We were lucky to catch up with Stephany Poe recently and have shared our conversation below.

Stephany, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you have any thoughts about how to create a more inclusive workplace?

One of the best ways to create a truly inclusive workplace is to stop assuming everyone communicates, learns, or leads the same way—especially across generations. I’ve seen firsthand how misunderstanding between age groups creates tension, missed opportunities, and people feeling undervalued.

A moment that shaped my view? I once worked in an environment where younger employees were viewed as “not ready,” and older employees were dismissed as “resistant to change.” Neither was true—but no one was having the real conversation. That experience taught me that people of all ages want the same things: to feel respected, to be useful, and to be heard. The breakdown happens when we stop listening and start labeling.

Now, I focus on helping workplaces recognize those blind spots and build systems that let everyone contribute in a way that feels natural to them. Inclusion, to me, is about making space for difference without demanding people shrink to fit in—and that starts with curiosity, not assumptions.

Stephany, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Absolutely. My name is Stephany Poe, and I’m the founder of POEE Coaching & Consulting. I’m a communications strategist, workplace wellness advocate, and multigenerational workplace expert—but more than anything, I’m a translator between generations, cultures, and leadership styles.

I got into this work after years of navigating the government, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial sectors. I realized there was a massive disconnect between how people want to show up at work and how the culture, systems, or generational friction often make that difficult. I kept hearing the same frustrations: “They don’t listen,” “They don’t get it,” “I don’t feel seen.” And I thought—okay, then let’s fix that.

Through live workshops, virtual events, strategy sessions, and thought leadership content, I help teams build workplaces where people actually understand each other—and not just in a DEI checkbox kind of way, but in a human way. My signature series, The Generational Gap, is one example. It’s part professional development, part real talk, and all about bridging breakdowns between generations in business.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just teach these concepts—I live them. I’m a solopreneur, a woman of color, and someone who’s worked at almost every level of the system. I’ve had to lead up, lead across, and lead solo. My work blends strategy, empathy, and straight talk. I provide practical, research-backed tools that don’t collect dust in a binder, but are actually used to create change.

I’m also the author of Perfect Progression, a book that provides a framework for navigating the complexities of leadership and workplace dynamics across different generations. It’s all about helping people understand how to manage those differences and use them to their advantage—whether as leaders or team members. The book is available for pre-order at poeecc.com/ordermybook.

What I’m most proud of is hearing someone say, “You said the thing I’ve been feeling but didn’t have the words for.” That’s what I’m here for—to help people feel seen, heard, and empowered to lead and work better with others.

What I want potential clients and followers to know about me and my work is simple: I help people make room for growth—without losing themselves in the process. Whether it’s within their business, their teams, or their own leadership, I equip them to do it with clarity, confidence, and way less chaos. That’s the culture I build—one conversation at a time.”

How did you build your audience on social media?

I’m still building my social media presence, but for me, it starts offline. I connect with people in real life—at events, through conversations, by just showing up as myself and having fun. The vibes are different across generations, and I lean into that. Not everyone wants to network in a suit and tie, and honestly, I don’t either. I’m all about creating a space where people feel seen and comfortable.

Spiritually, I believe energy matters. I lead with intention, and I try to bring light into every interaction—whether it’s in person or online. When I post, I ask myself: Is this in alignment with who I am and what I’m here to do? That mindset keeps me grounded.

So for anyone just starting out: build from a place of purpose. Be consistent, be human, and don’t be afraid to show the parts of you that don’t fit into a curated box. That’s where real connection lives.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Marshall Goldsmith’s book What Got You Here Won’t Get You There had a major impact on how I approach leadership, entrepreneurship, and growth overall. It forced me to take a hard look at some of the patterns and habits I had picked up that were useful at one point—but weren’t going to serve me at the next level.

One part of the book that hit me was how often we assume that being good at what we do is enough. But I learned that self-awareness, adaptability, and the ability to grow beyond our comfort zones are what really move the needle—especially when you’re building something from the ground up.

That lesson shows up in my work all the time. Whether I’m coaching or facilitating generational conversations in the workplace, I come back to this idea that evolution is necessary. What worked for one team, one generation, or even one phase of life—won’t necessarily work in the next. That message stuck with me so much, I even wove some of that philosophy into my own upcoming book, Perfect Progression, which is now available for pre-order at poeecc.com/ordermybook.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://poeecc.com/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephany_poeecc/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanypoe/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/
• Other: TikTok