Bullish on Gen Z

One's CEO's perspective

Excerpt:

"Weaver, who has taught and hired employees from different generations, is bullish on Gen Z, the newest cohort to enter the workforce.

“I know a lot of people complain about this generation. The stereotype is that they’re going to quit their jobs more quickly or they have their own personal goals, and they’re difficult to manage,” Weaver says. “But underneath all that is that they want to make a difference.”

When I asked how a career in private equity, with its relentless pursuit of efficiency, margin improvement, and cash, can satisfy purpose-driven young people, Weaver noted that several Alpine portfolio companies provide software and services to nonprofits or support their communities through healthcare and education services. He says he takes pride in making sure the people who work at Alpine and its portfolio companies—about 38,000 people—have meaningful work and career opportunities.

And Weaver says he appreciates the values that Gen Z is bringing to Alpine.

“They hold us to a higher standard,” he says. “If you can meet that standard, Gen Z’s amazing.”