Table of Contents
- Former Workday CEO Carl Eschenbach discloses that Gen Z’s professional advancement will not be achieved by pursuing job titles or enhancing resumes—but through a change in perspective. He advises Gen Z to focus intensely on their attitude, genuineness, and connections to succeed in a workplace transformed by AI. This approach is directly aligned with the philosophy of Amazon’s Andy Jassy.
(SeaPRwire) – Gen Z is looking up from the lowest rungs of the corporate hierarchy. However, with AI automating jobs and challenging economic conditions, the chance of securing a position—not to mention advancing—is more intimidating than before.
The encouraging update, from ex-Workday CEO Carl Eschenbach, is that the key to thriving may be largely in their hands. Rather than giving up, Gen Z should intensify their focus on one characteristic: their outlook.
“The attitude you bring to work—and to your employees, colleagues, and the individuals you work with daily—is what will ultimately shape much of your success,” Eschenbach stated on McKinsey’s Inside the Strategy Room podcast in an episode that aired in August 2025.
“I frequently say your altitude in life is entirely determined by your attitude in life.”
He speaks from personal history: “When I shifted from pursuing personal success to seeking significance for others, everything transformed. I believe that is a crucial element for leadership in the contemporary world we inhabit.”
Although Eschenbach held positions at firms such as Dell and Sequoia Capital prior to entering Workday’s executive leadership in late 2022, his initial career path was unconventional; he started out as a competitive wrestler, an experience he credits with influencing his business views.
“By serving others, success will naturally come to you—likely even greater success than if you concentrated on success alone,” he further remarked to McKinsey.
The 59-year-old acknowledged that this change might seem odd initially, but individuals should accept that the real measure of accomplishment is not a prestigious title or a large salary, but the demeanor and method a leader exhibits.
Eschenbach resigned as CEO in February 2026, returning leadership to co-founder Aneel Bhusri, who had been at the company’s helm previously.
The power of the right attitude
Business leaders concur with Eschenbach: attitude is critically important, particularly for the younger generation.
Indeed, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy similarly noted that obtaining an MBA or having an extensive LinkedIn network may not benefit your career as much as possessing a positive mindset.
“A surprisingly large portion of your performance, especially in your twenties, is related to attitude,” Jassy informed LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky in 2024.
Furthermore, Brooks Running CEO Dan Sheridan commented in a discussion on ’s Leadership Next podcast that preserving the correct mindset—even during difficult periods—distinguishes good leaders from exceptional ones.
“I believe leaders must be optimistic. You need a winning attitude. If not, no one will follow you,” Sheridan stated in 2025. “Your customers won’t follow you. Your employees won’t follow you, and your owners will likely be confused and wonder what is happening.”
For Eschenbach, this was a daily observation while leading the workforce technology firm—the most effective leaders are those who maintain the proper attitude as they advance.
“After engaging with numerous senior executives globally, I find that the most humble and down-to-earth individuals, who recall their origins and stay truly authentic and open, are the kind others want to follow,” he said.
Pair an attitude adjustment with these activities
Naturally, a positive outlook by itself is insufficient to secure employment or a raise. Eschenbach emphasizes that young professionals must also cultivate durable, lifelong networks.
“I often state that your network’s strength depends on the number of connections within it,” he told McKinsey’s Eric Kutcher. “Identify those key connections and utilize them to grow your network, as this is a perpetual asset for your career.”
Regarding AI, he encourages young people to welcome the transformation, not dread it.
“Engage with technology, do not fear it. Learn how to coexist with it harmoniously. Discover how to use it to advance your career, and also how it can boost productivity for humanity as a whole.”
An earlier iteration of this report was first published on .com on September 9, 2025.
More on the future of work:
- Bolt CEO states he dismissed his entire HR team for inventing non-existent issues: ‘Those problems vanished when I let them go’
- Move past quiet quitting—4 out of 10 millennials are opting for ‘quiet vacations’ and disengaging from work (and the country) at their employer’s expense
- Zillow CEO reaffirms commitment to remote-work framework: ‘There is talent everywhere in this country’
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