Gen Z Trailblazer: Scott Millar's Entrepreneurial Journey with BOP Industries

Scott Millar, the 23-year-old founder of BOP Industries, shares his remarkable journey from selling keyrings at local markets to running a successful education company. This episode explores how Scott built a business that has impacted over 100,000 young people. Scott candidly discusses the challenges of being a young entrepreneur, the importance of mentorship, and navigating generational dynamics in the workplace. From embracing personal strengths to innovating responsibly, Scott offers valuable insights on leadership, adaptability, and the future of work. His experiences highlight the critical role of pushing beyond comfort zones, intergenerational collaboration, and purpose-driven leadership in business success.

Covered in this episode: 

• The origin story: Scott's background as a high school student selling keyrings and the evolution of BOP Industries. 
• Challenges faced by young entrepreneurs and the decision to embrace age as a point of difference. 
• The transition from holograms to education and the importance of finding one's true purpose (ikigai). 
• Strategies for engaging and managing Gen Z in the workplace. · The significance of flexibility, ownership, and belonging in attracting and retaining young talent. 
• Building and maintaining professional networks, and the value of intergenerational mentorship. 
• Addressing generational tensions in the workplace and the importance of mutual respect. 
• The role of innovation and entrepreneurship education in preparing young people for the future workforce. 
• Balancing personal strengths with business management needs and finding complementary team members. 
• Insights on responsible innovation and the importance of questioning new technologies. 
• Tips for small business owners on adapting to future challenges. 

About Scott Millar

Scott Millar is a trailblazing entrepreneur and the founder of BOP Industries, a company dedicated to educating young people in innovation, entrepreneurship, and STEM. Starting his first business in high school, Scott has worked with major global brands and reached over 100,000 students across Australia, Asia, and North America. A passionate advocate for Gen Z’s role in reshaping the future of work, Scott empowers students to embrace creativity, critical thinking, and global citizenship. Known for his captivating speaking style and infectious energy, Scott is a leader focused on collaboration, responsible innovation, and inspiring the next generation.

Takeaways

• Be Open to Unconventional Paths: Scott’s journey proves that traditional education isn’t the only path to success.
• Value Mentorship: Scott credits much of his growth to surrounding himself with knowledgeable mentors.
• Innovate Responsibly: He advises business owners to innovate with purpose, focusing on solutions that benefit customers and align with brand values.
• Intergenerational Strength: Scott highlights the power of intergenerational collaboration in strengthening teams and driving creative solutions.
• Push Beyond Comfort Zones: His mantra reminds us that growth comes from taking risks and challenging the status quo.

Links and Resources

• BOP Industries – Explore Scott Millar’s work in innovation and education.
• Scott’s Favourite Concept: Ikigai – Learn about this Japanese principle that inspires purpose-driven work.

Time-Stamped Key Points

• 00:00 – Introduction to Scott Millar and BOP Industries
• 01:00 – The origin story: From a school project to an international educational business
• 02:20 – Scott’s early business ventures with holograms and high-profile clients
• 03:40 – Embracing creativity: How Scott’s background in drama and arts informs his work
• 04:20 – The impact of living in China and adopting a global mindset
• 05:20 – Exploring why fewer young people are launching businesses today
• 06:40 – Scott’s approach to learning from experts and finding mentors
• 08:00 – The role of age in business: Leveraging youth as a point of difference
• 09:20 – Building a Gen Z team: Trust, respect, and mutual understanding
• 10:20 – What BOP Education does: Teaching critical workforce skills like innovation and problem-solving
• 12:20 – Bridging generational gaps in the workplace and the power of adaptability
• 14:40 – Scott’s mantra for success: “Great things never come from comfort zones”
• 15:20 – The challenges and sacrifices behind business success: Late nights and learning from failures
• 17:20 – Top advice for business owners: Innovate responsibly and embrace adaptability

We'd love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au

Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and 

The Podcast Boss.