Ironman’s CEO, who began unloading trucks at 13, cautions Gen Z that networking is ‘dangerous’—and suggests this alternative

(SeaPRwire) –   For Scott DeRue, the journey to the top executive position has been akin to the literal summits he has conquered.

As the CEO of The Ironman Group, he is responsible for nearly 250 endurance events globally. However, his career path has been far from straightforward, encompassing roles such as a professor, dean of the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, and president of Equinox. He has also scaled the Seven Summits, including Mount Everest and Kilimanjaro. The unifying element throughout his career has not been a specific industry or a direct route, but rather intention.

“I have my family, The Ironman Group, and my passions of endurance sports and mountaineering,” DeRue shared. “Every hour of every day is dedicated to one of these three areas, and nothing else.”

This intense focus has shaped both his professional journey and personal aspirations. It traces back to his teenage years, when he unloaded semi-trucks filled with upholstery fabric. This experience taught him the value of hard work, the necessity of paying taxes, and a crucial lesson that would stay with him: no position needs to be permanent.

As he progressed in his career, DeRue stated that success was not dependent on traditional networking; in fact, he believes the concept is frequently misunderstood.

“One of the terms I find most problematic is ‘networking,’” the 48-year-old commented. “Because it’s about relationships, not networking. You aim to cultivate relationships built on mutual benefit and established before you require them, and I think this is a skill that many overlook.”

DeRue’s advice is straightforward: abandon the transactional approach.

Instead of viewing connections as isolated interactions—like exchanging business cards or connecting on LinkedIn—he advocates for sustained, authentic engagement. This could involve regular check-ins, sharing updates, and offering assistance without expecting anything in return.

This philosophy is grounded in advice he received early in his career: consider relationships like a bank account. “There are debits and credits,” he explained. “You should always maintain a positive balance.”

This message is likely to resonate with Gen Z, many of whom find it challenging to navigate professional connections. Approximately 38% of young professionals report feeling anxious about networking, according to a survey by Strand Partners for LinkedIn, with many avoiding it altogether due to uncertainty about how to begin.

Currently, DeRue leads a workforce that expands to around 1,000 employees worldwide during the busiest race periods. Ironman, most recognized for its demanding triathlons, was acquired by Advance, the parent company of Condé Nast, in 2020 for an undisclosed sum. Prior to this, the company was sold in 2015 for $650 million.

Gen Z seeks purpose in their careers. DeRue once took a full month off work to find his

For Gen Z, a salary alone is increasingly insufficient for career satisfaction; purpose is a primary consideration. Over half of Gen Z and millennials identify meaningful work as a key factor when evaluating employers, and 89% of Gen Z consider purpose essential to their job satisfaction and overall well-being, according to Deloitte’s 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey.

As entry-level positions become more competitive, achieving this balance can be difficult. This is a challenge DeRue is familiar with.

After graduating from the University of North Carolina in 1999, he began his career at the consulting firm Monitor Group (later acquired by Deloitte). While the position provided a strong foundation, it lacked the sense of direction he was seeking.

Consequently, he took a month off to reflect and speak with individuals about their career paths, ultimately identifying what he refers to as his “North Star.”

“Since the age of 25, I’ve had a singular guiding purpose: to create experiences for people that help them realize their full potential,” he stated.

This clarity, he added, empowers individuals to navigate uncertainty and build careers that feel meaningful over time. Reflecting on his extensive career, the most significant advice he would offer his younger self is to “be bolder.”

Equally important is adopting what he calls a “no regrets” mindset.

“Even when things don’t turn out as planned, did you make a decision based on your principles? Were you thoughtful in your approach?” DeRue asked. “You cannot always control the outcome—but you can control how you approach it.”