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What if the real future-of-work crisis isn’t about technology replacing humans—but organizations pushing out workers just when their wisdom is needed most?
In this episode, Kate O’Neill and Dan Pontefract explore the urgency of rethinking age in the workplace, longevity, and designing meaningful work for six-decade careers.
Topics covered:
- Age and longevity in the workforce
- Fluid vs. crystallized intelligence
- The demographic “age debt” challenge
- AI and human intelligence collaboration
- Multidirectional, time-flexible careers
- Rethinking succession planning and wisdom transfer
- Designing learning ecosystems
- Evolution of purpose throughout a career
- Concrete steps leaders can take to turn age debt into dividends
Connect with Dan Pontefract
Website
LinkedIn
YouTube
Instagram
TikTok
Dan’s new book – “The Future is Grey”
Episode Chapters:
00:05 Welcome and Introduction
00:36 The Real Crisis: Age and Work
02:01 Dan’s Wake-Up Call: Fired at 50
03:39 Longevity vs Organizational Blind Spots
06:10 Lessons from Japan: The Age Canary
07:14 Chief Longevity Officers: Action or Gray Washing?
09:42 Fluid & Crystallized Intelligence in the Age of AI
14:10 Rivers, Rocks, and Rubies: Beyond Generational Stereotypes
18:09 Building Multi-Directional Careers
22:00 “Gray” Means Embracing the In-Between
22:44 Succession Planning vs Wisdom Transfer
26:46 Learning Ecosystems for All Ages
30:06 How Purpose Evolves Over Time
33:01 3 Steps for Leaders: Actionable Guidance
37:11 How to Use Rivers, Rocks, & Rubies in Practice
39:11 Dan’s Personal “Gray” Future
42:01 What’s Next for Dan and Final Thoughts
43:26 Closing and Where to Connect
