Welcome back to GenZtea's Newsletter, where I break down trends, industries, and tech with a Gen Z lens. I'm Natalie Neptune and I'm so happy you're here.

Let's dive into this newsletter's theme... 2025 Market Predictions Through a Gen Z Lens!

As we are in the new year, companies of all sizes are analyzing data and releasing their forecasts for 2025. I've been closely following these predictions, particularly because they align with what we're seeing in the Gen Z market. Some noteworthy reports I've been studying:

• 7wire 2025 Predictions- 7 trends to emerge as we usher in a new administration in digital health

• 3 Strategies Preparing The Next Generation For The Future Of Work: Preparing the next generation for the future of work

As someone who's built thriving communities and was named a Top LinkedIn Voice for Next Gen, I've developed a keen eye for spotting trends before they explode. That's why I've created this master list of market predictions from my perspective- consider this your one-stop resource for understanding what's next.

Let's break down:

• The biggest predicted shifts - analyzing patterns across various industry reports and what they mean for Gen Z

• Hidden opportunities - uncovering the gaps that aren't being discussed in mainstream predictions

  Now... let's dive deep into these predictions! ⬇️

But 1st, I want to give an example of a 1 million IRL community…but a Gen Z himself Andrew Yeung focused on just hosting TECH EVENTS.

In a remarkable first-year success story, an events-based startup has bootstrapped its way to $1.1 million in revenue. Starting with a single $500 event sponsorship, the company rapidly scaled its operations across eight major cities, including New York, San Francisco, and Toronto.

The business has hosted over 200 events with 40,000+ attendees, attracting partnerships with industry giants like J.P. Morgan and American Express, as well as high-growth companies like Notion. What sets them apart? Their events have consistently delivered exceptional ROI for sponsors—averaging 3X returns, with some partners seeing up to 12X ROI on their marketing investments.

Originally known as Andrew's Mixers, the company has now rebranded as Fibe, reflecting its evolution into a full-fledged tech events and media company. Looking ahead to 2025, Fibe plans to expand its offerings to include educational experiences, wellness events, and innovative connection formats, reinforcing their mission of creating meaningful professional connections in an AI-dominated digital world.

Key Highlights:

• Revenue Growth: Bootstrapped to $1.1 million in first-year revenue, starting from a single $500 sponsorship deal and exceeding their initial $100,000 target by more than 10x.

• Event Impact: Organized over 200 events across 8 major cities, reaching more than 40,000 attendees, with 99% of events being free to attend.

• Partner Success: Secured partnerships with over 50 companies, maintaining a 60% retention rate and delivering an average 3X ROI for sponsors, with some achieving up to 12X returns.

• Cost-Efficient Growth: Achieved all growth milestones without spending on paid marketing or outbound sales, relying entirely on inbound channels and word-of-mouth.

This success story demonstrates the enduring value of in-person experiences in today's increasingly digital business landscape.

The Future of Work 2025: What Actually Works

Here's what's blowing my mind: The job search game has completely changed, and the numbers prove it. A recent global survey of 10,000 job seekers showed that 96% of candidates who used AI in their applications landed interviews. But here's what's really fascinating – 94% of hiring managers actually want to see your social media presence. The professional world isn't just changing; it's being rebuilt by Gen Z.

Let's break down what's actually working in 2025:

1. The Visual Revolution The boring black-and-white resume is dead. Here's what's working now:

• 65% of hiring managers prefer interactive resumes (up 10% from last year!)

• 50% are actually excited about video cover letters

• Think portfolio-first, resume second

What this means: Your application needs to feel more like a TikTok than a Word doc.

2. Personal Branding is the New Resume This isn't just about LinkedIn anymore:

• 88% believe a strong digital brand improves their odds (up 45% from 2024)

• 80% are finding jobs through Instagram and Facebook

• Hiring managers are stalking your socials (in a good way!)

• Your content is your credential

The best part? You can build this while you're still in school or working your current job.

As someone who is actively building a community, creating content, and exploring new opportunities, 100% of my interviews have come from inbound requests in 2025.

