Paolo, you often stress the need for a shared space between Gen X, Gen Y, and Gen Z to tackle the challenges younger generations face. Could you explain this further?

Alright, let me break it down for you—this idea of a "shared table" between generations, it’s not just about making peace between Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. It’s about sparking something new, something none of us can create on our own. Think of it like this: every generation has a different lens on the world, shaped by their experiences, their struggles, and the era they grew up in. When we bring those perspectives together, it’s like striking a match on the edge of possibility. The fire starts there.

Gen X, people like me, grew up in the analog world, where patience, resilience, and a sense of long-term thinking were ingrained in us. We’re the ones who watched the digital age explode from nothing. We know what it’s like to adapt, to weather storms. Millennials? They’ve lived the shift, constantly navigating the chaos between stability and uncertainty. They’re the bridge between the old and the new, constantly finding ways to balance tradition with progress. And then you’ve got Gen Z—the digital natives. They’ve never known a world without constant connectivity, instant access, and a burning desire to see change happen fast.

So when I talk about this shared table, it’s not just about swapping stories or trying to relate across age gaps. It’s about leveraging those differences to create solutions we’ve never considered before. The wisdom of Gen X, the adaptability of Millennials, the fearless innovation of Gen Z—that’s a powerful combination. And it’s how we solve problems that are bigger than any one generation.

Think about it: Gen Z is driven by things like climate change and the need for authentic, meaningful work. Millennials are often stuck between chasing their passions and finding financial security. Meanwhile, Gen X has seen the erosion of stability—those steady jobs, the traditional career paths that are vanishing right before our eyes. But when we come together, these aren’t just isolated struggles anymore. They become collective challenges we can tackle from every angle. Gen Z’s urgency about the environment? That’s amplified by the practical, strategic approach of Gen X, and the bridge-building skills of Millennials. It’s not about solving one issue at a time—it’s about creating solutions that resonate across generations.

And here’s where it gets even more critical. Gen X, we’ve been around long enough to know that handing over the keys to the future isn’t enough. We’re responsible for passing on the lessons we’ve learned from surviving through decades of change. But we also have to be humble enough to learn from the younger generations. Because Gen Y and Z are rewriting the rules of the game—whether it’s about inclusivity, mental health, or rethinking the workplace. They’re not just the future—they’re shaping the present. And we need to listen.

What’s key to making this table work, though, is dropping the ego. It’s realizing that no one generation has all the answers. Gen X has to accept that we can’t cling to the way things used to be. Millennials have to embrace the chaos and unpredictability of the world today. And Gen Z needs to understand that innovation doesn’t mean erasing the past—it’s about evolving it.

Sitting at the table together is more than just a symbolic gesture. It’s about collaborating, empathizing, and creating a future that honors where we’ve been and where we’re headed. This isn’t about playing it safe or sticking to what we know. It’s about shaping a world that doesn’t just fit into one generation’s idea of success, but one that’s built on the best of all of us.

We’ve got to be ready to challenge each other, to spark those uncomfortable conversations, and to bring our different strengths into play. That’s where the real magic happens—when generations collide, and instead of trying to one-up each other, we create something none of us could have imagined alone.

That’s the power of the shared table. Are you ready to pull up a chair?