Ep 36: Millennial Managers, Gen Z Bosses, and the Art of Playing Nice at Work

What if you could overcome a lifelong fear—like a spider phobia—in under ten minutes?

In this episode of "Gen Mess with Tess," host Tess Brigham sits down with Viki Johnston, founder of Accelerate and master practitioner of NLP (neuro linguistic programming), for a fascinating deep-dive into the secrets of learning, growth mindset, and generational shifts in the workplace.

Viki reveals how she conquered her extreme fear of spiders on stage using powerful NLP techniques, sparking a new obsession with the method that now impacts her work coaching managers and teams for light bulb moments of transformation. Together, Tess Brigham and Viki Johnston break down why learning should be fun (not serious!), the dramatic differences NLP can make versus traditional therapy, and how “aha” moments propel people to lasting change.

The episode unpacks what separates good managers from great leaders—hint: it’s more than delegation—and explores the unique challenges (and superpowers) that new Gen Z and millennial managers are bringing to today's workplace. From using AI and ChatGPT for instant answers to balancing remote work and real-life teamwork,

Viki Johnston shares practical strategies for thriving across generations and cleaning up the “Gen Mess.”

Tune in for relatable stories, actionable insights, and a fresh perspective on why letting go of old habits (and sometimes, just saying "I don't know") can be a game-changer for growth—at any stage of your career.

Episode Highlights & Overview:

• [00:00:01] Intro Announcer kicks off the generational challenge theme.
• [00:00:31]Tess Brighamintroduces Viki Johnston and her journey from call centers to founding Accelerate.
• [00:03:51]Viki Johnston shares her passion for creating “light bulb moments.”
• [00:08:39]Tess Brigham dives into NLP and its powerful impact—like curing phobias and rewiring mindsets.
• [00:15:30] How NLP differs from traditional therapy (and why sometimes it’s way faster).
• [00:22:27] Generational dynamics in the workplace: Gen Z, millennials, and boomers.
• [00:26:20] The role of AI, ChatGPT, and the shift toward knowledge-sharing.
• [00:33:28] Good managers vs. great leaders—plus, the art of delegation and empowerment.
• [00:42:00] Myths and misunderstandings about Gen Z, and the key to bridging the gap.
• [00:44:04]Viki Johnston advocates for listening, guidance, and embracing “I don’t know.”
• [00:47:06] Where to find Viki and how Accelerate can support new managers.
• [00:48:38] How to connect with Tess and keep learning.

Whether you’re a new manager, parent, or lifelong learner, this episode will help you see challenges in a whole new way—and maybe even tackle that fear you thought would last forever.

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