That is people reaching out for me to work for them full-time, do consulting work, or create content based on my personal brand on LinkedIn.

You are seeing a shift where techies are starting to migrate to LinkedIn more than X, as the whole TikTok ban made some people second think where they were storing their content.

3. AI is Your Secret Weapon The numbers here are wild:

• 96% interview rate for candidates using AI in applications

• 57% of job seekers using AI for resumes

• Tools like Magic Write revolutionizing how we present ourselves

4. Portfolios are the New Normal This shift is huge:

• 72% of hiring managers prefer candidates with portfolios

• Digital portfolios becoming standard across all industries

• Interactive presentations replacing traditional interviews

Here's what I'm watching:

• Tech: AI tools that help create stunning portfolios

• Culture: The rise of career TikTok and job search influencers

• Life: Just redid my entire portfolio using AI tools – engagement is up 300%! 🚀

The Global Work Revolution: Class of 2024 Edition

Here's what's blowing my mind: We're witnessing the biggest shift in work since the Industrial Revolution. The Class of 2024 is approaching work completely differently than any generation before them. They're optimistic but practical, global but family-oriented, and they're completely rewriting the rules of work.

The numbers tell a fascinating story: While 79% are willing to relocate for the right job, 86% want to stay close to family – a paradox that perfectly captures Gen Z's approach to work.

They want flexibility and opportunity, but not at the expense of their personal lives. What's even more interesting? 73% make job decisions based on behind-the-scenes content, and government job applications are up 36% from last year.

With the current administration offering federal workers to resign to reduce the amount of employees, this metric may change. This path may not be as easy to break into for the next 4 years.

Change in job availability and application share by industry, Class of 2024 vs. Class of 2023

Almost three-quarters want to be entrepreneurs eventually, showing that traditional career paths are becoming less appealing.

How interested are you in entrepreneurship (e.g., freelancing or starting your own business?)

Here's what makes this moment truly unique: Gen Z isn't just looking for jobs in their home countries anymore. Thanks to remote work, someone in Toronto can work for a startup in Singapore, while living as a digital nomad in Bali. This isn't just about having options – it's about building a life that combines work, travel, and cultural experiences. I'm seeing more and more Gen Z friends choosing companies based on their ability to support this nomadic lifestyle.

As someone who's built a community of 1k+ members across 21 countries, let me break down how I cracked global community building (and saved hundreds of thousands in market research).

Traditional companies are still stuck in their ways:

• Hiring cultural consultants ($150K+)

• Running expensive market research ($200K+)

• Paying for focus groups ($150K+)

Here's my zero-cost method that actually works:

• Deep Cultural Immersion

  • Watch global economic mini-documentaries (Free!)

  • Attend local cultural events ($0-100)

  • Follow diverse creators & absorb daily insights (Free!)

  • Build authentic cross-cultural friendships (Priceless!)

• My Global Tech Stack

  • KakaoTalk for Korean markets

  • WeChat for Chinese communities

  • WhatsApp for global reach (2B+ users)

  • IG for following global creators

  • YouTube for economic documentaries

  • LinkedIn for global coffee chats

  • Total cost: $0 (yes, really!)

The timing for this couldn't be more critical. Remote digital jobs are increasing by 25% by 2030, and Gen Z is approaching job hunting differently than any generation before them. They're not just looking for flexibility – they're looking for employers who understand and support their desire to work from anywhere. A staggering 75% read company reviews before even applying, particularly focusing on remote work policies and cultural inclusivity.

Cultural understanding isn't just a nice-to-have anymore – it's essential for survival in this new world of work. When your team is spread across Seoul, San Francisco, and Stockholm, being able to navigate different communication styles and work cultures becomes as important as your technical skills.

This is where Gen Z has a massive advantage. While companies have traditionally focused on technical skills, they're now realizing that soft skills are the real differentiator in a global workplace. The ability to lead across cultures, communicate effectively in virtual environments, and build relationships across time zones is becoming the new career currency.

