Featuring insights from Gena Gesing, a Consultant with deep experience in K-12 and higher education, career and technical education, workforce development, and career readiness.
Part of Kaptivate's Pivot & Thrive Series
In this episode of our Pivot & Thrive series, we sat down with Gena Gesing, a seasoned consultant whose work spans K-12 and higher education, career and technical education (CTE), workforce development, and career readiness. In this episode, we talk about the massive shifts happening in her field and how she’s rethinking her approach to meet the moment with creativity, purpose, and vision in order to pivot and thrive.
“A lot of shifts right now,” Gena says, pointing to the diminished availability of familiar funding sources like Perkins and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) as a critical challenge. The uncertainty surrounding these funds has forced many, including Gena, to reevaluate their strategies and business approach.
“We're needing to pivot and be innovative, strategic about how we can still really be competitive in our communities to drive workforce development career readiness and continue to thrive,” she explained.
Despite the current environment, Gena remains focused on forward momentum. “There's still such a need for a skilled workforce.” The question is: how do we keep moving forward and thrive despite the shifting landscape?
Rather than try to develop a one-size-fits-all solution, Gena suggests a more thoughtful, collaborative approach.
“First it's so important to figure out where you are now, what your resources are, who your partners are and where you want to go” she said. “Every community is different. Every situation is different and we want to be collaborating not competing”
In response to current challenges, Gena is launching a new initiative: a free, easy-to-access library of authentic career stories that students, educators, parents, and caregivers can leverage. This content will highlight real professionals talking about their work—what they do, why they love it, and what others should know.
These stories will serve as a quick but powerful way to spark career awareness and interest, particularly among students in grades five through twelve. Gena believes that it will be a great way to highlight both the careers themselves and the businesses that support student learning. This initiative is not only a service—it’s part of her broader marketing and outreach strategy.
Gena is particularly excited about engaging younger students. “They [students] can’t major in something if they don't even know that opportunity exists” she noted. Gena states that “our students want to know typically the path they're going to take before they invest in post-secondary education” due to the cost of resources such as time and money.
By starting career conversations in middle school, students can begin envisioning their future paths with more clarity and confidence. And it’s not just about knowing where they want to go, it’s also about learning where they don’t. And without early exposure, this is not possible.
Looking ahead, Gena sees the future of workforce development more broadly rooted in collaboration, instead of competition.
“Everyone needs to work together to ensure we continue to serve our communities and find the success we need. Move CTE forward so we have those skilled trade positions that are so needed in every area of the nation,” she stressed. From plumbers to auto technicians, skilled trade professionals remain essential, and right now, we need more of them.
But it’s not just about students, adults pivot careers too. Therefore, we need to make sure opportunities are visible and accessible for everyone, young people, career changers, or anyone looking to build a future.
Gena’s business is grounded in helping communities assess their assets, clarify their goals, and strategically chart a course forward.
“It's putting that all together, strategically thinking about what this community has to offer, the successes they have, and what it'll take to move their goals forward.”
Kaptivate remains committed to helping brands navigate uncertain times and challenges, successfully pivot, and be able to thrive in the future. Are you interested in learning more on how we can help your organization pivot and thrive? Connect with us today!