Phil Gwoke’s life mission is to help people excel and bring out the best in every generation.
He is a passionate generational expert that is skilled in developing strategies to improve inter-generational communication and collaboration. As an internationally recognized speaker, Phil has presented in 20 different states to over 100,000 people. Before becoming a speaker he pursued his passion to help people be their best selves as a high school teacher, college admissions professional, marketing coordinator, corporate trainer and even small business owner. He has maintained strong ties to his local community as a mentor and consultant to young entrepreneurs, and brings his diverse background and skill-set to the BridgeWorks team.
Phil is one of BridgeWorks’ resident Gen Xers, and brings his unique humor, experiences, research, and generational expertise to every keynote, workshop and training session he delivers. He is a firm believer that with the proper motivation, training and support system, members of any generation can become capable of remarkable accomplishments. With his down-to-earth, relateable style and dedication to presenting research in a digestible, entertaining way, Phil has become a fast favorite with audiences around the country.
BridgeWorks has been dedicated solely to the study of generational differences since its inception in 1998 and is the company that wrote the best-selling books When Generations Collide: Who They Are. Why They Clash. How to Solve the Generational Puzzle at Work (2003, HarperCollins) and The M-Factor: How the Millennial Generation is Rocking the Workplace (2010, HarperBusiness). BridgeWorks has worked with clients varying from the AARP to MTV and over 30 Fortune 100 companies in between.
Long before becoming a BridgeWorks Gen Expert, Phil owned and ran a coffee shop in Minneapolis. He’s the proud father of a recently graduated Gen Edger, and is adjusting to life as an empty-nest Gen Xer.
Four distinct generations are working together shoulder to shoulder, each with a unique set of attitudes, values, and work styles. To become stronger as a team, it’s important to understand these inherent generational dynamics, because discerning what motivates each generation and how they communicate is essential to overcoming barriers and capitalizing on strengths. Tapping into the power and perspective of each generation helps everyone feel empowered, valued, and understood. But are you equipped to convert this form of diversity from an obstacle to an opportunity? This session will explain who the generations are and the why behind their differences, address the stereotypes that can cloud our judgement, and present solutions to best engage every generation.