Are Successful GenZ Entrepreneurs Really Role Models for Their Own Generation?

Last week in Switzerland, a famous GenZ entrepreneur, listed Forbes 'Under 30' celebrity and book author made a guest speech at one of the most renowned universities of the country. The reactions from the students were probably not as expected as some of them criticized the substance of this person's achievements and competence. Furthermore, they were mocking this person because it had announced its appearance by publishing that it's now also an academic lecturer at a university – not without the obligatory reminder of its young age – while the 45 minute speech was probably more a guest contribution and practice example. The university even felt forced to make a public statement that this person had no lecturing contract with the university.

The negative reactions of some students may have sourced in a little jealousy of the non-academic career of this influencer and GenZ business consultant and some of the critics did not prove maturity either.

A corresponding online news article about the students' reaction was published on the same day and heavily picked up by users of LinkedIn and other social networks where various posts from Swiss business people encouraged the young entrepreneur to ignore the critics. Some of them tried to motivate the GenZer with words like "You are such an important role model for your generation".

To make it clear: I value people, agencies and entrepreneurs that support and consult companies in orientating themselves towards their young customer segments and that help companies to update employment principles or work models. These are essential and important services for a company's future success, branding and employer branding. No question about it.

Still, this week's story made me think about hyped GenZ celebrities and entrepreneurs in general:

• Is it really true that young GenZ business people are role models for their OWN generation or are they rather role models for how (we) 'old' people would love/envision to see our children to work on their careers?
• Could it be that GenZers who are pushing into the 'tough business world' are dominantly hyped and celebrated by (us) 'old' people (GenX and early GenY) because they act according to OUR 'old' values of success and performance?
• Would GenX parents get as much credibility and attention as young GenZer if they transported the same messages about how we need to line up businesses for young generations, their desires, needs and values - assuming that an involved parent could also write a book or speech about it?
• Do GenZ celebrities and entrepreneurs really live a GenZ life when they push their success and advertise their achievements to the max?
• Why are companies not using famous TikTokers with millions of followers (the REAL GenZ and GenAlpha role models?) as their consultants? Are they not mature enough to consult them?

Facts are,

• GenZ business people and consultants are promoted and celebrated predominantly by older generations – not so much by their fellow GenZers
• GenZ guest speakers and agencies are booked by old people in universities and businesses because these GenZers speak 'old' people's language
• GenZ entrepreneurs are hyped by old media (TV and traditional online news sites) targeting old people
• GenZ influencers are awarded and featured by old magazines and old research companies

Summary

I have reasonable doubts that all GenZ consultants can really represent GenZ or consult real GenZ (& GenAlpha) views because some of them act just like GenXers - they just happen to be younger.

Need proof? My 14 year old twin daughters are currently applying for apprenticeships and they'd love to work in an agency to learn the profession of 'mediamatics'. So my thought was: What is a better opportunity for young ladies than to do an apprenticeship at a GenZ agency that is led by a young GenZ entrepreneurs? This idea felt like a perfect match for potentiated #youngpower . However, when I contacted some young agencies, I was astonished to receive answers that I would have rather expected from GenX business owners, as all of the GenZers were making 'old' standard excuses in a sense that their company could unfortunately not offer any educational programs for young people to support their entry into professional life because of limited company size, high effort (cost), nobody having time to accompany apprentices etc. etc.

So as a matter of fact, GenZ agencies don't always seem to commit to or educate young people while they consult their clients how they should commit to and educate young people…

#genz #influencer #genx #geny #millennials #agency #consulting #entrepreneur #education #switzerland

Disclaimer: All posts here are my personal opinion and not related to my current/ former employer

Image credit: Oakland.deu