When We're in Charge: The Next Generation’s Guide to Leadership

by Amanda Litman

From the cofounder of Run For Something and veteran political campaign staffer, Amanda Litman, comes the missing guidebook for millennials and zoomers in positions of power, those who are becoming leaders, and those looking to find their path forward in their workplace, school, or community.

Within the next few years, millennials and zoomers—the “next-gen”—are poised to take over the workforce. As these generations begin to shake off the old models of boomer leadership, and replace them with a mode that’s more human, authentic, and infused with urgency about what’s ahead, future leaders need a roadmap now more than ever on how to lead differently. When We’re in Charge is the essential book to prepare for the shift that’s coming—a how-to guide by and for the next generations as they step into their power, and redefine what leadership looks like.

Amanda Litman has interviewed dozens of leaders in politics, tech, business, media, the arts, and more, including Versha Sharma, editor in chief of Teen Vogue; Maxwell Frost, first Gen Z member of Congress; Kyle Bukowski, Chief Medical Officer of Planned Parenthood; and Evan Spiegel, CEO of Snapchat; to compile the definitive guide to leadership for the next generation. Using their successes, and failures, as case studies—along with Litman’s own experience as a founder and entrepreneur—When We’re in Charge boils her learnings down to ten key values that the next generations hopes to embody in their leadership, and exactly how to do so, featuring chapters on authenticity, diversity, ambition, and much more. Each section is paired with action items and practical ways to bring those values to life. When We’re in Charge will prepare the next cohort of changemakers to break the mold of leadership and have an immense impact, whether it’s at work, school, or in your community.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Audiobook, Politics, Leadership, Management, Activism

272 pages, Paperback

First published May 13, 2025

About the author

Amanda Litman is the cofounder and president of Run for Something, which recruits and supports young, diverse leaders running for local office -- since 2017, they’ve launched the careers of thousands of millennials and Gen Z candidates and in the process, changed what leadership looks like in America. She’s also the author of “Run for Something: A Real-Talk Guide to Fixing the System Yourself,” (Atria) a how-to manual for people running for office.

Before launching Run for Something, Amanda worked on multiple presidential and statewide political campaigns. She graduated from Northwestern University and lives in Brooklyn with her husband, two daughters, and their sometimes rowdy dog.

Reviews

[Robyn Short · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a GenX leader. This book wasn’t written for me. If you’re a GenX or Boomer leader, it wasn’t written for you either. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read it.

One reviewer (I’m guessing not a Millennial or Gen Z — the stated audience) claimed it’s a “very simplistic book.” Well, maybe that’s because it is for an audience that’s newly navigating the workplace! And that’s what I found most interesting.

As an organization development consultant, I’m constantly telling my GenX and Boomer clients that professionals just entering the workplace need a radically different onboarding experience — they don’t know what they don’t know. Now, thanks to Litman’s book, they have the opportunity to access the kind of professional onboarding they need and often aren’t getting in most workplaces.

What I also admire about this book is the fact that Litman wrote it. She’s sarcastic at times, exasperated at times, and really just over the BS so many of us have dealt with throughout careers. She could be like a whole lot of jaded folks and just bitch and moan, but instead, she dedicated a year of Fridays to educate herself and others about what’s necessary to lead purpose-driven organizations. In other words, Litman gives a f#ck about the state of the workplace — and she’s doing something to make it better. Well, doesn’t that fly in the face of the "Millennial and Gen Z don't like to work" stereotype!

Regardless of the era that shaped who you are, I hope you’ll read this book. And if you are a “white, cisgender, heterosexual Boomer,” please don’t be offended by those pretty consistent references. The truth is … the patriarchy has done a load of harm to all women and people of color, and we’re collectively pretty over it. “White, cisgender, heterosexual Boomers” really have benefited from the patriarchy. So please, if that describes your identity, lean in with curiosity and self-reflection.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Completely baffles me that she only mentions Gen X twice. But, despite that, this book really made me think and solidify some things for myself!

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is a lot of this things we already know? Perhaps. BUT, sometimes we need to HEAR it anyway. As a Gen X, it wasn't necessarily written for me. I still found it hopeful. Full of ideas that are quite frankly necessary for our current world. We deserve work/life balance. We deserve leaders who care.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting reading experience for me! The left-leaning political/advocacy/nonprofit world is small, and as someone who's spent time that world, I've definitely heard rumblings of a toxic work culture at Run for Something. And in my own experience, some of my least healthy workplaces have been progressive ones with young-ish leaders who claim to value work-life balance, inclusion, and open dialogue.

On the other hand, Litman is totally right that a big part of senior/executive leadership is making hard and unpopular decisions based on context only you have, absorbing blame, and having someone mad at you no matter what you do. I thought she approached this with a lot of self-awareness about her own mistakes as a leader, while also acknowledging that a leader who everyone likes all the time probably isn't a very effective one.

