Generational Differences in the Workplace

Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Time: 02:00 PM ET / 01:00 PM CT / 12:00 PM MT / 11:00 AM PT [Prevailing Time]
Presenter: Josh Axelrod, CISSP-ISSAP, CISA, CISM, CGEIT, President and Chief Operating Officer, Aldrich
Moderator:
Learning Objectives:
- LO1 Identify at least five current management trends impacted by generational preferences (e.g., hybrid norms, AI adoption, pricing, succession, and learning models)
- Differentiate communication, feedback, and motivation patterns across four generations and map them to role design and meeting norms.
- Analyze three common risk scenarios (quality slippage, retention drag, client-experience inconsistency) and assign appropriate controls using a risk-response matrix.
- Apply a workload/capacity and delegation tool to rebalance tasks across staff levels and generations in a sample engagement.
- Develop a 30-day action plan that selects two interventions (e.g., mentoring ladder, sprint-based feedback, cross-gen project teams) and defines success metrics.
Field of Study: Personnel/Human Resources
Program Level: Intermediate
CPE Credit: 1 Credit Hour
Delivery Method: Group Internet-based
Prerequisite(s): No advanced preparation or prerequisites are required for this course.
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Course Description

This program explores how generational dynamics intersect with today’s cooperative financial management and operations—including hybrid work environments, technology and AI adoption, resource and capital allocation, internal controls, and leadership succession. Participants will examine evidence-based differences across Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z that influence communication styles, motivation, accountability, and collaboration across finance, accounting, and operational teams within cooperatives.

Using a risk-and-reward lens, the session highlights where generational misalignment can create risks related to staff retention, financial reporting quality, internal service delivery, and member experience—and where cross-generational collaboration can strengthen innovation, continuity, and long-term sustainability. Through short case examples, live polling, and practical tools, attendees will learn how to translate generational insights into everyday management practices, including meeting norms, feedback cycles, delegation approaches, and leadership development pipelines suited to a multigenerational cooperative workforce.

Presenter and Moderator Bios

Presenter: Josh Axelrod, CISSP-ISSAP, CISA, CISM, CGEIT, President and Chief Operating Officer, Aldrich

Josh Axelrod joined Aldrich in 2023 as Chief Operating Officer, where he leads internal operations to support the firm’s growth and scalability in service of Aldrich clients and people. In June 2025, he also assumed the role of President, Aldrich Solutions, leading a cross-disciplinary team specializing in business strategy and operations, technology and risk, and organizational design and change management.

Josh brings deep experience across engineering, technology, cybersecurity, and operations. Prior to Aldrich, he served as a Partner at Ernst & Young, US LLP and as Chief Technology Officer for Security Assurance at Amazon Web Services. He is known for inventing and simplifying new ways of working to drive measurable outcomes. A builder at heart, Josh prioritizes strong relationships grounded in trust—earned through experience and consistent delivery.

Josh holds a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering from Oregon State University and an MBA from Marylhurst University. He is a member of ISACA and ISC2, and he serves on the board of iUrban Teen and the Oregon State University College of Business.

Outside of work, Josh enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and being outdoors—hunting, fishing, hiking, and dirt biking.

Cost
Free for NSAC Members / $65.00 for Non-Members

Delivery System

• All programs are delivered using the Zoom platform.
• Confirmations will include log-in instructions.
• Participants are able to participate using any device with an Internet connect (if the device does not have speakers, the participant can also dial-in) or they can participate with audio only by dialing in.
• All registrants will receive a link to the CLN’s recording by email within 48 business hours of event’s conclusion.
• There will be assistance available to help with technical and connectivity issues up to 10 minutes prior to the start of the presentation.

Registration

All registration is done on-line and each guest must provide their name and email address to participate. All NSAC members may register for free. Non-members may register for a nominal fee.

Refund Policy

NSAC will not issue refunds for CLNs. If a registrant is unable to participate in the CLN and provides notification to info@nsacoop.org 48 hours prior to the session, a credit will be provided for a future CLN. Alert the NSAC staff member monitoring the CLN if technical difficulties are encountered and technical support will be provided to eliminate problems with future CLNs.

Additional Information

Live participation is required for CPE credit and polling questions must be answered to document your active participation. All registrants will receive an email following the session with links to the slides and/or handouts, and a link to the CLN recording (unless otherwise stated). If you are unable to participate in the live session, you can still watch the recorded session, but you will not be eligible for CPE credits. Those eligible for credits will receive their certificate by email with 7 business days.

For more information regarding NSAC CLNs or administrative policies such as complaint and refund, contact the NSAC Headquarters, 7946 Clyo Road, Suite A, Centerville, OH 45459, 937-222-6707, or info@nsacoop.org.