Slay The Gatekeeper: Un-Gatekeeping Career Cheat Codes for Gen Z
Released on May 27, 2025 | Host: Courtney Johnson | Guest: Avni Barman, CEO and Founder of Genshi
Courtney Johnson’s podcast, Slay The Gatekeeper, serves as a beacon for Gen Z professionals aiming to navigate the often daunting landscape of career advancement. In the episode titled "Un-Gatekeeping Career Cheat Codes for Gen Z," host Courtney Johnson is joined by Avni Barman, the dynamic CEO and Founder of Genshi. Together, they delve into actionable strategies—referred to as "Cheat Codes"—that empower young professionals to break through traditional barriers in their careers.
Introduction to Avni Barman and Genshi
Avni Barman sets the stage by introducing her venture, Genshi, a media platform and fund dedicated to nurturing the next generation of female Gen Z talent. With a community of half a million ambitious women across various platforms, Genshi not only fosters a supportive network but also invests in female-led ventures, aiming to propel women into the top 1% of their fields.
Cheat Code #1: Document Everything to Secure a Pay Raise
One of the foundational strategies discussed is the importance of meticulous documentation to advocate for pay raises.
Avni Barman emphasizes the need for a low-effort, consistent approach:
"[02:04] 'The way to do this sustainably is you gotta do it the most low effort way because you have to do it every single day… I would just take screenshots of what I did that day and dump it in a folder because it was like, super low effort.'"
By daily documenting tasks and achievements—even the seemingly minor ones—professionals can build a compelling case for their value within an organization. Avni highlights that aggregating these small contributions can effectively quantify one's impact, making it easier to justify a salary increase.
Cheat Code #2: Apply to a High Volume of Jobs
The second strategy revolves around the Law of Large Numbers in job applications.
Avni Barman states:
"[05:22] 'I really, truly believe that you can get anything in life if you're willing to play the numbers game… when it comes to getting a job, that means applying to thousands of jobs.'"
She advises leveraging technological tools and systems to enhance application volume without exhausting personal resources. Utilizing SaaS tools like Apollo.io or RocketReach can streamline the process, allowing applicants to reach a broader audience efficiently. This approach increases the chances of securing interviews and, ultimately, job offers.
Cheat Code #3: Embrace Cold Outreach
Avni shares her decade-long commitment to cold messaging, viewing each outreach as a "lottery ticket."
"[07:47] 'A cold message is a lottery ticket and you have to think of it that way… if you've sent enough messages, someone will respond.'"
She underscores the unpredictability and potential rewards of persistent cold outreach, recounting how a single message led to a six-hour meeting with a self-made billionaire. Avni suggests integrating this practice into daily routines, making it as habitual as brushing teeth to harness the power of serendipitous opportunities.
Cheat Code #4: Prioritize Internships Over Grades
Contrary to traditional emphasis on academic performance, Avni advocates for the strategic prioritization of internships:
"[11:55] 'To actually get internships that mattered, that gave you the right experience to actually get the good job, super competitive… I was spending 90% of my time like interview pupping, applying to jobs… keeping my grades from suffering because I was focusing on real-world experience.'"
Her personal journey illustrates how hands-on experience can outweigh academic metrics in the eyes of employers. Avni advises professionals to focus on building relevant skills and gaining practical experience, which often lead to more substantial career advancements than maintaining high GPAs.
Cheat Code #5: Work at Chaotic Startups to Sneak into Desired Roles
Avni champions the benefits of starting one’s career in dynamic, fast-paced startup environments:
"[20:32] 'At a startup, you're more on the ground doing the hard shit that's very real world… you learn way faster and you up-level yourself so much faster.'"
She explains that startups offer unparalleled opportunities for rapid skill acquisition and career growth due to their flexible structures and the necessity for employees to wear multiple hats. This environment fosters adaptability and positions individuals to pivot into various roles more seamlessly compared to rigid corporate settings.
Cheat Code #6: Spend as Much Time Talking About Your Work as Doing It
The final strategy emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and raising one’s professional profile alongside performing job duties.
"[23:57] 'Just have to tell them… spend hours on it. Equal amount of time doing the work as you are talking by yourself.'"
Avni details methods such as creating content, hosting networking events, and utilizing platforms like Slack to broadcast achievements and ongoing projects. By actively communicating one’s contributions, professionals can enhance visibility within their organizations and industry, paving the way for recognition and advancement.
Bonus Cheat Code: Securing Free Conference Tickets
Though briefly touched upon, Avni shares her knack for obtaining free tickets to professional conferences—a valuable resource for networking and learning without financial strain.
"[30:18] 'The hard part is like knowing who to email… everything is a numbers game at some point. You just find enough emails, you get enough intros, like someone's gonna have the power to give you a ticket.'"
Her persistence in reaching out to conference organizers and leveraging opportunities has consistently opened doors for her, leading to significant professional gains and expanded networks.
Conclusion
In this insightful episode of Slay The Gatekeeper, Avni Barman equips Gen Z professionals with practical and unconventional strategies to navigate and excel in their careers. From meticulous documentation for pay raises to embracing the chaos of startups, each Cheat Code serves as a potent tool for breaking through traditional gatekeeping mechanisms. Courtney Johnson and Avni Barman’s conversation not only highlights actionable steps but also inspires a proactive and resilient mindset essential for career growth in today’s competitive landscape.
For additional resources and to follow Avni Barman’s journey, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to her newsletter and connect via her social media platforms.
Note: This summary excludes promotional segments and non-content discussions to focus solely on the actionable career strategies discussed in the episode.