Duolingo x Zaria Parvez: Leaning Into Risk

If you’re a TikTok user, chances are you’ve scrolled past a crazy green owl. That’s the work of our latest guest, Zaria Parvez, social media coordinator at Duolingo. In this episode, we uncover the secrets behind Zaria’s rapid success on TikTok and how she learned from trial, error, and taking some major risks to gain 2.8 million followers. Zaria shares why she chose Duolingo for her first job out of college and how her lack of experience in the industry has been part of her advantage. You’ve read it everywhere, but we as marketers have a whole lot to learn from Gen Z – and Zaria is a quintessential example of that. Take a listen to learn some new social media tips and get a peek behind the curtain at how one of the most successful brands on TikTok today found their niche. Guest BioZaria Parvez, social media coordinator at Duolingo, is a recent graduate of the advertising program at the University of Oregon. At just 23 years old, she’s turned Duolingo into one of the most recognized brands on TikTok. Zaria brings a fresh perspective to the creative space, leaning into risk taking and the idea of rejection. She sources inspiration from some unlikely places, and believes in the idea of keeping your ideas simple. This is just the beginning for Zaria and we’re excited to see what she accomplishes next! Key Takeaways:What’s the secret behind success on TikTok? Zaria shares some of her tried and true methods as well as lessons she has learned along the way.We learn the differences between being a creator, influencer, and a brand on social media.Zaria shares her thoughts on representation and diversity in advertising. We discuss the importance of being fully yourself in the pursuit of finding a job.