David, what a great post. And what a gift that workshop attendee gave her/herself and everyone in the room. Learning sticks with conversations like that.

Technically I don't work with Millennials, but observe them working in my local coffee shop and through my niece and nephew. One thing I'm reminded of is that I'm allowed to dream. To your point about an employee being eager for advancement. I can look at myself and ask if I'm doing what is needed (but not over-doing) to achieve my goals.

My now 30 yo nephew asked to be part of a company-sponsored MBA program in his mid-twenties. Typically his employer only allowed those with certain number of years of service. They made an exception for him. He had earned it, and he and his fellow students learned so much from each other. He's a team leader now. Again, my lesson - don't be afraid to ask for what you want, and act on your dream.

As a side note, David, check out Brenda Pohlman's work on Generation Everyone. Fascinating.