When I practiced M&A law and read quarterly reports on the regular, I used to look for the takeaways - what were the company's goals and did they meet or beat expectations? What did they learn and, better still, what can the public learn? Along those lines, and because I love any mentor moment with a strong takeaway message, here are my top five favorites from Être's Q2. It was a big quarter for us, stocked with boardroom takeovers, living room convos, global announcements and new national research presented.

Take a fast look with us as we gear up for Q3...and click on each image to learn more:

Strategic takeaways? Tons were packed into each experience and are linked to the images above; below are a few more highlights to usher us into Q3 2025:

Brands like Pinterest are deeply interested in what Gen Z has to say; to next gen members who find themselves face to face with execs from brands they love...speak up.
Leaders who started on day one with culture-shaping companies like Google have a unique perspective and unparalleled wisdom to share; to every leader of tomorrow...listen to them today.
The same goes for icons - when students feel as if they are living through a singular moment in history, sit with legends who have witnessed a far longer arc; to those who wish to bring change into the world, make sure you meet those who have already done so.
Role model companies like Hello Sunshine understand exactly what makes Gen Z tick - Gen Z Itself! That's why they invited the next gen to form an Advisory Board, caucus regularly for focus groups and continue to co-create from the ground up; to other brands seeking to meet Gen Z where they are, watch Sunnie.
Hot off-the-press research bears this out - Gen Z wants to connect with brands that see and hear them; download the full 2025 Hello Sunshine x Être survey here and see more from YPulse here. Numbers don't lie - Gen Z is a force to be reckoned with and smart brands will build with and for them.

Forward-looking statements? Être is ridiculously excited for Q3. With fresh boardrooms to storm, market bells to ring, new partnerships on the rise and our most powerful TED-Ed event yet bringing 60+ girls from 7 countries to the same stage, Q3 2025 is lining up to be one for the books. Indeed, there's a waitlist for Être TED-Ed 2026 already - sign up here to be 12 months ahead.

Looking forward to an action-packed Q3,

Illana