GROW: Building Tomorrow's Leaders Today

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Issue #73 - February 25, 2025

Welcome to G.R.O.W.!

Hey there! Welcome to your weekly dose of G.R.O.W. - Guidance Redefines Our Way! Let's talk about something we've all experienced: those funny (and sometimes frustrating) moments when different generations collide at work.

Picture this: A veteran manager insists on gathering everyone in the conference room for a brainstorming session while the newest team member is already creating a virtual workspace with AI-powered tools and wondering why we can't do this remotely. Does this sound familiar? These aren't just workplace differences—they're perfect examples of how different generations tick.

Here's the real deal: we're not facing a "young vs. experienced" battle. It's more like having a toolbox where every generation brings unique gadgets. The younger crowd might navigate digital worlds like they were born with a smartphone, while seasoned pros have weathered enough storms to know which doors to knock on when things get rough. When these different perspectives come together, that's when innovation takes flight.

I'm fired up to dive into this topic with you all. Let's Go!

Growth Spotlight: Bridge Builders - Connecting Generations Through Mentorship

Who says mentors have to be older? This week's spotlight shines on an exciting trend that's flipping traditional mentorship on its head: reverse mentoring. Leading companies like Ernst & Young, LLP (EY) are discovering the gold mine of knowledge within their younger workforce, particularly regarding tech and digital innovation.

Think about it - while seasoned pros bring decades of industry wisdom to the table, our younger colleagues grew up in a world where AI, digital collaboration, and remote work weren't just buzzwords - they were everyday realities. EY tapped into this by launching a reverse mentoring program that pairs different generations together, with Gen Z and millennials taking the lead on sharing digital expertise.

The results? Game-changing. When Dan Black, EY's global talent strategy leader, partnered with a millennial colleague, he gained fresh insights into AI tools and digital workflows. Meanwhile, his younger counterpart benefited from his deep experience in talent management. It's a perfect example of how two-way mentorship creates wins for everyone involved.

Key takeaways from EY's innovative approach:

• Weekly in-person connections keep relationships strong and conversations flowing

• Focus on mutual learning rather than one-way advice

• Real business improvements emerge when different perspectives align

• Remote work strategies benefit from multi-generational input

• AI and technology knowledge flows naturally from digital natives to experienced leaders

What makes this approach so powerful? It breaks down hierarchical barriers and creates genuine connections. One EY participant said, "It's about connecting and having honest conversations openly." When mentorship flows both ways, everyone grows stronger.

Ready to put this into practice? Here's what I’ve noticed that might work:

• Start with small pilot programs that pair different generations

• Focus on specific areas where each generation excels

• Create regular, informal meeting opportunities

• Measure impact through business improvements, not just personal development

• Keep conversations open and honest, leaving titles at the door

Professional Growth Gateway: Innovation Leadership

Ready to improve your leadership skills in today's tech-driven world? This week's Professional Growth Gateway tackles Innovation Leadership—and trust me, it's way more than just jumping on the latest tech bandwagon.

Let's break down the essential skills that forward-thinking leaders need to master:

1. Digital Fluency That Makes Sense

   • Stop trying to master every new tool that pops up

   • Instead, develop a keen eye for which technologies solve real problems

   • Ask the right questions: "How does this improve our work?" rather than "What's the newest thing?"

   • Build a network of tech-savvy team members who can help evaluate new tools

2. Adaptive Leadership for Real-World Challenges

   • Create psychological safety where team members feel comfortable suggesting new ideas

   • Practice the "yes and" approach instead of "no, but" when discussing innovations

   • Set up quick experiment cycles: try new approaches for two weeks, assess, adjust

   • Remember that failure isn't the opposite of success - it's part of the innovation process

3. Cross-Generational Communication That Works

   • Ditch the one-size-fits-all approach to team communication

   • Mix communication channels: Slack for quick hits, email for documentation, face-to-face for relationship-building

   • Create shared language across generations - develop a team glossary for tech terms

   • Host regular "translation sessions" where team members can ask, "What did you mean by that?"

4. Building Sustainable Innovation Practices

   • Innovation isn't a sprint - it's a marathon with regular water breaks

   • Set up innovation rhythms: weekly idea shares, monthly experiments, quarterly reviews

   • Create a balance between "business as usual" and "pushing boundaries."

   • Develop metrics that matter: track both quick wins and long-term progress

Pro Tip: Innovation leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about creating an environment where great ideas can come from anywhere - the intern's Slack message, the veteran's client insight, or that random conversation in the break room.

Ready to Put This Into Action? Start small: Pick one area from above and experiment with it this week. Maybe it's hosting your first "translation session" or setting up a two-week experiment with a new process. Document what works and doesn't, and share what you learn with the team.

Remember: The best innovation leaders aren't necessarily the most tech-savvy. They know how to bring people together, create safe spaces for experimentation, and keep the focus on solving real problems that matter.

Success Spotlight: Youth Entrepreneurs Shaping Tomorrow

This week, we're shining our success spotlight on the Black Girl Ventures Foundation (BGV), a game-changing organization redefining entrepreneurship for the next generation. Talk about innovation in action!

When computer scientist and entrepreneur Shelly Bell founded BGV in 2016, she didn't just create another business foundation - she launched a movement. Her vision? Create an ecosystem where Black and brown women founders could access three crucial elements: community, capital, and capacity. Fast forward to today, and BGV has become the largest ecosystem builder for Black and brown women founders on the East Coast.

