The Intern – Lessons Beyond the Screen

If you’ve watched The Intern, you know it’s more than just a feel-good movie. Robert De Niro as a 70-year-old intern shows us the power of experience, adaptability, and a willingness to contribute—qualities often overshadowed in today’s workplace buzz around innovation and agility.

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Now, I would love to see the Indian version of the film (remember Laal Singh Chaddha) with Amitabh Bachchan in the lead, I can’t help but wonder: are we, as individuals and organizations, truly open to embracing this concept? Or are we still clinging to the idea that age is a limitationrather than an asset?

Here’s the reality: in many workplaces today, if you’re 50 and not a CXO, you’re seen as a “senior citizen.” And let’s face it—not everyone becomes a CXO. Nor should they have to. Yet, professionals who don’t reach the highest rungs of the ladder are often sidelined, despite their wealth of experience and the value they bring.

It’s time we talked about age diversity with the same seriousness as gender diversity.

From Gender Diversity to Age Inclusivity

Over the years, women have led a powerful movement for gender diversity, breaking barriers and proving that inclusion makes workplaces stronger. Now, it’s time to take this principle further and embrace age diversity—creating opportunities for senior citizens across genders to thrive in their own ways.

Organizations have embraced gender balance because they see the business case. Age diversity isn’t any different. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about tapping into a deep pool of knowledge, resilience, and mentorship that can elevate teams and organizations alike.

What Organizations Need to Do

• Expand the Definition of Talent: Talent doesn’t come with an expiry date. Companies need to focus on the skills, wisdom, and stability that senior professionals bring. These attributes are often critical during times of rapid change and uncertainty.
• Offer Flexible Roles: Not every senior professional wants—or needs—a CXO title. Companies should create roles that leverage their strengths, such as part-time mentorships, project-based consulting, or advisory positions.
• Reframe Growth Pathways: Growth doesn’t have to mean climbing the corporate ladder. It can also mean growing within a role or field where experience is irreplaceable.
• Address Bias: Ageism, like any other bias, is often unconscious. Organizations need to actively combat stereotypes about older professionals being less adaptable or tech-savvy.

What Senior Professionals Can Do

While organizations need to create the right environment, individuals have their own role to play:

• Stay Relevant: Keep learning, especially when it comes to technology and evolving business practices.
• Mentor and Collaborate: Your experience is your superpower. Share it generously while also being open to learning from younger colleagues.
• Challenge Stereotypes: Be vocal about your ambitions and contributions. Make it clear that you’re here to grow and add value, not coast to retirement.

Breaking the CXO Myth

Here’s the thing: the corporate world has created a narrative where only CXOs at 50+ are deemed relevant. But what about the countless professionals who excel in their fields but choose not to chase the corner office? Are their contributions any less valuable? Absolutely not.

We need to move away from this “CXO or nothing” mindset and create systems that allow experienced professionals to shine, regardless of their title.

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The Takeaway from The Intern

The Intern reminds us that age is not a barrier—it’s a strength. Whether you’re 30, 50, or 70, every stage of life brings unique opportunities to learn, contribute, and grow. For companies, embracing this truth can unlock immense potential.

So, let’s ask ourselves: are we ready to create workplaces where senior professionals across genders can thrive? Are we ready to make age inclusivity the next big movement?

As for me, I’ve found my calling with “first golf, then everything else.” But who knows, maybe there’s an Intern 2.0 role out there for me one day. Would I take it? Probably not. I hear golf courses offer better coffee.