Episode 106
In the previous episode, we introduced the idea of generations from the social science perspective. Generations were shaped by certain events and shifts in technology and society. We explored Strauss-Howe theory of repeating cycles through history and dived deeper into characteristics of the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers and the X Generation. We have met some famous people representing those generations that made an impact on the shape of the software industry from the business and science perspectives alike.

Today we will continue our journey through generations, starting with a closer look at Millennials, followed by Generation Z and Generation Alpha. We will also explore a bit of related anthropology, and talk about reverse mentoring as well as the challenges and opportunities of generational diversity.
The Millennials
Millennials were born between 1981 and 1996, which makes them 27 to 42 years old now. Strauss and Howe describe them as members of the Hero or Civic generation – entering childhood during a time of individual pragmatism, self-reliance and laissez-faire and entering adulthood during a crisis. Millennials saw live coverage of the 9/11 attacks that started the war on terror, rising environmental issues and the 2008 financial crisis. But most importantly, they were the first global generation and the Read the rest of this entry »