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Alastair sits down with Gillian White, an independent consultant in retail engineering by training, and lifelong globetrotter. A self-described Gen X cusper, Gillian pushes back on generational absolutes: agreeing with Alastair’s mantra that we’re framed by our era, not defined by it. Growing up as “the new kid” across different countries taught her adaptability, curiosity and grit. These were traits she later relied on as one of only a handful of women on her engineering course and throughout a career spanning public and private sectors (including time working in Japan).
Gillian tackles ageism head-on, arguing that the word retirement often implies redundancy rather than reinvention. “Age is a privilege,” she says as she shares the story of an 85-year-old emeritus physicist still lecturing as the model of purposeful longevity. She reflects on overcoming bias as a young female engineer (prove competence, keep going, build allies) and why she now chooses clients who respect experience while using candid feedback and clear ground rules when she spots cross-generational friction.
As a parent to a cusp-generation daughter, Gillian aimed for aspiration over prescription by looking at slightly softer edges than her own strict, military-family upbringing, but with high expectations and wide horizons. She questions whether society has become too risk-averse, urging “careful risk-taking” so younger generations can build real resilience. Her advice to older professionals: stay relevant (keep learning, yes – including AI), be humble, and be generous with your knowledge. To Gen Z: talk to us – ask, listen, don’t posture, and don’t feel you have to mimic each other’s slang to connect.
Gillian White Takeaways:
- Ageism (including the baggage of the word retirement) erases value; purpose can and should evolve.
- As a minority in engineering, progress came from competence, consistency and allies (plus ignoring noise).
- If you meet subtle bias, try open feedback and shared ground rules. If it persists, walk away.
- Parents and leaders should promote aspiration + autonomy: listen more, prescribe less.
- For seasoned pros: keep learning, especially new tools and tech; be humble and share wisdom.
- For Gen Z: communicate plainly, ask questions, and seek to understand before persuading.
