On 6 June 2025, I visited the Gen Z Expo, being held where I work at The Hague University of Applied Sciences.
Organised by Community Z, The Gen Z Expo was advertised as connecting young professionals, business leaders, HR experts & changemakers to explore Gen Z’s key challenges & opportunities.
Though I’m not a huge fan of the term “Gen Z” as I feel it can be overused and even have negative connotations, having taught this generation for some time, and a parent of two in this age range, I’m always keen to explore more. This event certainly put a positive spin on being part of Gen Z, but also what they can learn from other generations.
Another reason I attended was to catch the opening speech by a colleague I admire, Mercedes Conde.
Mercedes is an exceptional teacher, shown again in the way she delivered this speech. I could identify a lot with her talking about how when we began in the workplace, “visability meant value”. But this is changing. Growth, she said, is not just about moving forward but about transformation. This generation — raised with smartphones before their first kiss — is asking bold questions out loud, embracing flexibility and inclusion, and redefining what it means to show up authentically.
She structured the speech as a letter to a younger version of herself, reminding her (and the audience) that:
- 90% of the things you worry about won’t even happen.
- Work is not a place; it is a shared experience.
- Behind labels, generations, and assumptions are people.
- Discipline is important – you sometimes need to do things you may not love
Gen Z have a confidence, empathy, and openness that offers hope for the future — one where collaboration between humans and AI, and between generations, shapes a more thoughtful and connected world of work.
The Future of Work is AI First
Karthikeyan Elangovan and Ilia Vasko shared ideas around how to educate, consult and build in an AI-first world.
They reminded us that while the “Future of Work” will inevitably involve AI — and that “everyone will use it” — we must also ask: should we?
AI offers enormous opportunity, but also requires awareness, learning, and critical reflection. It’s not just about overcoming fear, but developing understanding.
New platforms such as Perplexity (for deep research), Freedough (for prompt generation), and Gemini (for paid AI services) are emerging daily. Yet humans still have “blind spots in prompting” and to thrive, we’ll need to learn how to collaborate — not just compete — with intelligent systems.
Roundtable discussion
I wasn’t able to stay for this, but on the way out saw some in depth conversations going on, inspired by artworks placed next to each table and guided by these cards.
My main takeaway: we can all learn from all ages
Another key theme that surfaced was intergenerational learning. How do we learn from each generation without falling into stereotypes?
There’s wisdom in balance — discipline and patience from older generations, and adaptability and curiosity from younger ones. One comment made was that instead of the more “traditional” past view where parents held the knowledge and passed it on to their children, parents and children are now learning from just as much from each other as both are exposed to rapidly changing worlds.
That sense of shared agency reflects what I hope is truly going to become today’s and the future’s career mindset: purposeful, inclusive, curious, and value-driven.
Renee
Below is the text that was promoted on Eventbrite
Gen Z Expo 2025 – The Future is Now
🗓 June 6, 2025 | 📍 The Hague University
Are you ready to challenge perspectives, spark deep conversations, and connect with changemakers shaping the future?
The Gen Z Expo 2025 is not your typical conference; it’s an immersive experience where art, dialogue, and innovation collide. This event brings together young professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders for powerful roundtable discussions, thought-provoking art installations, and next-level networking opportunities.
🔥 What to Expect?
✅ Engage in bold conversations on the key challenges and opportunities facing Gen Z
✅ Experience interactive roundtable sessions inspired by striking artwork
✅ Connect with a diverse network of students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and creatives
✅ Gain fresh insights into the future of work, mental health, social impact, and technology
This is your chance to be part of a movement that breaks barriers, builds bridges, and drives change. Whether you’re a trailblazing entrepreneur, an HR innovator, or simply eager to understand the future of work; this event is for you!
🎟 Limited spots available. Secure your ticket now and be part of the conversation!
Zestee 