Leading across generations: Burnout, authenticity, and the workplace of tomorrow

Amanda Schneider joins Imagine a Place for a candid conversation about the future of work, generational leadership, and what it takes to build workplaces where people can thrive. Beyond the researcher, TEDx speaker, and bestselling author, Maria uncovers the authentic Amanda, discussing motherhood, burnout, finding joy, and the "elephant circle" of women who helped her rediscover balance. Together, they explore Gen Z, personal branding, authenticity, and leading across generations with empathy, curiosity, and purpose. It's an inspiring conversation for anyone navigating leadership, generational differences, career growth, or the changing world of work.

Key insights

1. Authentic workplaces allow people to bring their full selves to work, but finding the right balance requires experimentation, vulnerability, and a willingness to make mistakes.
2. Gen Z’s confidence and digital fluency can inspire meaningful workplace change, though younger professionals still benefit from the context and wisdom of older generations.
3. Cross-generational communication is essential for preserving the valuable knowledge of retiring baby boomers and preparing millennials and Gen Z for leadership.
4. Mid-level managers are especially vulnerable to burnout as they translate employee needs to leadership while communicating organizational policies back to their teams.
5. Strong support systems help people navigate burnout and celebrate success, much like Amanda’s “elephant circle” of women who protect and encourage one another.
6. Early exposure to professional experiences can shape a career, making mentorship and opportunities for the next generation especially valuable.
    

Learn more about Amanda Schneider
Amanda Schneider, LEED AP, MBA, is the founder and president of ThinkLab, a research firm dedicated to exploring the intersection of design and business within the built environment. Drawing on her experience in industrial design, market research, product management, sales, and strategic planning, she translates complex industry trends into meaningful, actionable insights. Amanda earned a degree in industrial design from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and an MBA from the University of Iowa. She is also a TED speaker, writer, and host of the Design Nerds Anonymous podcast, where she examines the evolving relationships among workplace culture, human behavior, business, and design. Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn.
 

Learn more about Maria VanDeman
Maria VanDeman is the Director of Design Strategy at OFS, where she brings together design, strategy, and storytelling to create spaces that support people and inspire connection. With more than 17 years of experience in the commercial design industry, Maria has built a career spanning interior design, strategic sales, thought leadership, and advocacy for equity in the workplace. As the host of the Imagine a Place Podcast, a columnist for Office Insight magazine, and the author of Design Your World, she is passionate about elevating the design profession and inspiring the next generation of creatives. Recognized with the 2022 HiP Leadership Award from Interior Design magazine, Maria is known for her thoughtful leadership, commitment to mentorship, and belief in the power of design to positively shape the human experience. Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.

Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.

Read More about Maria in the Imagine a Place Journal

Learn more about Imagine a Place

Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives. Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn.

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