How do you make a great first impression in a new job? And what separates the people who thrive in their first 90 days from those who struggle?

Starting a new role can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Whether you're beginning your career, changing employers, stepping into leadership, or navigating a fully remote environment, the first few months can shape your success for years to come.

In this episode of The Gen X/Z Exchange, Chris and Lily explore what it really takes to start a new job successfully. They dive into Michael Watkins' renowned 'First 90 Days' framework, Chris's experience of leading teams and changing roles throughout his career, as well as Lily's perspective having landed her first professional internship, plus there's advice from Chris' LinkedIn community. They unpack how to build confidence, credibility and momentum from day one.

You'll learn:

• How to create a learning agenda for your first 30 days in a new role
• Three clues that help you quickly understand a company's culture
• The four types of people you should identify and build relationships with early
• How to secure early wins between from 30-60 days
• What great employees and leaders do during days 60 to 90 to build trust and reputation
• Four powerful problem-solving questions to ask when tackling new challenges
• The biggest challenge facing employees in today's remote and hybrid workplaces
• Five essential conversations to have with your manager at the end of your first 90 days

Chris and Lily also compare the different concerns Gen X and Gen Z employees face when starting a new role and share the lessons that surprise them most.

Whether you're starting your very first job, moving to a new organisation, or stepping into a leadership role, listen in and you'll discover how to navigate the first 90 days with confidence and set yourself up for long-term success.

Hit play now and give yourself the best possible start.

If this episode resonates, you might also find episode 14 from 3rd December 2025 useful: 'Gen X, Gen Z, Boomers & Millennials: Gabby Rosely decodes how the generations can all get along at work'

1.01 Lily's new job

2.05 Stats of the first 90 days

4.11 First 30 days - your learning agenda

7.31 Three clues to company culture

9.01 Four types of people to look for in the culture

11.30 30-60 days: how to secure early wins

15.05 60-90 days: building consistency and developing your reputation

15.35 For problem solving questions

17.28 Five mini conversations to have with your boss at 90 days

19.30 The biggest challenge being new and fully remote

22.27 Top concerns of Gen X & Gen Z starting a new job

28.21 Quick fire advice from our LinkedIn connections

31.03 Lily's key takeaways

The Gen X/Z Exchange is a UK podcast exploring career change, purpose, wellbeing and modern life through honest conversations between a Gen X dad and his Gen Z daughter - helping you navigate life’s transitions with perspective across generations.

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisperkins172/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-perkins-8446a82bb/