How Gen Z Leaders Think Differently The Tech Trek podcast

6d ago 27:23

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Teddy Solomon, co-founder and CEO of Fizz, joins the show to share his journey from Stanford dropout to leading one of the fastest-growing Gen Z social platforms. In this conversation, Teddy breaks down what it’s like to learn leadership on the fly, the misconceptions around Gen Z founders, and how he’s scaling a product used by 95% of students at some of the top universities in the country. His story is a rare look at what it takes to build, adapt, and lead with composure at a young age.

Key Takeaways

• How Teddy turned a pandemic side project into the leading college social platform in the U.S.

• Why staying “high with the lows and low with the highs” is his guiding principle for leadership and culture

• The role of mentorship and humility in navigating early CEO decisions

• How to earn respect and lead teams older and more experienced than you

• Why real-world interaction still matters in an era dominated by digital connections

Timestamped Highlights

[01:00] Teddy explains how Fizz became the go-to social app for U.S. college campuses

[02:45] The bold decision to drop out of Stanford after meeting a key mentor and investor

[09:15] Why bringing in an external CEO was the best move for the company’s survival

[12:30] Lessons on leadership: performing your best in the worst moments

[15:59] The reality of leading teams as a young founder

[18:45] Challenging Gen Z stereotypes through action and connection

Memorable Line

“You need to stay high with the lows and low with the highs. If you can perform at your best when things are at their worst, you give your company the best chance to survive.”

Pro Tips

Focus on results and culture. Age, background, and pedigree matter far less than the ability to create a strong team environment and deliver outcomes.

Call to Action

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who’s passionate about leadership and startups. Follow the show for more conversations with founders shaping the future of tech, and connect with us on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes insights.

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