There was a time when everyone wanted to be the boss. It was part of the career trajectory from the moment someone entered the workforce. That is changing. The next generation has seen what being “the boss” has meant to others, and seen the impact leadership has had, both in good and bad ways, on those around them. More and more, aspiring to leadership may not be the goal.

In this conversation, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners, talk about the new phenomenon of 'conscious unbossing' and its implications for leadership in a cross-generational workforce.

They discuss why millennials and Gen Z are hesitant to take on leadership roles, the importance of mentorship, and how organizations can create engaging opportunities for emerging leaders. They correlate this behavior and the way business leaders may be responding to behavior that they see in their horses and in their equine-assisted workshops.

Katie and Ginny highlight the need for a paradigm shift in how leadership is perceived and developed, drawing parallels between human leadership dynamics and horse herd behavior.

The Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners and KatieTheCoach.com.

Takeaways

-Conscious unbossing reflects a shift in how younger generations view leadership.

-72% of millennials prefer individual contributor roles over management.

-Leadership roles are often perceived as thankless and burdensome.-

-Mentorship plays a crucial role in preparing future leaders.

-Organizations need to create supportive cultures for leadership development.

-Engaging learning experiences can enhance leadership skills.

-Shared leadership models can alleviate the pressure on individual leaders.

-Confidence is key for younger generations to step into leadership roles.

-Work should be enjoyable and fulfilling for all employees.

-Understanding generational perspectives is essential for effective leadership.

Episode Resources:

“Why Gen Z is Saying No to Management”

https://www.kornferry.com/insights/this-week-in-leadership/why-gen-z-is-saying-no-to-management

“Conscious Unbossing: Rebuilding the Leadership Pipeline for a New Generation”

https://www.ddiworld.com/blog/conscious-unbossing

“No One Wants to Be a Leader”

https://www.fastcompany.com/91357457/why-its-still-great-to-be-a-leader

Chapters

00:38 Understanding Conscious Unbossing

08:36 The Impact of Generational Perspectives on Leadership

09:38 The Role of Mentorship in Leadership Development

11:58 Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders

14:35 Creating Engaging Leadership Opportunities

21:58 Examples through Equine Experiences

28:27 Action Steps for Emerging Leaders

36:12 Conclusion and Call to Action

Helpful Links:

Ginny Telego,...

It’s all too common to size people up based on their generation before we ever give them a chance. We assume intentions, habits, and beliefs based on age, and in doing so, we miss out on real connection and real collaboration. What if we set aside those assumptions? What if we focused less on when someone was born and more on what they bring to the table?

In this episode, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners, explore the complexities and opportunities of leading multi-generational teams. They discuss the unique challenges posed by differing values, communication styles, and historical contexts that shape each generation's approach to work.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of curiosity, empathy, and understanding in fostering collaboration and innovation within diverse teams. Drawing parallels with horse herd dynamics, they highlight the need for leaders to recognize and leverage the strengths of each generation to create inclusive and effective work environments.

This podcast might just change the way you see your team and the stories you’ve been telling yourself about who they are.

The Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners and KatieTheCoach.com.

Takeaways

-74% of the global workforce will be millennials and Gen Z by 2030.

-Five generations are currently working together in the workforce.

-Generational bias can undermine collaboration and trust.

-Understanding historical context is crucial for appreciating generational values.

-Curiosity and empathy are key to effective leadership.

-Stereotypes can negatively impact team dynamics and performance.

-Horses can teach us valuable lessons about leadership and teamwork.

-Knowledge transfer is essential as older generations retire.

-Creating inclusive environments enhances employee engagement.

-We often have more in common across generations than we realize.

Episode Resources:

• https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/issues/work/genz-millennial-survey.html

Chapters

00:47 Introduction to Multi-Generational Leadership

01:59 Understanding Generational Dynamics in the Workplace

06:19 Challenges of Communication Across Generations

13:23 Curiosity and Empathy in Leadership

15:07 Stereotypes and Their Effects on Team Dynamics

18:22 Learning from Horses: A Metaphor for Leadership

21:54 The Importance of Knowledge Transfer

31:47 Understanding Another’s Perspective

37:30 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

Helpful Links:

Ginny Telego, Collaboration Partners: https://www.thecollaborationpartners.com/

Katie Navarra-Bradley, Katie The Coach: https://katiethecoach.com/

We’ve all had those moments where we “just knew”. We had a feeling, perhaps a “gut feeling” that one direction was right and another was not. There’s no proof or evidence that can help you know for sure. But there is a a tug toward action that gets acted upon, or ignored. Looking back on these moments leads us to understand that is often true that those instincts were valid.

In this conversation, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners, talk about the intersection of mental health awareness and the healing power of horses.

In conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month in May of 2025, they share personal stories of how horses have provided emotional support during challenging times, discuss the stigma surrounding mental health, and emphasize the importance of mindfulness and emotional regulation in both personal and professional settings.

The conversation highlights practical strategies for improving mental well-being and encourages listeners to seek support and foster connections in their communities.

The Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners and KatieTheCoach.com.

Takeaways

-Horses can provide emotional support and healing.

-Personal experiences with grief can shape our relationship with horses.

-Organizations can benefit from removing stigma around mental health.

-Horses help regulate emotional states and promote connection.

-Mindfulness practices can enhance productivity and well-being.

-Grief can stem from various life experiences, not just loss of loved ones.

-Setting boundaries is crucial for mental health.

-Community support is vital for navigating mental health challenges.

-Engaging with nature can significantly improve mental well-being.

Episode Resources:

• Horses Helping Seniors: https://horseandrider.com/horse-health-care/horses-helping-seniors/
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a 24/7 treatment referral and information service.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7, confidential support for people in distress.
• FindTreatment.gov helps people seek treatment for mental and substance use disorders.
• National Institute of Mental Health outlines additional mental health services.
• Get trained in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). You can be the difference through MHFA, a course that teaches how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use challenges.
• APA Article: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2025/06/coping-chaotic-workplace