The Starter Mindset: Embracing Change with Tim Hines

Imagine standing on a stage, facing an audience filled with hundreds of versions of yourself. Some are smiling and nodding, others frowning or laughing, while a few cry or seem lost in despair. Yet, amidst them all, there is one version sitting in serene silence. Which version would you focus on? What is it that you truly want to see?

This was the dilemma Tim Hines faced. Like so many of us, he began his career filled with high hopes, only to discover that reality didn’t quite align with his expectations.

Each setback forced him to start over. But instead of being defeated, Tim made a choice: he would rewrite his own narrative.

Embracing the ability to start anew—a superpower we all possess but not all of us wield—Tim took control of his destiny. “I decided to become a fractional CMO,” he explains. “This way, I can help companies get started and then leave before they have a chance to fire me.”

Today, Tim Hines is a global keynote speaker, business coach, and author of The Marketing Starter: How an Entrepreneurial Spirit Will Make You a More Savvy Marketer. He also hosts The Marketing Starter Podcast. With an unconventional career path that started in architecture, shifted to business, and eventually landed in marketing, Tim has found his passion in helping companies develop go-to-market strategies and messaging frameworks. His philosophy is simple but powerful:

Traditional notions of success often emphasize long-term achievements, stable careers, and finishing what one starts. Tim, however, challenges this by highlighting that starting something meaningful can be an accomplishment in itself. He may not have scaled projects to their ultimate potential, but his strength lies in creating the foundation for others to build upon.

This mindset aligns with the shifting values of Millennials and Gen Z, who often prioritize diverse professional experiences over staying in one job for decades. The economic uncertainty, rapid technological changes, and evolving societal values have created a culture where job-hopping and career pivots are not only common but sometimes necessary.

In a world marked by instability and constant change, the traditional long-term job model is less viable. Instead, the gig economy, freelance opportunities, and entrepreneurial ventures appeal to younger generations who value autonomy and purpose over job security.

Tim’s story exemplifies this cultural shift. Success is no longer about climbing a single career ladder but about navigating a jungle gym of opportunities. For younger generations, the value lies in the experience, learning, and personal growth that come from diverse professional paths.

Tim encourages us to rethink what it means to achieve something. Starting something new, whether it’s a project, a business, or a role within a company, is an accomplishment because it requires vision, initiative, and courage—qualities that are crucial in a world where change is the only constant.

Tim’s message is one of empowerment: let go and move forward.

Now, in the face of challenges and letting go; how do we counter the narrative of hopelessness and motivate a generation to take meaningful action despite the challenges they face?

Pervasive negativity can foster a form of learned helplessness, making young people feel overwhelmed and unable to make a difference. This can result in apathy and reluctance to engage in meaningful action, as they feel their efforts will be futile in the face of insurmountable challenges.

Tim’s perspective is particularly relevant in today’s world, where young people are grappling with unprecedented issues. The rise of climate anxiety, economic instability, and political unrest can lead to a sense of doom. By focusing on action and resilience, Tim suggests that individuals can overcome these feelings of helplessness and make tangible contributions to their communities and the world at large.

His message is one of empowerment. He urges young people not to let the weight of challenges crush their spirit but to use it as fuel for action. Find small ways to make a difference and believe that every effort, no matter how small, is valuable and necessary. This shift from passive recipients of a bleak future to active participants in shaping a better one is crucial for both personal well-being and collective progress.

But is this generation not reacting as a consequence of feeling helpless?

Research indicates that while Gen Z faces significant challenges—including economic inequality, climate change, and political instability—they are actively engaged in addressing these issues. For example, during the 2022 midterms, Gen Z participation increased notably, with many using their vote as a tool for impact. They are more likely than Millennials to prioritize issues like gun violence and racism, and their activism often extends into the digital realm.

Their engagement is also marked by a shift in values. Unlike older generations, Gen Z is more focused on climate change, healthcare access, and social justice. This generational divide sometimes leads to frustration with traditional political structures, which they see as slow or unresponsive. However, this frustration doesn’t translate to apathy. Instead, it leads to alternative forms of engagement, such as grassroots activism, volunteering, and social media advocacy.

The notion that younger generations are simply apathetic is not entirely accurate. While they are frustrated and cynical about the effectiveness of traditional political systems, many are channeling their energy into new forms of activism. Their high involvement in social movements and use of digital platforms for advocacy demonstrate that they are not giving up but are seeking new ways to influence the world.

The key takeaway is that while there is a risk of disengagement if these frustrations are not addressed, there is also significant potential for positive change if this generation’s concerns are recognized and supported. Their activism shows that they are not giving up but are seeking new avenues to influence the world around them. To avoid a self-fulfilling prophecy of disengagement, it’s crucial to continue supporting and amplifying their efforts to create a more responsive and inclusive political system.

Their values and behaviors are forcing institutions—whether governments, businesses, or media organizations—to adapt and respond to their expectations and demands. This sets the stage for significant transformations in the years to come.

In fact, Gen Z's rising political activism is expected to lead to greater representation of young people in political offices and more progressive policy changes. The movements led by Gen Z and Millennials are likely to result in a more progressive, inclusive, and adaptable society. Their focus on social justice, environmental sustainability, and ethical governance, combined with their digital fluency, will shape a world that is more interconnected and responsive to global challenges. Institutions across the board will need to adapt to these changing values and expectations, fostering a more equitable and sustainable future.

But what do you think? Are Millennials and Gen Z redefining what it means to succeed and engage in the world, or are they simply reacting to the overwhelming challenges they face?

Listen to Uncharted Your Sidekick for Life: Episode 2, Season 2 – Featuring Tim Hines

Tim Hines: Tim Hines is a global keynote speaker and business coach.

He’s the author of the book, The Marketing Starter: How an Entrepreneurial Spirit Will Make You a More Savvy Marketer and he also hosts The Marketing Starter Podcast. 

He is a 4-time founder and has been teaching individuals, teams, and audiences around the world how to use an entrepreneurial mindset to elevate their brands and themselves for nearly 20 years. Tim has partnered with companies like Dialpad, Tribune Media, Ticketmaster, and the CIA.

Tim served on the Community Advisory Board for the Future Founders Foundation helping underserved youth explore entrepreneurship and is a graduate of the Startup Leadership Program. Tim also taught marketing and entrepreneurship classes with the University of Illinois Institute of Entrepreneurial Studies program.

Natalie Peyton: Peyton studied theatre and film in Australia, New York and LA and performed stand-up on the “three coasts.” She honed her podcast executive skills over the last 4 years developing and producing dozens of podcasts and even hosts a children’s mindfulness bedtime program

Leon Vanstone: Leon brings his curiosity and sharp interviewing skills to the table, facilitating insightful discussions with our mentors, extracting valuable lessons and insights to empower listeners on their own path to growth and achievement.

Dan Dillard: Dan, with his thoughtful approach and engaging style, delves into the minds of our mentors on the podcast, crafting compelling interviews that uncover the wisdom and experiences driving their success and impact.

This blog was written by Anais Schmidt, one of the hosts of the Uncharted Podcast. Anais is also an aspiring musician. When not in her studio, she tours Europe with Monte Mai.

If you would like to join the conversation email us at anais@foundingup.com

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