‘ZEOs’ - What are ‘Gen-Z’ Whisperers and Why Do You Need Them?

Gen-Z, who are the most ‘diverse, well educated and confrontational’ generation, are putting their skills to work at some of the world's largest companies. If you thought consulting roles were for executive-level, 30-years-in-the-game, 50-year-old professionals, well, think again ??

Young adults, fresh out of university, as young as 21, are consulting brands on how to market to their generation, the right way! ??

For example, New York PR agency, Berns Communications Group, have Gen-Z brand consultancy in the bag. They built the ‘Z-Suite’ last summer which consists of a group of 35 students and influencers who offer brands exclusive Gen-Z insights. A Z-Suite member recently advised 14 chief executives and 24 high-level executives from some of the world’s biggest fashion brands... despite not graduating from fashion school yet! ?? Vice presidents and board members decades his senior, were all eager to hear what he had to say ??

Similarly, the world’s largest PR company, Edelman, with a clientele spanning across several industries (clients include Dove, Unilever, Shell and Klarna), has set up its very own ‘Gen-Z Lab’. The lab consists of 250 Gen-Z employees, and they’ve even hired 26-year-old Harris Reed as its ‘ZEO’! The world’s first (and only) ZEO, Reed acts as the ‘cultural and creative adviser’ for Edelman’s Gen Z Lab ??

Quite a glamorous role, these influencers and students receive extraordinary networking opportunities and paid-in-advance hotels and transport. Although the role is unpaid, it’s a pretty good start at such a young age - imagine boasting that you’ve consulted some of the world’s biggest companies on your CV at 21! ??

What are your initial thoughts about the new ‘ZEOs’? Should Gen-Z students and influencers advise exec-level marketing decision-makers? Let us know your thoughts below! ????

[Credit: The Guardian]