Why Hiring Gen Z Might Be Your Next Power Move: Revisiting Dr. Lee Allison, Texas A&M University

In this episode of Distribution Talk, host Jason Bader sits down with Dr. Lee Allison, an associate professor in the industrial distribution program at Texas A&M University, to discuss the evolving role of academia in preparing the next generation of distribution professionals. Allison shares her journey from a career in sales and marketing within the alcoholic beverage industry to academia, emphasizing her commitment to mentorship, student engagement, and the revival of sales education in higher education. She highlights Texas A&M’s unique focus on teaching sales, communication, and technical selling skills—especially for engineers—positioning students to contribute value from day one. The conversation also explores the growing importance of internships, capstone projects, and corporate partnerships that benefit both students and companies. Allison stresses the need for ethical AI literacy, arguing that human skills like empathy, critical thinking, and servant leadership will remain irreplaceable even as AI augments business processes. She underscores that Gen Z and Gen Alpha students are not entitled but are purpose-driven, seeking meaningful work and strong relationships with employers. Key takeaways include: 1) Internships are a powerful recruitment and talent development tool that allow companies to assess fit and build future leaders; 2) Sales and communication skills should be central to distribution education, not just technical knowledge; 3) Engineers need soft skills to effectively communicate complex solutions to non-technical stakeholders; 4) Ethical AI use must be taught to ensure students understand the societal impact of algorithmic decisions; 5) Gen Z and Gen Alpha students are not lazy or entitled—they are values-driven and seek purpose, mentorship, and work-life balance. The episode concludes with a strong endorsement of the symbiotic relationship between industry and academia in shaping a more skilled, ethical, and human-centered distribution workforce.