Motivating Millennials
by Ryan Avery & James Goodnow
(Yes, I Co-Wrote This One—But It’s Here for a Reason)
Okay, I’ll admit it—this is the only book on the list that has my name on the cover. But I’m including it for the same reason I wrote it: because leading the next generation isn’t optional. It’s mission-critical.
Motivating Millennials is about recognizing what truly drives Millennial professionals—and how to lead, retain, and elevate them in today’s workforce. I wrote it with Ryan Avery during a time when generational tension in business was at its peak. We wanted to replace complaints with actual insight.
What the Book Is About
This book dives into the motivations, expectations, and working styles of Millennials—who now make up the largest generation in the workforce. It offers practical advice for understanding what they value (purpose, flexibility, growth), what they expect (transparency, feedback, tech-savvy leadership), and how leaders can evolve to meet those expectations.
It’s not about pandering—it’s about adapting. From recruiting to recognition, we break down what actually works when leading Millennial teams.
Why This Book Mattered to Me
As one of the youngest big-firm managing partners in the country at the time, I was living this tension from both sides. I was the Millennial leader trying to gain credibility from older peers—while also leading teams filled with emerging Millennial talent.
I’ve always believed generational differences are less about work ethic and more about how that work gets done. Writing this book forced me to step back and clarify what I saw working—and not working—across teams, industries, and leadership styles.
Years later, the lessons still hold up. Now, as Gen Z enters the workplace, the urgency of adaptive leadership has only grown.
Key Takeaways
Purpose and progress matter more than perks.
Feedback isn’t a once-a-year thing—it’s a constant loop.
Leadership isn’t about title—it’s about relevance, empathy, and communication.
Who Should Read This
If you lead teams, hire talent, or shape culture—this is for you.
It’s especially useful for firm leaders, partners, and execs who want to bridge generational gaps and unlock the potential of younger professionals.
It’s also a great resource for Millennials themselves who want to better understand how they’re perceived—and how to lead upward and outward.
Final Thought
I didn’t include this book on the list because I co-wrote it. I included it because I still use it.
Motivating Millennials gave me clarity as a leader, and it continues to inform how I think about culture, engagement, and next-generation leadership. If you're leading anyone under 40—it'll be worth your time.
