Shaping the Future: Gen Z on Communication, Community & Confidence

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we continue our Gen Z Insights Series—spotlighting rising professionals shaping the future of associations from the inside out. This special series is made possible by our partners at Highland.

Host Keaveny Hewitt from OnWrd & UpWrd welcomes two dynamic Gen Z/young Millennial leaders to the mic: Anastacia Barbosa-McBride, Content Marketing Manager at Bostrom, and Taylor Barnett, Events Coordinator at NIRSA. Together, they dive into what it means to work—and lead—as early-career professionals in a multigenerational industry.

From digital engagement and workplace culture to intergenerational dynamics and professional purpose, this conversation is equal parts energizing and eye-opening. Whether you’re rethinking your member engagement strategy or mentoring your youngest team member, this episode offers candid insights and practical takeaways you won’t want to miss.

Key Highlights:

The Power of Mission-Driven Work: Why Gen Z finds purpose in associations—and how that fuels creativity, resilience, and connection across the board.

Digital Expectations, Real Engagement: From AI tools to short-form reels, learn how Gen Z wants to be reached—and what associations can stop doing now.

Beyond the Brochure: Why long emails, printed flyers, and overly scripted content are missing the mark—and how associations can meet younger audiences where they are.

Trust & Leadership Pipelines: How associations can empower Gen Z employees by creating clear leadership pathways, embracing experimentation, and trusting younger professionals to lead.

Authenticity Over Optics: Why real, behind-the-scenes content performs best—and how an on-the-ground approach to Instagram is helping members feel seen, included, and valued.

Bridging the Generational Gap: From imposter syndrome to earned trust, hear what it’s like to be the youngest person in the room—and how colleagues can better support rising talent.

What Gen Z Really Wants: Hint: It’s not free pizza. It’s feedback, transparency, meaningful recognition, and a chance to shape what’s next.

🎧 Tune in now for a real-talk conversation about connection, communication, and what it means to grow up—and lead—in today’s association world.

Resources:
🌐 Learn more about our series partner Highland: www.highlandsolutions.com
📊 Explore the Young Professional Membership Index: http://ypmi.report

The YPMI offers a quick, 15-minute organizational snapshot that helps association leaders identify gaps in young professional engagement and benchmark their performance against peers. It’s free to take—and packed with immediately actionable insights.

Stay Connected:

Coming Soon:
One more Gen Z bonus episode is dropping this Friday! We’re wrapping our series with a powerful finale featuring more bold ideas and honest reflections from young professionals driving change across the association sector. Don’t miss it.

This special series is brought to you by our friends at Highland, where strategy meets research meets action.

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