Inside Forbes 30 Under 30: The Truth About Making the List

Just Grow With It with Natalie Barbu

Natalie Barbu

Education, Business, Entrepreneurship, How To

4.8 • 982 Ratings

🗓️ 22 December 2025

⏱️ 39 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Ever wondered what it really takes to make the Forbes 30 Under 30 list? In this candid conversation, we sit down with Zoya Hasan, Forbes editor and curator of the iconic list, to uncover the real process, the myths, and the hustle behind the headlines. From her journey as a chemistry major to leading one of the most competitive lists in the world, Soya shares insider stories, the importance of resilience, and why not everything you hear about Forbes 30 Under 30 is true. Whether you’re an aspiring founder, a young professional, or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, this episode is packed with insights on entrepreneurship, hustle culture, and the power of networking. We also dive into the infamous “under 30 to prison pipeline,” the role of diversity, and what makes a founder truly stand out. 00:00 Intro 02:39 Interview Begins: Zoya's Journey to Forbes 06:39 The Real Forbes 30 Under 30 Selection Process 14:39 Debunking Myths: Can You Pay to Get on the List? 22:39 What Makes a Standout Founder & The Role of Hustle Culture 32:39 Zoya's Advice for Aspiring Founders & Closing Thoughts Follow Zoya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byzoyahasan/ Thanks to Squarespace for sponsoring todays video. Use code NATALIEBARBU or go to https://squarespace.com/nataliebarbu to get 10% off your domain or first purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	There's a reason we re-watch Home Alone every year.
0:03.3	Merry Christmas, you filthy animal.
0:05.5	It's because the best stories stay with you.
0:08.3	And Disney Plus is where you'll find your next great story.
0:12.2	Whether it's Fantastic Four First Steps.
0:14.8	We will protect you.
0:16.0	High-power drama, All's Fair.
0:17.9	Tell us your story.
0:18.9	Or brand new Percy Jackson.
0:20.7	That is just the beginning a lifetime
0:23.0	of great stories awaits on disney plus now streaming 18 plus subscription required teas and sees apply
0:30.0	welcome back to just grow with it i've always been a little impulsive i get an idea and just go with it
0:36.2	but that's the thing about life and business. You're always
0:38.8	growing, learning, and figuring it out as you go. Welcome to Just Grow With It, the podcast where I share
0:44.5	lessons I've learned as a founder and creator, the mistakes, the pivots, and the wins, and how staying
0:49.6	consistent can change everything. So if you're ready to grow with me, let's get into it. This is my very first interview podcast with Just Grow with it. I used to have a podcast called
0:59.0	The Real Real where it was pretty much all interviews and Just Grow with it is a bit more about
1:04.3	my own personal business experience, but I do want to have guests on, so I am so excited to have
1:10.6	Zoya as my very first guest.
1:12.6	If you are interested in being on Forbes 30 Under 30, you're interested in how the list is made, debunking any rumors that you may have heard, then this episode is for you.
1:22.6	Soya is someone who has been behind the scenes of one of the most iconic lists in media, which is Forbes 30 under 30.
1:29.5	Zoya is the editor of Forbes 30 under 30, where she leads the massive editorial effort that highlights
	...

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