Meet Dr. Katherine Jeffery, Generational Strategist
Bridging Generations with Research, Insight, and Heart
KJ Consulting helps organizations thrive during today’s unprecedented generational transition. Through our signature GenShift program, we offer:
Our goal? To equip businesses and leaders with the tools they need to create inclusive, healthy workplaces where all generations can thrive.
Generational Researcher | Leadership Consultant | Gen X Bridge-Builder
Her Journey
Katherine’s story began in a wilderness camp for “emotionally disturbed teenagers,” where she first witnessed the transformative power of community and the deep desire of young people to grow and belong.
While hiking the Appalachian Trail with at-risk youth, she pursued a Master’s in Counseling at Clemson University.
Later, as a leadership professor, she noticed a pivotal classroom moment: When asked which leadership style they preferred, her Millennial students overwhelmingly chose laissez-faire—a clear signal that their expectations of leadership had shifted.
That spark led to her dissertation and a qualitative research study on Millennial leadership values. Her findings now inform the GenShift approach to generational consulting and leadership development. (See the Research page to learn more.)
Why Generational Diversity Matters Now
Workplace diversity isn’t just about race or gender—it’s also about age and generational perspective. Right now:
Five generations are working together for the first time in history.
According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, age is the top diversity challenge in North America.
Gallup reports Millennial turnover costs U.S. companies over $30 billion annually.
Only 18% of Millennials say they plan to stay with their current employer long-term.
Many leave due to lack of growth, misalignment with values, or feeling unheard.
At the same time, Baby Boomers are retiring, taking decades of institutional knowledge with them. Meanwhile, Millennials and Gen Z are stepping into leadership roles—often without the mentorship or cultural infrastructure to succeed.
The Challenge—and the Opportunity
To thrive in this generational shift, organizations must:
Retain Millennial and Gen Z talent
Capture and transfer institutional knowledge from Boomers
Foster cross-generational collaboration
Build agile, sustainable cultures that honor legacy while embracing change
Are you ready to lead through this generational transition with clarity and confidence?
EDUCATION
Doctor of Philosophy, Educational Studies - Trinity International University
Dissertation: "Undergraduate Student Leaders, a Subgroup of Millennials, and Their Self-Selected Life Experiences in Teams"
Master of Education, Community Agency Counseling - Clemson University
Bachelor of Science, Psychology - Indiana University -
Bachelor of Arts, Biology - Indiana University
ASSOCIATE CERTIFIED COACH