Jodi Quemelen

Why I’m bridging the gap between Gen Z & Leadership

Hi, I’m Jodi, and welcome to the first blog in my series. I created this space because I’ve noticed a growing disconnect in the modern workplace between younger professionals, especially Gen Z, and the hiring managers / leaders guiding them. Respectively, both sides are trying and care. But too often, it feels like they’re speaking completely different languages. 

That’s where I come in.

I’m a Gen Z professional myself, but I’ve also spent the last three years on the other side of the table – as a supervisor and hiring manager in the Health & Well-Being field. I’ve onboarded, trained, mentored, and coached other young professionals, all while learning how to navigate relationships with them and with my own leaders. So I get it from both angles, and I believe in the potential to transform work culture.

I’m basically building this platform to bridge the gap and help bring hiring managers to better understand and support their younger employees, and empower young professionals to confidently show up, communicate, and thrive in the workplace. 

This blog is an extension of a bigger mission: one rooted in education, empathy, and workplace culture transformation. You’ll find:

• Insightful tips for managing Gen Z employees with cultural competence.
• Real-talk support and career tips for Gen Z professionals navigating today’s workforce.
• Actionable tools, from bite sized mindset shifts to full-on leadership strategies that help everyone feel more seen, heard, and valued. 

Why Now?

Because this isn’t just about productivity or performance. It’s about people.

Workplace culture is transforming fast. Gen Z employees are entering the workplace with new values, new expectations, and a strong desire for purpose-driven work and true work-life balance. At the same time, hiring managers are under pressure to meet goals, retain talent, and navigate a culture that’s evolving in real-time.

The tension is real.

I’ve watched too many talented people get lost in translation. Managers frustrated, employees misunderstood, and communication breaking down before collaboration even begins. We don’t need another “us vs them” narrative. I believe we can do better than that.

We need empathy.

We need real conversations.

We need better tools.

This platform is where we can start to build something better together. So let’s begin! See you next week.