🎙️ Episode 42: Building Brands and Taking the First Step with Sergio 🎙️

This week, we had an inspiring conversation with Sergio, a college friend of Micah's and the founder of his own fashion brand, Under New Management. Sergio shared his journey of starting his business while in college and the valuable lessons he’s learned along the way.

We dived into the power of simply starting—taking that first leap of faith before perfecting or overthinking. As Sergio puts it, “The first step is planting the seed; the rest is nurturing it.” He also spoke about the unlimited opportunities for learning in today's world. With the power of a smartphone, you can master almost any skill and turn ideas into reality.

🚀 Follow Sergio and his work:

• Instagram: @undernewmgmt__
• Shop: Under New Management

Tune in to this episode for actionable insights on entrepreneurship, learning, and building something truly unique.

In this episode of the Gen Z Podcast, we sit down with Sebastian Paredes, founder and CEO of Interlix Staffing, to explore his inspiring journey from Ecuador to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the U.S. We delve into five key chapters of his story:

1. Sebastian's Journey: From his early days in Ecuador to breaking into the U.S. entrepreneurial scene, hear how Sebastian’s unique background shaped his path to success.
2. Building Interlix Staffing: Discover how Sebastian created a bridge between Latin America and the U.S. through Interlix, connecting top-tier bilingual talent with American companies.
3. Navigating Challenges: Learn about the reality of starting a business, as Sebastian shares candid insights into the obstacles he faced in the early stages of Interlix.
4. American Dream: Sebastian discusses the opportunities that fueled his vision and offers his perspective on what it means to chase the American Dream.
5. Lessons from Babson: Reflect on the importance of community and entrepreneurship, as Sebastian reveals the transformative lessons he learned at Babson College, the world’s top school for entrepreneurship.

Join us for an episode packed with actionable insights, inspiration, and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make their mark.

Podcast Episode #40: Tackling the Housing Crisis with Gianca Arguello of Sailed Homes

In episode #40 of the Gen Z Podcast, host Gavin Farnan is joined by Zachary Crilley, Felipe Segura, Micah McNeil, and special guest Gianca Arguello, a Babson College alum and Miami-based entrepreneur. The conversation centers around Gianca's company, Sailed Homes, and its innovative approach to addressing the housing crisis, a topic that has been at the forefront of previous episodes. This episode builds on discussions from episode #30, which explored the economic impacts of COVID-19 on housing prices, wages, and student loan debt, and continues by diving into potential solutions that can create more accessible homeownership opportunities for Gen Z.

Segment 1: Entrepreneurial Beginnings
Gianca kicks off the conversation by discussing his entrepreneurial journey and what motivated him to start Sailed Homes. Having identified the growing difficulty for Gen Z to break into homeownership due to inflated housing prices and stagnant wages, he saw a business opportunity that aligned with his desire to solve real-world problems. Sailed Homes' primary goal is to make homeownership more accessible by offering innovative housing solutions. Gianca also touches on the early stages of building the business, the challenges faced along the way, and the short-term objectives they aim to accomplish.

Segment 2: Addressing the Housing Crisis
Gianca offers insight into the broader housing crisis, discussing how the shortage of available homes has disproportionately impacted younger generations. He explains how Sailed Homes is uniquely positioned to combat these issues, focusing on creating housing solutions that are not only affordable but also meet the needs of first-time homebuyers. The company looks at the macroeconomic trends in the housing market and tailors its approach to help alleviate the systemic issues contributing to the crisis.

Segment 3: The Mindset Behind Success
Shifting gears, the podcast dives into the mindset it takes to succeed in an industry typically dominated by older professionals. Gianca shares his experience of building credibility in real estate as a young entrepreneur and the importance of passion, persistence, and resilience. His hard work and dedication recently paid off with a $22 million inducement from Miami-Dade County, a significant milestone that came with its own set of challenges. Gianca emphasizes the value of staying connected to the "why" behind his business, especially when facing adversity in an industry where experience and a proven track record are often necessary for success.

Segment 4: Advice for Aspiring Gen Z Entrepreneurs
As the conversation moves toward advice for younger listeners, Gianca reflects on the lessons he has learned throughout his entrepreneurial journey. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take the leap despite the fear of failure and to focus on solving meaningful problems that align with their passions. Gianca emphasizes the importance of building upon the foundation that has been set before.

Takeaways:

• Gen Z faces significant hurdles in homeownership due to rising housing costs, stagnant wages, and student loan debt, but innovative solutions like Sailed Homes are addressing these challenges.
• Building a business in a traditionally older industry requires resilience, passion, and a clear sense of purpose, as seen in Gianca’s approach to overcoming obstacles.
• For aspiring entrepreneurs, focusing on solving real problems, persevering through setbacks, and staying connected to the "why" behind the business are crucial for long-term success.

In this episode, we dive deep into the rise of processed food and its impact on Gen Z's health. We explore the reasons behind the increase in unhealthy food options and discuss the power of legislative solutions like banning harmful food chemicals. Tune in to hear how this generation is reshaping the food landscape and fighting for a healthier future!

