From launching his first venture at just eight years old to building Thred Media into a global Gen Z-focused platform, Jenk Oz has consistently worked at the intersection of youth culture, social impact, and media innovation. In this interview, he reflects on the formative moments that drove him toward socially driven entrepreneurship, the structural gaps in youth media Thred was designed to address, and how Gen Z are reshaping work, education, and media.

You launched your first venture at an unusually young age. What early experiences shaped your desire to build socially driven businesses?

My journey began at eight years old with a school show-and-tell that unexpectedly became the foundation for my first venture. Over the next three years, that idea evolved into iCoolKid, a website designed to share creative activities for young people.

What truly changed the trajectory of my work wasn’t the platform itself, but the messages I began receiving. Initially a few a week, they soon became multiple messages a day from young people across the world sharing deeply personal experiences – stories of LGBTQ+ teens facing suicidal thoughts, girls improvising period products from litter, and students organising environmental initiatives in their local communities.

I no longer wanted to just create content, but to build platforms that could educate, empower, and enable action at scale.

Growing up in a safe, middle-class household, these stories exposed me – very early on – to realities I had never encountered. They made me realise how unaware I had been of the struggles facing the very generation I thought I was representing. That confrontation with global inequality and lived experience fundamentally shifted my ambition: I no longer wanted to just create content, but to build platforms that could educate, empower, and enable action at scale.

Was there a specific moment when you realised you wanted to dedicate your work to empowering Gen Z?

Rather than a single moment, it was the cumulative impact of reading hundreds of messages from Gen Zers around the world. Each one added to a growing realisation that access, opportunity, and support are deeply uneven – especially for young people.

That awareness sharpened in 2019 when I encountered the work of economist Raj Chetty while preparing a TEDx talk. His research made clear that talent is evenly distributed, but opportunity is not. That insight crystallised my direction: if young people couldn’t bring their ideas to life due to structural barriers, then my role was to help remove those barriers through information, community, and access.

What gap in the media landscape were you trying to fill when you founded Thred Media?

Thred was created to solve three core problems in youth media:

1. Most media talks about Gen Z, not to or with them. We speak in the language of Gen Z and cover topics that are culturally and socially relevant to their lived realities.
2. Education without action isn’t enough. Thred doesn’t just inform; it shows pathways forward and encourages immediate, practical engagement.
3. Young audiences are often rented, not owned. We built our own global community rather than relying solely on platforms.

What makes Thred unique is the triangulation of publishing, community, and consulting, which allows us to generate real-time Gen Z insights and apply them directly to media, research, and brand strategy.

Thred operates across publishing, consulting, and production. What does that structure enable you to do that traditional media companies can’t?

Traditional media companies typically separate content creation from audience insight and commercial application. Thred integrates all three.

Our publishing arm gives us daily, real-time insight into Gen Z culture and social change. Our community – spanning readers, newsletters, social platforms, Discord, and a global Change Maker Directory – provides first- and zero-party data. Our consulting arm then applies those insights directly to brands, governments, and NGOs.

This structure allows us to deliver fast, authentic, behaviour-led insights grounded in lived experience – not delayed reports or second-hand analysis. Because our team is almost entirely Gen Z, our insight comes from lived experience rather than detached observation. We are immersed in the culture every day, both at work and outside it.

What have been the biggest challenges in scaling a Gen Z-centric media brand?

The biggest challenge has been sales and visibility in an oversaturated attention economy. Outbound communication is increasingly expensive and competitive, making it difficult to get decision-makers’ attention – even with strong ideas.

Fundraising has also been challenging. As a media and consulting business rather than a pure tech or consumer product company, we don’t fit the traditional venture capital growth narrative.

Finally, hiring presents unique costs. Distinguishing between young people who are genuinely aligned with the mission and those who see the role as a temporary stopgap is difficult – and hiring mistakes are expensive in terms of training, time, and momentum.

You’re a member of Google’s Gen Z Council and Oracle for Startups. Through networks like these, what trends should young founders be paying attention to?

