The LEADing Edge

Future-Fit for NextGens

The LEADing Edge

Show Notes

In the inaugural episode of The LEADing Edge podcast, hosts Allyson Zimmermann and Sarah McGowan delve into the critical need for attracting, retaining, and advancing next-gen talents in the CPG and retail sectors. With Gen Z and Millennials set to dominate the workforce by 2030, we need to make workplaces future-fit - now. This episode highlights key findings from a LEAD Network report surveying over 900 next-gen talents, revealing their desires for work-life balance, career growth, and visibility.

Featuring insights from industry leaders like Asahi CEO Paolo Lanzarotti, Diageo Managing Director Europe Olena Neznal, and Unilever Account Manager and Co-Chair of the NextGen Chapter Radia Ahsan, the episode explores practical solutions and the transformative Leadership 2.0 model aimed at fostering inclusivity and innovation. Tune in to discover how we can bridge generational gaps and create a more inclusive and innovative workplace!

If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe to this podcast and leave us as many stars as you like. You can follow us on LinkedIn or become a LEAD Network Member for free! Visit theleadnetwork.net to access the Member Platform.

Episode Guests: Radia Ahsan, Unilever Account Manager and Co-Chair of the NextGen Chapter Paolo Lanzarotti, CEO Asahi Europe and International Olena Neznal, Diageo Managing Director Europe

Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Next Gen Talent 00:36 The Workforce of the Future 01:45 Challenges and Shocking Statistics 03:46 Addressing the Talent Shortage 04:15 Research and Insights:LEAD Network report on NextGens 06:20 Myths and Realities about NextGens 07:18 What NextGens Want 11:02 Leadership 2.0 14:48 A CEO's realization 20:22 Intersectionality: Next Gen and Gender Equity 21:23 Next Gen Voices: An Interview with Radia Ahsan 23:41 Radia Ahsan - Bridging Generational Gaps 30:19 Conclusion: A Call for Inclusive Leadership

Thanks to Radia Ahsan, Paolo Lanzarotti, Olena Neznal, Sam Tunney and the entire NextGen Chapter at The LEAD Network. Our podcast producer is Julien Manuguerra-Patten. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More from The LEADing Edge

Oct 20, 2026

Recorded live in front of an audience at the 2026 LEAD Conference in Dublin, Allyson and Sarah throw out the traditional script for an open, unfiltered ‘Ask Me Anything’ session. This episode tackles the friction points that leaders and teams encounter daily across retail, FMCG, and consumer goods.

Jun 4, 2026

In this episode, Sarah McGowan and Allyson Zimmermann unpack LEAD Network's new report, Built for All: Rethinking Career Advancement in Retail and CPG, developed in partnership with Shape Talent. The report explores the key barriers to career advancement across the industry, highlighting findings such as women's greater concern about how they are perceived in meetings, the feelings of guilt and fear that can accompany requests for pay increases, and the ongoing tension between career progression and caregiving responsibilities.

Apr 13, 2026

Allyson Zimmermann brings you key insights from our 2025 conference in Milan, exploring what inclusive leadership really looks like in today’s environment.

Mar 20, 2026

Allyson Zimmermann and Sarah McGowan challenge the common idea that courage in leadership has to be bold and visible. Instead, they argue that real courage is often quiet, relational, and easy to overlook. But crucially, the episode doesn’t just redefine courage; it offers clear, actionable ways to practise it.

Nov 25, 2025

In this episode, Sarah McGowan and Allyson Zimmermann sit down for a real, open conversation about menopause at work; a topic that’s still too often left out of DEI discussions. Millions of women in mid to late career face the complex transition of perimenopause and menopause, often dealing with symptoms in silence due to stigma. Allyson and Sarah explore the real impacts of menopause on women's careers and businesses and share their own experiences.

See all episodes →