One of the advantages that Gen Z media makers have over previous generations is the ability to leapfrog the so-called “gatekeepers.” Thanks to social media, you don’t have to stand in line to connect with your audience if you have the talent to support your ambition. Just ask ascending media personality Sárah Lee.
At 21, this recent Hampton University graduate with a degree in broadcast journalism has established a solid niche for herself as a podcaster, celebrity interviewer, and social media influencer. She has interviewed A-listers like popular actor Michael B. Jordan and chart-topping rapper-producer Pharrell. At the same time, her podcast, Set Up 4 Success, reaches a growing audience of Gen Z students and recent graduates hailing from HBCUs with original content focused on managing shared life, career, and financial struggles.
Lee launched Set Up 4 Success in June 2023 and has used her platform to showcase accomplished young people breaking new ground and forging exciting, unconventional career paths. Guests have also included popular Gen Z influencers like DeAndre Brown; Brooke Hart Jones, founder of HBCYOU Dolls, the HBCU-inspired doll collection; and DJ and media personality Nyla Symone.
Lee’s journey has inspired the podcast. “Set Up 4 Success started right after I got out of college,” she explains. “I worked so hard during undergrad, and I was surprised to find that I didn’t have a job after graduation. I understood the pain that a lot of Gen Zers go through trying to find their purpose and what they want to contribute to the world.”
Lee wants the podcast to inspire her audience by presenting her Gen Z peers’ relatable experiences. “I’m very intentional about the people I’m interviewing,” she continues. “These conversations are tailored to young people and finding purpose, how to build wealth and success. Gen Zers benefit from these conversations because I’m talking to people who understand the journey.”
No one understands post-graduate life better than Lee, who, in a short time, has had to acquire financial skills and discipline to fulfill her ambitions. Her work ethic has always been there, but respect for the dollar was not apparent. “I didn’t always understand the concept of managing money well because I’d been spoiled – my parents always provided for me,” she said. “The first job I ever had—I was 14 years old. I had this hunger and this drive to make money, but as fast as I made it, I would spend it, like young people do.”
Too often, she leaned on her parents financially when she needed funds to prepare for various event appearances to raise her profile and build her brand.
“I really hated that. I had to learn to prioritize and determine what’s necessary and what can be held off on for a while.” Regarding money matters and running a business, Lee said she benefits significantly from the many HBCU alums in her social network and values their guidance and mentorship.
“This ties directly with what the podcast is about – setting young people up for success so they have a reference point when they start making money, enter corporate America, become entrepreneurs, or whatever path they decide to follow. These are the steps I should take right now as a 20-something to make sure that I’m prepared for what’s ahead.’”
Beyond the podcast realm, Lee has developed a growing presence within the media coaching and personal branding space, helping her young, HBCU-focused client base to improve their presentation skills as professionals and effective communicators. She also assists her clientele with creating compelling social media content to achieve staying power beyond the quick “flame and fade” viral sensation.
“I work with people who really are trying to build a relationship with the Gen Z community and provide educational, valuable content that will last for a lifetime,” Lee says. “I always lead with intention because young people are smart and know how to weed out the fake. Always make sure that you’re crafting an honest, true connection with the Gen Z community.”
Lee also gained a boost through the AT&T Rising Future Maker program. In 2022, she was among 25 HBCU students selected for its “Dream in Black” initiative, highlighting young people making a difference in their communities. The experience provided an important platform for Lee to amplify her voice and build her HBCU network, which has proved essential to expanding the podcast’s reach.
“My financial team is built solely from my HBCU network,” Lee said. “That’s why I always rave about attending Hampton University because, within that network, there are so many successful people in the finance space.”
Lee will further connect with that cadre of financial experts as she focuses on paying down her student loan debt and expanding her business, which earns the bulk of its revenue from podcast sponsorship and consulting fees. She has also tapped her advisers to offer guidance on such issues as finding ways to ensure income stability and growth and engaging in proper credit management to avoid derailing her finances.
Lee has also taken the initiative in her application of professional financial advice. “I’ve already started planning for retirement by opening my Roth IRA. When my income comes in, I set aside the money for my retirement, my student loans, and my business travel and expenses before I spend any money.” Her goal is to be as intentional with her finances as she is in her work.
Lee’s other advice for Gen Z entrepreneurs? “Trademark everything! Establish an LLC. Protect your content and ideas. And utilize your mentors, people who are really successful. I like to say that my biggest flex is my contacts!”
Amplifying the economic and professional strength of HBCU networking is not only Sárah Lee’s mission but also the foundation of her early success.
For more content Click here please visit our Plan to Prosper page.