Generational Differences in the Workplace

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: Josh Axelrod, CISSP-ISSAP, CISA, CISM, CGEIT, CRISC, CDPSE, Chief Operating Officer, Aldrich Solutions

Josh Axelrod joined Aldrich in 2023 as the Chief Operating Officer, leading all internal operations to achieve our goals for growth and scalability to best serve our clients and people. Prior to joining Aldrich, Josh was a Partner at Ernst & Young, US LLP and the Chief Technology Officer for Security Assurance at Amazon Web Services. To achieve desired outcomes and drive results, Josh uses his expansive engineering, technology, security, and operations knowledge to invent and simplify new ways of working. With the heart of a builder, Josh is committed to building strong relationships that are founded on trust that is earned through experience and delivering results.

Josh earned a Bachelor of Science in nuclear engineering from Oregon State University and an MBA from Marylhurst University. He is a member of the ISACA and ISC2, as well as a board member for iUrban Teen and the Oregon State University College of Business.

Outside of work, Josh enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and enjoying the outdoors through hunting, fishing, hiking and dirt biking