Meagan Johnson - Generational Speaker

Solve Your Challenges and Bridge the Gap between Generations at Your Multigenerational Workforce

Baby Boomers

Reflect and Set Intentions with Mid-Year Reset

It’s time to reflect… because the only thing more surprising than how fast June arrived… is realizing January was six months ago!

Whether you’re out lying by the pool this summer or already eyeing Halloween decorations at Target (looking at you, Millennials), June is the perfect midpoint for a self-check in! Not in a harsh, productivity-obsessed way – but in a reflective, life-affirming, “am I still aligned with what matters?” kind of way.

💭 Reflect: What’s Worth Keeping?

Before we go Marie Kondo-ing our calendars, let’s pause to reflect.
Ask yourself: What’s working? What’s draining me? What do I need more or less of? 

Reflection ideas by generation:

Reflect and Set Intentions with Mid-Year Reset

✨ Reset: Tiny Tweaks, Big Energy

No need for a dramatic reinvention. A few well-placed resets can breathe life back into your daily rhythm.

Try one of these intention-friendly resets:

Pro tip: Intention resets are even more powerful when shared. Start a convo with your team, family, or friend group about what’s lighting you up—or what you’re letting go of.

🌱 Recommit: Intention Over Perfection

Let’s drop any guilt about forgotten goals or detours taken. This midyear point is your permission slip to recommit—not to a rigid plan, but to what truly matters. So, whether you’re managing grandkids, managing emails, or managing to hold it together, June is here to remind us that we matter. It’s a moment to pause, breathe, reflect, and reset… with humor, hope, and intention.

Reminder: Your reset doesn’t need to be loud. It just needs to be yours.

Refresh Your Self Care Routine During Summer

Summer is officially here – it’s time to refresh your self-care routine!

Whether you’re a Silent Generation sun-lover or a Gen Z iced-coffee connoisseur, one thing we can all agree on: self-care doesn’t take a vacation. Summer could be the perfect time to hit “refresh” on your self-care routine!

🧓 Traditionalists & Baby Boomers: Stretch, Sip, and Socialize

You’ve put in the decades of hard work – now summer’s your time to unwind with purpose. Your self-care might look like:

  • Move your body gently: Swimming, tai chi in the park, or even an early-morning walk is great for joints and joy.
  • Hydration over hooch: Reach for water before wine, especially in the heat.
  • Say yes to sunscreen: Your dermatologist (and your future self) thanks you!

Self-care mantra: “Relax, recharge, repeat.”

Refresh Your Self Care Routine

👩‍💼 Gen X: Master of the Multitask

You’re juggling work, aging parents, and teens home from school – and you still made it to hot yoga. Impressive! This summer, try:

Self-care mantra: “I allow myself to rest.”

🧑‍💻 Millennials: Sun-Kissed, Self-Aware, Slightly Stressed

You’re reading the wellness blogs, downloaded the apps, and bought the reusable water bottle – but are you genuinely checking in with yourself?

Self-care mantra: “Checking in with myself is helpful and healing.”

🧋 Gen Z: Recharge and Reconnect

You’re navigating life in the fast lane – balancing hustle culture, digital noise, and the pressure to glow-up 24/7. But here’s your summer reminder: rest is productive, and boundaries are self-care.

  • Unplug to reconnect: Set a timer for screen-free hours and swap doomscrolling for journaling, drawing, or cloud-watching.
  • Protect your peace with SPF: Sunscreen is your bestie. Sun damage is so not the vibe.
  • Rest is resistance: Don’t feel guilty for saying no to social plans. A solo recharge night is just as valid as a group hang!

Self-care mantra: “Slowing down isn’t falling behind – it’s finding my rhythm.”

This summer, let self-care be our generational common ground. Whether you’re listening to vinyl or streaming a podcast, we’re all just trying to stay cool, stay kind, and stay sane in the sunshine! 🌞 

Baby Boomers Recognition Day: From Woodstock to the Olympics

As the Olympics come to an epic conclusion and we await the extremely impressive Paralympics (August 28th – September 8th), we want to bring awareness to Baby Boomers Recognition Day! Can you guess why Baby Boomers Recognition Day is observed on August 16th?

