In a world where ‘cool’ has evolved into ‘fire’ and mentors are now hailed as ‘OGs,’ the generational divide can feel as vast as the leap from rotary phone to TikTok. 

As we race toward the next big thing, we often sacrifice the art of reflection for the immediacy of likes and retweets. But what if we could tap into the slow-burn wisdom of those who came before us, blending innovation with a seasoned understanding of what truly works? 

Intergenerational collaboration isn’t just good for business—it’s good for the collective soul. Research shows that when different generations come together, it fosters mental well-being, boosts community ties, and a shared sense of purpose takes root that transcends age and time. 

Organizations like Carya and InterGen show us that when we bridge the gap between generations, we don’t just fuel innovation—we create a future grounded in understanding, rich with experience. 

The Case for Intergenerational Relationships 

Organizations often focus so much on the future that they overlook the wisdom of the past or miss the chance to pause and reflect. It’s not just about new ideas; it’s about learning from those who’ve weathered economic upheavals, social revolutions, and global crises.

The leadership insights gained from both success and failure are invaluable, and when combined with the boundless energy and curiosity of younger generations, they create a blend of vision and resilience. Together, these generations can push forward with not only innovation but with emotional intelligence and perspective, creating a future that honours both progress and the path taken to get there. 

Some organizations, anchored in “the way it’s always been done,” miss out on fresh perspectives and opportunities. Younger generations bring new ideas and digital fluency, which can inspire innovation. The key isn’t to abandon the past but to reimagine it, incorporating both experience and new thinking. Together, this blend of experience and fresh thinking creates a powerful force, one that enriches strategy and sparks the kind of innovation that moves organizations forward in an ever-evolving landscape. 

The concept of intergenerational collaboration isn’t just relevant for organizations—it’s a reflection of how communities function best. Take Blue Zones as an example. These are areas of the world where people live the longest, often due to the strength of their intergenerational connections, mutual support, and shared history. In these regions, older adults aren’t sidelined; they remain integral to the social fabric.  

In many Indigenous cultures, younger members are often given the role of “future keepers,” leading efforts to preserve heritage, protect the environment, and advocate for social justice. These young leaders, though guided by the wisdom of elders, are empowered to take on leadership roles as stewards of cultural survival and environmental sustainability. 

The social profit sector can learn from these communities, integrating the wisdom of the past with the energy of the future. 

What Each Generation Brings to the Table 

Consider this—each generation holds a piece of the puzzle, and together, they form an unbeatable whole. Yet too many organizations continue to rely on a narrow pool of voices. Let’s change that narrative. 

Seniors: Not just the sum of their years, seniors bring a wealth of experience and insight. They bring invaluable wisdom and context, grounding organizations in stability and fostering long-term vision. 

Mid-career professionals: Positioned at the intersection of generations, they blend leadership earned through experience with the adaptability to learn from both the older and younger members of their teams. 

Younger professionals: As natural innovators, they bring fresh perspectives, challenge the status quo, and harness new technologies to drive change. 

Youth and students: Their energy, idealism, and out-of-the-box thinking can spark creativity and unlock new possibilities within any organization. 

Organizations that fail to recognize the unique strengths each generation brings will be left behind by those that harness the full potential of intergenerational collaboration in the social profit sector. 

The Power of Multigenerational Collaboration: Carya in Action 

At Carya, they don’t just talk about intergenerational collaboration—they live it. Based in Calgary, Carya has been at the forefront of social impact for more than a century.

“Carya has been a part of the social fabric of Calgary for over 110 years. From supporting families post-WWII to today’s emphasis on social connections, we’ve adapted to meet the changing needs of our community,” said Carya’s Impact and Strategy Officer, Lisa Stebbins.

Carya understands that a thriving future depends on building relationships across generations. Their programs empower seniors not just as passive participants, but as active contributors whose life experience enriches everyone around them.

This belief is embodied in Carya’s Support For Older Adults community initiatives, where seniors are given the opportunity to share wisdom, skills, and experiences. It’s not about providing supports and services, but also about recognizing the value they bring and creating space for them to lead. 

“An older adult might suggest, ‘I would really like to knit, and I would like to share knitting in the community and have a knitting group that meets once a week,’” explained Stebbins. “And then we make that happen.” 

In a world where scrolling replaces savoring, Carya offers a reminder: sometimes, the most meaningful connections come not from swiping right but from sitting down to knit, share stories, and be fully present in the moment. 

“The older adult will come and lead the group, and they feel like they’re giving to their community by sharing a talent they have,” added Stebbins.

The exchange of skills is a two-way street, particularly when it comes to technology. Younger generations often take the lead in teaching their elders how to navigate modern technology like smartphones and tablets.

Stebbins shared that tech training sessions have become popular, with teenagers helping older adults troubleshoot devices and apps. This interaction not only empowers seniors with new skills but also creates meaningful connections across generations.  

“It’s amazing to see the joy and confidence in both the teens and seniors as they learn from each other. It’s not just about the tech—it’s about building relationships,” she said.  

