97. Beyond ‘What Do You Do?’: A Gen Z Approach to Authentic Networking with Errika Brooks, Founder of Gen Z Times
Description
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 hierarchy
What it looks like to create safety and inclusion in professional spaces
How to network across, not just up, and why peer connections matter
The mindset shift needed to make networking feel natural instead of forced
Key Takeaways:
Networking doesn’t have to be transactional—it can start with friendship
You don’t need to “network up” to grow; building across your peers matters just as much
Authenticity and inclusion make spaces safer and more effective for everyone
Community and consistency are key to meaningful connections
Chapters:
00:12 Guest Introduction and Networking Shift
02:32 Errika Brooks’s Career Journey
05:39 Critique of Prescriptive Networking
09:14 Gen Z Networking Principles
12:53 DC Networking Experiment Format
17:52 Prompt Effects and Accessibility
22:37 Networking as Peer Community
26:53 Alignment, Career Pivots, and Next Steps
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