It’s all too common to size people up based on their generation before we ever give them a chance. We assume intentions, habits, and beliefs based on age, and in doing so, we miss out on real connection and real collaboration. What if we set aside those assumptions? What if we focused less on when someone was born and more on what they bring to the table?

In this episode, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners, explore the complexities and opportunities of leading multi-generational teams. They discuss the unique challenges posed by differing values, communication styles, and historical contexts that shape each generation's approach to work.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of curiosity, empathy, and understanding in fostering collaboration and innovation within diverse teams. Drawing parallels with horse herd dynamics, they highlight the need for leaders to recognize and leverage the strengths of each generation to create inclusive and effective work environments.

This podcast might just change the way you see your team and the stories you’ve been telling yourself about who they are.

The Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners and KatieTheCoach.com.

Takeaways

-74% of the global workforce will be millennials and Gen Z by 2030.

-Five generations are currently working together in the workforce.

-Generational bias can undermine collaboration and trust.

-Understanding historical context is crucial for appreciating generational values.

-Curiosity and empathy are key to effective leadership.

-Stereotypes can negatively impact team dynamics and performance.

-Horses can teach us valuable lessons about leadership and teamwork.

-Knowledge transfer is essential as older generations retire.

-Creating inclusive environments enhances employee engagement.

-We often have more in common across generations than we realize.

Episode Resources:

• https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/issues/work/genz-millennial-survey.html

Chapters

00:47 Introduction to Multi-Generational Leadership

01:59 Understanding Generational Dynamics in the Workplace

06:19 Challenges of Communication Across Generations

13:23 Curiosity and Empathy in Leadership

15:07 Stereotypes and Their Effects on Team Dynamics

18:22 Learning from Horses: A Metaphor for Leadership

21:54 The Importance of Knowledge Transfer

31:47 Understanding Another’s Perspective

37:30 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

Helpful Links:

Ginny Telego, Collaboration Partners: https://www.thecollaborationpartners.com/

Katie Navarra-Bradley, Katie The Coach: https://katiethecoach.com/

We’ve all had those moments where we “just knew”. We had a feeling, perhaps a “gut feeling” that one direction was right and another was not. There’s no proof or evidence that can help you know for sure. But there is a a tug toward action that gets acted upon, or ignored. Looking back on these moments leads us to understand that is often true that those instincts were valid.

In this conversation, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners, talk about the intersection of mental health awareness and the healing power of horses.

In conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month in May of 2025, they share personal stories of how horses have provided emotional support during challenging times, discuss the stigma surrounding mental health, and emphasize the importance of mindfulness and emotional regulation in both personal and professional settings.

The conversation highlights practical strategies for improving mental well-being and encourages listeners to seek support and foster connections in their communities.

The Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners and KatieTheCoach.com.

Takeaways

-Horses can provide emotional support and healing.

-Personal experiences with grief can shape our relationship with horses.

-Organizations can benefit from removing stigma around mental health.

-Horses help regulate emotional states and promote connection.

-Mindfulness practices can enhance productivity and well-being.

-Grief can stem from various life experiences, not just loss of loved ones.

-Setting boundaries is crucial for mental health.

-Community support is vital for navigating mental health challenges.

-Engaging with nature can significantly improve mental well-being.

Episode Resources:

• Horses Helping Seniors: https://horseandrider.com/horse-health-care/horses-helping-seniors/
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a 24/7 treatment referral and information service.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7, confidential support for people in distress.
• FindTreatment.gov helps people seek treatment for mental and substance use disorders.
• National Institute of Mental Health outlines additional mental health services.
• Get trained in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). You can be the difference through MHFA, a course that teaches how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use challenges.
• APA Article: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2025/06/coping-chaotic-workplace

We’ve all had those moments where we “just knew”. We had a feeling, perhaps a “gut feeling” that one direction was right and another was not. There’s no proof or evidence that can help you know for sure. But there is a a tug toward action that gets acted upon, or ignored. Looking back on these moments leads us to understand that is often true that those instincts were valid.

In this conversation, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners, explore the concept of intuitive intelligence and its significance in leadership and decision-making.

They discuss how intuition can complement rational and emotional intelligence, the challenges leaders face in decision-making, and share personal experiences that highlight the importance of listening to one's gut feelings.

The conversation also delves into the lessons learned from horses about intuition and instinct and offers practical strategies for leaders to enhance their intuitive intelligence.

The Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners and KatieTheCoach.com.

Takeaways

-Intuitive intelligence can be developed and sharpened.

-Decision-making is a significant challenge for many leaders.

-Intuition is a skill that complements analytical thinking.

-Horses can teach us valuable lessons about intuition.

-Our brains are wired for survival, not success.

-Listening to our gut feelings can lead to better outcomes.

-Intuition is based on experience and pattern recognition.

-Data overload can hinder effective decision-making.

-Self-awareness is key to recognizing intuitive signals.

-Engaging with trusted advisors can validate gut feelings.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:52 The Role of Intuition in Decision-Making

08:06 Understanding Intuitive Intelligence

10:18 The Intersection of Logic and Emotion

15:42 Lessons from Horses on Intuition

25:47 Trusting your Gut Feeling

31:02 Action Steps: Striking the Balance Between Intuition and Data

33:44 Conclusion and Future Discussions

Helpful Links:

Ginny Telego, Collaboration Partners: https://www.thecollaborationpartners.com/

Katie Navarra-Bradley, Katie The Coach: https://katiethecoach.com/