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Who Is Donato Tramuto?
Donato Tramuto is a business leader, philanthropist, and expert on compassionate leadership. He’s the founder of the TramutoPorter Foundation and the author of The Double Bottom Line. His work focuses on building better workplaces, schools, and communities through empathy and action. He has spent decades helping organizations meet the needs of changing generations—including Gen Z.
Why Gen Z Is Different
Gen Z is anyone born between 1997 and 2012. They’re the newest workers, voters, and students. And they’re already changing how leadership works.
They want more than job titles and rules. They want to be heard. They want honesty. They want action on the things they care about.
In a 2024 Deloitte survey:
- 77% of Gen Z said their employer’s values were just as important as salary
- 67% said they would leave a job that didn’t support their mental health
- 58% said they trust influencers more than political leaders
They aren’t afraid to speak up. They expect leaders to listen.
What They Expect from CEOs
Real Action, Not Empty Words
Gen Z wants companies to care about people and the planet—not just profits. They can spot “corporate fluff” from a mile away. If a CEO says the company supports mental health or climate action, they expect to see actual programs and policies.
“You can’t lead Gen Z with old-school playbooks,” Donato Tramuto said. “You need to show them what you’re doing, not just what you’re saying.”
CEOs must back up their statements with measurable steps. Launching employee wellness programs. Supporting social justice causes. Making the workplace more inclusive.
Open Communication
Gen Z also wants access to leadership. They’re used to sharing ideas online and getting feedback fast. CEOs who stay behind closed doors lose their trust.
They value leaders who answer questions, post updates, and show vulnerability.
Tips for CEOs:
- Host live Q&A sessions with employees
- Share mistakes and lessons learned
- Show up in team spaces—even if it’s just to listen
What They Expect from Principals
Mental Health Comes First
Gen Z students are facing record levels of anxiety, burnout, and depression. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 3 high schoolers felt seriously sad or hopeless in 2023.
They expect school leaders to take mental health seriously.
That means:
- Hiring more counselors
- Building wellness time into the school day
- Offering workshops on stress, boundaries, and emotional skills
One student told a Foundation partner, “It’s hard to focus on tests when you’re barely holding it together. We want to feel like humans, not just grades.”
Inclusive Policies That Reflect Reality
Students want principals who understand identity, culture, and social justice. They want schools where all students—no matter their race, gender, or background—feel safe and seen.
This means updating:
- Dress codes
- Curriculum materials
- Disciplinary rules
- Staff training
“It’s not just about representation,” Tramuto said. “It’s about listening to what students say they need, and doing something about it.”
What They Expect from Policymakers
Bold Moves on Big Issues
Gen Z grew up during a pandemic, climate crisis, and major political shifts. They don’t have patience for leaders who sit on the fence.
They want laws that support:
- Climate justice
- Gun reform
- Affordable college
- LGBTQ+ rights
- Voting access
- Mental health funding
A 2023 Harvard Youth Poll found that 63% of Gen Z doesn’t trust Congress to “do the right thing.” But 72% said they still plan to vote. They care. They’re watching.
Youth at the Table
Gen Z wants a seat in the conversation. They want advisory councils, youth ambassadors, and real input on policy decisions.
They’re tired of being told to “wait their turn.”
Advice for policymakers:
- Bring Gen Z into meetings
- Ask them what solutions they see
- Turn their input into real policy drafts
What Gen Z Doesn’t Want
Let’s keep it simple. Gen Z does not want:
- Long speeches with no action
- Tone-deaf leaders who ignore injustice
- Corporate social media posts without follow-through
- Leaders who shut down feedback
- Environments that push productivity over people
They want purpose, not perfection.
How to Lead Gen Z Effectively
Here’s what every leader can do—today:
1. Listen More, Talk Less
Start every meeting by asking, “What’s missing that I’m not seeing?”
2. Be Transparent
If you don’t have an answer, say that. If something failed, explain why.
3. Make Room for Wellness
Let your team or students take mental breaks. Model that behavior yourself.
4. Pay Attention to the World
Speak out on issues that affect your people. Don’t wait for a PR push.
5. Invest in Training
Support programs that teach emotional intelligence, trauma-informed leadership, and social justice.
One Gen Z team member told us, “My favorite boss didn’t fix everything. She just asked me how I was really doing. I never forgot that.”
Final Thoughts
Gen Z is here. They’re not asking for more attention. They’re asking for more leadership—with heart, honesty, and courage.
Donato Tramuto says it best:
“If we want future leaders to care about people, we need to show them what that looks like now.”
So whether you’re a CEO, a school principal, or an elected official—the time to listen, act, and grow is now.
The next generation isn’t waiting. They’re already leading. Are you ready to meet them where they are?
