by Ashley Cheung, Principal & Founder, Virtual Patent Gateway
In the summer of 2023, I expanded the VPG team to include additional young creatives whose diverse majors span industrial engineering, computer science, statistics, kinetic imaging, business, data analytics, visual art development, and humanities. One thing I have observed while working with Gen Z is their common traits of a strong sense of community and support for one another.
Initially, I was uncertain how their involvement would impact my primary work in PTAB practice, which I don’t discuss on social media. This often leaves the impression that podcasting and my creative projects are my only focus. However, I assure you that I maintain a rigorous work ethic, as confirmed by my clients. I recognize a troubling trend in creating a divide between generations, particularly with the pervasive “us vs. them” rhetoric that contrasts the older generations with Gen Z. In response to social media narratives that often portray Gen Z negatively, I’ve chosen to give them a platform in my podcast to share their perspectives. I hope to emphasize the urgency of nurturing this generation’s immense potential because they will soon lead the way in driving inclusive innovations.
Here are some key insights shared during our #VirtualWaterCoolerChat:
Effective Communication: Transparency and empathy are essential for meaningful dialogue. We must eliminate the fear of saying the wrong thing; otherwise, we risk stagnation and failure to grow meaningfully.
One-on-One Feedback: Young creatives appreciate personalized feedback, preferring private discussions for critiques while welcoming public praise. This approach fosters a safe environment for honest conversations and growth.
Perspective on Reactions: A young creative shared an important lesson: don’t take feedback personally. Surprisingly, this resonated with me, as it highlights the need for emotional resilience and understanding in professional development.
Setting Boundaries: While establishing boundaries is crucial, it’s equally important to listen and understand the context before making final decisions. Flexibility and empathy can lead to healthier workplace dynamics. Know your non-negotiables, according to Crystal Kang, a Paralegal at Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone, LLP during our podcast interview.
By creating a supportive environment, we can foster inclusive growth and amplify diverse voices across generations, genders, races, and ethnicities. This is the vision I hope to become the moral pillar for Season 3 of #VirtualWaterCoolerChat.
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