What makes BGV truly special is how it has reimagined funding for tech-enabled businesses. Think Shark Tank meets Kickstarter but with a powerful community twist. Their approach activates community participation, allowing people to directly support women-owned companies generating under $1M in revenue.

BGV's Three Powerhouse Programs:

1. BGV Pitch

   • Their flagship program revolutionizing how entrepreneurs secure funding

   • Combines pitch competition excitement with crowdfunding effectiveness

   • Creates direct connections between founders and their supporting communities

2. BGV NextGen

   • Focused on nurturing the next generation of tech entrepreneurs

   • Provides young innovators with essential business development tools

   • Builds a pipeline of future business leaders

3. BGV Emerging Leaders

   • Develops leadership skills in rising entrepreneurial talent

   • Creates pathways for sustainable business growth

   • Strengthens the network of women business leaders

The impact? Hundreds of thousands of small businesses are funded nationwide, dreams are transformed into reality, and a growing network of empowered entrepreneurs is reshaping the business landscape.

BGV demonstrates what we mean by future-forward leadership - it's not just about building businesses. It's about building bridges and creating opportunities that span generations. Their success shows how innovative mentorship models and community-driven support can transform individual companies and entire communities.

Community Corner: S.H.I.E.L.D.S. Spring Initiative Launch

Mark your calendars! This April, we're launching our transformative S.H.I.E.L.D.S. initiative, which will create a comprehensive mentorship experience through regular meetups. Starting in April 2025, we'll implement a new rhythm to our mentorship program, strengthening our community bonds and deepening our impact.

Our program focuses on the seven pillars that form our S.H.I.E.L.D.S. acronym:

• Spirituality: Nurturing personal faith and values

• Health: Promoting physical and mental well-being

• Integrity: Building character and ethical leadership

• Education: Fostering continuous learning

• Leadership: Developing future leaders

• Development: Growing personal and professional skills

• Stewardship: Managing resources and leaving a legacy

New Meeting Schedule (Beginning April 2025):

• Even months (April, June, August, October, December, February): Joint mentor-mentee gatherings

• Odd months (May, July, September, November, January, March): Mentor development sessions

This structured approach ensures regular connection and growth opportunities while maintaining flexibility for busy schedules. By alternating between full community gatherings and focused mentor development sessions, we're creating a sustainable model for long-term mentorship success.

Michael's Hot Take: Generation Labels Are So Last Generation

As a "seasoned professional" (that's corporate for "I remember when phones had cords"), I came across this recent Forbes article that basically told me everything I've been thinking but was too busy blaming millennials to say out loud.

Get this - apparently, we've all been playing a game of "Making Stuff Up" (MSU for the acronym lovers out there) about different generations. Shocking, right? We've been sitting here thinking Gen Z is surgically attached to their phones, millennials won't work unless their office has a ping-pong table, and Boomers can't figure out how to unmute themselves on Zoom. None of that is actually backed by data!

Here's the thing - companies are out here hesitating to hire Gen Z because of "professionalism concerns." Meanwhile, I wonder if anyone remembers what we were all like at 22. I'm pretty sure I thought business casual meant my "acid wash" jeans, but somehow, nobody blamed all of Generation X for my fashion style.

Delta Airlines just gave everyone a 5% raise and better profit sharing in 2024, not because they were trying to appease any particular generation, but because - wait for it - treating people well actually works! Who would've thought?

So here's my opinion: maybe, just maybe, we should stop acting like someone's birth year is their defining characteristic. I've met tech-savvy Boomers who can code circles around me and Gen Z folks who appreciate a good old-fashioned phone call. Wild, I know!

Instead of pitting each generation against the other, how about trying something revolutionary—like getting to know people as individuals? I know, I know, it's crazy talk. But it might just be crazy enough to work. The last time I checked, we had more significant issues to concern ourselves with.

The bottom line is to build a workplace where everyone can thrive, regardless of whether they grew up with TikTok or typewriters.

And yes, I wrote this hot take on my smartphone. The irony is not lost on me.

Upcoming Events

New Mentor Training Course (NMTC 25-01)

Date: TBD Open to both new and experienced AFGM Mentors Stay tuned for registration details!

Black Men's Mental Health Conference

Coming to the DMV - September 2025 More details to be announced

Men's Bowling Event

Date: March 15, 2025 Location: [TBD] Join us for an evening of fellowship and fun!

Word Alive Church International

Looking for a church home? Visit WACI!

• Location: 8517 Rixlew Lane, Manassas, VA

• Sunday Services: 10:30 AM

• Mention Michael from A Few Good MENtors, Inc.!

Looking Ahead: Building Tomorrow's Leaders

Our focus on Future-Forward Leadership isn't just about adapting to change – it's about shaping the future while honoring our traditions and values. Through our mentorship programs, training initiatives, and community events, we're building a sustainable model for leadership development that spans generations.

Closing Thoughts

As we continue our journey of growth and development, remember that true leadership transcends generations. Whether you're a seasoned mentor or an emerging leader, your role in building bridges and shaping the future is invaluable. Let's continue to grow together, guided by our commitment to excellence and service.

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G.R.O.W. Newsletter is a publication of A Few Good MENtors, Inc. © 2025