Winning Workplaces: A Generational View on Team Culture

Have you ever wondered what truly empowers someone to speak up, especially when their voice challenges the norm? In this engaging episode, we explore the transformative power of using your voice with Ashley Rivera. She’s a go-getter Gen Z entrepreneur who shares her journey of self-leadership and confidence in the workplace. 

Ashley’s story began when she joined the team straight out of college, bringing with her a refreshing willingness to question ideas and offer counter-opinions—something not often seen from someone so early in their career.

Together, we explore the dynamic between a leader and a team member who isn’t afraid to challenge perspectives. Ashley shares how feeling safe and supported empowered her to speak up, and how this openness led to a deeper, more collaborative relationship. Her perspective offers insights into generational differences in the workplace and what it means to build trust and respect in remote environments.

Throughout the conversation, we discuss the critical role leaders play in creating spaces where team members feel confident voicing their opinions. Ashley shares actionable advice for those who want to speak up but struggle with confidence, offering simple, practical steps like preparing notes and practicing with trusted peers.

This episode isn’t just about leadership; it’s about self-awareness, resilience, and building meaningful connections. It’s a testament to how embracing different voices leads to stronger, more cohesive teams. From discussing the importance of aligning values when hiring to navigating challenging conversations with care, we touch on what it means to be a leader who balances accountability with compassion.

If you’ve ever felt hesitant to share your ideas or wondered how to foster a team culture where everyone’s voice matters, this episode is for you. What are the moments that shaped your confidence to speak up? Have you experienced a workplace where your voice made a difference? Join the conversation and share your thoughts.


Mentions

Connect with Heather on LinkedIn

Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts

Listen to the podcast on Spotify


Connect with Heather

WHEN YOU’RE READY, HERE’S HOW WE CAN HELP:

Engage your people with work culture consulting: https://employeefanatix.com/

Hire Heather to speak to your group: https://www.heatheryounger.com

Access free Art of Caring Leadership resources: https://heatheryounger.com/kit/


Let’s connect on social

https://linktr.ee/heatheryounger

About Heather R Younger, J.D., CSP

Heather R Younger, J.D., CSP is a highly sought-after speaker, 2x-TEDx speaker, diversity, equity and inclusion strategist, and contributor to leading news outlets. She is also the Founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix, a leading employee engagement and consulting firm. After over 25,000 employee engagement surveys and years of working with organizations to transform employee engagement, here’s what Heather has seen over and over: When you know how to listen, employees will tell you exactly what they need to bring their full selves to work. Book Heather to speak at your event or organization.

Visit heatheryounger.com or https://www.cmispeakers.com/heather-r-younger for more details.

Becoming Unshakeable Podcast

With Heather R. Younger

Becoming Unshakable is the podcast for leaders, creators, and changemakers who know TRUE LEADERSHIP starts from within.

Each episode explores what it takes to lead with resilience, compassion, and purpose while staying human through it all.

Through candid conversations with executives, frontline leaders, coaches, and everyday heroes, Heather uncovers the real stories behind growth, compassion, setbacks, and transformation.

From navigating change to creating emotionally safe cultures, Becoming Unshakable reveals what it really takes to create leaders—and organizations—that can’t be shaken.

Hi, I'm Heather

I've been through every type of
ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE
you can think of.

Layoffs, reorgs, mergers, acquisitions and major technology shifts. More than 20 years leading teams through high-stakes situations where results mattered, people depended on me, and decisions couldn't wait.

Those years taught me how to lead. But they also showed me the hidden cost of always being the one who holds it all together.

During our second reorg in less than a year, I walked out of a meeting with no say in what was happening, just marching orders. When my team asked how the meeting went, I should have said, “Give me 15 minutes to process this.” But I didn't. Instead, I let them absorb every ounce of my frustration.

Then I saw their faces.

The people who looked to me for stability had just watched me unravel. What was that teaching them about their ability to handle the pressure?

That moment changed how I saw my role as a leader. Leading teams isn't only about grit or resilience. It's about how your presence builds the trust your team needs to function when things get hard.

Today, I help organizations build unshakable leaders, teams, and cultures. Because when leaders become the calm teams can count on, organizations don't just survive change, they come out strong enough to handle what’s next.

Heather Sitting
Best Gift Ever

Caring Leadership Kit ...A Free Gift of Resources Designed to Help You Reach Your Full Potential as a Caring Leader

Access Free Gifts Including Caring Leadership® Videos, Active Listening Guides, Accountability Plans, and Resources

  • A checklist with the 9 key tenets of caring leadership to help you have a positive impact on those you lead.
  • The Three R's of Resilience: an easy-to-remember and effective framework and cheatsheet so you can fortify your organization for future challenges.
  • The Art of Caring Leadership downloadable and printable poster, to remind you of the central tenets of caring leadership while brightening up your office!
  • The Cycle of Active Listening Guide with 20-point quiz so you can elevate the workplace experience for everyone.
  • The Art of Active Listening 21-Day Calendar for simple ways to be a better listener.
  • Caring Leadership® Accountability Plans, videos, and more!

Contact Heather Today!
+1 403-398-8488

Contact
Contact

I'm really interested in...

(select all that apply)*

I can be reached at...

Additional Comments

Contact Heather Today!
+1 403-398-8488

Contact
Contact

I'm really interested in...

(select all that apply)*

I can be reached at...

Additional Comments