Hey! Over the past few years, I’ve met a bunch of young entrepreneurs – Gen Z founders. And honestly? The way they do things feels… fresh. Different. Not just their ideas, but how they lead, make decisions, and run their businesses and their leadership style.
And it got me thinking: older CEOs could actually learn a lot from them. I’m not saying copy everything – obviously, that won’t work. But there are definitely lessons worth noticing. So let’s just chat about it, like we’re sitting together having coffee.
What really strikes me is how fearless they are, and how much they value people and purpose over just profits. It’s a style of leadership that feels alive, real, and… kind of inspiring.
1. Be Real, Not Perfect
The first thing I noticed? These founders are real. Like, really real. They talk about their wins, struggles, and even failures. And guess what? People actually respect that.
Their teams trust them more. They feel motivated. They feel part of the journey. No pretending, no fake smiles – just honest, human leadership.
I remember one founder telling me about a product that completely flopped. Instead of hiding it, she shared what went wrong and what she learned. Her team didn’t freak out – they worked together to make it better. That’s real leadership style right there.
2. Be Flexible
Gen Z founders grew up in a world that changes fast. Trends pop up overnight. Social media platforms change. Markets shift. They know being rigid is a mistake.
They pivot fast, try new things, and aren’t afraid to fail. And honestly? Moving quickly often beats waiting to get everything perfect.
Older leaders: being flexible doesn’t mean losing control. It just means noticing what’s happening, adapting, and acting when it counts.
Being flexible also means learning from each attempt – good or bad and using that insight to make the next move smarter. It’s not just about reacting; it’s about staying ahead and keeping the momentum going.
3. Technology is Your Friend
No surprise here – they grew up with tech. Phones, apps, social media – it’s second nature.
They use tools to make work easier. Automation, AI, analytics – you name it. They don’t fear tech. They embrace it.
Older leaders sometimes feel tech is too complicated or scary. But learning it will save time, stress, and make work smoother.
4. Care About People
Something I really admire? They genuinely care about their teams. Mental health, stress, life outside work – it matters. They check in. They listen. They actually care.
And guess what? Teams perform better. People are motivated, creative, and loyal.
Older leaders sometimes think empathy is “soft.” It’s not. Empathy is a superpower. People give their best when they feel valued and seen a leadership style
5. Ideas Matter More Than Titles
Gen Z leaders don’t care much about hierarchy. Titles exist, sure, but they don’t control the conversation.
I’ve been in meetings where even interns’ ideas were taken seriously. Brainstorming is about the best idea – not who shouts the loudest.
Older leaders: listen to everyone. Encourage open talks. You’ll be surprised how many great ideas come from people closest to the work.
6. Be Honest and Open
These young leaders are transparent. They share goals, challenges, even money matters.
Older leaders sometimes keep decisions secret thinking it shows authority. But being open builds trust. Share the “why” behind decisions. People feel included. They care more.
I met a founder who shared wins and setbacks every month. Instead of being discouraged, the team worked harder. People love feeling part of the journey.
7. Purpose Matters More Than Money
Yes, money matters. But Gen Z founders care more about purpose. They want work that actually means something.
Older leaders often focus only on profits. But a purpose-driven culture inspires passion and loyalty in ways money alone can’t.
When people believe in what they’re doing, they go the extra mile. That energy spreads across the whole team. It’s contagious.
8. Make Decisions Fast
Gen Z leaders don’t overthink. They gather info, trust their gut, and move.
Older leaders sometimes overthink everything. Waiting too long can mean missed opportunities.
Quick decisions don’t mean reckless decisions. It just means making a choice, acting, and adjusting if things don’t go perfectly.
9. Keep Learning
Here’s something I love – they never stop learning. Podcasts, articles, mentors, webinars – they’re always picking up something new.
Older leaders, the world isn’t slowing down. Stay curious. Stay open. Keep learning. Otherwise, you start falling behind.
10. Work Can Be Fun
These founders know work can be fun. Humor, creativity, playfulness – it’s part of the culture.
Older CEOs sometimes think fun is unprofessional. But fun keeps teams energized, motivated, and excited to come to work. It’s not a distraction – it actually helps people do better work.
11. Celebrate Small Wins
They celebrate small wins. Finishing a tough task, hitting a small milestone, even getting good feedback from a customer.
Older leadership style sometimes focus only on big goals. But celebrating small wins keeps the team happy and motivated. Small recognition can make a big difference.
12. Lead by Example
Gen Z founders don’t just tell people what to do – they do it themselves. They work alongside their team.
Older leaders sometimes give instructions from their corner office. But showing up, rolling up your sleeves, and being part of the work earns respect in ways words can’t.
It also sets the tone for the whole team – hard work, dedication, and ownership become part of the culture naturally. People are more motivated when they see their leaders truly in the trenches with them.
The Takeaway
Gen Z founders are real, flexible, tech-friendly, caring, and purpose-driven. They collaborate, move fast, make work fun, and celebrate small wins. They lead by example and never stop learning.
Older leadership style, there’s a lot to learn here. Be authentic, transparent, empathetic, and quick to act. Mix these into your leadership, and you’ll see your teams grow stronger.
Thanks for reading! I love sharing these insights. Keep observing, keep learning, and most importantly – keep leading with heart.
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