WorkCookie - Get Ahead with Industrial/Organizational Psychology in the Workplace Ep. 289: Career Growth without "People Management" The Current Leadership Pipeline Challenge are ready!
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Jan 19, 2026 
LindaAnn Rogers, an I/O psychology practitioner who focuses on developing leaders; Nicolas Krueger, a panelist on intergenerational and systemic career dynamics; Lee Crowson, a commentator challenging generational stereotypes; Natasha Desjardines, a millennial practitioner sharing lived workplace experience. They debate leadership vs management, generational motivations, reluctance to lead, mentorship and learning supports, and how organizations can reshape leadership pathways for younger cohorts.
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Meaning Over The Corporate Ladder
- Gen Z and millennials prioritize meaningful work and well-being over climbing to senior leadership roles.
- Only about 6% of Gen Z say reaching a leadership position is their primary goal, yet they remain highly driven to learn.
Managers Oversee; Workers Want People Leaders
- Younger workers describe managers as over‑supervising tasks rather than leading people.
- They expect leaders to provide guidance, mentorship, inspiration, and to protect work–life balance.
Pay For Learning And Give Time
- Offer paid learning time, mentorship, and subscriptions to learning platforms to support Gen Z and millennial development.
- Provide peer learning and dedicated in-house programs so employees can build skills during work hours.