Pontoon Reimagine Now: Combatting Ageism in the Workplace with CEO Oliver Johnston

Reimagine Now

In the season premiere of Pontoon’s Reimagine Now podcast, Shannon Robertson, Director of Strategic Insights at Pontoon and host of the podcast, speaks with Oliver Johnston, an innovative thought leader in the realm of human capital management, specializing in executive transitions. As the founder and CEO of Stepping Out, he pioneers the development of "stepping out coaching" for corporate leaders, advising on integrating balanced transitions for senior executives. Shannon and Oliver take a deep dive into the significance of "stepping out" policies in contemporary HR practices, focusing on honoring the contributions of senior executives while preparing for the future of leadership. They also discuss the practicality of such policies, emphasizing their alignment with modern values like fairness, psychological safety, and combating age discrimination.

Quotes

• “I think the idea of supporting senior leaders in their transition from full-time employment, full-time career, into whatever happens next is an idea whose time has come. A few years ago, it was a need that hasn't become a want yet, as Jocker said. And I think the reason for that is we are more accepting of the fact that it's okay to be vulnerable.” -Oliver Johnston [11:46]
• “Seniors are not an endangered species. They're tough, they're robust, they're imaginative, they're creative. They get things done, so they don't need any sympathy. But we do need to respect them, and we need to respect the contribution that they make. Being a senior leader for ten years or 20 comes at a cost.” -Oliver Johnston [19:43]

Key Topics

• A stepping out policy is vital for managing high-level transitions sensitively and sustainably within organizations.
• Succession planning needs to consider both the successor's development and the incumbent's readiness to leave their role.
• Stepping out coaching is a pivotal service that helps senior executives navigate identity shifts and plan their futures post-retirement.
• Age discrimination, often overlooked, can be combated through fair and transparent stepping out policies and practices.
• Recognizing and honoring the contributions of executives as they transition out can have a positive and long-lasting impact on the organization's reputation.

Timestamps

[02:33] Genesis of the stepping out concept and its relevance in the corporate world

[09:46] Challenges of stepping out and the impact on identity

[12:55] The Goldilocks dilemma: leaving too early or too late

[27:45] Leaving at the right time for both the individual and the organization

[30:29] Addressing ageism and the arbitrary nature of retirement ages

[32:48] Stepping out policies as a way to combat age discrimination

[44:31] Coaching as a way to help senior leaders think broadly about their transition

[45:29] Three horizons for coaching

[49:51] Succession planning

[53:44] Fostering a culture that supports executive transitions

Connect

Pontoon Solutions

Shannon Robertson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-elizabeth-robertson/

Oliver Johnston: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-johnston-steppingout/

About Pontoon Solutions

Pontoon Solutions is a professional services firm that delivers people, processes, and tools to optimize workforces. Our customers can tap into our deep expertise, rich data, and high-performing technology that breaks organizational boundaries. The result is talent without limits, accurate data intelligence, agility, productivity, and cost avoidance.

Leveraging our global footprint and robust processes, we work with you to develop the right talent solution for your business and support you in achieving your strategic targets. We help businesses improve their candidate experience and drive their talent transformation, so they are ready for tomorrow's working world.