Several shifts stand out clearly:

• AI and automation will replace entire industries faster than expected. Estimates of job displacement are likely conservative.
• The gig economy is accelerating rapidly, with up to half of the developed world’s workforce projected to be freelance or contract-based by 2027.
• The creator economy is expanding at scale, with Gen Z emerging as its most active participants. Over half of Gen Z say content creation is their ideal career.
• Education is being democratised. Young people are supplementing or replacing formal education with online learning, apprenticeships, and peer-based skill sharing.
• Solopreneurship is rising. Not every Gen Zer wants to build a billion-dollar company; many prioritise sustainable, independent income and autonomy.

The common thread is access: digital tools have removed borders, lowered the cost of failure, and flattened hierarchy.

You’ve spoken extensively about the future of work. What shifts will define the next decade?

Gen Z is redefining work culture around flexibility, transparency, and purpose. Key shifts include:

• Flexible hours and hybrid work as standard
• More frequent and meaningful feedback
• Open discussion of mental health
• Faster adoption of technology
• Broader internal mobility and exposure across organisations

Most importantly, company purpose must align with employee purpose. Gen Z expects employers to integrate social change into their operating systems, not just their marketing. Workplaces that fail to adapt to these expectations will struggle to attract and retain talent.

Where do you see the most promising opportunities for Gen Z and Gen Alpha entrepreneurs?

Innovation opportunities lie at the intersection of technology, sustainability, education, and AI-enabled products. Product-based businesses are likely to outperform services as automation continues to disrupt traditional service models.

Emerging roles – particularly in climate adaptation, decentralised education, and human-AI collaboration – represent major growth areas. Importantly, many of the jobs of 2030 don’t yet exist at scale.

You operate across entrepreneurship, public speaking, and creative performance. How do you manage multiple timelines?

Strong scheduling is essential, but more importantly, these disciplines reinforce one another. Public speaking sharpens communication, performance builds confidence and presence, and entrepreneurship grounds everything in execution. Rather than competing for time, they collectively strengthen my ability to lead, communicate, and create impact.

What is your long-term vision for Thred Media?

Our focus is on scaling impact through AI-enabled systems that enhance our consulting, creative, and media workflows. We aim to stay ahead of transformational forces by identifying them early and building capabilities as they form.

Long term, Thred’s role is to help individuals, brands, and institutions understand and work with emerging generations – using behavioural insight, community, and purpose to drive meaningful change at scale.

Executive Profile

Jenk Oz is a 20-year-old social entrepreneur, public speaker, and Founder & CEO of Thred Media, a Gen Z–focused publishing and consulting company reaching young audiences in 220+ countries. Thred works with global brands including Google, Coke, and Microsoft. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree, Jenk has spoken at 90+ conferences, including three TEDx talks, on Gen Z, entrepreneurship, and social change.

The post Gen Z Entrepreneurship in Action: How Jenk Oz Built Thred Media to Reshape Youth Media and Work appeared first on The European Business Review.

In this installment, we sit down with Christy Lee, founder and CEO of Seventh House Marketing. She shares how she scaled a fast-growing agency, embraced a hands-on approach to leadership, and built a brand rooted in agility, creativity, and community.

Thank you for meeting with us today, Christy! It’s such an honor. You launched Seventh House Marketing in February 2024 and quickly scaled to over 50 clients, which is no small feat. What was the moment you realized this wasn’t just a freelance pivot, but a real company?

Of course! Excited to chat. It’s funny because starting an agency had been a dream of mine for years, so it wasn’t necessarily a plan B freelance pivot just to make enough money to tie me over until my next corporate job. What I could have never predicted, though was our growth trajectory and some of the things we’ve been able to accomplish in such a short amount of time.

Before founding it, you were an in-house CMO. Were there any gaps or frustrations in traditional brand marketing that pushed you toward building your own agency?

I wanted to create something of my own where we could act at a moment’s notice, while other teams are still on their 10th round of approvals before they can get something live. 

I think, naturally, the bigger and more structured a team is, the more red tape you’re going to have to go through to bring an idea to fruition. I really enjoyed my time working in-house, but there were times when I couldn’t bring a vision to life exactly how I wanted, which was disappointing of course, since I’m such a creatively driven person. With my own agency, my goal was really to move at the speed of culture. Social media is already such a fast-paced industry, so I wanted to create something of my own where we could act at a moment’s notice, while other teams are still on their 10th round of approvals before they can get something live.

