The Feminist Public Square

September’s book: When We’re in Charge: The Next Generation’s Guide to Leadership by Amanda Litman

  • Join us on September 30th for an IG Live interview with Amanda @NationalNOW

A first-of-its-kind practical manual for millennials and Gen Zers taking on positions of power, from Amanda Litman, cofounder of Run for Something.

“A refreshingly candid, delightfully irreverent guide to leadership for the next generation. Amanda Litman busts some major myths about how to succeed at the helm. Get ready to rethink some of your basic assumptions about authenticity, productivity, and professionalism.” ―Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Potential and Think Again, and host of the podcast Re:Thinking

Most leadership books treat millennials and Gen Z like nuisances to manage around, focusing on how leaders from older generations can fit young people into their existing corporate cultures.

Not this one. When We’re In Charge is a no-bullshit guide for the next generation of leaders on how to show up differently, break the cycle of bad boomer leadership, and navigate the changing demands of those in power and the evolving expectations people have of their workplace.

Based on author Amanda Litman’s experience as a founder and executive (and mom of two who’s trying desperately to have a life outside of work), and informed by conversations with more than 100 next-gen leaders across politics, business, media, tech, education, and more — and including people like Versha Sharma, editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue; Maxwell Frost, first Gen Z member of Congress; and Evan Spiegel, CEO of Snap Inc ― this book is a vital resource for new leaders trying to figure out how to get stuff done without making your team or yourself miserable.

When We’re in Charge offers solutions for sticky challenges:
-How to be yourself without giving your full self to your role
-How to think about social media when your team sees what you post
-How to set up guardrails for work-life balance

Litman also makes powerful arguments about the practices and shape of work:
-Why a four-day work week is the future
-Why transparency is a powerful tool that can do real damage if not wielded with intention
-Why it matters for you, the boss, to both provide and take family leave

A necessary read for all who occupy or aspire to leadership roles, When We’re in Charge is a vision for a future where leaders at work, in communities, and across the country are compassionate, genuine, and effective.

Review from : GoodReads

Books for 2026

Our book choices are directly paired with our 60th Anniversary campaign. Check out the page to learn how you can get involved.

Capsule 1: Cost of Being a Woman
-JANUARY: Mutual Aid by Dean Spade
-FEBRUARY: The Cost of Being a Girl by Yasemin Besen-Cassino (YF)
-MARCH: Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap

Capsule 2: Protecting Care, Protecting Choice
-APRIL: An American Sickness by Elisabeth Rosenthal
-MAY: Liberating Abortion by Renee Bracy Sherman and Regina Mahone
-JUNE: Fighting Mad: Resisting the End of Roe v. Wade by Krystale Littlejohn (YF)

Capsule 3: Securing Rights, Shaping the Future
-JULY: Democracy in Retrograde by Sami Sage & Emily Amick
-AUGUST: The Women’s Revolution by Muriel Fox
-SEPTEMBER: When We’re In Charge by Amanda Litman (YF)

Capsule 4: Ending Gender Violence
-OCTOBER: Man Up by Cynthia Miller-Idris
-NOVEMBER: Bright Red Fruit by Safia Elhillo (YF)
-DECEMBER: Nobody’s Girl by Virginia Guiffre

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