If you had any inclination around Woodstock, you are correct!

Baby Boomers Recognition Day is a cultural reference to Woodstock that took place back on August 15th – 18th, 1969. Let’s take the time together to recognize the generation that brought us peace signs, disco balls, and the enduring wisdom that age is just a number. And speaking of age being just a number, shout out to every Boomer who keeps proving that you’re never too old to chase your dreams – even Olympic dreams! 

The ‘Boom’ That Echoed Through the Decade

Let’s rewind the clock to the aftermath of World War II… Soldiers returned home, hope filled the air, and families grew… 76 million babies later! Born between 1946 and 1964, this generation quite literally boomed onto the scene. They grew up in a world of hula hoops, drive-in movies, and the electrifying birth of rock ‘n’ roll. Here are some defining moments for baby boomers: 

  1. 1960s Cultural Revolution: From Woodstock to the Summer of Love, Boomers drove social change
  2. Civil Rights Movement: Many Boomers were active participants in the fight for racial equality
  3. Space Race: Boomers witnessed the first manned space missions and moon landing
  4. Vietnam War: This conflict deeply impacted the Boomer generation, both those who served and those who protested
  5. Technological Advancements: From the first personal computers to the internet, Boomers adapted to rapid technological change

These defining moments can also be seen as generational signposts that molded Boomers into the resilient, driven, and sometimes even rebellious individuals they are. In Gen-Expert Meagan Johnson’s “Zap the Generational Gap” presentation, Meagan shares more information about generational signposts and how they follow us into the workforce. 

Boomer Traits: More Than Just Rock n Roll 

So, what defines a Boomer?

  • Work ethic: Often labeled “workaholics,” Boomers value hard work, dedication, and pride themselves in their work. 
  • Idealism: This is the generation that fought for civil rights, women’s liberation, and environmental protection. They dreamed big and weren’t afraid to challenge the status quo.
  • Loyalty: Boomers cherish long-term relationships and commitments, whether it’s to a spouse, a company, or their beloved four-legged companions.

Of course, we can’t talk about Boomers without addressing a few common stereotypes:

Baby Boomers Recognition

The Power of Recognition: It’s Not Just for Boomers

Baby Boomers Recognition Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate this trailblazing generation, both at home and in the workforce. But it’s also a reminder that recognition is a universal human need, regardless of age or generation. 

Recognition isn’t just about trophies and awards. It’s about feeling seen, heard, and valued. It’s about knowing that our contributions matter and that our presence makes a difference. And when we feel recognized, we’re more likely to be engaged, motivated, and productive. So, let’s make every day a recognition day, and let’s keep “Zapping the Generational Gap” with appreciation and respect! 

P.S. – The oldest athlete to compete in the 2024 Olympics was Baby Boomer Juan Antonio Jimenez Cobo of Spain, who is 65. Amazing! And he wasn’t the only Baby Boomer competing! 🏇🏼🤩👏🏻 

National Parents’ Day: Gratitude for All Moms & Dads

From CEOs to cashiers, doctors to delivery drivers, teachers to tech entrepreneurs, an estimated 150 million Americans share one common job: being a parent. 

We’re all aware about Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. But did you know about Parent’s Day? Parent’s Day is nationally observed every year on the fourth Sunday in July! This year, Parent’s Day falls on July 28th. 

National Parents' Day

The first National Parents Day was celebrated on July 28th, 1995. Nearly 30 laters later, so much of our world has evolved. With that being said, it’s important to pause and consider that parenting styles are not static and continue to evolve. Like generations, parenting styles are influenced by historical events, changing values, societal norms, technological advancements, and so much more. Let’s take a look at some of those influences and how they’ve shaped our parenting styles… 

The Greatest Generation

The Greatest Generation (Born between 1900 and 1925)  Aka “G.I. Generation, the WWII Generation” 

Major Life Events:

Parenting Style: 

  • A strong emphasis on discipline, obedience, and traditional values. Because of the economic hardships, this generation emphasized the value of being resourceful, saving money, and living within their means. They also instilled a strong sense of patriotism in their children, emphasizing loyalty to the country and a willingness to serve in the military if needed. 

