Onward and upward: In Community #33

It’s not always easy to know when to move on – or how to move forward.

Whether it’s about a personal relationship that isn’t serving you, a job that isn’t allowing you to grow, or a business that needs to step into its next chapter, change can come with discomfort.

But it pushes us forward. 

Last week, I wrote about fueling this newsletter with more interviews of leaders working to change the game. This week, I’m highlighting two of those leaders: Ziad Ahmed and Shaina Zafar, the cofounders of JUV, a Gen Z-focused agency that was recently acquired by UTA.

They’re inspiring brands to deliver for our communities and in the process they’re showing what the next generation of leadership can look like. Spoiler alert – it’s more diverse than ever, future-focused, energetic, and not about to let you stay stuck in the status quo.

From high school hustle to UTA acquisition

Ziad and Shaina shared a bit about their journey so far and what the next chapter looks like for them. They’re making sure that Gen Z’s voices get heard and carry weight in the decisions that’ll help us build a future for all of us – not just the few.

Read more…

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Vibe Check

⚡️ Chaka Khan is getting me through the fire this week, as she and her band are lighting up the Tiny Desk.

Need To Know

💥 Google marketing exec Zain Masri is building Tirazain. She’s helping to preserve her heritage through an endangered art form.

💥 Meet the Detroit native named the best chef in New York. He’s creating a fine dining tasting room experience in Brooklyn.

💥 The Métis Nation is putting Indigenous communities at the forefront of climate change action. Storytelling is a critical tool in their approach.

💥 ICYMI: Two Latine artists headlined at this year’s Gov Ball. It’s the first time this has ever happened.

💥 Malika Andrews is the 29 year-old sports journalist putting a fresh face on ESPN’s NBA coverage. She’s using her platform to speak about real issues.

Who are the authors, social impact leaders, entrepreneurs, executives, and more who should get featured for how they’re moving us forward together?

Are you one of them? Reach out with your ideas by replying to this directly. I mean it – who deserves to get the spotlight on them? Let me know.

In community,

Fahad