I’m In Podcast Episode 61 | Generational Values & Respect


Episode 61 of our monthly podcast, sponsored by Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland, is now available to our members on our website.

Baby Boomers. Gen X. Millennials. Gen Z… We love putting people into generational boxes, and then attaching assumptions to those boxes about loyalty, ambition, work ethic, resilience, flexibility and respect. But are the differences really as great as we think?

In this episode, Phil Street FIH is joined by Alistair Sandall FIH, Rizwan Khan MIH and Tobi Omiyale AIH to explore generational values and respect in hospitality and whether much of what we call generational difference is really about age, life stage, experience and the world people entered work into.

From “in my day” thinking and impatient ambition to reverse mentoring, feedback, flexibility and the value of decades of experience, this is a refreshingly balanced conversation about what every generation can learn from the others.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Whether different generations genuinely hold different values
• Why people may want the same things but express those needs differently
• How our definition of commitment at work has changed
• Why “this is how I was taught” can become a barrier to better leadership
• The relationship between experience, curiosity and respect
• Why younger employees often want knowledge and progression – not simply promotion
• The importance of continual feedback rather than occasional appraisals
• Why experience can’t always be fast-tracked
• Whether hospitality sometimes undervalues older and more experienced talent
• The danger of phrases such as “in my day”
• Why questioning authority doesn’t automatically mean disrespect
• How reverse mentoring and two-way feedback can strengthen teams
• Why great leadership creates followers through behaviour – not job title
• How hospitality can make multi-generational workplaces a genuine advantag

Why Our Guests Said, “I’m In!”

Alistair Sandall FIH:

Having joined the Institute more than 40 years ago, Alistair has remained deeply connected throughout his career. From hotel leadership to professional development and mentoring, he continues to value the Institute as a place for learning, contribution and supporting the next generation.

Rizwan Khan MIH:

For Rizwan, the IoH represents hospitality itself, an opportunity to learn, meet people, evolve professionally and give something back to an industry he loves.

Tobi Omiyale AIH:

Tobi was introduced to the IoH early in her corporate career and quickly found a community of people equally passionate about hospitality. Networking, learning and exposure to the many different career paths within the sector have kept her actively involved.

Outstanding Quotes From This Episode

• “Experience deserves respect, but everybody deserves respect” – Tobi Omiyale
  
• “Just because I was taught this way doesn’t mean I have to teach you this way”  – Rizwan Khan
  
• “There are certain experiences that you just cannot fast-track” – Tobi Omiyale
  
• “It’s about listening without defensive reminiscing” – Alistair Sandall
  
• “Respect is gained through action. It’s not gained through title” – Phil Street
  
• “You can be curious and ambitious and still have patience” – Tobi Omiyale
  

Perhaps the answer isn’t figuring out how to manage Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials or Gen Z. Perhaps it’s simply getting better at managing people. Different ages. Different experiences. Different perspectives. But ultimately, human beings who want to be heard, respected and given the opportunity to contribute.

Members can follow the link below to listen to this episode now! Everyone else will have to wait for the episode to drop, wherever you get your podcasts, on 8 October! Listening to this podcast counts toward your CPD activity.

If you have any feedback about the show or would like to be a future guest, please contact Phil Street at phil.street@instituteofhospitality.org.

Members can listen to Episode 61 now.