Leading Gen Z: Shaping the Future of Work with Tim Elmore

What’s Really Going On with Gen Z in the Workplace?

In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with leadership expert and author Tim Elmore to unpack the realities of Generation Z and how they’re reshaping the workforce. Tim breaks down insights from his new book, The Future Begins with Z, explaining what makes Gen Z tick — their mix of high agency, high anxiety, and a craving for authenticity. The conversation hits work-life balance, purpose-driven motivation, four-day workweeks, and how connection is vital.

What You’ll Learn:

• Generation Z is rapidly becoming the core of the workforce.
• They bring strong agency but also elevated anxiety to the job.
• The Peter Pan paradox captures their tension between maturity and authority.
• Leaders must start with belief and understanding instead of frustration.
• Onboarding is a make-or-break moment for Gen Z belonging.
• Meaningful work and work-life balance drive their decisions.
• Gen Z is motivated by a blend of money and mission.
• Entrepreneurial, flexible environments keep them engaged.
• Connection > control when it comes to leading younger employees.
• Gen Z’s preferences will heavily shape the future of work.

Hosts:

Kim Bastable - UF Director of Racquet Sports Education
Simon Gale - USTA Leader & Facility Executive

Guest:

Tim Elmore – Author of The Future Begins with Z, Leadership Expert, Founder of Growing Leaders

Learn More & Get Certified

Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses — Personal Brand Management, Operations & Programming, and Leadership & Finance — and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game. 👉 Learn More & Enroll Here

What is Racquet Fuel?

Racquet Fuel provides insights into the best practices and innovations of racquets industry business leaders.

Co-hosts Kim Bastable, Director of Professional Tennis Management at the University of Florida, and Simon Gale, Senior Director Racquet Sports Development at the USTA National Campus, help racquets leaders in your ability to grow the game and to improve the experiences you offer to both your staff and players by talking to industry leaders, including USTA executives, authors and innovators. If you are on a career path in racquet sports or already a racquets business leader and you want to stay up to date on ideas and innovations in racquets industry business and leadership, this podcast is for you.

Presented by the Athlete+ Podcast Network at the University of Florida Institute for Coaching Excellence.