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What Exactly Is

This Place Anyway?

No, XYZ University is not an actual college. There are no dorms
and you don’t have to stay up all night cramming for a test.  

 

But you will learn a whole heck of a lot about generations, belonging, and membership and employee engagement

XYZ University is where leaders go to learn how to create cultures of belonging inclusive of younger generations. 

XYZ = Next gen + future-focused studies (literally named after Generations X, Y, and Z)

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University = A hub of research, strategy, and learning

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XYZ University = Next Generation Intelligence

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To sum it up: XYZ University’s expertise is positioning organizations for relevance and growth. 

Trusted By

From A to Z

Need to curb turnover, engage younger generations, identify a strategy for sustainable growth, build a better value proposition, grow community, and increase profitability? XYZ University has the answers.​ Here are just a few of the reasons why clients choose us:

Members of Gen Z hanging out together

Age Diversity

We urge clients to build communities inclusive of different ages and career stages, and our own team is comprised of multi-generational researchers and innovators.

 

22 Year Anniversary

Expertise

We help organizations engage people and prepare for the future. That’s all we do and all we’ve done for 20+ years!

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2022 Global Membership Health Study

International

We bring best practices from throughout the world to our work, gleaned from our work with international organizations, global research, and events which reached audiences in 40+ countries. 

Sarah Sladek Teaching

Thought Leadership

Our founder is a best-selling author. She’s been recognized as a Woman Who Advances Associations, a Global Leader of Strategy, and invited to meet with Senior Presidential Advisors at the White House! 

Ready or Not, Here Comes Z

Z

We authored ground-breaking research on Gen Z long before other firms. Our study of demographic, consumer, and economic shifts ensure clients are well-prepared for who and what comes next.

Yes, we know more than most about generations and trends, but we also know how to build community, create value, and inspire belonging

At XYZ University, we bring a ‘people first, future focused’ approach to all we do. This is our mantra. Our must-have methodology. And it really works! 

Urban Teen Gathering

Did you know?

XYZ University has been a leading next-gen research and strategy development firm since 2002.

More about us:

First and only firm in the US specializing in next-gen engagement strategies and research

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Advisor to organizations globally including Canada, Australia, and Europe

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Founded by Sarah Sladek, award-winning author and strategist

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Led the first international membership research project with survey-takers in 59 countries 

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Co-produced a televised docuseries exploring the topics of employee engagement and future of work

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Our Mascot

Every university has a mascot. Ours is the phoenix. 

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For centuries people have told the story of the phoenix, a legendary bird that emerges from destruction restored to its youth. 

 

At XYZ University we do the same for our clients, transitioning them from aging out and struggling with disengagement and decline into thriving, relevant, and inspired cultures of belonging. 

 

We place organizations a generation ahead, rather than a generation behind. Clients emerge from their challenges with a strategy for growth – one guaranteed to persevere for generations to come. 

 

Because at XYZ University, we’re future proof. Just like the phoenix.

FROM OUR FOUNDER

A Message From Sarah

Sarah Sladek posing byJacqui

Early in my career I worked for four different organizations, all struggling to understand and adapt to market shifts, engage young professionals, and compete in a changing marketplace.

 

It wasn't pretty. Generational stereotypes worsened, workplace conflicts turned toxic, and disengagement and decline increased.  Everyone knew there was a problem, but no one knew how to fix it.

 

Inspired to find a solution, I launched XYZ University in 2002. 

 

At the time, little research that had been done in this area, so I did my own. Via countless interviews, surveys, and focus groups, I researched generational shifts, social change, belonging, engagement, and organizational cultures. 


Over time, I identified the patterns and practices contributing to disengagement and decline. More importantly, I discovered the antidote.

 

Here’s what I’ve learned: Change is urgently needed but also difficult to accept. As a result, many organizations simply lack the structure, strategy, and culture to engage members and employees. 

 

We all want to belong, but the practices and processes of achieving a sense of belonging have changed.

 

Thankfully, XYZ University brings a new school of thought to bridging gaps and strategizing for success. We inspire and leverage organization-wide support which makes large-scale, sustainable change possible. 

 

I created this business with a bold vision to end generational stereotypes, bring back belonging, and position organizations for greater success. This remains XYZ University's mission today.

 

The future you want for your organization is within reach. You don’t have to walk this path alone. 

 

If thinking about the state of your organization raises questions or causes concern, contact us. We can help.

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Sarah Signature
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Why We Do What We Do

We’re here to introduce the future to organizations and help them leverage it.

 

Because when organizations connect with and make room for young people they build stronger, more engaged, profitable, and powerful communities.

 

But far too few organizations truly understand their current market -- much less who or what is coming next.

 

We're on a mission to change that. And by doing so, we know we'll create a better future for associations, corporations, and youth.

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Let's connect!

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XYZ University is a certified Women-Owned Business and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Graduate.

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Visit our other company websites: SarahSladek.com and MembershipU.com
 

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