On February 26, 2025, the third floor of SM Aura came alive with an engaging event held by Book Nook and Bookshelf PH for Porsha Mangilit's book titled Gen Z Hustle: Winning the JA Entrepreneur and Beyond. It started at 4 pm and ended at 5 pm.
I arrived about 10 minutes early and sat in the back, feeling a bit timid, but the atmosphere was electric. The room buzzed with aspiring entrepreneurs, book lovers, and curious minds eager to learn from Mangilit. When she entered, the applause was immediate; her magnetic presence and genuine enthusiasm captivated us.
Mangilit discussed the relevance of entrepreneurship for Gen Z, engaging the audience with questions that sparked lively discussion. She emphasized that our generation isn't limited to traditional career paths; we are meant to challenge conventions and seek independence. Her thought-provoking queries made me reflect on what I learned in my high school business classes.
She shared her journey of launching an eco-friendly bag business made from coconut waste with her friends. This venture was not just a startup; it aimed to solve real-world problems. In a society overwhelmed with waste, her experience highlighted the importance of creating meaningful solutions instead of simply pursuing quick success.
One compelling moment was when Porsha Mangilit compared leadership to "generals and soldiers." She highlighted how conflicts often arose among strong-willed individuals in her business journey. This resonated with me; I remembered struggling to lead a group project when I wasn't ready. Leadership isn't about dominance; it's knowing when to step up and when to support others.
As a digital native, I'm aware of the challenges in today's job market. Hearing Gen Z voices like Mangilit made it feel less daunting and more hopeful. She pointed out the saturation in the job market and shared that one of her biggest fears was, "What will you do if you can't get a job?" This sobering question lingers in my mind as a college student facing uncertainty. Instead of letting fear hold her back, Mangilit used her uncertainty as motivation to write and publish her book—an endeavor years in the making.
She also challenged the misconception that starting a business is easy. While launching a business can seem straightforward through social media and e-commerce, sustaining it is the true challenge. Hearing her speak helped me appreciate the dedication, resilience, and strategic thinking needed for long-term success.
A highlight of the event was when Mangilit offered practical advice to young entrepreneurs. She encouraged us to brainstorm ideas, even if they seemed impractical, and to view challenges as learning opportunities. She highlighted the need to balance passion with profitability through experience. Her time with Junior Achievements provided vital hands-on experience that shaped her entrepreneurial journey.
Networking, a vital but challenging aspect of entrepreneurship for her as an introvert, served as a powerful reminder of its importance in forging meaningful connections, finding reliable suppliers, and uncovering new opportunities. This resonated with me, as I often find stepping outside my comfort zone challenging, reinforcing the necessity of building relationships in any industry.
Mangilit radiated optimism about integrating AI and emerging technologies when discussing the future of entrepreneurship. She highlighted how young entrepreneurs boldly use AI to innovate in fields like medical technology, which I found incredibly inspiring. Rather than fearing change, she encouraged us to embrace it as a gateway to limitless opportunities for growth.
A key moment in the discussion was when she tackled the fear of taking the first step. "Fear is manmade," she said, adding, "If you don't start, you'll always wonder, 'What if?'" This reinforced the idea that entrepreneurship requires courage and action. She also noted that the future of entrepreneurship is tied to technology, and we should embrace these changes to create opportunities and solve global issues.
Beyond financial success, Mangilit emphasized that entrepreneurship cultivates a mindset—one of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. It's about finding innovative ways to solve problems, whether addressing unemployment, tackling climate change, or simply carving out a space in a competitive industry.
As I left the event, I found myself reflecting deeply. I may not be launching a business tomorrow, but the lessons from Gen Z Hustle will stay with me. This event wasn't just about entrepreneurship—it was about taking control of your future, embracing challenges, and having the courage to start. And maybe, just maybe, I'll take my own leap into the entrepreneurial world someday.
By Aeris Ricaplaza