I also found a lot of this applicable to my own work. Litman does a good job exploring the nuance that comes with rapidly shifting employee expectations, and the tendency of some younger bosses to overcorrect in their attempts to break cycles (I'm guilty of this for sure). Leaders should be transparent AND not all requests for information are reasonable. Getting input from your team is important AND there needs to be someone with ultimate decision-making authority or nothing will ever get done.

I also appreciated her thoughts on not letting your political job become your political home and finding the boundaries between your own opinions and your employer's stances.

Would recommend for folks in leadership roles (not just millennial/gen z), but especially at nonprofit, political, or advocacy orgs.

[julia jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was recommended to me by a new connection in the planning field who’s also a black woman & has been successful in this extremely white field at a young age. She shared that this book has been helpful for her navigating spaces as a CEO & often as not just the only black person or woman in a room, but the only young person (she’s a millenial). She knew I was navigating similar situations with my intersectionality + As an older gen z, who has always been the youngest professional in the room & is often the one facilitating these spaces, I was curious to listen!

It was super interesting & brought a huge smile to my face when a bestie was mentioned/interviewed & I didn’t expect it! Outside of the references to Tori that made me smile, I found it to be super insightful as it highlighted just how much things have changed in the world since the 2000s & how there are no set models of leadership to look to when you’re the one lighting the way in an unprecedented job or context. I’ve felt this to some extent (not nearly as much as the author) as someone who is constantly the first person in their job, quite literally paving the way & making things as I go.

I really resonated with what she identified of our generation at work especially as a pandemic grad who started full time work in a virtual environment, now transitioning to hybrid. We never learned certain office norms & a multitude of boundaries can be blurred when you’re at home. There were so many good nuggets here! I enjoyed listening to it & found some points quite insightful. As I continue to grow as a leader over the years, I’m sure I’ll return to this book for guidance & perspective.

[Dan Ayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have any role in management or leadership...Read this. Read it immediately.

[Chris Boutté · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended by David Hogg, so I thought it was going to be about the younger generation stepping up to become political leaders. It’s not that, but there are hints of it throughout. Amanda Litman runs an organization that helps progressive candidate campaigns around the country, but the book isn’t really about that. It’s about being a good millennial boss. The book did a decent enough job with that, and it’s a pretty progressive book, so it throws out some big ideas like 4-day work weeks, good paternity leave, and all that.

There were some ideas in the book that I didn’t totally agree with, but I think it’s a good read overall. Definitely something people should check out if they want to be more progressive with their leadership style.

[Elyse Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

FINALLY a nonfiction book about what leadership looks like in 2025 that is not just a bunch of cliches or lofty, unattainable ideas. This new playbook by Amanda Litman is filled with actual tips and questions and feedback and to-dos. What a concept! I recommend this for millennial + genZ leaders and managers who crave a bit more direction on how to show up and encourage others to show up in a way that feels authentic but aren’t quite sure HOW to do that. Super valuable!

[Christine Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn’t so much a book on philosophy as much as it was a guide to navigating the challenges that the next generation of leaders face. So you want to be a transparent leader? This book explains the additional challenges that brings and how to navigate them. Other topics include setting boundaries, friendships in the workplace, etc. This has some really useful, practical information and I think all rising leaders should read this book.

[Natalie Park · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Good basic leadership info tailored for millennials and younger generations.

[Lauren Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to during a few long runs since nonfiction/memoirs/etc helps the miles go by for me!

A helpful and interesting look at next gen leadership. Some parts really spoke to me—especially the bits about being in a passion job/mission-focused and entirely burning out (hello to my 2022 self).

TLDR: clear advice and guidance, fun to listen to, and some good tidbits to consider as i/we move forward in our careers!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

As boomers [finally] begin to leave the workforce, opening up leadership positions for the rest of us, many are discovering that old leadership models do not work for us. Millennials and Gen Z are bringing different values into the workforce, and though some industries are slower to adapt, it is increasingly clear that new ways to lead are needed, and we are flying without a net. An in-depth look into leadership and how to define it for the next generation of leaders.

I am not exaggerating when I say this is hands down the best leadership/how-to/self-help/whatever you want to categorize it as book that I have ever read. Initially influenced when Annie Wu Henry posted the book on her Instagram story, I flew to NetGalley to request a copy, but then stopped myself. I *knew* I needed to own this one, so I bought a copy instead. I opened it and started reading it the day it was delivered. This probably doesn't seem weird to you, but I have unopened packages in my living room that have been there for a month (clearly I needed them)...so it's a big deal.

Anyway, back to the book...

I am taking a leadership class right now so it is currently full of underlining, margin notes, and color-coded page flags. Here are some key takeaways:
- We are redefining professionalism and I love that for us.
- We are actively telling people to *stop working* and maintain healthy boundaries. We LOVE mental health and I love that for everyone.
- It is ok to have a community at work but it can't be your only community (I totally fail in this).
- It is essential to create a professional persona that directly reflects yourself...but isn't your whole self.
- Clarity is key in all things so know what your goals are and be aggressive about communication.

