Cross-Generational Networking: The Overlooked Advantage
• Thom Singer, CSP 🌟
Keynote Speaker on the topic of “Human Interaction (H.I.) in an A.I. World” & CEO at the Austin Tech Council. 2x TEDx Speaker. 10x SXSW Speaker. Seeker of good people. Dual citizenship: USA and Ireland.
When we network, we often gravitate toward people who are like us. Similar age. Similar background. Similar career stage. It’s comfortable, familiar, and seemingly efficient.
But comfort isn’t where growth happens.
One of the most powerful, and most overlooked, forms of networking is cross-generational connection. I’ve learned this firsthand from conversations with brilliant people aged 20 to 90. The most successful, curious, and vibrant individuals intentionally build relationships that span generations. They don’t just mentor or be mentored... they create friendships that cross age lines.
If you’re in your 20s or 30s, you need friends in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond. Not just mentors, but real friends. People who’ve lived through economic cycles, career pivots, reinventions, and reinforcements. They carry hard-won wisdom that you can’t Google.
If you’re in your 50s or 60s, don’t write off the energy and insights of younger professionals. Your network should include 20 and 30-somethings... not just to stay “relevant,” but to stay alive. Their perspective is different, often refreshingly so, and it will keep you from becoming rigid or stuck in “the way things were.”
And if you’re in your 40s? You’ve got to network both directions. You’re old enough to mentor and young enough to be mentored. You’re the bridge... don’t miss the opportunity to connect up and down the age chart.
We talk about diversity in networking... and we should. But too often, age is left out of the conversation. That’s a mistake. Cross-generational networking adds richness to your life, your business, and your worldview.
The smartest people I know don’t just build networks. They build timeless ones.
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Thom Singer is a professional keynote speaker and the CEO at the Austin Technology Council.
LIVE A GREAT STORY | Strategic Storyteller | Entrepreneur turning Artist
6hTimely post, been thinking about this topic a lot recently. Tentatively planning a cross-generational, demographically diverse conversation event to discuss a centralized theme.
Association Speaker & Networking Expert | Helping Professionals Build Powerful Connections | Podcast Host & Guest
3dAnd the mentoring doesn't just go one way. I've been mentored by those younger and mentored those who are senior to me. As you say, it's about making the connection.
Strategist, Problem-Solver, Data Wrangler, Program Manager
3dSo glad you wrote on this topic Thom! Many of my mentors which cross areas from tech leaders to life and spiritual guides are now in their 80s and 90s or departed. I am fortunate to count people from their teens to 90s among my close friends and colleagues. In my experience, every mentoring relationship is two-way. I took a college course not long ago where I was 3x older than the next oldest student. It was in an area that was new to me and I learned much from both the instructor and the students. Likewise, I work with teams across every age and nationality frequently bridging a gap between consortiums led by people my age and staff considerably younger. I delight in being a part of these vibrant communities where we all learn something new everyday.
♦︎C12 CHAIR♦︎EXECUTIVE COACH♦︎PEER GROUP LEADER
3dSuch a great message • Thom Singer, CSP 🌟In my younger years I always gravitated towards more “seasoned” leaders that I could follow and learn from. Today I try to be present for younger generations - paying forward some of the insights I gained.
Multimedia content strategist, consultant, writer, editor, marketer with expertise in business events & hospitality; speaker and trainer on attracting media attention, multigenerational workforces and career development.
3dWell said, Thom, as always! Have a great weekend, everyone!