The Silent Generation

The Silent Generation (Born between 1928 and 1945) Aka “Traditionalists, Radio Babies”

Major Life Events:

Parenting Style: 

  • This generation strongly adhered to traditional gender roles, with fathers typically as the breadwinners and disciplinarians and mothers focusing on homemaking and childcare. Children were expected to contribute and help with tasks like cleaning, cooking, and caring for younger siblings. Open communication about feelings and emotions were uncommon. 

Baby Boomers

Baby Boomers (Born between 1946 and 1964) Aka “Boomers, Trailblazers, Hippies” 

Major Life Events:

Parenting Style: 

  • Many Boomers prioritized their careers, which led to the rise of “latchkey kids” who spent significant time unsupervised. Compared to previous generations, Boomers were more open to communication and discussion with their kids. However, the power dynamic remained largely parent-centric. A smaller subset of Boomers adopted a more relaxed approach, allowing their kids more freedom and autonomy to explore and learn from their own mistakes.
Parents' Day

Generation X

Gen X (Born between 1965 and 1980) Aka “Latchkey Kids, MTV Generation” 

Major Life Events:

  • MTV Culture
  • Rise of the Internet
  • Watergate Scandal

Parenting Style: 

  • Gen X parents place a high value on independence and self-reliance. They encourage their children to think for themselves, make decisions, and learn from their mistakes. Their own experiences growing up as “latchkey kids,” often with working parents and less supervision than previous generations, heavily influenced their approach to parenting. They encourage passions and interests through extracurricular activities, hobbies, or self-directed learning.

Millennials

Millennials (Born between 1981 and 1996) Aka “Gen Y, Me Generation” 

Major Life Events:

  • The Great Recession
  • September 11th
  • Rise of Social Media

Parenting Style:

Generation Z

Generation Z (Born between 1997 and 2012) Aka “Gen Z, iGeneration, Zoomers”

Major Life Events:

  • Never knew a life without cell phones and digital media
  • Election of Donald Trump
  • COVID-19 Pandemic

Parenting Style:

  • Gen Z parents prioritize open and honest communication. They believe in creating a safe space for their children to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns without judgment. They’re more likely to discuss sensitive topics like mental health, sexuality, and social justice with their kids at an early age. Gen Z parents are highly aware of social issues like racism, inequality, and climate change. They strive to raise their children to be socially conscious, empathetic, and accepting of diversity. 

Phew… what an evolution!

As we can see, we’re all shaped by significant historic milestones, technological advancements, changing values, and more. It’s important to respect our differences and the value we each bring through our vast individual experiences. Whether it’s a biological parent, a grandparent, or a special parent-like figure in your life, make time to let them know how much they mean to you. Today, tomorrow, and every day, we honor and celebrate the role of a parent! 

Baby Boomers and Millennials – Working Together

During my keynote presentation at the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) 2018 Fall Conference, I discussed how Baby Boomers and Millennials can better work together.

My intent of the presentation was to help employees think differently and act decisively when dealing with multiple generations.

Baby Boomers and Millennials in the Workplace

The differences between baby boomers and millennials can wreak havoc both personally and professionally, or they can be a source of incredible energy and creativity. It’s important to understand these differences and to have some specific strategies for dealing with them.

At the conference, we began by having Millennials group together, and Baby Boomers then also teamed up. Each group made a list of frustrations and positives about the other group.

After these lists were discussed, I revealed that for all the criticism Millennials currently receive, the same stereotypes were attributed to Baby Boomers in the late 1960s. The unfair stereotyping goes both ways!

Baby Boomers Working with Millennials

We give Baby Boomers grief about technology, but I bet every Boomer uses technology.

The Millennials now outnumber Baby Boomers, the generation that was thought to be the biggest possible. As Baby Boomers age, the number of senior citizens in America will double.

Tensions in the workplace stem from the different ways generations have been shaped by cultural events, technology and the economy.

However, I shared recommendations for how Baby Boomers and Millennials can work together!

Baby boomers and millennials

Credit for the article and video goes to the American Architectural Manufacturers Association.