This is just a drop in the bucket of my notes/flags because I could talk or write about this book for hours. I have already recommended it to countless people and I am recommending it to you now. If you are in a leadership role, planning to take on a leadership role, or work with students in any capacity, buy this book right now. Normally I'd tell you to get it from the library, but they frown upon you writing in books and I barely made it two pages without notating something.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm getting to know Amanda through her political work so I was surprised (in a good way!) when I picked up her new book without much context and came to realize that it wasn't very political at all. Instead, this is more of a management book, even venturing into self help and personal growth, with a focus on younger people in entrepreneurial or leadership environments facing distinct generational challenges in the workplace, often relating to social media.

And it's good! It's a creative and reflective and very seriously researched piece of work that manages to be both thoughtful and actionable (also funny). Most books about management fall flat for me, here the book comes alive largely thanks to Amanda's personal anecdotes and rigorous self-examination.

I think about some things differently than she does and I'm always a little skeptical of this strict generational bucketing that people engage in (Millennial this, Gen Z that) but in general this was a great read.

[Luisa Fedrizzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the theme and the approach - it’s really novel and necessary. however, the book is way longer than it needed to be and at times seems to be running in circles, going back and forth around the same topics.

also, I think there’s too much personal stuff - both from the author and the people she interviewed - that sometimes move too far from the actual book topic.

having said that, there are good parts, relevant topics and great sections. read it, but not with the highest of expectations.

[Julie H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down the best leadership book I’ve ever read. As an elder millennial who has found myself in a leadership role without a clear roadmap for how to do this in the strange world of 2025, I needed this book. I felt seen, encouraged, and like maybe, just maybe, the world is changing for the better (in some ways), and I can be someone that helps shape that for my team.

[Zeke Sandoval · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cackling at all the reviews beginning with “As a Gen Xer…”. That’s right, Gen X, sit your jaded asses down and listen to us youths!
As a Zillennial, I’m truly not sure if this book is materially different from any other leadership book. I haven’t read many of them but they all tend to blend together, and I’m wary of any text that implies young people today are different than any generation before us - every generation says that! The lessons on transparency, accountability, and work-life balance feel timeless. That’s not a bad thing at all, although it conflicts with the book’s central thesis. Best case scenario, this easy-to-read handbook will be a useful reference point over time even if it didn’t rock my world at the moment. Worst case, I funded an organization I already know and love. So it’s a win-win.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though Gen X was only mentioned late in the book and my generation was lumped in with boomers which I am not, I loved this book. A woman I am mentoring felt seen by this book. I read it to see how I could help mentor the next library leaders and came away with some great insight on how I can lead better. Now how to figure out a 4-day workweek for libraries that are open 7 days…. Hmmm

[David Fredh · Rating 5 out of 5]

IIt's a great new book, offering a fresh take on leadership and management, especially for Gen Z and how leadership styles change. I've learned that what worked before doesn't always work now.

It's for four types of people: leaders who aren't Millennials or Gen Z (or anyone wanting a new perspective), those who aren't leaders yet but want a head start, and leaders outside of work.

My main takeaway is that work mentalities, worker identities, and approaches to identity are all shifting.

The book emphasizes being authentic but not overly revealing. And since the new generation is so social media savvy, it naturally leads to a "multi-persona" approach at work.

Finally, remote work changes the employee relationship; the author compares it to the relationship you have with your favorite podcasters – a really interesting perspective.

[Desig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hahaha

[Lauren Maresca]

Pretty engaging for a "self help book"

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first leadership book I’ve found relatable

[Rachel Pollock · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great guide to cross-generational leadership.

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and I thought it touched on many great topics that related to millennials challenges in leadership; especially topics that our parents and/or boomer leaders cannot guide us on; ie social media etc.

[Mark Hackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most leadership books suck and feel out of touch. This one is worth your time, especially if you’re under the age of 45. Grounded, relevant, and thoughtful. 💯

[Caleb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good insights, really well organized, and helpful for brainstorming something that is just beginning in American culture.

[Doc Hollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous! So relevant and on point! Loved the perspective and the HOPE for the future provided.

[Jeff Berman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ostensibly written for Millennials & Gen Z, but as a Gen Xer learning to lead in this new world, it’s absolutely for us too. When We’re in Charge by Amanda Litman will compel you to think differently about how you lead and that is high praise for any book in this category.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a millennial manager on a team of millennial/gen z staff, this book was not only accurate to my experience but an invaluable reminder of so many things I had to learn on the job. The tone is conversational and humorous, but the content is thought-provoking and forced me to intentionally consider my approach to management and how I show up for myself and my team at work. Highly recommend to anyone in our generation in a leadership role, especially if you want your workplace to not suck.

[Beth Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s not enough material for an entire book. A nice, long HBR article? Anyone who promotes paid family leave and flexible remote work has my attention, but that is a low bar.

[shivareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for being literally the only book i could find that gives practical insight and advice for next gen leaders. crooked media rarely lets me down