Gen Z isn’t “lazy” or “anti-ambition.” They’re calling out something a lot of organizations don’t want to admit: in many companies, the manager job has become high stress, low authority, and not worth the trade. That shift has a name—Conscious Unbossing—the intentional choice to avoid people-management roles in favor of autonomy, balance, and meaningful work. 

On this episode of Open Mike, Michael Grubich, President of LAK Group, breaks down what’s really behind the trend—and what leaders should do about it. We’ll separate hype from reality, get honest about why middle management looks like a raw deal, and lay out practical ways to rebuild trust, design leadership roles people actually want, and create growth paths that don’t require burnout.

Support the show