Helen Mekonen's Insights

Future of Work

Explore practical insights and leadership perspectives from BES on talent strategy, organizational performance, and future-ready teams.

Future of Work

  • Future of Work/Helen Mekonen

    Bridging Generations: Three Fun and Creative Ways to Foster Cross-Generational Collaboration

    Generational diversity is one of the most valuable assets in today’s workplace, bringing together unique perspectives, experiences, and strengths from Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Zers. However, leveraging this diversity isn’t always straightforward, as stereotypes and misunderstandings can hinder collaboration. To bridge these generational divides, organizations can implement creative strategies like generational “Show-and-Tell” sessions, reverse innovation workshops, and two-way learning exchanges. These activities foster connection, mutual respect, and a culture of inclusivity, enabling teams to unlock innovation and build stronger relationships. By embracing the contributions of every generation, organizations can create thriving workplaces where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed.

    Read Bridging Generations: Three Fun and Creative Ways to Foster Cross-Generational Collaboration
  • Future of Work/Helen Mekonen

    Generalist vs. Specialist: Rethinking How We Define Expertise in a Hybrid World

    In this piece, Helen Mekonen challenges conventional wisdom by arguing that generalists—not specialists—are becoming the most critical leaders in today’s rapidly evolving workplace. As AI, hybrid models, and cross-sector complexity reshape how value is created, organizations need leaders who can apply knowledge across unfamiliar contexts, connect disparate ideas, and lead without a script. While deep expertise still matters in specific high-risk settings, Helen shows that it’s the generalist—adaptive, integrative, and systems-minded—who increasingly drives innovation, collaboration, and enterprise-wide momentum.

    Read Generalist vs. Specialist: Rethinking How We Define Expertise in a Hybrid World

Thought Leadership Videos

Watch recent thought leadership videos on inclusive leadership, workplace culture, and transformation.

The Invisible Line Between Senior Leader and Executive

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The Invisible Line Between Senior Leader and Executive

As you move into executive roles, how you communicate matters just as much as what you’ve accomplished... and arguably, even more. In this instalment of Be the BES Leader, Jason Murray explores what executive-level communication "sounds like" and what hiring committees listen for, including how you frame challenges and how you navigate complexity.

Watch The Invisible Line Between Senior Leader and Executive
You Can Mandate Presence, But Not Connection

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You Can Mandate Presence, But Not Connection

Melissa Sumnauth explores why the true test of hybrid or in-person work lies in how leaders foster connection today - and how the choices they make will shape workplace culture and the ability to retain talent.

Watch You Can Mandate Presence, But Not Connection
Why Clarity, Not Just Authenticity Builds Trust in Hiring

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Why Clarity, Not Just Authenticity Builds Trust in Hiring

Helen Mekonen explains why clarity, coupled with authenticity and consistency, matters, because authenticity and consistency, matters, because your story is being interpreted long before you walk into the interview.

Watch Why Clarity, Not Just Authenticity Builds Trust in Hiring
Why Confidence Stops Working at the Executive Level

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Why Confidence Stops Working at the Executive Level

In this instalment of "Be the BES Leader," Jason Murray examines why confidence may help you get noticed over the course of your career, but sound judgment is what helps you become an executive.

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Why High Performers Stall Below Executive Level

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Why High Performers Stall Below Executive Level

In this short, Jason Murray explores why strong leaders get held at that threshold and what hiring committees are actually looking for beyond performance, including signals of trust, judgment, and peer-level presence.

Watch Why High Performers Stall Below Executive Level

Indigenous Knowledge/Jason Murray

National Indigenous History Month as a Mirror rather than a Museum

This reflection piece argues that National Indigenous History Month should be an opportunity not only to deepen our understanding of history, but also to examine how it shapes our everyday choices.

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Learn more about National Indigenous History Month as a Mirror rather than a Museum

Sustainability/Stephanie La

Green AI: The Role of AI in Sustainability

Green AI emphasizes the importance of balancing innovation with environmental responsibility, addressing the significant environmental and ethical challenges posed by AI development, such as high carbon emissions, energy consumption, and data privacy concerns. While AI offers transformative benefits, including climate change prediction, pollution monitoring, and public health insights, its rapid advancement often prioritizes speed over sustainability. By adopting Green AI practices—such as energy-efficient algorithms, renewable energy sources, and sustainable development goals—organizations can reduce their environmental impact, align with sustainability objectives, and foster long-term growth while contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future.

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Learn more about Green AI: The Role of AI in Sustainability