A new generation of creators is rejecting traditional career playbooks to build businesses rooted in authenticity, independence, and creative ownership. From biomedical engineering to Wall Street to beauty advocacy, Hayley Baylee, Vivian Tu, and Cyrus Veyssi have each carved distinctly different paths while building deeply engaged communities on their own terms. Moderated by Whalar Co-CEO Jo Cronk, this annual Tribeca X Creator Panel explores what it takes to bet on yourself, build with intention, and turn creative instinct into enduring businesses.
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Cyrus Veyssi
Host, Writer, and Content Creator
Cyrus (they/he) is a NYC-based creator, writer, and comedian with 2M+ followers and 77M TikTok views. Named to TIME's 100 Most Influential Creators in 2025, their work explores beauty, wellness, and lifestyle through humor, challenging the gender binary and championing inclusion. They've collaborated with Dell, Google, La Mer & Maybelline, and recently released HONEY, an affirmations journal.
Vivian Tu
NYT Bestselling Author, Founder & CEO of Your Rich BFF, and Chief of Financial Empowerment at SoFi
Vivian Tu, founder of Your Rich BFF, is a former Wall Street trader turned financial expert, bestselling author, podcast host, and Chief of Financial Empowerment at SoFi. With 10M+ followers, she’s been recognized by TIME100 and Forbes, redefining financial literacy for a new generation.
Jo Cronk
Moderator (Co-CEO, Whalar)
Jo Cronk is the Co-CEO of Whalar, the world’s leading independent Creator and social agency. A leader in the Creator Economy, she’s built major partnerships with top-tier brands and platforms like LinkedIn, Meta, Snap, TikTok, and YouTube. Jo co-founded Moby Ventures, Whalar Group’s venture studio, and often speaks at top industry events. With 16+ years in media, she brings global insight and bold vision to how brands connect through culture and creativity.