Next Gen Now Summit Speaker Spotlight: Lucijan Jović
- Katelyn Sladek
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
On October 30, the Next Gen Now Summit takes place virtually and in-person in Washington DC. Featuring 25 thought leaders, policy experts, and community innovators, the Summit is focused on solving critical challenges at the intersection of work, education, and leadership.
XYZ University's CEO, Sarah Sladek, organized the Summit to gather and share best practices on workforce trends, engagement strategies, and reaching the next generation. Speakers include leaders from organizations trailblazing the future -- and over the course of the next two weeks, we're featuring insights from the amazing line-up of speakers here on our blog.
Stay tuned! And for more information or to register, visit: https://nextgennowsummit.com/.
Lucijan Jović is a United Nations Representative and doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership & Administration at Molloy University
What is one misconception about generational dynamics that you'd like to debunk?
One common misconception about generational dynamics is that older and younger generations struggle to find common ground due to vastly different values or communication styles. In my work as an educator and through my role as a KDP representative to the United Nations, I’ve seen that meaningful dialogue and shared purpose—especially around equity and inclusion—can unite people across generations. My doctoral research and collaboration with the Cognition and Learning Laboratory further support the idea that when we create spaces for mutual respect and learning, generational diversity becomes a powerful asset rather than a barrier.
How does your upcoming session align with the summit's mission to foster belonging across generations?
My upcoming session aligns with the summit’s mission to foster belonging across generations by creating space for open dialogue, shared experiences, and mutual learning among educators and leaders at all stages of their careers. By exploring inclusive leadership practices and culturally responsive strategies, the session emphasizes the value each generation brings to educational spaces. It aims to build bridges across generational lines, promoting a sense of shared purpose and collective responsibility in advancing equity and belonging in our learning communities.
What key takeaway do you hope attendees gain from your presentation?
The key takeaway I hope attendees gain from my presentation is that inclusive leadership and belonging are strengthened when we intentionally engage across generational lines and value the diverse experiences each person brings. By fostering open dialogue and embracing culturally responsive practices, we can create learning communities rooted in equity, collaboration, and mutual respect. Ultimately, I want attendees to leave empowered to lead with empathy and build stronger, more connected educational spaces for all, and also take the new and innovative practices discussed back to their teams.
What emerging trends do you believe will significantly impact intergenerational collaboration in the next five years?
Over the next five years, several emerging trends are poised to significantly impact intergenerational collaboration. First, the growing emphasis on equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive leadership will encourage organizations to intentionally bridge generational perspectives in the service of shared goals. Second, advancements in digital collaboration tools and hybrid work models will make it easier for individuals across age groups to connect, learn, and co-create regardless of physical location. Lastly, there is increasing recognition of the value of mentorship in both directions—where experienced leaders learn from younger voices and vice versa—fostering more dynamic, reciprocal relationships across generations.
How can leaders cultivate environments where all generations feel valued and heard?
As a doctoral researcher and United Nations representative, I believe leaders can cultivate environments where all generations feel valued and heard by fostering a culture of intentional dialogue, shared leadership, and mutual respect. This begins with creating structured opportunities for intergenerational collaboration, where diverse voices are not only included but actively shape decisions and direction. Grounded in research and global perspectives, it’s essential that leaders implement policies and practices that recognize the unique strengths, insights, and lived experiences each generation brings to the table.
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