Mark C. Perna, a renowned generational expert, keynote speaker, and bestselling author, delivered an inspiring keynote address at the Business & Education Summit with the Chandler Chamber Foundation, Gilbert Chamber Foundation, and Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce on February 21, 2025, at Chandler Gilbert Community College. His presentation focused on strategies to unleash the power, purpose, and possibility in young people, providing valuable insights for educators, employers, and community leaders.
Key Takeaways from Mark Perna's Keynote Address:
- Understanding Generational Characteristics: Perna emphasized the importance of recognizing the unique qualities of younger generations, particularly Generation Z. He highlighted their desire for meaningful work, opportunities for growth, and the ability to make a tangible impact. By understanding these characteristics, stakeholders can better engage and motivate young individuals.
- The Significance of a "For-Now" Direction: Perna introduced the concept of a "for-now" direction, encouraging young people to pursue paths that align with their current interests and strengths, even if they are not long-term career choices. This approach allows them to gain valuable experience, build confidence, and remain adaptable in a rapidly changing job market.
- Bridging Education and Employment: He discussed the critical need for stronger connections between educational institutions and industry. By aligning curricula with real-world skills and providing experiential learning opportunities, educators can better prepare students for the workforce, ensuring they possess the competencies that employers seek.
- Empowering Through Purposeful Engagement: Perna highlighted that young people are more likely to excel when they understand the purpose behind their tasks. He advocated for clear communication about how their roles contribute to larger goals, fostering a sense of ownership and motivation.
- The Career Tree® Model: He introduced The Career Tree® model, a visual tool designed to help students explore various career paths within a particular field. This model encourages exploration and informed decision-making, allowing young individuals to see the diverse opportunities available and the steps needed to achieve their goals.
- Addressing Workforce Challenges Collaboratively: Perna stressed the importance of collaboration among businesses, educational institutions, and government entities to tackle workforce challenges. By working together, these sectors can create environments that nurture talent, provide continuous learning opportunities, and adapt to the evolving economic landscape.
Perna's address served as a catalyst for attendees to rethink their approaches to engaging young talent, emphasizing that with the right strategies, it is possible to unlock the immense potential within the younger generations.
Reviews:
“I loved hearing from Mark Perna. It was a phenomenal presentation. It validated many of my own thoughts about Gen Z, our education system, and our workforce readiness. I also appreciated that we heard from several sponsors. Typically, it is only the signature sponsor that gets to speak. It was so great to hear more about the other sponsors especially since I wasn't familiar with all of them. I also appreciated it being a joint effort between the three chambers. That just affirms we are all in this together and we all work really well together. In that light, it also allowed for interactions between the various chamber's membership.”
“Mark's message was moving, motivational, and actionable!”
“Great way to bring all communities together and strategize new business growth opportunities.”