The Gen Mess with Tess
The Gen Mess with Tess
Podcast Description
Are generational divides in the workplace and in life driving you crazy?The Gen Mess with Tess is here to help! Hosted by Tess Brigham—certified coach, licensed therapist, TEDx speaker, author, and mom to a Gen Zer—this podcast tackles the challenges and complexities of navigating life and work across multiple generations. From the unique struggles of Gen Z to the evolving perspectives of Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers, Tess brings her expertise to the table, offering practical advice, expert insights, and real conversations to bridge the generational gap. Whether you're trying to communicate better with colleagues, understand your kids, or just get a clearer perspective on the "mess" of it all, The Gen Mess with Tess is your go-to resource for understanding how different generations think, work, and live. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into themes such as generational divides, burnout, and workplace communication. Examples include episodes discussing the unique challenges faced by Millennials and Gen Z regarding burnout, and practical strategies for improving generational communication in the workplace. The show also highlights societal expectations and personal perspectives, aiming to bridge the gap among Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.

Are generational divides in the workplace and in life driving you crazy?
The Gen Mess with Tess is here to help! Hosted by Tess Brigham—certified coach, licensed therapist, TEDx speaker, author, and mom to a Gen Zer—this podcast tackles the challenges and complexities of navigating life and work across multiple generations. From the unique struggles of Gen Z to the evolving perspectives of Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers, Tess brings her expertise to the table, offering practical advice, expert insights, and real conversations to bridge the generational gap. Whether you’re trying to communicate better with colleagues, understand your kids, or just get a clearer perspective on the “mess” of it all, The Gen Mess with Tess is your go-to resource for understanding how different generations think, work, and live.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why does one vague comment from your boss stay in your head all day? Why does being left off a meeting invite suddenly feel personal? Why can work feel emotionally exhausting even when you’re technically “doing fine”?
In this episode of The Gen Mess with Tess, Tess Brigham explains why work is never just about tasks, productivity, or performance—it’s psychological.
From feedback and comparison to belonging, safety, and identity, Tess breaks down what’s happening beneath the surface when work stress feels bigger than the moment itself. She also explains why so many leaders misread performance issues that are actually clarity issues, communication issues, or nervous-system responses.
If you’ve ever replayed a Slack message, questioned yourself after feedback, or wondered why Gen Z seems to experience work differently, this episode explains why.
This is part 1 of a 2-part solo series on the emotional reality of work, leadership, and what younger employees are actually experiencing in today’s workplace. Part 2 will be published next week.
Chapter Timestamps
00:00 Why work is more psychological than most people realize
01:10 Why your brain treats work stress like threat
02:20 Why vague feedback feels personal
03:15 Work, identity, and self-worth
04:10 Why comparison intensifies workplace anxiety
04:45 What leaders misunderstand about Gen Z retention
06:00 Why Gen Z isn’t “too sensitive”
07:10 Communication problems are often anxiety problems
08:05 Why retention is a mental health issue
09:00 The key question leaders should ask instead
visit tessbrigham.com to learn more
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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