Embracing solutions, leaving problems in the dust – Gen Z Insights from Slush

This year, I attended Slush for the first time alongside Miltton’s team as a trainee. We aimed to grow our networks, but beyond that, we were absorbing inspiration, keenly observing, and actively listening. Personally, I was immediately captivated by the vibrant mix of creativity and everyone’s resolute commitment to making a difference – an invaluable experience, especially at the stage of my early career.

As a Gen Z attendee, Slush was an exploration into an optimistic universe filled with solutions. Amidst the sometimes-overwhelming negativity and worries often dominating news cycles, it’s crucial for young people to witness tangible ways of creating impact, solving problems — both big and small — and to immerse oneself in the unwavering determination to make positive changes in the world.

As expected, AI took centre stage as the ‘Slush trend of the year,’ yet beneath the surface, Slush revealed actionable strategies and the resilient stories of start-ups and founders. And notably absent from the stage program? Any fixation on economic uncertainties, elegantly bypassing concerns about downturns. Instead, it spotlighted the sheer resilience of start-ups, demonstrating how they can navigate challenges with determination to make tangible impact.

Numerous accomplished founders stressed a shared core belief in their keynotes: resilience and the drive to push through tough and uncertain times. Mikko “Miki” Kuusi, founder of Wolt, summed it up by advising fellow founders with the words ‘Don’t worry, be crappy.’ This highlights the importance of acting rather than getting stuck, urging progress even when perfection or guaranteed success seems out of reach. It’s a simple yet valuable lesson, especially for us young individuals often overwhelmed by problems, eager to solve them but unsure where to begin.

Slush was an eye-opener for me as a Gen Zer. Witnessing how start-ups boldly enter markets and navigate shifts, taught me a crucial lesson that might resonate with larger corporations as well. Start-ups radiate determination to keep moving forward, showcasing courage and flexibility that larger companies might sometimes find harder to execute, especially during challenging times.

Now, I get it. It takes more time to turn big ships. Nevertheless, regardless of size, enterprises can draw inspiration from the agile start-up mindset, adapting and staying creative without dwelling excessively on present worries or being weighed down by past conventions.

This need for courage and adaptability isn’t confined to start-ups alone; it’s something we Gen Zers aspire to see in all kinds of corporations. While some of us are eager to launch start-ups to address the challenges of our time, not every Gen Zer feels inclined to take that entrepreneurial step. What unites us, is the desire for an environment that fosters determination and positive impact, regardless of our job titles. We yearn to infuse our workplaces with a spirit that encourages involvement, drives impactful contributions, and nurtures genuine belonging, irrespective of the organization’s scale – while taking care of everyone’s well-being.

Understanding these aspirations within the realm of work experience is pivotal for companies. Younger generations seek a workplace that encourages involvement, cultivates a genuine sense of purpose aimed at making a positive impact – much like the energetic and determined start-ups I witnessed at Slush.

Recalling my first Slush experience, the vibrant innovation and unwavering commitment left a lasting mark. Watching start-ups navigate challenges taught me about courage and resilience – a vital lesson for any workplace and aspiring professional.

This echoed the atmosphere I’ve seen Miltton embrace while addressing uncertainty with clients – nurturing a culture of creativity and adaptability. Both Slush’s innovative culture and Miltton’s client-centric approach, underline the critical importance of adaptable purpose-driven environments in today’s professional landscape.

Therefore, what I’ve learned from Slush, isn’t confined to that event alone. It resonates with my ongoing journey at Miltton and underscore what our generation truly desires in our career and our workplaces: a steadfast commitment to fostering a positive impact and nurturing a sense of genuine belonging among employees. Workplaces must fuel our generation’s ambition to reshape the world for the better.