In this episode of the Gen Z Podcast, we sit down with Danny McKinnon the inspiring owner of Clayboy's Shave Ice, a small business that’s making a big impact in Bethesda. As a Gen Z entrepreneur, our guest shares his journey of taking the leap into business ownership, navigating the unique challenges faced by young entrepreneurs, and staying motivated through it all. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the mindset, resilience, and passion that drive Gen Z to redefine success on their own terms. Get ready to be inspired!

Gen Z Dating The Situation & The Statistics: ● A survey conducted by the Survey Center on American Life found that only 56 percent of Gen Z adults—and 54 percent of Gen Z men—said they were involved in a romantic relationship at any point during their teenage years. This represents a remarkable change from previous generations, where teenage dating was much more common. More than three-quarters of Baby Boomers (78 percent) and Generation Xers (76 percent) report having had a boyfriend or girlfriend as teenagers. ○ Source ● 75% of Gen Z are single. (Source) ● 74% of millennials and Gen Zers use dating apps.(Source) ● 90% of Gen Z say they are frustrated with dating apps.(Source) ● 30% of millennials and Gen Z say that their financial situation is holding them back from dating.(Source) ● 71% say it’s a deal-breaker if a potential match has different political views than them. (Refinery29) ● Gen Zers are having less casual sex than before. While 38% of young adults had casual sex in 2007, this number dropped to 24% in 2017. (Socius) ● 23%would use an AI chatbot assistant (Match) ● Nearly half (45%) of Gen Z singles feel their mental health is poor or fair. (Match) ● 34%of Gen Z singles never drink.(Match) ● 1 in 5Gen Z singles have questioned their gender identity (compared to just 9% of singles overall). (Match) ● 43%of Gen Z daters have started a relationship with someone they met on an online or digital platform, like video games, online forums, or on social media.(Match) ● 18%of Gen Z singles said that overuse of tech devices had a negative impact on their previous relationship. (Match) Causes: 1. Technology’s role in Gen Z dating a. Dating Apps: The rise and repercussions of apps b. Online vs. Offline Persona: How do online personas compare to real-life personalities, and what challenges does this present in dating? 2. Attitudes towards relationships a. Casual vs. Serious Dating: How does Gen Z view casual dating versus more serious relationships? It feels like there is a shift towards more casual, less-defined relationships. b. Political and Social Beliefs: How do political and social beliefs influence dating decisions? Are shared values more critical now? c. Mental Health: Explore the mental health challenges associated with modern dating scenarios, like ghosting, breadcrumbing, and the paradox of choice due to apps. Solutions: 1. Enhancing Communication Skills ● Solution: Promote open and honest communication as a foundational skill in dating and relationships. ● Example: Discuss techniques such as active listening and assertive communication. Encourage practicing empathy by trying to understand the partner's perspective before responding. 2. Education on Digital Etiquette & Authenticity ● Solution: Educate listeners on digital etiquette, particularly in how they present themselves online and communicate on dating platforms. ● Example: Offer guidelines on how to maintain respect and courtesy online, addressing behaviors like ghosting and breadcrumbing. Highlight the importance of transparency and honesty in online interactions. 3. Using Technology Wisely ● Solution: Discuss ways to use dating apps and social media platforms responsibly to foster meaningful connections. ● Example: Recommend setting clear intentions on dating profiles and being selective about matches based on more than just physical appearance. Highlight apps like Hinge, which focuses on deeper connections and prompts users to engage more thoughtfully. 4. Prioritizing Mental Health ● Solution: Encourage prioritization of mental health when dating, recognizing when dating pressures are affecting personal well-being. ● Example: Suggest maintaining a balance between dating life and other life areas, such as friendships, hobbies, and personal growth. Introduce mental health resources, such as mindfulness techniques, specifically geared towards young adults.

Join us in our conversation with Nadav. A Georgetown graduate who doesn't allow life to dictate his passions and how he has tried his best to create a life for him and not against him.

Welcome to The Gen Z Podcast! In this episode, we're excited to announce our rebrand from "Your 1 Podcast" to "The Gen Z Podcast," reflecting our new mission and vision. Join your hosts, Micah McNeil, Felipe Segura, Gavin Farnan, and Zachary Crilley, as we dive into the most pressing issues impacting Gen Z today.

Segment 1: Setting the Stage We kick off with an overview of Jonathan Haidt’s groundbreaking work on mental health and social media, focusing on the alarming rise in anxiety and depression since 2010. We'll discuss how these issues particularly impact adolescent development and why addressing them is crucial.

Segment 2: Data Points and Timeline In this segment, we present compelling data highlighting the significant increases in anxiety and depression among adolescents, particularly teenage girls and Gen Z men. We’ll explore the correlation between screen time, social media usage, and mental health issues, backed by recent studies and statistics.

Segment 3: Solutions Drawing from Jonathan Haidt’s recommendations, we delve into practical solutions for mitigating the negative impacts of social media on mental health. We’ll discuss the importance of social and emotional learning in schools and share actionable advice for parents and educators.

Conclusion We wrap up with a summary of key points and a call to action. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast to stay updated with our biweekly episodes. Tune in for insights, data, and strategies to navigate the digital age as a Gen Z listener.

Stay connected, stay informed, and welcome to the new Gen Z Podcast!