Alex Atherton is an award-winning leadership speaker, generational expert, and former secondary school headteacher who helps organisations turn multi-generational workplaces into a competitive advantage.

Background

With twenty-five years in education — including over a decade leading large inner-London comprehensives — Alex brings rare, frontline insight into the realities shaping Generation Z. He doesn’t talk about Gen Z from a distance; he’s worked alongside them, led them, challenged them, and listened to them every day.

Author

Alex is the author of The Snowflake Myth (2025), a practical and provocative guide for organisations struggling to recruit, retain, and engage Gen Z talent. The book dismantles lazy stereotypes and argues that while generational gaps are real, they are entirely bridgeable — provided leaders are willing to adapt first. The future of work, Alex believes, depends on collaboration across generations, not conflict between them.

Often labelled “snowflakes,” Gen Z are one of the most misunderstood generations to enter the workplace. Alex heard that label one too many times applied to his former students — and decided to challenge it head-on. Drawing on lived experience, research, and real-world leadership practice, he gets to the heart of what truly motivates this generation and why many traditional leadership approaches are falling short.

Inspirational speaker

Today, Alex works with organisations across sectors to help leaders:

• Understand what Gen Z actually values at work

• Recruit and retain young talent in a competitive market

• Build trust and engagement across generations

• Turn generational diversity into a driver of performance, not a barrier

As the oldest members of Gen Z move into management roles, these challenges are becoming more urgent. Alex equips leaders and managers with practical, proven strategies they can apply immediately — not theory, not trends, but tools that work.

Presentation style

Alex’s career has been shaped by tough choices and high-stakes leadership. He led schools in some of the most challenging communities, where young people needed opportunity, belief, and high expectations in equal measure. That passion carries onto the stage.

His talks are energetic, honest, and highly actionable — designed to inspire audiences while leaving them with clear next steps. Every session is bespoke, shaped around the specific challenges your organisation is facing, ensuring maximum relevance and impact.

What clients say

“Alex was fantastic — he helped us understand the tangible steps we can take to be a great employer for Gen Z. His passion really shone through, making him a highly engaging speaker.” Ben Bramhall, CEO, XPS Pensions

“A focused, articulate speaker with a deep understanding of his material. Alex delivers practical sessions full of value and insight that businesses can act on immediately.” Paul Andrews, Managing Director, Family Business United

Make an Enquiry