Logan Paul encourages Gen Z to transform their interests into successful careers—he has built a multimillion-dollar empire from Pokémon, YouTube, and wrestling.

Gen Z Faces a Shifting Job Landscape

Young adults from Generation Z are entering a workforce marked by unpredictability. Artificial intelligence is transforming how people work, while entry-level positions seem less secure than ever. Many in this generation are finding themselves without jobs, education, or training—often categorized as NEET.

Logan Paul’s Perspective on Success and Self-Reliance

Logan Paul, a self-made millionaire and prominent social media influencer, expresses little patience for those who don’t take initiative. In an interview with Fortune, Paul remarked, “We’re living in an era where criticism is common, but few are willing to take action. Many prefer to comment from the sidelines, while some of us are out there building and creating. I see myself as one of those doers.”

From Viral Videos to Business Ventures

Paul’s journey began as a teenager on the now-closed video platform Vine. He leveraged his early internet fame into a diverse business portfolio, consistently turning his interests into profitable enterprises. Initially, he built a following alongside his brother Jake, then expanded his reach by collaborating with other creators such as KSI and MrBeast. His influence helped launch consumer brands like Prime and Lunchly. More recently, Paul has entered the mainstream as a full-time WWE performer. His online presence is massive, with over 23 million subscribers on YouTube and nearly 27 million followers on Instagram.

The Importance of Teamwork in Achieving Success

Paul attributes his achievements not to luck or algorithms, but to carefully assembling the right team. “Choosing the people you trust to help you build is probably the most crucial decision you’ll make,” he explained. “My victories and setbacks have both stemmed from those choices.”

Turning a Rare Pokémon Card into a Lucrative Investment

For almost thirty years, Pokémon has enchanted fans. Recently, its trading cards have shifted from childhood toys to valuable investment assets. Over the last twenty years, Pokémon cards have seen the highest long-term growth among major trading card categories, increasing by 3,261%, according to Card Ladder data shared with Fortune. This growth has even outpaced many leading stocks.

Paul, a passionate Pokémon card collector, transformed his childhood hobby into a headline-making investment in 2022 by purchasing a rare Pikachu Illustrator card for $5.3 million. He often wears the card as a necklace, making it both a personal statement and a branding tool.

Now, Paul has partnered with auctioneer Ken Goldin to auction the card. He’s betting that nostalgia, fandom, and savvy negotiation will yield a significant return. At the time of writing, bids had already surpassed $6.3 million—a record for a card auction. Paul hopes the final sale will land between $7 million and $12 million.

Encouraging Gen Z to Explore Alternative Investments

Paul urges young people to consider unconventional investments—such as art, trading cards, and even fossils—over traditional stocks, blending their passions with potential income. “Every investment carries risk, but young people have both the energy and time to assess and manage those risks,” he noted.

Even if the Pokémon card doesn’t reach his target price, Paul believes the experience demonstrates a broader lesson: opportunities exist everywhere for those willing to pursue them. “If you’re passionate about something, there’s a market for it,” he said. “You can build a business around your interests if you fully commit.”

He sees this mindset as especially important for Gen Z as they navigate a rapidly evolving economy. “Adaptability is key,” Paul emphasized. “You need to evolve with the times and leverage the technology available. There are more tools than ever to achieve your goals.”

Ken Goldin shares a similar view, suggesting that fulfillment in a career is more about personal engagement than financial gain. “It’s not just about the money,” Goldin told Fortune. “Ask yourself: Will I enjoy this? Will it challenge me? Am I excited for what’s ahead?”

The Value of Partnerships: Lessons from Business Icons

Paul’s career, from collaborating with Goldin and MrBeast to working closely with his brother Jake, highlights the belief that lasting businesses are built with the right partners. This principle is echoed by many business leaders. Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates has offered similar guidance to young professionals, advising, “Surround yourself with people who challenge you, teach you, and help you grow,” as he shared on X.

Berkshire Hathaway founder Warren Buffett has also emphasized the importance of choosing your colleagues wisely. At his final Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting, Buffett advised, “Don’t focus too much on starting salaries, and be very careful about who you work for, because you’ll pick up the habits of those around you. Some jobs just aren’t worth taking.”

Buffett’s partnership with Charlie Munger, who served as Berkshire Hathaway’s vice chairman from 1978 until his passing in 2023, exemplifies this philosophy. Buffett often described Munger as both a mentor and a close friend, crediting him with challenging his thinking and broadening his perspective. “Every time I spent time with Charlie, I gained a new insight that made me reconsider my ideas,” Buffett told CNBC.

This article was originally published on Fortune.com