My Top Ten Moments from 2024!
Hello Friends! What a year. Thank you for being on this journey with me. We made a lot of exciting memories this year, including unexpected adventures. Check out the videos and snapshots below to see my work and family highlights—from Denise hiking the Grand Canyon to me appearing on TV shows and Rya’s big birthday surprise. Thank you for making 2024 unforgettable! We are grateful.
10. Speaking at Cowboys Stadium and Filming a Fun Behind-the-Scenes Video!
One of my favorite moments of 2024 was keynoting a Leadership Symposium at AT&T Stadium. It was my second time speaking in this iconic venue, and standing where the Dallas Cowboys play felt like a full-circle moment, especially remembering how I once dreamed of attending a game as a kid.
The Leadership Symposium featured an inspiring group of leaders. Sharing my new generational discoveries was a highlight of the year. You can see my excitement by watching my behind-the-scenes video on LinkedIn or on Instagram!
9. Celebrating our VP of Sales’ 15th Anniversary!
It is with great excitement that we celebrated Emily’s 15th anniversary with CGK. Emily joined us at a pivotal time as our business was rapidly growing. She brought years of experience, speaking industry wisdom, and lots of great stories. A Baylor alum, Emily is very involved in her local community, an avid Mavericks fan, and an expert global traveler. The entire team at CGK is deeply grateful for Emily’s leadership, expertise, and commitment to serving clients. We look forward to many more years together! Read more and connect with Emily on LinkedIn.
8. Created My New Speaking Preview Video!
I’m constantly updating, changing, and evolving my speeches, so I was thrilled to release my brand-new speaking preview video. This video includes footage from events with over 100,000 attendees! I love how the video shows some of my favorite funny stories, unexpected discoveries, and unique high-energy approach to speaking. I would be honored if you watched the short video and shared it with your family or any friends who might be looking for a new take on bridging generations. You can watch the video here.
7. Filmed a New Video About Why Every Generation Is Important
If you’ve heard me speak or read one of my books, you know that one of my central beliefs (and key messages!) is that every generation is important. Every generation brings something valuable, meaningful, and actionable to the world. I filmed a new video where I share this in my own words and was thrilled to see how many people engaged with it on social and digital media. If you haven’t seen it, please check it out here. We are stronger when every generation is represented.
6. I Ran (and finished!) My First 10k Race!
A personal highlight for me, this year I discovered my love for running. I found running later than most runners, and I really enjoy both the physical challenge and mental spark it provides. This year I signed up for my first-ever race, the Capitol 10K in Austin. Running through our capitol city with 20,000+ runners was unforgettable. The best part: celebrating with Denise at the finish line!
5. Leading Custom Thought Leadership for Great Companies, Associations, Authors, and Speakers!
This year CGK led more than 25 custom research studies for innovative companies, industry-leading associations, and numerous bestselling authors and acclaimed speakers. Every study was different but each delivered on a key mission: uncovering new, never-before-seen insights and discoveries that made our client the source of truth, conversation, and solutions.
The custom studies ranged in focus from hidden workforce trends to unexpected sales insights as well as technology innovation, communication solutions, and tons of behavioral discoveries. I was honored to work with so many great CEOs, leadership committees, CMOs, and personal brands. I love this work and helping our clients uncover unexpected insights that advance conversations and solve urgent challenges!
4. My First 9-Minute National TV Interview!
I’m grateful to have been on over 200 television interviews, but this year was the first one I ever did for over nine minutes! That is a long, long time in the TV news world, but the hosts and I were having so much fun digging into Gen Z that the interview kept going and going! We covered many different aspects of Gen Z, from their views on spending and retirement to universal basic income and so much more. Please check out the interview. It is packed with insights, debate, and a lot of energy! I’m excited for you to see it.
3. Denise Hikes the Grand Canyon!
Our fearless CEO and Co-Founder, Denise Villa, achieved one of her bucket list goals by hiking the Grand Canyon from the North Rim to the South Rim! That is a 24-mile hike with a 50 lb+ backpack, including three nights of sleeping and camping in the Grand Canyon. Denise trained for many months to be able to do the hike, and everyone at CGK is proud of her focus and determination.
2. Featured on CBS Discussing a Peculiar New Gen Z Trend
Early this year I was fired up to be featured on CBS National News to discuss a hot topic: Gen Z quitting their jobs—or being let go—and sharing it on TikTok. In the interview, I explained how this trend reflects Gen Z’s approach to transparency and self-expression. Social media is where Gen Z shares life’s highs and lows, from breakups to layoffs.
Understanding this behavior offers valuable insights into workplace dynamics. If you’re curious to learn more about Gen Z, check out our State of Gen Z research study on CGK’s website. Every generation brings unique value, and understanding each other helps us thrive together.
1. Rya’s Surprise 13th Birthday at a NYC Speaking Event – Thanks Hilton!
My favorite memory of 2024 was keynoting Hilton’s prestigious Hilton LIVE event at the Conrad Hilton Downtown in New York City. The event was incredible—filled with culinary experiences, new research, and an amazing audience of meeting and event leaders. I knew it was going to be an amazing event, so our whole family joined.
The best part? The Hilton team found out it was my daughter, Rya’s, 13th birthday and surprised her (and us!) by filling our hotel room with balloons, sweets, gifts, and a giant gold #13 display. She was thrilled, turning it into a Snapchat photo shoot (so Gen Z!). Seeing her excitement and Denise’s happiness made this a family memory I’ll never forget.
Thank You for an Amazing 2024. I’m Fired up about 2025!
As you can see, I am grateful and inspired by the impact and adventures the team and I had in 2024. We reached tens of thousands of people, led over two dozen new research studies, and discovered many new insights that I shared in my speeches. What an adventure! After such a great year, we are thrilled to look back and see the learning and growth as well as look ahead to a fantastic 2025. I very much hope our paths cross in this coming year and that we find ways to collaborate together.
I wish you a very happy, healthy, and meaningful 2025!
Posted: December 20th, 2024
Categories: Generations | Inspiration | Keynote Speaking | Leadership | Trends | Workforce
Written by Jason Dorsey
Jason Dorsey is an acclaimed generations and behavioral researcher and speaker. He's received over 1,000 standing ovations for his unique keynote presentations. Jason has led over 120 research studies. Adweek calls him a "research guru." His mission is to deliver new insights and practical strategies that solve business challenges for leaders.
