Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen open this month’s episode with a reflection on the volatility in and around the Middle East, not to add another layer of commentary to the news cycle, but to ask a more strategic question: how should leaders think when certainty is in short supply? Using the grey elephant lens, they can see multipolarity happening in real time, alongside the changing face of warfare, and the wider geopolitical shifts that are reshaping trade, power, and supply chains. Looking at the increasingly important signals we’re seeing on the grey elephant radar, hear what the decline of flying insects could mean for food systems, and the growing use of AI in medical research, where data analysis is opening up new possibilities in diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care of diseases including cancer. Our interview this month is with Zavier Coyne, founder of Gen Z Coach, who explains to Graeme why the current generational conversation is about more than the usual “young versus old” dynamic. Zavier argues that Gen Z are the first truly digitally native generation, and that this matters not only because of how fluent they are with technology, but because digital systems have shaped their communication, expectations, behaviour, and development from the start. The conversation looks at what this means for leaders trying to build multi-generational teams, how organisations can develop stronger generational intelligence, and why the real opportunity may be bigger than adapting to younger workers. It may be a chance to rehumanise work altogether. Key takeaways 🌍 Reading the world through instability Volatility is no longer an exception to manage, but a context to operate within - demanding clearer thinking in the absence of certainty. 🧭 Multipolarity as operating reality Global influence is increasingly distributed, with power expressed through shifting alliances, economic leverage, and regional dynamics rather than a single dominant force. 🐝 The decline of flying insects A sharp drop in insect populations highlights as a growing risk to food production, pollination, and the systems that underpin global agriculture. 🧬 AI where it matters most Beyond the noise, the most meaningful impact of AI may lie in its ability to unlock insight from complexity - particularly in areas like health and scientific discovery. 📱 The digital native shift A generation shaped by immersive digital environments brings fundamentally different assumptions about communication, feedback, and engagement. 💬 Behaviour shaped by environment Workplace expectations are increasingly influenced by the systems people grow up in, not just by individual attitudes or preferences. 🤝 Generational intelligence as a leadership skill Effective leadership now requires the ability to understand, navigate, and connect across generational contexts - not simply manage them. 🚀 Growth, ownership, and accountability Performance is strengthened when individuals feel both empowered in their work and connected to something larger than themselves. 🧑💼 Rehumanising work As technology accelerates, the opportunity emerges to redesign work around distinctly human strengths - creativity, connection, and meaning. About the guest Zavier Coyne is a leading expert on digital natives in the workplace, and an internationally recognised thought leader on ‘Generational Intelligence’. His work helps businesses maximise the potential of the Gen Z workforce and the generations leading them. Zavier is a TEDx Speaker, future of work advisor to FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies, BeVisioneers Mercedes-Benz entrepreneurial fellow, University of London guest lecturer, co-founder of Gen Z Coach and the world’s youngest Master Intuitive Psychology Coach. Most recently, he contributed his expertise at youth-impact sessions in Davos during the 2026 World Economic Forum. Zavier is known as a trusted bridge between senior leadership and digitally native employees. He helps organisations boost retention, performance, and future-proof leadership by turning generational change into competitive advantage. And crucially, he brings first-hand digitally native insight into the room - being Gen Z himself! Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn hereEmail Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting
