In this episode of What I Learned in Business (That Didn’t Kill Me!), James Stewart explores one of the most important and misunderstood challenges facing leaders, employers, marketers and boards today: how to understand and engage the next generations of consumers and workers—Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

James is joined by Anastasia Pelot, founder of House of Context and a youth-culture strategist who helps organisations decode how young people think, behave, buy and communicate. Raised across Kenya, Greece, Germany, Syria and Lebanon before moving to the United States at 15, Anastasia brings a rare global and cultural lens to the question of identity, belonging and generational change.

The conversation begins with Anastasia’s extraordinary upbringing as a Third Culture Kid (TCK), the cultural shock of settling in the US as a teenager, and how those experiences shaped her sensitivity to identity formation, emotional safety and belonging—themes that sit at the heart of her work today.

James and Anastasia then dive deep into the real differences—and overlaps—between Gen Z and Gen Alpha, cutting through stereotypes and simplistic labels. Anastasia explains why she views youth not as a “segment” but as a signal—an early indicator of where culture, leadership, work and consumer behaviour are heading next.

Key themes explored include:

• Why dividing young people strictly into Gen Z versus Gen Alpha can obscure deeper behavioural patterns
• Gen Z as the first generation to experience “public adolescence” online, and the self-protective instincts that emerged as a result
• Gen Alpha as a more AI-native, immersive and sensory-driven cohort
• How young people form identity, relationships and belonging in an algorithmic world
• The headwinds and tailwinds shaping youth development today, from mental health pressures to economic uncertainty

From there, the discussion shifts to a business and consumer lens, examining what authenticity really means to younger generations, how brands succeed—or fail—when engaging them, and why traditional measures of loyalty often miss what actually matters: community, participation, advocacy and influence.

The episode also looks forward, exploring how emerging technologies such as AI, augmented and virtual reality, digital avatars and immersive platforms are reshaping expectations—and what businesses should be doing now to remain relevant.

Finally, James and Anastasia discuss Australia’s new laws restricting access to social media for under-16s from December 2025, the potential cultural consequences, and how Gen Alpha in particular may adapt to a more regulated digital environment.

This is a wide-ranging, practical and thought-provoking conversation for anyone trying to understand the future of leadership, marketing, culture and commerce—and the generations who will define it.

This podcast is provided for general information and discussion purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the host and guest are their own and do not constitute financial, legal, investment, regulatory or professional advice. Listeners should not rely on the information discussed in this episode as a substitute for independent advice tailored to their specific circumstances. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of recording, no representations are made as to the completeness or ongoing accuracy of the information.

To learn more about the podcast, access episode notes, or explore upcoming guests, visit jameshstewart.com.

You can also connect with James on LinkedIn at James H Stewart GAICD.

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In this episode of What I Learned in Business (That Didn’t Kill Me!), James Stewart sits down with Andrew Yates, CEO of KPMG Australia, to explore what it really takes to lead one of the country’s largest and most scrutinised professional-services firms.

Andrew oversees more than 10,000 people including c.800 partners across Australia, Papua New Guinea and Fiji, and manages some of the most complex audit, assurance and advisory relationships in the country, including Westpac, ANZ, Macquarie Bank, Qantas, IAG, Sydney Airport, Perpetual and the Reserve Bank of Australia.

Before stepping into the CEO role, Andrew led KPMG’s national audit and risk consulting practice, worked in Hong Kong and New York, and guided audit engagements at the highest levels of corporate Australia. On Day 1 as CEO, he made headlines by introducing 26 weeks of fully paid parental leave for every new parent, signalling a bold stance on culture, inclusion and purpose.

In this candid conversation, Andrew and James unpack:

• Andrew’s early years, his love of cricket — and the truth behind his nickname “The Kettle”
• How his international experience shaped his leadership philosophy
• The transition from audit leader to CEO in a partnership model where you lead your peers
• The inside story of managing culture and cohesion across a 10,000-person organisation
• How KPMG responded to the PwC Australia tax scandal and the sector-wide scrutiny that followed
• The heavy regulatory environment the Big 4 operate in — including Royal Commissions, Senate inquiries, ASIC oversight and global regulators
• The future of audit vs non-audit services, and the UK’s “operational separation” model
• The impact of AI and emerging technologies on professional-services firms — structurally, commercially and culturally

A wide-ranging conversation with a leader who “likes to bowl straight at the stumps,” this episode offers a rare, inside view of the pressures, decisions and opportunities shaping the future of the professional-services industry.

Disclaimer.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and do not represent the views, positions or policies of any organisations they are associated with, including KPMG Australia.

Nothing in this episode is intended to constitute financial, legal, professional or other advice. Listeners should seek their own independent advice relevant to their circumstances. All discussion is for general information and educational purposes only.

Connect.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jameshstewart

Website: www.jameshstewart.com

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In this episode of What I Learned in Business (That Didn’t Kill Me!), James H Stewart sits down with Jim Sarantinos, CEO of the Parramatta Eels, one of the most passionately supported and closely scrutinised rugby league clubs in Australian sport.

Before taking the reins at the Eels, Jim spent two decades at Ferrier Hodgson, helping navigate some of Australia’s most complex restructures — including Rick Damelian Group, Dick Smith Electronics, Topshop Australia, and Steinhoff Australia during its global financial challenges.

But perhaps his most defining challenge came in 2016, when the Eels faced one of the biggest governance crises in NRL history — board sackings, salary cap breaches, and a club community in turmoil. Working alongside Ferrier Hodgson legend Max Donnelly, Jim helped rebuild trust, governance and transparency — lessons that continue to shape the club today.

His story is also deeply personal. In his early thirties, Jim was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Surviving that experience reshaped his outlook on life, leadership and what truly matters — lessons that echo across every part of this conversation.

From crisis management to culture, and from chemotherapy to comeback, this is a conversation about resilience, accountability and the power of second chances — in business and in life.

• What corporate turnarounds can teach sporting organisations about leadership and accountability
• Inside the Eels’ 2016 governance crisis and the rebuild of its foundations
• How surviving cancer changed Jim’s leadership perspective
• The continuing challenge of turning potential into performance at a professional sporting club

For more episodes, visit jameshstewart.com

Connect on LinkedIn: James H Stewart GAICD

Follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.

This podcast is for educational and general discussion purposes only. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not represent the views of any organisation, past or present. Nothing discussed should be taken as financial, legal or professional advice. Listeners should seek their own professional guidance before acting on any information contained in this episode.

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