BOOK REVIEW: When we are in charge by Amanda Litman

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Book title:  When we’re in charge 

Author: Amanda Litman

Rating:    *****                                       Category:   Well-rounded read

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What’s it about?

Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run for Something, explores what leadership looks like when Millennials and Gen Z step up to take charge. With humour, honesty, and urgency, she contrasts generational approaches to work and leadership, highlighting how younger leaders are rewriting the rules of authenticity, workplace culture, and ambition.

The book examines how next-gen leaders — Millennials and Gen Z — are redefining leadership. Litman argues that these generations lead differently: they value authenticity, psychological safety, and equity, while rejecting outdated practices like presenteeism and burnout culture. She weaves together research, anecdotes, and personal reflections to create a guide for being “yourself, but responsibly” in leadership roles.

The detail

Litman contrasts “boomer bosses” with the emerging ethos of younger leaders. She challenges the myth of “bringing your full self to work” and instead argues for creating workplaces where people can be real, but with boundaries. Themes include developing a leadership persona aligned with values, the growing importance of hybrid and remote work, equitable pay practices, and rethinking the elusive “dream job.” She also highlights the role of rest, community, and psychological safety in sustainable leadership.

The book balances critique with pragmatism—offering strategies for navigating authenticity, setting healthy boundaries, and reshaping expectations in the workplace. Litman also tackles generational realities such as delayed homeownership, economic precarity, and the unique social and political events shaping Millennials and Gen Z.

Summary

At its core, When We Are in Charge is both a manifesto and a manual for the future of leadership. It encourages younger generations to embrace authenticity without oversharing, to balance ambition with wellbeing, and to prioritise trust and psychological safety over hierarchy. It’s a sharp yet hopeful reminder that leadership is about vision, clarity, and modelling the culture you want to build.

Who would benefit from reading this book?

• Emerging leaders from Millennial and Gen Z cohorts
• Senior leaders and HR professionals seeking to understand how generational differences shape leadership
• Organisations navigating hybrid and remote work cultures
• Anyone interested in the future of leadership and workplace dynamics.

What we liked about the book

• Clear articulation of generational differences in leadership approaches
• Emphasis on authenticity with responsibility and boundaries
• Practical ideas for building trust, inclusion, and sustainable work practices
• Honest discussion of how social, political, and economic events shape leadership mindsets.

What we didn’t like

• At times, the narrative leans heavily on American workplace and political contexts, which may feel less relevant for UK or global readers
• Some readers may find the tone informal compared to more traditional leadership texts.

More about the author

Amanda Litman is the co-founder and executive director of Run for Something, an organisation that recruits and supports young progressives running for office in the US. A political strategist and writer, she has been recognised for her work in youth engagement and leadership development.

Other books by Amanda Litman

• Run for Something: A real-talk guide to fixing the system yourself (2017)

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