THE LEADERSHIP RESET: WHAT GEN Z EXPECTS FROM FUTURE CEOS

For a significant period, CEOs were primarily evaluated based on their quarterly growth, bottom-line results, and shareholder value. However, Gen Z is ushering in a new era of leadership in 2025. They believe that the future CEO should not only excel in business management but also embody the qualities of a visionary, a social activist, and a genuine communicator.

Profits Don't Matter

Gen Z, more than any other generation, is deeply concerned about pressing social issues. They expect leaders to take a stand on matters such as climate change, diversity, and social justice. For instance:

• Patagonia's CEO, Rose Marcario, has made environmental activism a cornerstone of the company's identity. She handed over the company to a trust that uses its profits to combat climate change, a move that resonates with Gen Z's emphasis on social responsibility.

• Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia, is a pioneer of 'business as activism,' a concept that advocates for businesses to use their influence and resources to address social and environmental issues. His approach has set a new standard for responsible leadership, aligning with the values of Gen Z.

Being Real and Open

Members of Gen Z are not inclined to trust faceless corporate entities. They seek leaders who are transparent, relatable, and approachable.

• Elon Musk is a polarizing figure, but many younger people like how he talks to them directly and without filters.

• Whitney Wolfe Herd, the founder of Bumble, talks openly about her successes and failures, which makes her leadership more relatable to Gen Z.

Leadership for Digital Natives

Gen Z wants their leaders to know how to use the platforms they use. CEOs like Ben Francis of Gymshark have built huge communities by talking directly to people on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Today, being a leader means more than just giving presentations in the boardroom. It also means doing live Q&As and interacting with people on social media.

Working Together and Including Everyone

Gen Z doesn't like the "command and control" style. They like CEOs who encourage teamwork, acceptance, and empathy. For example, Satya Nadella changed Microsoft's culture by promoting empathy and a growth mindset, making it one of the most valuable tech companies in the world.

The Future CEO's Profile

The next group of CEOs will have to find a balance between making money and having a purpose, having a vision and being open, and having power and being accessible. It's not enough to lead companies anymore; you also have to lead movements. Our MBA program at Raffles Jakarta is for people who want to be leaders in the future and go beyond traditional management. We teach our students how to lead with vision, authenticity, and a global perspective, which are the same things that Gen Z wants from the CEOs of the future.

Arman POUREISA

Marketing Manager

Business Management Lecturer

Raffles Jakarta

References

Business Insider. (2025, May 10). Gen Z’s “conscious unbossing” should be a wake-up call for businesses. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-consciously-unbossing-avoid-management-roles-preserve-mental-health-2025-4

Fast Company. (2025, March 6). The leadership shift that engages and retains Gen Z employees. Fast Company. https://www.fastcompany.com/91283498/the-leadership-shift-that-engages-and-retains-gen-z-employees

Fortune. (2025, July 27). Employers, beware: Gen Z is the “pragmatic generation” redefining success. Fortune. https://fortune.com/2025/07/27/gen-z-pragmatic-generation-redefining-success-ey-survey