Understanding Gen Z Teenagers and Their Perspectives

Teenagers are often described as “hard to understand.” They’re also rarely asked to explain themselves.

In this episode of the GenShift Podcast, I sat down with two Gen Z teenagers and gave them space to talk—about school, leadership, AI, phones, parents, coaches, and what it feels like to grow up in today’s world. Not as a case study. Not as a trend report. Just as themselves.

What emerged was thoughtful, grounded, and often clearer than the adult conversations we tend to have about teens.

One of the strongest themes throughout the episode was listening. Not listening with the intent to correct or fix. Not listening just long enough to jump in with advice. But listening with curiosity and patience. The teens were honest about how quickly they can tell when adults are waiting to talk instead of trying to understand.

They also talked about respect—what it looks like and how easily it breaks down. For them, respect doesn’t mean being treated like adults before they’re ready. It means being taken seriously as developing people with real ideas, skills, and perspectives. They want adults to acknowledge their thinking, not dismiss it because of their age.

That desire for respect showed up clearly in how they talked about leadership. Teens today don’t want symbolic roles or “youth voice” that doesn’t come with any real influence. They notice immediately when responsibility is offered without trust, or when decision-making power never actually gets shared. What they want instead is partnership—adults who coach rather than command, and who are willing to step back once trust is established.

We also spent time talking about school and learning, especially in the context of AI. The teens were refreshingly nuanced. They see how AI can undermine learning when it replaces thinking, but they also recognize its value as a tool when used well. What stood out most was their understanding that real learning comes from struggle, mistakes, and practice—not from instantly perfect answers. That insight alone challenges a lot of adult assumptions about how teens approach technology.

Another important thread was how teens process information and stress. Emotional openness is normal for this generation. Talking about mental health, anxiety, and internal experiences doesn’t feel like oversharing to them—it feels honest. At the same time, they’re aware of how much information they absorb every day and how difficult it can be to sort what matters from what doesn’t. They rely heavily on trusted peers and adults who can listen without judgment.

When we talked about parents, coaches, and mentors, the message stayed consistent. Teens don’t expect adults to be perfect. In fact, they respond better when adults admit their own mistakes and limits. Stories matter more than lectures. Shared experience builds trust faster than instructions ever will.

This conversation reinforced something central to the GenShift framework. Strong cross-generational relationships are built on clarity, flexibility, and relationship. Clarity in communication. Flexibility in leadership style. And relationships grounded in trust rather than control.

If you work with teenagers—as a parent, educator, coach, or leader—this episode offers a reminder that understanding starts with asking better questions and slowing down long enough to hear the answers. Teen Gen Z isn’t asking adults to step aside. They’re asking them to show up differently.

Listen to the full episode, “Understanding Gen Z Teenagers and Their Perspectives,” here or wherever you get your podcasts.