GEN Z, TAKING CHARGE

Amanda Litman

4:30 p.m. Monday, September 15, 2025

Conversation / Q&A

University at Albany

Multi-Purpose Room, Campus Center West

1400 Washington Avenue Albany NY 12222 -  See map.

Amanda Litman, cofounder of the political organization, Run for Something, is the author of the new book, When We're in Charge: The Next Generation’s Guide to Leadership (2025), a “guide for the next generation of leaders on how to show up differently, break the cycle of bad boomer leadership, and navigate the changing demands of those in power and the evolving expectations people have of their workplace.”

Litman has been recognized as one of her generation’s most innovative political thinkers in Politico, Bloomberg and Fortune, and was named one of one of TIME magazine’s “NEXT 100,” a list of 100 rising stars. She is also president of RFS Civics, a 501c3 that works to end “the gerontocracy.”

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Major support and funding provided by Heidi Knoblauch. Cosponsored by the Massry School of Business, offering three concentrations in Entrepreneurship, and the Honors College.

from the publisher:

Most leadership books treat millennials and Gen Z like nuisances to manage around, focusing on how leaders from older generations can fit young people into their existing corporate cultures.

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Not this one. When We’re In Charge is a no-bullshit guide for the next generation of leaders on how to show up differently, break the cycle of bad boomer leadership, and navigate the changing demands of those in power and the evolving expectations people have of their workplace.

Based on author Amanda Litman’s experience as a founder and executive (and mom of two who’s trying desperately to have a life outside of work), and informed by conversations with more than 100 next-gen leaders across politics, business, media, tech, education, and more — and including people like Versha Sharma, editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue; Maxwell Frost, first Gen Z member of Congress; and Evan Spiegel, CEO of Snap Inc — this book is a vital resource for new leaders trying to figure out how to get stuff done without making your team or yourself miserable.

When We’re in Charge offers solutions for sticky challenges like how to be yourself without giving your full self to your role; how to think about social media when your team sees what you post; and how to set up guardrails for work-life balance.Litman also offers arguments on why a four-day work week is the future; why transparency is a powerful tool that can do real damage if not wielded with intention; and why it matters for you, the boss, to both provide and take family leave. A necessary read for all who occupy or aspire to leadership roles, When We’re in Charge is a vision for a future where leaders at work, in communities, and across the country are compassionate, genuine, and effective.