Paolo, you often use the 3D axes analogy to say that Gen Z represents depth, that they’re deeper than the previous two generations. What do you mean by that?

The analogy of the 3D axes—yeah, I use that to explain the fundamental shift in how Gen Z approaches the world compared to previous generations. When I say that Gen Z is the "depth", I’m talking about their ability—and their need—to dive deeper into the complexities of life, work, and society in ways that Gen X and Y may not have fully embraced.

Here’s what I mean: if you think about the three axes of a 3D space—let’s say X represents the traditional, foundational structures (that’s more like Gen X), Y represents the horizontal spread of creativity, flexibility, and innovation (which aligns more with Gen Y), then Z is the axis of depth. It’s that third dimension that gives real substance to the space, and that’s where I see Gen Z coming in.

Gen X grew up with the analog world, focused on survival and structure. We were taught to play by the rules and measure success by how well we navigated those structures—job stability, climbing the ladder, and so on. Gen Y came along and said, “Wait a minute, there’s more to this than just the corporate ladder,” and they started pushing boundaries, bringing in creativity, technology, and flexibility. But it’s Gen Z that takes it further—they’re the ones asking, “What’s beneath all this? What’s the purpose? What’s the impact?”

Gen Z goes deep—they don’t just want to succeed by playing the game, and they don’t just want to innovate for innovation’s sake. They want to know why it matters. They demand depth in everything they do. They’re questioning the systems themselves—capitalism, the environment, social justice, identity, work-life balance—and they’re willing to dive into uncomfortable conversations and complex realities that earlier generations may have skimmed over or ignored.

This generation is hyper-aware of the bigger picture. They’ve grown up in a world where everything is connected—social media, globalization, climate change—and they can’t just focus on surface-level success. They know that what’s beneath the surface is just as important, if not more so, than what’s visible. It’s why you see Gen Z so deeply engaged with movements for change, whether it’s climate action, gender equality, or mental health advocacy. For them, there’s no point in doing something unless it has depth and meaning.

When I say they’re deeper than the previous two generations, it’s not about saying Gen X or Y are shallow—it’s about recognizing that Gen Z is navigating a more complex, multi-layered world. They’re pushing for transparency, for authenticity, for systems that align with deeper values. They’re not satisfied with the old markers of success—status, money, or even creativity for the sake of creativity. They want substance. They’re looking at the interconnectedness of everything and asking the hard questions: What’s the real impact of this decision, this action, this company? How does it affect not just me, but the world at large?

They’re also demanding more depth in how we approach work and life. It’s no longer about just working for a paycheck—it’s about working for a purpose. They want to know that their efforts are contributing to something bigger, something meaningful. And they’re not afraid to challenge companies, institutions, or even themselves to make that happen.

So, when I say Gen Z is the “depth” axis, I’m saying they are exploring the depths of meaning, purpose, and connection in ways that the previous generations haven’t fully explored. They’re bringing depth to the surface, insisting that the world can’t just be about progress or innovation without purpose and integrity underneath. They’re not content with playing the game or even bending the rules—they want to redefine the entire system in a way that aligns with a deeper sense of humanity and impact.