LinkedIn's New CEO Reveals: Why Gen Z Should Choose Mentors Over Money

If you're starting your career, you've probably heard the same advice a thousand times: 'Chase the money' or 'Keep jumping to the next big company.' But Daniel Shapero, the new CEO of LinkedIn, says that's actually not the best way to get to the top.

Don't Just Pick a Job, Pick a Mentor

Shapero has spent nearly 20 years at LinkedIn. In his early days, he stayed in the same sales role for over five years—on purpose—because he liked his boss. In an interview with Bloomberg, Shapero explained: "The best career decisions that I've ever made have been about the people I got to work with." He believes that we adapt to our environment. If you work around people who are smart and kind, you will eventually become like them.

For Gen Z, the message is clear: "A slightly smaller paycheck at a company with a great boss is often a better deal than a big paycheck at a place where you're just a number."

The 'Cold Water' Moment

Even though Shapero was a high achiever, he still had to learn hard lessons. After helping LinkedIn's recruiting business grow to $1 billion in revenue, he thought he was ready for a huge promotion. But then-CEO Jeff Weiner gave him a reality check: he needed to understand how to build products, not just sell them. Shapero called this the 'cold water' he needed.

Instead of getting upset, he stepped down from his big leadership job in 2014 to become a 'regular' worker on the product team. He had to learn 'from the ground up'—a move that prepared him to lead the whole company today.

What About AI?

Today, everyone worries about AI taking entry-level jobs. Shapero isn't as worried about the technology itself as he is about the 'talent' challenge of teaching people to adapt. He says machines won't replace workers who double down on 'human' skills—flexibility, creativity, communication, and learning to work with AI rather than fighting it.

Shapero's advice for the next generation: Do a 'vibe check' for your career. Don't just look at the salary. Look at the person who will be your manager. If you pick the right team and stay humble enough to keep learning, the top job will eventually find you.