You’ve spoken openly about taking a “scrappy” approach early on, doing everything yourself. Which parts of that phase were most valuable and what were the hardest to outgrow?

I really tapped into a part of me I didn’t know I had in the beginning stages of building Seventh House Marketing. I was presented with problems I didn’t have the first clue in solving, but who else was going to figure it out but me? So, I learned how to make anything possible with the resources at hand. I honestly believe there has never been a better time to build a business because of how much access we have to information online. You can start with a simple Google search and build something brilliant from the ground up.

As a Gen Z founder, how do you think your approach to content and community-building differs from older generations in marketing?

My team and I know how to market to our clients’ target audience because we are the target audience. We are immersed in the culture in both our professional and personal lives, which gives us that first-hand edge to understanding what works and what doesn’t.

Under your leadership, Seventh House Marketing now sits at the intersection of brand marketing and the creator economy. How has your experience on both the brand and influencer sides shaped the way you advise clients today?

My experience is kind of unique because I’ve seen social media from all sides. I’ve worked in-house, so I get the brand and client perspective. I’ve been on the influencer side as a personal content creator, doing brand deals with some of the biggest brands in the world. And then there’s the agency side building Seventh House and working with clients across tons of different industries. All of that helps me understand what actually works from every angle

Speaking of leadership, being part of Forbes 30 Under 30 is another major milestone! How did that recognition impact your business, or perhaps your own confidence as a founder?

Thank you! It sounds so cheesy, but it really was a dream come true and something I’ve had on my vision board for years. As far as direct impact from getting on the list, I wouldn’t say there were any dramatic changes. It definitely added credibility, and we saw an increase in client inquiries, but the most meaningful part was all the kind words I received from aspiring or current female entrepreneurs telling me that I made them believe they could achieve the same. I don’t come across many female founders (and even fewer female founders of color) so being that representation for someone else is incredibly important to me.

Many Gen Z founders are building companies amid economic uncertainty. What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs who feel like they need to wait for the “perfect” time to start?

It doesn’t exist. A version of you years down the road will always look at V1, and think it’s bad (and probably a little embarrassing), but the thing is, you cannot get to that point unless you start it, and you start it badly. The feeling of being “ready” is also sort of a myth to me because, in my opinion, if you feel with absolute certainty you are ready to take the huge leap that is your entrepreneurial journey, you probably could’ve done it a lot sooner.

What’s a misconception people have about running a digital marketing agency—or about Gen Z founders in general—that you’ve had to challenge?

That we’re lazy mostly, haha. It’s something I’ve faced with older colleagues in business, and I don’t take offense to it at all. Our work speaks for itself, but I also think that stereotype is a product of our generation, constantly questioning things and wanting to find new ways to do things, which I love. I approach projects with a curious mind, always wanting to push the boundaries of what’s industry “best practice,” and that has been a huge contributor to our growth.

Looking ahead, how do you see Seventh House Marketing evolving?         

I want to work on projects that don’t just serve brands, but transform the way they connect with their audiences and make an impact that lasts.

I want Seventh House Marketing to be a household name. I see us as not just the leading creative agency in our space, but also as a go-to thought leader on marketing, social media, and content creation through our educational sister brand, Seventh House Academy. I want to work on projects that don’t just serve brands, but transform the way they connect with their audiences and make an impact that lasts.

For Gen Z readers who also dream of turning a side hustle into a full-time business, what would you want to say to them?

Start small and build from there. When you’re just starting out, everything you do matters, so do it with intention- your customers will notice. That said, don’t wait for things to be perfect before they exist. Move quickly, get them out into the world, and then constantly adapt. I’ve noticed there’s a point where some founders start going on autopilot, and the difference between a small side hustle and a full-time business is consistently leveling up in every aspect of what you do. That’s what’s going to get you to the top.

Executive Profile

Christy Lee is the founder and CEO of Seventh House Marketing and Seventh House Academy. She helps brands create authentic, streamlined content through social media strategy, consulting, and one-day or remote product shoots, while also providing educational resources through the Academy to teach marketing, content creation, and social media skills.

