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Event Recording: Book Talk: Cogeneration in the Age of AI

Event Recording: Book Talk: Cogeneration in the Age of AI

Simple question: Do you miss human connection when you use self-checkout at the grocery store? Complex question: How is cogeneration threatened by AI, profit-driven “efficiencies,” and automation — and what can we do about it? Allison Pugh, author of the book The Last...

What Do Older Leaders Want from Younger Allies?

In our newest report, 30 older leaders explain how they think intergenerational collaboration can be improved

By | Jul 21, 2025

Last year, we asked young leaders, ages 17 to 31, what they want – and don’t want – from older allies. It’s older leaders’ turn now.

Our new report, What Older Leaders Want – And Don’t Want – From Younger Allies, includes insights from 30 older adults, ages 51 to 77, on topics including respect, relevance, ambition, conflict and power sharing.

  • Read the report
  • Register for a July 29 briefing
  • Share the findings using our toolkit
  • Start a dialogue with our conversation guide

The older leaders we spoke with are a diverse group of nonprofit and business leaders, activists, social entrepreneurs and authors. When asked what they want from younger allies, they said they want to be respected, understood and tapped for their expertise. 

They told us they want to be invited – to be part of the good fight, share what they’ve learned, become friends, and join in life’s celebrations. 

They spoke about how much they admire younger leaders’ confidence, values and insistence on work-life balance. 

Many older leaders said they no longer need to be quarterback, but they don’t want to be sidelined either. They told us they want to share power but have a range of ideas about how. They said they want to learn from their younger allies on leadership and life and, oh yeah, technology too.

Last year, we published the bookend to this report, asking younger leaders what they want from older allies. Today, we’re struck by the reports’ similarities. Both older and younger leaders told us they want more curiosity and listening, less blame. More time to build trust and understanding. More chances to work with and learn from one another. An end to ageism against old and young alike.

Join us for a discussion of the research findings on July 29. Speakers include three of the leaders who participated in the study:

  • Tony Brown, 55, CEO, Heart of Los Angeles
  • Donna Butts, 69, Executive Director, Generations United
  • Dr. Imani Woody, 73, Founder and CEO, Mary’s House for Older Adults

And three others from our team:

  • Marci Alboher, 59, Chief Engagement Officer
  • Cristina Rodriguez, 32, Director, Innovation
  • Tanzina Vega, 50, journalist, CoGen Impact Fellow, and author of the report

We’re grateful to AARP, The Eisner Foundation, and the Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation for their support of this research.