Teaching Seminar Spring 2025: GENERATIONS - TURN DIFFERENCES INTO ADVANTAGES

DTU Learning Lab and the Deans invite teachers and students to this year’s Spring Teaching Seminar focused on the generation gap at DTU. Currently, there are four – and soon five – generations in most workplaces, presenting both challenges and opportunities for leaders and colleagues alike. The Zs challenge hierarchy and work-life balance, the Ys seek flexibility and hybrid workplaces, the Xs desire responsibility and freedom, while the boomers value respect for their experience and knowledge.

By understanding the characteristics, strengths, and challenges of each generation, we can transform the generation gap into an opportunity for collective workplace improvement. This seminar will explore the dynamics between different age groups as valuable assets to the community.

Additionally, we will discuss the transition from hierarchical structures to co-creation and why inclusive leadership is essential for the future workplace. Learning from the young generations now enables us to build bridges across all ages and prepare for the leadership models of tomorrow.

Renowned sociologist and author Emilia van Hauen will lead an interactive presentation, followed by group discussions and an additional session (TBA).

Speaker Biography: Emilia van Hauen

Emilia van Hauen holds an MSc in Sociology from the University of Copenhagen and a bachelor's degree in business and marketing from Copenhagen Business School. She is an international lecturer, TEDx speaker, and author of seven books, including three bestsellers. Additionally, she is a professional board member, commentator, and trend advisor. With over 30 years of expertise, she specializes in younger generations, gender and diversity, and modern communities. Her latest book, THE GENERATION THAT WILL SAVE THE WORLD ... with a little help from the rest of us (Gyldendal, 2024), delves into how Generation Z is shaping our future. She is also an ambassador for UNICEF and Girltalk and a mother of three adult sons.

Event Details

📅 May 19, 2025

⏰ 12:00 - 15:30

📍 Demant Hall, DTU Lyngby Campus

Program

12:00 - 12:30

Registration & sandwiches

12:30 - 12:45 

Welcome by Lars D. Christoffersen, Senior Vice President and Dean, Office for Study Programmes and Student Affairs

Introduction of the program by Jens Ø. Duus, Vice Dean, Office for Study Programmes and Student Affairs

12:45 - 14:15

Interactive presentation by Emilia van Hauen

14:15 - 14:30

Coffee break

14:30 - 14:50

Group discussion by participants (at the tables)

14:50 - 15:20

TBA

15:20 - 15:30

Wrap-up by Jens Ø. Duus

We look forward to seeing you at this insightful seminar, where we will explore how generational diversity can be a strength rather than a challenge.

Deadline for registration: May 15, 2025