What Gen-Z Taught Me About Work—From a CEO’s Desk
By Anas Abbar, CEO of 7awi Media Group
When I co-founded 7awi, I had a clear vision: to build a digital-first media company that informs, entertains, and inspires. What I didn’t expect was that some of my most profound leadership lessons would come not from peers or industry veterans—but from the youngest people on our team: our Gen-Z employees.
They came in fast. Loud. Purposeful. At first, I thought they might be “too sensitive,” “too opinionated,” or “too impatient.” But I quickly realized they were just… different. In the best way possible.
Here are 10 things they taught me that changed how I lead and how we build our media culture at 7awi—plus one challenge I had to confront head-on.
1. They Made Me Reconnect With Purpose
In pitch meetings, Gen-Z asks “Why are we doing this?” more than “How much is the budget?” I had to revisit our mission—not to rewrite it, but to articulate it better. They pushed me to lead with purpose, not just planning.
2. They Expect Feedback as a Two-Way Street
They want to know how they’re doing—and they’ll also tell me how I’m doing. At first, I was caught off guard. But truth is, their feedback helped me grow as a leader. No fluff. Just facts.
3. They Live in the Now—And So Should Media
While we strategize for quarters, they think in trends and stories that expire in hours. It forced us to rethink how fast we create, how agile our teams are, and how we measure success in real-time.
4. They Talk About Mental Health—And Mean It
They weren’t afraid to say “I’m overwhelmed” or “I need a break.” That honesty made us revisit our wellness programs. Because what’s the point of building a company if people are burning out inside it?
5. They’re Multi-Talented—And Want to Be
Gen-Z doesn’t want to be boxed into job titles. I’ve seen writers design, analysts pitch content, and interns propose full-blown campaigns. They’re not asking for permission—they’re asking for platforms.
6. Speed Is Their Default Setting
I once walked into the office at 10 a.m. and a full TikTok campaign was already live—ideated, scripted, shot, and published. That pace terrified me. But it also excited me. It reminded me of our startup days.
7. They Don’t Care About Titles—They Care About Value
I’ve been in rooms where my title meant little to them—until I listened, collaborated, and added value. Authority doesn’t impress them. Authenticity does.
8. Design Isn’t Cosmetic—It’s Communication
I once presented a product roadmap and got this response: “That font gives me anxiety.” Brutal. But fair. Gen-Z’s eye for design isn’t vanity—it’s vision. Presentation is part of the message.
9. They Demand Inclusion, Not Diversity Talk
For them, it’s not about slogans or filters. It’s about who’s at the table, who’s speaking up, and who’s represented in the content. They’ve held us accountable in ways I didn’t see coming—but I’m grateful for it.
10. They Blur the Line Between Work and Identity
For Gen-Z, work isn’t just a paycheck—it’s personal. They won’t promote content they don’t believe in. They’ll leave if your values don’t align. And that forced me to make sure our values aren’t just words on a wall.
+1: The Honest Challenge—They Want Growth Yesterday
Retention with Gen-Z isn’t about job security—it’s about growth velocity. If they feel stuck, they’ll move. Sometimes that feels like a loss. But it also pushes us to create real pathways, not empty promises.
Final Word From a CEO
Leading Gen-Z isn’t about managing them. It’s about evolving with them. They’ve helped us move faster, think deeper, design better, and lead smarter. And yes, they’ve made me question things I thought were set in stone.
To our Gen-Z team at 7awi—thank you. You’ve challenged me, inspired me, and made me a better CEO.
And to fellow leaders reading this: if you’re not learning from your youngest team members, you’re missing the most valuable voices in the room.
