha Shape the World We Haven’t Built Yet?
They’re the first generation born entirely in the 21st century—and by 2030, Generation Alpha will make up nearly one in five workers. What defines them? How will they reshape the built environment, the workplace, and even the very way we think about education, careers, and community?
In this episode of Design Nerds Anonymous, host Amanda Schneider sits down with leading generational researcher Mark McCrindle to explore the forces shaping Gen Alpha. From their tech-skepticism and global outlook to their entrepreneurial spirit and desire for human connection, Gen Alpha brings a new lens to the future we’re all designing together.
After listening, you will be able to:
- Why Gen Alpha isn’t “Gen Polar” (and why labeling matters)
- How they’re pushing back on technology—and why that’s good news
- The shift from corporate ladders to “career jungle gyms”
- What the built environment must do to inspire them to show up IRL
- A radical vision for integrating learning, earning, and community spaces by 2040
- Sign up for ThinkLab’s Newsletter to keep up with industry trends.
- Follow Amanda on LinkedIn for more workplace insights.
Design Nerds Anonymous is a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com. This episode of Design Nerds Anonymous was produced and edited by SANDOW DESIGN GROUP, with music from Blue Dot Sessions. Special thanks to the podcast production team: Hannah Viti, Rob Schulte, and Rachel Senatore.
Special thanks to our podcast season sponsors, Kimball International and Mannington Commercial– companies doing big things to move the design industry forward.
Want to sponsor an episode?
Design Nerds Anonymous is the only podcast of its kind – holding an engaged audience of architects, designers, CRE leaders, and end users – and delivering the most insights per minute on the forces shaping the built environment. With over 100K+ downloads, the show features industry powerhouses from brands like Chik-fil-A, Hilton, and StoryBrand, having bold conversations on what’s next in business and design—market shifts, process innovation, and the hidden dynamics driving change.
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