Leadership isn’t what it used to be. The days of rigid hierarchies, top-down decision-making, and blind loyalty to companies are fading fast.
Today, millennials are stepping into leadership roles, and they’re bringing a whole new mindset—one that often clashes with both the old-school way of working and the fresh expectations of Gen Z.
In the latest episode of Merging Minds, Javi Diaz sits down with Alex Katsambas, Senior Head of Language Ops & Development at Farfetch, to talk about why the workplace is changing, how leadership is evolving, and why Gen Z just won’t work like us.
Millennials: The "Bridging" Generation
Millennials had a front-row seat to toxic workplace behaviors in their early careers—bullying, burnout, and a "work until you drop" mentality.
Now, as they take over leadership positions, they’re actively breaking those cycles.
“We’re the ones trying to end workplace toxicity. We saw what bad leadership looked like, and we don’t want to repeat it.” – Alex Katsambas
Instead of demanding blind obedience, millennial leaders are prioritizing flexibility, well-being, and inclusivity.
But that doesn’t mean they have it all figured out.
Gen Z vs. Millennials: The Workplace Clash
While millennials fought to change toxic leadership styles, Gen Z expects these changes as the bare minimum.
They won’t tolerate micromanagement, unpaid overtime, or outdated corporate cultures.
“We had to unlearn bad leadership. Gen Z? They won’t put up with it at all.” – Javi Diaz
The challenge? Millennial leaders grew up proving themselves in rigid structures, while Gen Z expects balance, transparency, and purpose-driven work from day one.
Key workplace differences:
- Millennials believe in earning flexibility; Gen Z expects it.
- Millennials saw hustle culture as a requirement; Gen Z sees it as toxic.
- Millennials break leadership cycles they experienced; Gen Z refuses to enter them at all.
Inclusion: A Corporate Promise or a Reality?
Every company talks about DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), but does it truly exist beyond a PR statement?
Alex Katsambas, a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, shared his thoughts on how real inclusion shapes leadership and localization.
“True inclusion isn’t just about hiring diverse teams. It’s about making sure they actually have a voice and opportunities to grow.” – Alex Katsambas
At Farfetch, inclusivity is built into their localization and communication strategies.
Their style guides and quality checks ensure that content is culturally sensitive and inclusive.
“Localization is all about inclusivity. If your messaging doesn’t consider different cultures, languages, and identities, you’re not really connecting with your audience.” – Alex Katsambas
So, What’s Next for Leadership?
With millennials leading and Gen Z pushing for change, the future of work is becoming more human-focused, less rigid, and more adaptable.
But let’s be clear:
- Leadership isn’t about making everyone happy.
- It’s about creating clarity, fostering growth, and setting the right expectations.
- And, as Alex put it, it’s about knowing when to push forward and when to step back.
“Leadership isn’t about control. It’s about empowerment. If you have to micromanage, you don’t have the right team” – Alex Katsambas
Final Thoughts
The workplace is evolving. Millennials are redefining leadership, Gen Z is holding them accountable, and the old rules no longer apply.
So the real question is: Are today’s leaders ready to adapt, or will they be left behind?
Unlock the power of glocalization with our Translation Management System.
Unlock the power of
with our Translation Management System.