The post How Gen Z Founder Christy Lee is Redefining Modern Marketing Agencies appeared first on The European Business Review.

Finance can feel intimidating—but it becomes human when paired with storytelling, community, and confidence. In this installment, we sit down with Simran Kaur, founder of Friends That Invest, a multi-million-dollar money media company. Through her story and insights, we explore how Gen Z women are learning to invest, take control of their wealth, and reshape their relationship with money.

You have worn so many hats, from founder to columnist and community builder. Which version of yourself do you think your younger self would be most surprised to see?

My younger self would be most surprised to see me as someone who is financially free and using that freedom to lead. Not in the traditional sense, but as someone who speaks openly about money, builds community, and stands confidently in her values. Growing up, I was curious and driven, but I didn’t always see myself as someone who would take up space or have a voice that others listened to. The idea that financial freedom could give me both independence and the ability to help thousands of people feel more confident with investing would have felt almost unbelievable.

Was there a specific moment when you realized that your work was growing into a global movement rather than just a passion project? What did that moment feel like for you?

I love taking something complex and making it feel relatable, because that’s often the moment people realise, “I can do this too.”

There wasn’t one single moment, but there was a shift. I remember opening messages from people in completely different countries saying they had started investing for the first time because of something I shared. That’s when it clicked that this was bigger than me. It felt equal parts grounding and overwhelming. A real sense of responsibility, but also deep gratitude. It made me want to do the work even more thoughtfully.

Your work blends finance, storytelling, and culture in a way that feels fresh and approachable. Which part of that mix brings you the most joy in your day-to-day life?

Storytelling, without a doubt. Finance can feel cold or intimidating, but when you wrap it in real stories, personal experiences, cultural context, and everyday language, it becomes human. I love taking something complex and making it feel relatable, because that’s often the moment people realise, “I can do this too.”

Many young people feel intimidated by investing. What is one belief about money or wealth building that you wish every Gen Z woman could instantly rewrite?

That investing is only for people who already have money, confidence, or special knowledge. I wish every Gen Z woman could rewrite that belief and understand that investing is a learned skill, not a personality trait. You don’t need to be fearless or wealthy; you just need access to information and the belief that you’re allowed to start.

You have created communities that feel welcoming and empowering. Can you share a light or uplifting story from your audience that reminds you why you love doing this work?

We get messages every day, but one that always stands out to me is when women share that they finally feel like they can be part of financial conversations. Whether that’s understanding what they’re seeing online or feeling confident engaging with money topics in their day-to-day lives. We hear so many amazing stories of women building financial confidence and either becoming financially free or actively working towards it. Those moments are a constant reminder that this work isn’t really about numbers; it’s about confidence, autonomy, and people seeing themselves differently.

Your platforms have helped thousands of people understand investing more clearly and humanly. What has this journey taught you about leadership and using your voice with intention?

It’s taught me that leadership doesn’t have to be loud or perfect. It’s about consistency, honesty, and being willing to say, “I’m still learning too.” Using your voice with intention means understanding the impact your words can have, especially when people are looking to you for guidance.

If a close friend told you they wanted to start something meaningful but didn’t know where to begin, what honest and unfiltered advice would you give them?

Start before you feel ready. Clarity comes from action, not overthinking. You don’t need the full plan; you just need the first step. And be prepared for it to evolve. Most meaningful things don’t look polished at the beginning, and that’s not a flaw; it’s part of the process.

As you think about the next chapter for yourself and your community, what is one big or unconventional dream you hope to bring to life?

I’d love to build something that supports financial confidence at every stage of life, not just starting to invest, but navigating careers, building wealth sustainably, and feeling empowered long term. The dream is to keep expanding the conversation around money so it feels normal, inclusive, and human, no matter where you’re starting from.

Executive Profile

With only 15–25% of women investing, recognised angel and venture investor Simran Kaur founded Friends That Invest, a multi-million dollar money media company. Host of the world’s #1 investing podcast for women, Forbes 30 Under 30 alum, and 2024 Young New Zealander of the Year, Simran’s mission is simple: put money into women’s hands.

The post Empowering Gen Z Women to Build Financial Confidence with Simran Kaur appeared first on The European Business Review.