I’m a big Mauro F. Guillén fan. I read 2030, and it broke my brain in the best way. I love discussions on generationalism, and Guillén’s input is valuable. The Perennials looks at the idea that there are five generations currently in the workforce, and when we cling to generational stereotypes, it hurts all workers. Guillén looks at the generations and the state of the modern workforce and lends his precision and broad outlook to the topic. I think more could have been said about who wields power in the workforce, but it is a good conversation. His points are well thought out, and the book is easy to read.

Thank you, Macmillan Audio, for the gifted audiobook.

Please Note: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher.

In Perennials, the author delves into the transformative shifts occurring in our familiar world, irrespective of our desire for change. Traditionally, we adhered to a linear pattern: growing up, securing a job, marrying, establishing a household, starting a family, and eventually retiring. The author skillfully illustrates how diverse generations contribute distinct value and viewpoints to existence. A case in point is drawn from BMW, where the dynamic zeal of younger staff contrasts with the seasoned sagacity of their older counterparts, culminating in a harmonious synergy.

In the contemporary landscape, birth rates are dwindling, and an unprecedented eight to ten generations coexist. Multigenerational households are becoming the norm. Companies are adapting their marketing strategies to capture fresh clienteles beyond their historical target audience. Conventional notions of a single lifelong career are giving way as individuals return to education to embrace new fields and pivot vocations. Notably, several educational institutions now actively promote programs tailored for those aged fifty and above, reflecting a trend of self-reinvention among older demographics.

However, a pressing concern arises – a deficiency in both literacy and financial acumen. Many grapple with basic comprehension and numeracy skills. Tackling these challenges becomes imperative for maintaining competitiveness in global markets.

The author presents these insights in a digestible manner, sparking contemplation. The material provided is intellectually stimulating, revealing the emergence of a society that transcends generational boundaries. For enthusiasts of sociology or those captivated by generational dynamics, this book warrants a perusal.

This one wasn’t what I was expecting. It was very informative, but was packed with so many numbers and stats being rattled off that it was hard to keep things straight in the audiobook format.

It was also distracting that the author gave dates for movie releases, which are super easy to Google without dates if you're interested, but simply referenced articles using phrases such as “a recent article in the New York Times”, making the article nearly impossible to find. I’m not sure if these are provided in the PDF that is mentioned in the opening of the book, as I did not receive that as part of my advance reader copy.

Overall, 2.5 rounded up to 3. While the book made some great points, it wasn't a practical or useful guide for the majority of us reading business books.

This is a great look at the generational wars that have sprung up and been exacerbated in the the social-media world of the 21st century. Looking at the real life consequences of the conflict between generations, and the way we have come into this highly segmented way of viewing life is an eye opener.

The premise of this book is that the linear model of life; education, work, retirement, is antiquated. It also penalizes those that because of childbearing, incarceration or other setbacks are delayed in their progress. Through the use of extensive statistics and anecdotal stories, the author shows a multigenerational workforce is optimum and education should happen at multiple stages of life. I found his work very interesting. It was a little dry at times but I think the author did a good job stating his case.

My thanks to NetGalley and MacMillian audio for this ARC.

The Perennials audiobook by Mauro F Gullen

Narrator: Leon Nixon
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Release Date: August 22, 2023
Listening Time: 8 Hours, 28 Minutes

Nonfiction (Adult), Business, Leadership, Finance, Self-Help, Political, Sociological

The author discusses how the world we know is changing whether we want it to change or not. In the past, we lived in a sequential model where we grew up, got a job, got married, moved into a house, started a family, then retired. He shows us how different generations have value and bring different perspectives to life. He uses an example of BMW. The energy of the younger employees differs from the experience of the older workers but together they make it work.

Now we are seeing lower birth rates and eight to ten generations alive today. Many families are generational households. Companies are changing their marketing to find new customers than they had in the past. Now people do not work one job as a career. They are going back to school to learn other fields and changing careers. Many colleges and universities are advertising programs for people over fifty since people are reinventing themselves at older ages. The problem that has been brought to light is the lack of literacy and financial knowledge. Many people struggle with common interest or reading. These are issues that must be addressed if we are going to compete on the global markets.

The narrator has a great speaking voice. He is easy to listen to and kept my attention. I listened to the audiobook in one sitting. The information he provided is thought provoking. I can see that we really are in a post generational society. If you like sociology or generational issues, you should read this book.