Here's what I'm keeping my eye on:

• Tech: The explosion of global collaboration tools and how they're reshaping remote work

• Culture: The rise of regional work hubs and what this means for talent distribution

• Life: The growing importance of work-life integration in a global context

  

Let's break down what Gen Alpha & Gen Beta need to prepare for:

Here's what's blowing my mind: While we Gen Z are still figuring out our careers, the next generations are going to enter a completely different world of work. The World Economic Forum predicts 50% of ALL employees will need reskilling by 2030 – right when Gen Alpha enters the workforce. But here's what's really fascinating: while AI might displace 85 million jobs by 2025, it's creating 97 million new ones. The future isn't about survival; it's about thriving in a human-AI collaborative world.

1. The End of Traditional Education The college-to-career pipeline is being completely rebuilt:

• Traditional degrees becoming less relevant

• Micro-credentials taking center stage

• Project-based learning replacing lectures

• Skills mattering more than certificates

Real talk: Gen Alpha won't be asking "what college should I go to?" but "what skills do I need to build?"

2. The Rise of AI-Native Workers Just like we're digital natives, these generations will be AI natives:

• AI literacy becoming as important as reading

• Ethical AI usage taught from elementary school

• Programs like AI4ALL becoming standard curriculum

• Focus on human-AI collaboration from day one

The best part? They won't have to unlearn old ways of working – they'll grow up with AI as their co-pilot.

3. Future-Proof Skills That Actually Matter Here's what Gen Alpha & Beta will need to master:

• Emotional intelligence (increasingly valuable in an AI world)

• Strategic thinking (70% of employers say it's essential)

• Adaptability and resilience (change will be constant)

• Cross-cultural communication (work will be global by default)

4. The Entrepreneurial Mindset as Default This isn't optional anymore:

• Side hustles becoming primary income sources

• Portfolio careers replacing single-track careers

• Personal brands being built from childhood

• Global networking from day one

Let's break down the companies and programs shaping the next generation:

1. The Education Revolution Traditional education is being disrupted by innovative programs:

• DECA: 200,000+ members globally learning business skills

• LaunchX: Summer programs turning high schoolers into startup founders

• WIT (Whatever It Takes): Teaching teens business with social impact

• Bird's Nest at University of Louisville: Students working with real clients like Churchill Downs and Kentucky Derby

2. Tech Skills & AI Integration Major tech companies are stepping up:

• Google's Grow with Google: Free digital skills training reaching 8M+ globally

• Coursera for Campus: Bringing real-world skills to high schools

• AWS Educate: Free AI and cloud computing training

• Code.org's AI Curriculum: Making AI accessible to beginners

• AI4ALL: Introducing underrepresented students to AI

3. Corporate Innovation Companies adapting to new generations:

• Adobe AI: Merging creativity with technology

• ChatGPT: Becoming standard in education

• DALL-E: Teaching visual AI literacy

• LinkedIn: Reporting AI skills among top 10 in-demand abilities

What makes this particularly exciting:

• Gen Alpha is already showing incredible tech intuition

• They're growing up with AI as a natural tool

• They see global connection as normal

• They understand personal branding instinctively

Here's what I'm watching:

• Tech: How elementary schools are integrating AI education

• Culture: The rise of kid entrepreneurs and creators

• Skills: How traditional education is (finally) adapting

Healthcare Trends 2025: The Gen Z Perspective

Let me break down how healthcare is being completely rebuilt for our generation. The numbers are wild: $11.1B in healthcare AI investment, $600B in U.S. pharma spending, and 9 million people with dementia by 2030. But here's what's really interesting – how Gen Z is reshaping every aspect of healthcare delivery.

1. The AI Healthcare Revolution AI isn't just for scheduling anymore – it's transforming how we actually receive care. Investment in healthcare AI is expected to hit $11.1B by the end of 2024, and it's going way beyond admin tasks.

Who's getting it right:

• Transcarent: Their AI feels like chatting with a knowledgeable friend, not a robot

• WellSpan Health: Using AI to proactively reach underserved populations

• Summer Health: AI-powered triage that actually understands Gen Z communication

The catch? Nearly half of FDA-approved AI tools lack clinical validation data. Expect 2025 to bring more scrutiny.

