26: Adapting Across Generations: The New Core Skill for Modern Leaders | Jenny McKenna

Great teams aren’t built on age—they’re built on empathy, adaptability, and growth. In this energizing conversation from The Learnit Lounge, host Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with Jenny McKenna, Director of Learning, Culture, and Philanthropy at MG Properties, for a refreshingly real exploration of generational dynamics at work. Together, they break down the stereotypes, challenge the divides, and offer actionable strategies for building strength from generational diversity. You’ll hear how empathy, feedback, and individual understanding spark measurable impact—and why skills like adaptability and interpersonal connection matter more than generational labels.

Packed with stories, exercises, and real-life leadership lessons, this episode is for anyone navigating multi-generational teams, developing learning programs, or simply wanting to show up as a better leader in today’s ever-evolving workplace.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why generational adaptability is the new must-have for team success
• How to challenge stereotypes and leverage generational strengths—plus a visual exercise you can try yourself
• What real empathy looks like—and why it beats “one-size-fits-all” leadership
• The secret to feedback that works across age groups (hint: it’s about the person, not the birth year)
• How core values unite teams—even when culture shifts and technology change
• Actionable steps for building generational adaptability as a leadership competency

Timestamps:

00:01 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge and today’s generational focus

02:42 – Meet Jenny McKenna: learning, culture, and family life

03:09 – What is generational adaptability?

05:10 – How generational adaptability drives stronger teams

06:29 – Feedback styles across generations: “no news is good news” vs. continuous feedback

09:27 – Navigating L&D for multi-generational learners: stereotypes, telephones & turning traits into strengths

13:07 – How MG Properties builds respect through core values

14:44 – Why workplace discourse centers on generational divides (and how to shift to strengths)

16:39 – Developing generational adaptability as a leadership competency

18:49 – Moving past assumptions: why understanding the individual is key

19:27 – Jenny’s take on balancing group traits and individual preferences

21:17 – Jenny’s biggest leadership lesson: “putting the people in people leadership”

23:27 – The “uncomfortable truth” about leadership development

24:39 – Staying resilient through messy, meaningful leadership

25:43 – How to connect with Jenny and keep the conversation going

About Jenny McKenna

Jenny McKenna is the Director of Learning, Culture, and Philanthropy at MG Properties, based in San Diego, CA. She oversees MG’s training department, company culture strategy, and the MG Gives Back community engagement program. Before her work in the multifamily sector, Jenny led top nonprofit development teams. Her passion lies in professional development and empowering career growth for colleagues.

Resources & Mentions

• MG Properties – Company website
• Jenny McKenna on LinkedIn – Connect here
• Gallup StrengthsFinder – Official site
• Learnit Website
• Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins on LinkedIn

Podcast Contact Information:

Website: www.learnit.com

Email: podcast@learnit.com

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