Bridging Generations: Navigating Gen Z, the Creator Economy, and Community Building with Lauren Vilips

Welcome back to the Grey Areas podcast! Today, we’re diving into the intersection of brand building, creator partnerships, and how Gen Z is reshaping the future of marketing.

Our guest is Lauren Vilips, a powerhouse community builder and strategist who knows exactly how to connect brands and creators in meaningful, scalable ways. As the creator acquisition strategist at Mavely, Lauren leads recruitment programs and partnerships that keep creators engaged, invested, and thriving. Before that, she spearheaded Bumble’s nationwide ambassador network, crafting influencer campaigns, campus activations, and community retreats that put authentic engagement first.

In this episode, we break down what it takes to build lasting relationships between brands and creators, what Gen Z expects from corporate partnerships, and how community-led growth drives real results.

Highlights include:
• 2:20 – How Lauren got her start in influencer and ambassador marketing and the unexpected Instagram DM that changed her career trajectory.
• 7:10 – Balancing content creation with audience engagement: Lauren’s best advice for creators trying to do it all.
• 10:25 – How brands can build inclusive communities and leverage customer feedback to improve their products.
• 16:40 – Why Gen Z’s approach to career development differs from previous generations and work-life balance is key.
• 30:30 – What’s next in the creator economy? Lauren’s trend predictions for the year ahead.
• 31:45 –Cubicle Confessional: A young professional navigating pushback from leadership over her LinkedIn presence and Lauren’s expert advice on how to turn it into an opportunity.

This episode is packed with insights on digital marketing, influencer strategy, and career growth in the ever-evolving workplace. Tune in now to hear Lauren Vilips break down the future of brand-creator relationships!

Lauren’s Links:
Instagram
LinkedIn