Rejection is Redirection

In this episode of Creative Flight, I sit down with EriFili, the founder and CEO of Zlink—a Gen Z-led marketing agency making serious waves. Eri started her business at 20, landed major clients, and made the Forbes 30 Under 30 list by 23. But what struck me most wasn’t the accolades. It was her clarity.

We talked about what it means to actually build something when you’re young, how self-worth fuels the creative process, and why fulfillment beats success metrics. Erifili leads with empathy, prioritises mental health in the workplace, and believes that branding—personal or otherwise—starts from within.

We also went deep on:

• Why rejection doesn’t mean you’re not ready
• The difference between personal branding and performative visibility
• How rituals, signs, and spirituality show up in creative work
• What Gen Z really wants from work and life
• And how AI is changing how we think, write, and connect

This episode is for anyone who’s building with soul and wants proof that you can do things your way, and win.

About Ivy: Ivy Malik helps creatives and coaches step into premium pricing, high-value sales, and effortless business growth. All without overworking, undercharging, or second-guessing their worth. With 19+ years of business experience, she combines pricing psychology, sales strategy, and intuitive coaching to help her clients raise their rates, attract premium clients, and scale with confidence. Through Ivy Malik Coaching, she teaches entrepreneurs how to sell with ease, align their business with their energy, and multiply their revenue without force or burnout

If you enjoyed this conversation, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating and review, it really helps more people discover the show.

Thanks for tuning in, and I hope you enjoyed the flight. Find me on:

Website: https://ivymalik.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivymalikofficial/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivymalik/ 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ivymalikofficial

You can also tag the show and share your thoughts, I always love hearing what resonated with you. 

 

About Erifili: Erifili Gounari is a 25-year-old entrepreneur, writer, and founder of The Z Link—a global Gen Z-led creative agency working with brands like IKEA, Pepsi, Deloitte, and the UN. Listed on Forbes 30 Under 30, Erifili is a sought-after voice on Gen Z culture, digital careers, and modern marketing.

She’s the author of Design Your Life: Your Career, Your Way (Kogan Page, 2024), a groundbreaking guide for building flexible, fulfilling work in the digital age. She also co-hosts the Espresso Epilogues podcast and writes Crystal Clear, a Substack on self-discovery with over 11,000 subscribers.

The Z link: https://www.thezlink.com/ Design Your Life, The book

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@espresso.epilogues Substack: https://erifili.substack.com/