The Future of Work can be scary…AI disruption, skill gaps, cyber security …
While hiring a social media manager for our new platform @Sustainably Dr Gaz, I was looking for two things:
1. Make the future of work as exciting as it is scary.
2. A reverse mentoring opportunity.
To balance my corporate work life and dealing with Gen Z children of my own, I realised that I wanted to learn about memes, short-form content, the creator economy and how brand trust is built through individuals, not just corporations.
Leading a team of Millennials and Gen Zs who are not just passionate about sustainability but also curious about this evolving landscape has helped me embrace reverse mentoring.
Reverse mentoring (RM) is about giving senior leaders fresh lenses to understand the future workforce and market.
Why Reverse Mentoring Matters Now
The workplace is shifting faster than at any other time in history. Digital natives are rewriting what influence, engagement, and sustainability look like — not just in business, but in society. For leaders, RM isn’t about keeping up with trends; it’s about building cultural intelligence, bridging generational gaps, and positioning your organisation to thrive in the next decade.
Some skills I have enhanced from RV would be:
– Inclusive leadership that accommodates the use of ‘pronouns’ and creates safe spaces for young people
– Circular economy ideas on how younger generations consume, recycle, and value sustainability.
– Ethical AI & responsible tech that embeds fairness, transparency, and sustainability into digital solutions.
– Work-life integration and how to support younger professionals with flexible schedules and side hustles.
Embracing RM helped me become a more agile, empathetic, and competitive professional for the future of work.
What have you learned from being mentored by a junior colleague?