97. Beyond ‘What Do You Do?’: A Gen Z Approach to Authentic Networking with Errika Brooks, Founder of Gen Z Times

In episode 97, I’m joined by Errika S. Brooks, founder of Gen Z Times (GZT), a platform created to amplify and empower Gen Z by helping them navigate career challenges, build meaningful connections, and define success in their own way.With over seven years of experience across higher education, nonprofit leadership, and youth-focused partnerships, Errika blends strategy, creativity, and student development to design spaces that reflect the needs and values of Gen Z, especially BIPOC and LGBTQ+ audiences. As a youth advocate, community strategist, and Gen Z’s biggest cheerleader, she brings an authentic and heart-centered perspective to every conversation about connection and belonging.Together, we explore how Gen Z is redefining networking, moving beyond the question “What do you do?” toward authentic, community-driven connection. Networking has long been seen as awkward or transactional, but Gen Z is shifting that narrative by focusing on shared interests, values, and belonging. Errika shares how her After 5 Experiment networking events help people connect without the pressure of titles or business cards and what professionals of all generations can learn from this human-centered approach to building relationships.In this episode, I cover:How Gen Z is moving beyond the question “What do you do?”Why authentic networking starts with shared humanity, not hierarchyWhat it looks like to create safety and inclusion in professional spacesHow to network across, not just up, and why peer connections matterThe mindset shift needed to make networking feel natural instead of forcedKey Takeaways:Networking doesn’t have to be transactional—it can start with friendshipYou don’t need to “network up” to grow; building across your peers matters just as muchAuthenticity and inclusion make spaces safer and more effective for everyoneCommunity and consistency are key to meaningful connectionsChapters:00:12 Guest Introduction and Networking Shift02:32 Errika Brooks’s Career Journey05:39 Critique of Prescriptive Networking09:14 Gen Z Networking Principles12:53 DC Networking Experiment Format17:52 Prompt Effects and Accessibility22:37 Networking as Peer Community26:53 Alignment, Career Pivots, and Next StepsLearn more and stay connected:www.danitan.comwww.linkedin.com/in/dani-tanJoin my weekly newsletter