2. The Trust & Misinformation Battle With health info everywhere 24/7, trust is the new currency. Companies winning Gen Z's trust:

• Summer Health: 24/7 text access to pediatricians (because who makes phone calls?)

• FOLX: Building safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ healthcare

• Mediflix: Doctor-created content that feels like TikTok

• Roon: Making medical education actually engaging

What makes them special: They're rebuilding trust through community and authenticity, not authority.

3. The M&A Wave & What It Means Healthcare consolidation is coming, but some companies are using it to innovate:

• Traditional players acquiring digital-first capabilities

• Startups merging to create comprehensive care platforms

• More integration between physical and digital care

4. Making Healthcare Affordable With pharma costs exploding ($600B annually!), digital alternatives are stepping up:

• Zerigo: Making chronic condition management accessible and affordable

• WellTheory: Lifestyle-first approaches to autoimmune conditions

• 9amHealth: Diabetes care that doesn't break the bank

The best part? These solutions feel more like wellness apps than traditional medicine.

5. The Medicaid Evolution Healthcare access is transforming, and digital solutions are filling gaps:

• GroundGame.Health: Tackling social determinants of health

• Digital health companies making care accessible regardless of location

• Community-first approaches to healthcare delivery

6. Tackling the Dementia Crisis With dementia cases rising to 9M by 2030, innovation is crucial:

• Synapticure: Cutting neurologist wait times through virtual care

• Homethrive: Supporting caregivers with digital tools

• GUIDE Program: Making digital dementia care accessible

7. Pharma Goes Gen Z Big pharma is finally speaking our language:

• Bayer: Launching consumer precision health products

• Eli Lilly + 9amHealth: Partnership for diabetes management that makes sense

• Direct-to-consumer platforms that feel modern

What Winning Companies Get Right:

1. They prioritize user experience over traditional healthcare models

2. They understand Gen Z's preference for:

   • Text over calls

   • Community over authority

   • Integration over lifestyle

   • Education over prescription

3. They price services transparently

4. They build trust through community

5. They make healthcare feel like a choice, not a burden

The Future of Gen Z Healthcare:

• More community-driven solutions

• Better integration with daily life

• AI that enhances rather than replaces human care

• Greater emphasis on mental health

• More inclusive and representative care model

GenZtea IRL Events

We hosted our 2nd self-care + networking event at Kiehl’s flagship location with 60 Gen Z founders

Here are the pics & videos: ⤵️

We have a limited edition mask party at Kiehl’s on the 15th! This is more intimate with only 20 spots. Make sure to sign up now.

Next up is the Personal Branding 101 Founder’s panel at Pace University with Front Yard + Born Global Community

Subscribe to Luma for upcoming events & if interested in sponsoring or partnerships email [email protected]

GenZtea Programs

ARE YOU A GEN Z FOUNDER WHO...

→ Knows LinkedIn is crucial for fundraising but feels stuck posting "corporate cringe" → Watches other founders close deals through LinkedIn while you're still figuring it out → Has a profile that doesn't match your actual potential

YOU'RE HELD BACK BY: → Imposter syndrome (especially being young) → No proven playbook → Fear of looking unprofessional → Not knowing what actually works

While LinkedIn has over 950M+ users, only 1% of users create content regularly - that's the opportunity gap for founders who want to stand out

Sign up for 2nd cohort personal branding course.

GenZtea Jobs + Resources

• ✨ Calling Med Students & Residents! ✨Curanostics is hiring a Content Creator

• 💥 Maven is hiring 💥: Check out open positions

• The BoxGroup team is expanding: They are hiring Investors in both SF & NYC

• If you're on the lookout for roles in Product, Sales, Operations, Customer Success, Marketing, Design, or Engineering, Rishabh Banga got you covered with some insider info

• Nikki Tucker is looking for content creators, both micro with a community size of 10K-100K and macro with a community size of 100K - 1M

• Salesforce is hiring contractors (Associate Manager and Manager level) to join their Events Demand Generation team

• Here’s the deck Boardy used to raise $8M from Creandum (and 100 other investors)