TEXTalk: Cross Generational Leadership
Cross Generational Leadership
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 p.m. ET
Cost: Free to HFPA Members | $75 for Non-Members
Sponsored by
"Both our workforce and our buyers span four generations today. The better that we understand each generation's relationship with employment, the better we can drive exceptional business results, reduce costs, and create deeply collaborative cultures where judgment and frustration give way to curiosity and communication."
In an era of constant change, trust between leaders and their teams and customers isn’t just valuable—it’s essential. Join Phil Putnam, people leadership and human performance expert, for a practical TEXTalk on turning generational differences from collision into chemistry. Drawing on 20 years of leadership experience with organizations including Apple and Adobe, and work with companies such as Bloomberg, Slack and Salesforce, Phil will share strategies you can put to work with your own teams and customers.
In this session, Phil Putnam will guide attendees through how to lead multi-generational teams from collision to chemistry and build the deep trust that enables consistent growth amidst constant change.
You’ll walk away with strategies to:
- Strengthen retention & engagement as new generations move into leadership
- Communicate more effectively across generations and understand what motivates different age groups
- Build stronger, higher-performing teams that keep your best people engaged
- Better understand and connect with customers across generations, recognizing how expectations, communication preferences and business relationships can differ
Whether you’re leading employees, working with buyers or building customer relationships, understanding generational differences can help you connect more effectively.
Ready to build a more connected, high-performing multigenerational team?
About the Host:
Jo
dy Folino is a senior executive with a background in retail, sales and manufacturing. Jody is highly skilled in developing merchandising, marketing and omni channel business strategies. Jody provides effective results in all aspects of management with impressive communication and leadership skills. Priding herself in solid core values of honesty, integrity and commitment to excellence. Jody Folino is currently the Chief Marketing Officer for Blue Ridge Home Fashions.
About the Speaker:
Phil Putnam is a top voice in people leadership and human performance. His speaking and writing on employee motivation, cross-generational leadership, and buyer psychology has fueled success for many of the world’s greatest companies including Bloomberg, Slack and Salesforce. Following 20 years as a team member and executive leader within world-class Tech organizations including Apple and Adobe, he now shares his most valuable lessons learned with audiences around the world through his GIVE TO GET LEADERSHIP method and his book, Desire-Based Leadership: A Manager’s Unexpected Key to Driving Top Performance. Originally from Sacramento, CA, he made New York City his home many years ago, where his husband and dog are the center of his life and the keepers of his heart.
