Successfully Leading Gen ‘Z’: The Next Corporate Growth Engine for Shaping India@2047

India stands at a pivotal juncture, uniquely positioned with the world’s largest youth cohort to realize the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047—a projected $23–$35 trillion economy. Generation Z (born 1995–2010) is not merely entering the workforce; they are strategically reshaping it, accounting for 25% of the current labor pool and expected to reach 47% by 2035. This demographic dividend presents an unprecedented opportunity, yet its realization is contingent upon effective corporate leadership. Gen Z professionals are characterized by a digital-first mindset, a demand for radical flexibility, and an acute need for meaningful work and purpose, placing these factors almost on par with pay. However, senior leaders frequently encounter a leadership gap, struggling to provide the real-time feedback and guidance this generation requires. Furthermore, deficiencies in foundational soft skills (Emotional and Social Intelligence, EQ/SQ) among new entrants, compounded by a general lack of exposure to traditional workplace norms, necessitate targeted intervention. This article details the transformation required: a pivot from command-and-control structures to models rooted in Transformational and Servant leadership, emphasizing transparency, empathy, and personalized growth pathways. Corporate India must adopt a sophisticated, data-driven strategy to harness Gen Z’s potential, thereby securing a resilient and innovation-driven future by 2047. Keywords: Viksit Bharat 2047, Demographic dividend, Generation Z workforce, Youth‑driven economic growth, Digital‑first mindset, Workplace flexibility, Meaning‑driven employment, Leadership gap, Real‑time feedback culture, Soft skills deficit, Emotional Intelligence (EQ), Social Intelligence (SQ), Transformational leadership, Servant leadership, Purpose‑centric leadership, Data‑driven talent strategy, Workforce development, Corporate India transformation, Future‑ready leadership, Innovation‑driven economy