Episode 14: Erifili Gounari

Let's Talk Linking Gen Z to Brands with Erifili Gounari 🎙

Erifili Gounari’s track record is nothing short of impressive. Having worked on the social media and digital strategies of organizations such as the European Parliament, the Uffizi Museum, the Greek Government, and several startups and other businesses across various sectors globally, Erifili knows what it takes to be successful on social media.

When the pandemic hit in early 2020, Erifili saw an opportunity to launch her own social media marketing company, The Z Link, to help others foster authentic connections with Gen Z—and all from the comfort of her bedroom. 

“We always try to push brands to be open and authentic when it comes to their values and to lead with a very purpose driven marketing strategy where possible,” says Erifili. “It's a very delicate matter to work with, but I find it's very important, especially for Gen Z, to make sure that you know what the brands you are supporting are standing for.”

Introduce Yourself 🥳

In this episode of The Conversationalist Podcast, The Conversationalist Founder and CEO Sophie Beren sits down with Erifili Gounari, a 21-year-old social media marketer from Athens, Greece. Erifili is currently based in Glasgow and has worked on the social media and digital strategies of several notable organizations and startups across various sectors globally. She has a proven track record of helping clients achieve impressive results by optimizing their social media and translating their vision into modern, innovative content. 

Hoping to bridge the marketing gap between businesses and Gen Z, she launched The Z Link in May 2020. Additionally, she is the founder of “The Gen Z Club” on the Clubhouse app.‍

Break the Ice 🧊‍

In proper TC fashion, we opened the conversation by breaking the ice with a series of rapid-fire questions from Sophie. Erifili explained her echo-chamber IRL and online caters to her passion for entrepreneurship. “I really surround myself with people that are very ambitious, very hardworking,” said Erifili “Surprisingly also very entrepreneurial, even my friends in real life and everyone around me. I love having conversations with people that are very optimistic and ambitious and just excited about life and about what they do.”‍

Let’s Talk 🗣‍

As a member of Gen Z herself, Erifili shared her belief that Gen Z is one of the most open generations to having conversations on a range of previously taboo topics and, as a result, are changing the way conversations are being approached. 

“I think Gen Z is the generation that is having difficult conversations, but there's also topics that I feel like we're still approaching very carefully and discretely just because everyone can have such different experiences with topics,” said Erifili. “And it's not necessarily a struggle, but it's definitely something that I feel like as a generation we're a bit extra conscious about that because we want to be right and correct in the way we approach these topics.”

When connecting brands to Gen Z communities through The Z Link, Erifili prioritizes diversity. She pushes companies to be open and practice authenticity, because she knows Gen Z values brands that support matters they’re passionate about like social justice and gender equality. 

Erifili launched The Z Link in May 2020 while Greece was still in lockdown, meaning she had to work from home. Erifili revealed setting boundaries was key to staying sane and productive. “I have been trying to make sure that what I'm doing on a daily basis, which is, working a lot is always fulfilling and I'm always working on things that I like, and part of it, you know? Because I'm also learning how to run a business as a first time founder during this time,” Erifili said. 

She also added that she meditates, tries to work out consistently, and is strict about getting eight hours of sleep each night.

Hot Take 🔥

Here at TC, we have a whole room in our community dedicated to Hot Takes, where members can share a controversial thought, question, or icebreaker about something that they believe in. This week’s hot take was brought to us by TC Community Member Joshua Jones, who believes social media is extremely toxic. 

Erifili agreed with Joshua—to an extent. “Like most things that are so popularized and widespread and that have so much power over our lives, I think it's impossible to have something like that that doesn't also have a toxic side,” said Erifili. “But I find that all the positives that you can get for social media, if you use it mindfully, can outweigh the negative sometimes as long as you are conscious about your use of it and who you follow and the echo chamber that you create on social media.”

Advice 👂‍

For aspiring entrepreneurs interested in starting their own business, Erifili said to not be afraid to seek help. She recommended learning about the industry you’re interested in and making connections with people in that industry. 

“In general, you can always get a lot of help. If you're a young person trying to start a business, there's so many resources and you know, that's part of what we're also trying to share on the Z Link,” said Erifili. “But also, just do a lot of research and make sure that you're ready for a lot of work and that it will be something that will be making you happy in one way or another.”

Erifili also recommended young entrepreneurs not to spend too much time building their business before launching it. ‍

Self Promo 🤩‍

For those interested in keeping up with Erifili, you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Erifili has many plans in the works for The Z Link, so don’t forget to check it out along with “The Gen Z Club” on the Clubhouse app!

Snaps 🗣

Major snaps to Erifili for sharing her story and some incredible advice. We are so grateful to know her and witness all of the amazing things she’s doing.

Now, we want to hear from you! How are you using your voice for good? Join The Conversationalist Community on the Geneva app. You’ll be able to make new friends, find new opportunities, and have 24/7 conversations about anything under the sun that matters to you. Come and introduce yourself, break the ice, share your hot takes, and more. Want to be chosen as our featured hot take on our next podcast? Make sure you’re in our community and sharing your thoughts in our hot takes room.

Follow The Conversationalist on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok and subscribe to our Youtube Channel to stay up to date on all things Gen Z. Let’s unify together!