Shirley Wang, bringing Gen Z magic to marketing

About Shirley

• Founder of Hackrah Media, the first Gen-Z-led impact marketing agency that helps mission-driven businesses hack the system

• Manages a 14-person remote team in sales, brand management, social media marketing, digital marketing consultancy, human resource management and more

• Designed partnership program to provide pro bono marketing services to non-profits and early-stage startups, in partnership with the Cambridge Innovation Center and Scroobious

• Created network of young freelance content creators and local influencers / UGC creators to support Hackrah Media’s various clients and partners

Key takeaways that made us go ‘a-ha’

1. Put in the work in advance to build a system that works for your organisation

   “I’ve just learnt to build a sustainable base for my business…so that the team knows what to do. I now focus on training people and doing check-ins. I try and make sure I set up a system that is self-functioning and self-reliable”

2. Being a successful business owner or leader is all about adapting your style to suit your company, industry, and employees. Keeping your team engaged and motivated is key!

   “We have been really working on team bonding and building the community aspect of my team…I am also learning empathetic leadership and hwo to work with a Gen Z team”

3. Invest early and often in building relationships and a network of clients that speak for your work

   “A lot of networking calls is all about what people like about you and your mission (story). I walked across Newbury Street and introduced ourselves to business owners…We also partner with companies that give us warm intros to other companies”

4. Be true to your mission in planning your goals

   “You don’t see youth-led impact a lot, so we may want to expand beyond marketing into policy work to truly make a difference in multiple ways”

Shirley’s advice to women who want to start businesses on their own terms

“Just go ahead and start it. I always have friends presenting business ideas to me…the hardest part if getting started and actually executing and putting in the work. Last year was one of the hardest years of my life running Hackrah btu it was so worth it!

“Be clear of the mission and who you are as a person when you start a business. It’s okay to pivot but find something that resonates with who you are at the core”