Questions from a Gen Z.

Leadership Perspectives for the #FutureofWork

The workplace is evolving, and so is leadership. With shifting workforce expectations, technological advancements, and the rise of intergenerational teams, the way we lead today looks very different from a decade ago.

Recently, Elmira Abenova, a Gen Z, asked me a series of leadership questions — ranging from decision-making to resilience and the lessons learned from working across generations. Instead of just answering from my own perspective, I asked her to share her thoughts as well as intergenerational leadership is bidirectional.? We learn from each other.

This conversation offers insights from two different career stages — mine, shaped by years of experience, and Elmira’s, grounded in the fresh perspectives of the next generation of leaders. Let’s dive into the conversation.

What’s a defining moment in your leadership journey that changed how you lead?

Mai: Listening, observing, and talking to Executive Women from Chief during the #GreatResignation, who’ve experienced pay gap and DEI challenges, and the explosion of burnout and mental health struggles. This period led to the creation of Boss Me In and reinforced the need for more truth and authenticity in leadership.

Elmira: There wasn’t one big moment — more like a series of small, uncomfortable realizations. The first time I had to make a tough call, the first time I spoke up in a room where I felt out of place, the first time I saw a project fail and had to keep going anyway. Leadership, for me, became less about proving I was capable and more about trusting that I was. That shift changed everything.

Who has had the biggest influence on your leadership style, and why?

Mai: My mother, my grandmother. Also, women like Madonna, Michelle Obama, and Gwyneth Paltrow—trailblazers in business and social impact who create change while helping humanity.

Elmira: My mom, without a doubt. She taught me to never settle and to find a way forward, even when one isn’t clear. Mai has also been a huge influence. Seeing how she bridges gaps and drives change has shaped how I think about leadership. She leads by doing, not just talking. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from both of them, it’s that leadership isn’t about waiting for the right moment—it’s about creating it.

What lessons did you learn from working with intergenerational, diverse teams?

Mai:?

• Diversity is the answer.

• Money matters—it’s a tool to empower.

• People need to be stronger.

Elmira:?

• Perspective shapes problem-solving.

• Mentorship goes both ways.

• Feedback is a gift.

Have you ever had a moment where you thought, “I can’t do this”? How did you push forward?

Mai: Yes, many times. I remember the mission, the smiles on people’s faces, the lightbulb moments when they learn something new, and how my work has inspired others to create and build.

Elmira: Absolutely. There have been moments when I felt completely overwhelmed when I questioned if I was capable enough, experienced enough, or even in the right place. But I’ve learned that doubt isn’t a stop sign; it’s just part of the process. What gets me through? Taking one small step at a time, even when I don’t have all the answers. I also remind myself that growth never happens in comfort. And honestly, sometimes it’s just about showing up and figuring it out along the way.

Can you share a moment when failure led to a bigger opportunity?

Mai: I fail often. I keep going. I’ve failed many times, like with Boss Me In. Has it led to bigger opportunities? Depends on how you define "bigger." Being able to focus on myself and finally having time for my own projects is a luxury.

Elmira: I used to see failure as a dead end, now I see it as a redirection. When I launched Zhas&Healthy, I poured years into building a wellness platform for Central Asian youth. Eventually, I had to step away, and at the time, it felt like I had lost something I worked so hard for. But in reality, it freed me to take on opportunities I wouldn’t have even considered otherwise. Now, I try to ask myself: What is this failure making room for? Because more often than not, it’s something bigger.

What’s one common misconception about leadership?

Mai: That it’s sexy. Leadership is hard. Some people are meant for it, some aren’t. It also shifts—sometimes leaders must go first, sometimes they need to step back.

Elmira: That leadership is about being in control. It’s about influence, not authority. The best leaders don’t micromanage — they empower.

What’s a leadership skill that took you the longest to develop?

Mai: Patience. Sometimes I believe in it, sometimes I don’t. Sometimes patience is necessary; other times, it’s not.

Elmira: Saying no. Early on, I thought leadership meant taking on everything. But real impact comes from focusing on what truly matters.

At first glance, executive leaders and Gen Z may seem worlds apart — different experiences, different expectations, different ways of working. But through this conversation, one thing became clear: we are more alike than we think.

Both generations want authentic leadership, impact-driven work, and environments that foster growth. Both recognize the value of diverse perspectives, lifelong learning, and resilience in the face of uncertainty. The gap isn’t as wide as it seems.

This exchange reinforced that leadership is not about age or tenure — it’s about adaptability, clarity, and a commitment to progress. The future of work depends on our ability to learn from each other, challenge outdated systems, and move forward together.

Let’s continue the conversation, what’s one leadership lesson that has shaped how you lead? Share your thoughts below.