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A Gen Z Perspective on Those 6 CEO Habits That Actually Matter

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Julian Hayes II really said, "pilot through turbulence," and honestly? That metaphor hits different when you realize most of us learned to navigate chaos through a global pandemic, economic uncertainty, and the wildest job market in decades. But here’s the tea ☕ – these IBM findings aren’t just corporate buzzwords. They're actually lowkey ancient wisdom wrapped in modern data.

I recently came across a Forbes article and really enjoyed it, but wanted to share my two cents on it.

The Old Soul Take on New Leadership

Look, I may have grown up with TikTok and Twitter, but my grandmother always said, "stay connected to your roots while reaching for the stars." That’s literally what these "Luminary CEOs" are doing. They're not just tech-savvy disruptors – they’re practicing timeless leadership principles that would make Marcus Aurelius proud.

If you don't know who Marcus Aurelius is, please open a book. Any book. Please.

Connected leadership? That’s just community building, bestie. Whether you’re running a Fortune 500 or a group project, when everyone feels genuinely tied to the mission (not just Slack-linked), magic happens. It’s giving main character energy but for the whole team.

Decisive moves in chaos? My great-aunt who ran a corner candy store through three recessions taught me: "When you know, you know. When you don't, you learn fast and then you know." These CEOs aren't just making spreadsheet decisions – they're trusting their gut while staying grounded in principles.

Why This Actually Makes Sense for Young Leaders

Here’s what's beautiful about these habits – they’re not age-gated. You don't need decades of experience to be:

• Responsible with AI and ethics (hello, we literally grew up questioning every algorithm)

• Future-focused (we’re already planning for climate change and Web3)

• Informed without being overwhelmed (we perfected information filtering in middle school)

• Unimpeded by unnecessary friction (life's too short for bureaucratic nonsense)

  
  

The Real Glow-Up Moment

What really excites me about this research is how it validates something our generation already knows: authentic leadership isn't about commanding from an ivory tower. It’s about being genuinely connected, making thoughtful decisions quickly, and creating space for everyone to thrive.

The Importance of Self-Management

The part about "internal upgrade" really resonates. We talk about personal development, mental health, and self-awareness not as corporate buzzwords but as essential life skills. When Forbes says CEOs need to "lead themselves first," that’s literally the foundation of every good leader I know – from student body presidents to startup founders to community organizers.

For some awesome mental health tips and resources, visit *It'sTime2!. They’re doing some great things for young people’s mental wellness and emotional wellbeing

The Ancient Wisdom Angle

There's something beautifully cyclical here. These "modern" leadership habits? They’re basically Stoicism meets systems thinking meets emotional intelligence. The best leaders throughout history – from Eleanor Roosevelt to Frederick Douglass to contemporary icons – embodied these same principles.

The difference now is we have data to prove what wisdom traditions have always taught: great leaders are grounded, decisive, ethical, visionary, informed, and unencumbered by ego or unnecessary complexity.

Bottom Line: Leadership That Actually Matters

This IBM study basically confirms what many young leaders already suspected – the future belongs to those who can stay human while embracing innovation. They must move fast without losing their moral compass and understand that true authority comes from authentic connection, not just position.

Whether you’re 25 or 55, leading a team of five or five thousand, these habits aren’t just about surviving chaos – they’re about creating organizations where people actually want to show up, contribute their best work, and build something meaningful together.

The future belongs to those who can stay human while embracing innovation. Be a good human, simple as that.

And honestly? In a world that often feels like it’s falling apart, leaders who embody these qualities aren’t just business assets – they’re exactly what we need to navigate whatever comes next.

Now let’s go build something amazing.

Let’s build >>

xx

Nani

What do you think? Are these leadership habits as timeless as they seem, or is there something uniquely modern about leading in today’s chaos? Need more guidance on what being a good human means? Check out the *Things I've Learned series. Drop your thoughts – I’d love to hear from leaders at every stage of their journey