Lessons from Zohran's playbook for young leaders

Do you ever look at the way things are and think, "There has to be a better way"? That feeling is the starting point for real change. The story of Zohran Mamdani is a powerful example. It is not a political story but a lesson in leadership for any young people with a vision. It shows how you can break a rigid system not by fighting it on its own terms, but by building something new. Mamdani showed that genuine care and community work can be more powerful than big budgets or polished campaigns.

Zohran Mamdani comes from a deeply diverse and globally connected family that reflects the very values he stands for. He was born in Kampala, Uganda, and raised in New York City. He is the son of a renowned scholar Mahmood Mamdani, a Ugandan academic of Indian descent, and filmmaker Mira Nair, who is Indian by origin and internationally acclaimed for her storytelling on culture and identity. This multicultural background gave Mamdani a unique perspective on belonging, migration, and justice, themes that shape his political vision.

Mamdani ran for State Assembly in New York in 2020. He was a challenger in a race where everyone expected the established leader to win. As a housing counsellor and a community organiser, he did not have the usual political backing either. But his win proved that a new kind of strategy can create scope for those who think outside the box. Mamdani's journey offers a fresh playbook for a new generation. He stayed close to the people he represented. He knew their problems and worked with them daily. That personal connection turned into trust, and trust turned into votes.

Mamdani stood out in New York politics for his rare combination of empathy and action. He turned compassion into concrete change rather than empty words. As a state assembly member representing Astoria, Queens, Mamdani has focused on the real, everyday struggles of working-class New Yorkers. For instance, in 2021, when New York's taxi drivers went on a 15-day hunger strike over crushing medallion debt, he stood beside them. His approach isn't performative; it's rooted in listening deeply to people's lived experiences and letting their stories shape policy.

Mamdani's campaign in New York showed how social media, when used with honesty and creativity, can turn politics into something real and exciting. He understood the language of the internet memes, short videos, humour, and emotional storytelling and he used them not as gimmicks, but as tools to connect with real people. People adored him not just for his political stance, but for his sincerity, humour and the love he showed towards his roots and community. The campaign's visuals were vibrant and engaging, tapping into the psychology of colour and joy, making politics feel alive and accessible. Mamdani showed that digital campaigning doesn't have to be cold or mechanical; it can be warm and full of soul.

The first lesson is to see value where others see none. Traditional campaigns fight over the same small group of voters. Mamdani did something different. He focused on the people everyone else ignored, the non-voters. He went and talked to young people and working folk who felt the system was not for them. He built a new coalition from the ground up. That small act of respect made people feel seen again. The message for young leaders is this: do not fight for a seat at a crowded table; rather, build your own table. Real change begins when people who were once ignored realise their voices actually matter.

The second lesson is the power of a crystal-clear vision. He did not use complicated language or vague promises. He championed simple, direct ideas like protecting tenants from unfair evictions. This gave people a real and tangible reason to support him. When your mission is this easy to understand, people can trust it. They know what you stand for. For any young leader, your vision is your anchor. Make it strong and make it clear.

The third lesson is that trust is built with action, not words. Mamdani did not just show up at election time. He had already been in the community for years, working as a housing counsellor and helping people fight their landlords. His team connected people with real help. This built a deep sense of loyalty. People saw him as one of them. This shows the most important rule of leadership: you have to do the work before you can lead the work.

His campaign also broke the mould with creativity. They understood that to reach people, they had to meet them where they were, not just physically but culturally. Instead of standard rallies, they held events like tenant rights concerts. They blended the message of housing justice with local music and art. This transformed political engagement from a boring chore into a natural and exciting community gathering. It felt less like a lecture and more like a celebration of shared values. For young leaders, this is a vital reminder that you can and should make your mission attractive. You do not have to dull your message to make it serious. This creative approach breaks down formal barriers and builds a sense of shared identity that is crucial for any movement. It also shows that changing minds often starts by winning hearts.

Now, a critical look shows this model has its strengths and its limits. His win was authentic because he lived his values long before the campaign began. His work as a housing counsellor was not for show. It was real and it built a foundation of trust that no advertisement could buy. Young people can learn that your credibility is your greatest asset. It cannot be faked. You have to walk the talk. This means doing the hard and often unseen work every day. People will follow a leader they believe in, and they only believe in a leader whose actions match their words. This approach requires deep commitment. It is not a shortcut. It is the main requirement for building a lasting movement.

His strategy to energise new people was difficult but brilliant. It takes more effort to convince someone their vote matters for the first time than to persuade a regular voter. But it expands what is possible. The lesson is to build a new future instead of arguing about the past.

However, this model is not a magic formula. What worked in one community may not work in another. The core ideas can travel but the tactics must feel local. This is a reminder: you have to know your community inside and out. This teaches the importance of understanding your own community deeply.

Also, Mamdani was not a lone hero. He was part of a larger movement. This emphasises a final lesson: change is a team sport. You need crew, you need a movement. Find your people, lift each other up and move forwards together. Together you become unstoppable.

For any young person with a dream, this story is a call to action. It proves you do not need permission to make a difference. Focus on the overlooked, speak with clarity, root yourself in real work and be creative. Your vision and effort can change the game. The future does not wait for an invitation. It is built by those brave enough to start building.

The writers are students of the University of Dhaka — Sheikh Shabab Tawkee Rupok, Department of Development Studies, and Prati Piya Sikder, Department of World Religions and Culture.

rupok.du.ds@gmail.com, praptipiya2@gmail.com