InterGen: Changing the Game 

Now let’s talk about InterGen, a social profit organization that goes beyond traditional mentorship and flips the script on what intergenerational collaboration can look like. They’re not interested in token gestures. They’re interested in impact. 

Through initiatives like their Masterclass Series, InterGen pairs senior business leaders—known as “Silver Dragons”—with young entrepreneurs to tackle critical business challenges. These sessions flip the script on traditional mentorship. Today’s young professionals don’t just learn—they teach, offering fresh perspectives in exchange for hard-earned wisdom. It’s a two-way street where even the most seasoned veterans walk away with something new. Seniors don’t merely reminisce about past successes; they roll up their sleeves and help steer the next generation toward success. 

“InterGen is an initiative whose mandate is to support next-generation entrepreneurs with the wisdom of entrepreneurs that have come before,” explains InterGen CEO, Sandi Gilbert. “We spend our days looking for companies that need our help and matching them with business leaders that have had success in their own line of business and want to reengage and help the next generation of entrepreneurs.”  

Gilbert said a perfect example of intergenerational collaboration can be seen in the partnership between Lucas McCarthy, CEO and Founder of Showpass, and Paul O’Donoghue, the company’s Executive Chairman – who recently shared their story with InterGen’s community at its quarterly Wine Wednesday event. 

 “The Showpass story is a fantastic example of how intergenerational teams can transform a business,” said Gilbert.  

McCarthy, a young entrepreneur, has led Showpass to become the fastest-growing ticketing platform in North America, while O’Donoghue, a retired business leader with a background in corporate finance, played a pivotal role in the company’s expansion by connecting it with key investors during its early stages.

O’Donoghue didn’t just provide standard business advice—he offered decades of insight that helped shape McCarthy’s approach to leadership and growth. In return, McCarthy’s vision and energy reinvigorated O’Donoghue, making their collaboration a testament to the power of intergenerational leadership. Together, they have built a thriving company that continues to shape Calgary’s tech ecosystem. 

“It’s a classic example of when you bring the right people together and diversity around the table…you’re going to have a more successful company,” said Gilbert.

And they see this success—and the reciprocal nature of these relationships—all the time within their community.

“Our young founders gain access to Rolodexes and experience that they would never have had before, and for the seasoned business advisers, engaging with the younger generation rewires them, keeps them current, and offers fresh perspectives on what the future of the future of the business looks like,” she said. 

Let’s Talk Communication: Bridging Generational Gaps 

It’s no secret that different generations communicate in different ways. The problem is, too many organizations are stuck in their comfort zones, relying on old methods that only resonate with a fraction of their audience. 

At Carya, they’re intentional about reaching all age groups. For older adults, storytelling that evokes their lived experiences is key. For younger participants, digital platforms are the go-to. But here’s the secret: they make both groups feel heard and valued, rather than sidelined or overwhelmed by technology they don’t understand. 

Old methods of communication aren’t necessarily bad—they may just need to be reframed to suit the needs of today’s organizations. It’s about finding the right balance between tradition and innovation. 

So, ask yourself—when was the last time you tailored your communication to resonate with every generation in your audience? If you’re still using a one-size-fits-all approach, it’s time for a serious rethink, especially in the social profit sector. 

A Call to Action: Time to Bridge the Gap 

Creating a genuinely inclusive, multigenerational culture doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentional efforts not just within organizations but across society. Both Carya and InterGen understand this on a deep level, providing spaces where cross-generational relationships thrive through mentorship programs, volunteer opportunities, and collaborative projects. These efforts are about more than individual organizations—they represent a broader societal responsibility to value and integrate the knowledge and experiences of all age groups. 

So, here’s the challenge: If we want to build a stronger, more resilient social profit sector, we must embrace the power of intergenerational collaboration. It’s not just about acknowledging the importance of learning from one another—it’s about creating intentional spaces where these connections can lead to tangible results.  

Are you creating opportunities for seniors, mid-career professionals, and younger generations to engage meaningfully within your organization? If not, now is the time to start. 

Here are a few actionable steps to foster intergenerational collaboration: 

• Mentorship programs in both directions: Establish a structure where senior professionals share their experiences, while younger staff offer reverse mentoring on emerging technologies and modern approaches. 

• Intergenerational project teams, advisors and board members: Build teams that blend generations to tackle initiatives. Seniors contribute context and strategy, while younger professionals bring fresh ideas and innovation. 

• Facilitate intergenerational dialogues: Create informal spaces where different age groups can exchange ideas and collaborate on solutions through lunch-and-learns, roundtable discussions, or online platforms. 

• Recognize and celebrate collaboration: Acknowledge and reward teams that successfully leverage cross-generational strengths through internal newsletters, team meetings, or even awards. 

As some experienced team members might say, “It’s time to shape up or ship out.” We can continue to operate in age-defined silos, or we can embrace the Gen Z phrase “collective boost,” amplifying each other’s strengths. As those newest Gen A colleagues might say: Let’s capture the W on social profit success.