The voice on social change, employee engagement, & Generation Z.
Dr. Claire Madden is a leading voice internationally on Generation Z. As an author, social researcher, keynote speaker and media commentator, Claire is in high demand as an expert in interpreting social trends, demographics and implications of generational change. Claire’s PhD research focused on understanding the factors in organisational culture that activate the motivation of Gen Z at work.
Claire is highly regarded for her dynamic and engaging presentations where she translates robust, research-based content into strategic applications for educators, managers and business leaders. Claire is commissioned by some of the nation’s largest companies and leading brands to interpret the changing landscape and communicate the implications for business and society.
“Claire, thanks again for that epic presentation. I had so many comments from the team about how much they got out of your easy-to-digest pointers”
— Yo-CHI
“The feedback has been excellent. We look forward to working with you again in the future. ”
— NEWSCORP
“Vibrant, exciting, relevant, informative, energetic, personable and from the feedback we have received,
one of the best presenters our attendees have ever seen.”
— AWARDS VICTORIA
“You ranked by far the highest of our speakers and you hit the mark. Anecdotally I also got a huge amount of positive feedback. It definitely got us thinking a lot as a group about how we work with Gen Z.
— NEW ZEALAND NORMAL & MODEL SCHOOLS CONFERENCE
Claire’s Keynote & Workshop Topics
Unlocking Emerging Consumers
Engaging Gen Z and Gen Alpha as customers
Gen Z and Gen Alpha have emerged as influential consumer groups, bringing their transformed expectations as customers. They are our household influencers, with 4 in 5 parents admitting that Alpha kids significantly influence family purchases. With shorter attention spans and elevated expectations as customers, younger generations expect faster delivery, sustainable practices, free returns, online access to brands and immersive offline experiences. In this session, Dr Claire will unpack key trends to understand how to unlock the emerging generations and engage effectively with this cohort to be a growing segment of your consumer base.
Engaging a Multigenerational Workforce
From Boomers to Gen Z in the workplace - activating the motivation of generations at work
Do the younger generations have a work-ethic? How do we span the gaps in a workforce made up of the “hard-working, get the job done” Boomers and Gen Xs, alongside the “find a faster way, wellbeing and flexibility focused” Gen Ys and Gen Zs? Dr Claire’s PhD focused on understanding how to activate the motivation of Gen Z at work. For our organisations to adapt to the future of work, it is critical that we can effectively engage all generations in the workplace. In this interactive and engaging session, Claire will provide research-based insights into how to practically shape a workplace culture that activates the motivation of the generations in the workplace.
Cultivating an Optimal Performance Culture
Shaping your organisational culture to unlock the intrinsic motivation of employees
A motivated workforce is a competitive advantage and strategic asset in any organisation. Investing in our workplace culture and understanding the factors that activate the motivation of staff across the generations can lead to higher retention, improved productivity and better business outcomes. The focus of Dr Claire’s PhD was on understanding what motivates Gen Z at work, and as part of this developed the ‘Optimal Performance Matrix’. Understanding how to ensure the relational and role satisfaction needs of our teams are supported in our workplaces can move staff from being unsupported workers to optimal performers. In this research-based, engaging session, Claire will provide practical tools to help leaders, managers and teams to prioritise key aspects of workplace culture to cultivate an environment of high performers.
Inspiring Next-Gen Learners
Connect, educate, inspire and motivate Gen Z and Gen Alpha as students
Today’s classrooms are filled with digital natives who think, learn, and connect in entirely new ways. Generation Z and Generation Alpha bring fresh perspectives, short attention spans, strong values, and a desire for authentic connection and belonging, and a need for relevance and understanding the ‘why’ in everything they do — including education.
This session explores what motivates and engages these emerging generations as learners. Drawing on current research, real-world examples, and practical strategies, Dr Claire will unpack how educators and institutions can create meaningful learning experiences that resonate with Gen Z and Gen Alpha’s unique characteristics. From understanding the social, technological and cultural forces shaping the worldview of the emerging generations, to fostering belonging, collaboration and purpose-driven learning, participants will be equipped to align teaching practices and approaches with the evolving needs and expectations of today’s students.
A Demographic Snapshot
Demographic, social and generational realities transforming the business landscape
Demographic realities, including a growing and ageing population, changing household types and cultural and generational diversity impact our society, economy and workforce in multiple ways.
With the increased densification of our cities, not only are household structures changing, but lifestyle patterns and the building of communities is being redefined. With six generations in our communities, business leaders need to engage the Builders through to the Baby Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y, Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
In this session, Claire will provide a overview of the key mega trends which are shaping our society, and highlight the impact on your sector and workforce.