Jeff Hogan

I decided to write The Next Greatest Generation as a letter—both literal and symbolic—to my three Gen Z sons. As a father, I watch them step into a world that feels far less stable and far more unforgiving than the one I inherited. They face economic pressure, cultural confusion, and constant digital noise, all while being told conflicting stories about who they are and what they should become. Like most parents, I feel pride in their strengths, but I also feel a quiet nervousness about the obstacles ahead. This book was born from that concern and from a deeper responsibility to speak honestly to them while I still have the chance.

The problem I am addressing is not a lack of information, but a lack of grounding. Today’s social-media-driven culture thrives on division, outrage, and shallow identity, often leaving young men unsure who they can trust. I wanted my sons—and their generation—to hear something clear and steady: you are not alone, and you are not abandoned. Your parents are in your corner. We are your first and most loyal supporters. More than anything, we want you to surpass us—not just financially or professionally, but in wisdom, character, and purpose.

This is not a parenting manual, and it is not a lecture. The Next Greatest Generation is about bridging the generational gap with humility and honesty. It acknowledges that Gen X parents made mistakes—often learned lessons the hard way—and that those lessons still matter. By sharing real experiences rather than abstract advice, the book offers perspective without condescension. The goal is not to mold the next generation in our image, but to give our sons and daughters a foundation strong enough to help them outperform us in their own time.

This book is also a beginning, not an endpoint. It is intended to serve as the foundation for future writing and a podcast series of the same name. That work will focus less on debating Gen Z and more on listening to them—hearing their concerns, fears, and aspirations directly. From there, guidance can be offered not as ideology, but as lived Gen X experience, shaped by failure, responsibility, and accountability.

Ultimately, The Next Greatest Generation is an act of faith—faith in our children and faith in the idea that honest conversation still matters. It is written in the belief that when parents speak with clarity, humility, and love, the next generation does not merely survive difficult times—it leads through them. If this book helps even one young person feel less isolated and more prepared for the road ahead, it will have served its purpose.