A Three Day Journey

Last week, I travelled a story arc across 72 hours that led me to a few observations about change and business, Gen Z and fashion.

I attended a trio of events, all focused on providing “young people” (a term I enjoy using with a wee bit of irony) with opportunities to gain relevant skills, connect with peers and mentors, and learn both inside and outside the classroom: Genesys Works ’ 20-year anniversary luncheon, cocktails honoring The Posse Foundation , and the President’s Dinner at Southwestern University , showcasing students’ “high impact experiences.”

Beyond celebrating the incredible commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders, I came away with three observations.

1.??????The business community drives social change through active involvement, professional commitments, and human interaction. Donations are great, but, as experience has proven, empowering actions, whether internships, or other, change lives.

2.??????For all the talk about how disconnected and anti-social Gen Z is, they sure seemed engaged to me. I had students rushing over to introduce themselves and tell me about their studies and experiences. At all three events, I saw deep connections – between mentors and mentees, former coworkers who shared decades of history, and alumni across multiple generations. Don’t believe the hype: we’re still social creatures.

3.??????If my week (business formal, cocktail attire, cocktail attire) was any indication of current fashion trends, the pendulum has swung from all day leggings, past business casual, and into a degree of formality I haven’t seen since the early 2000s.