Is Forbes 30 Under 30 a scam?

Many dream of making it onto the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. But should they? In Good Work’s latest Case Study, the Investigative News Team lays bare the controversial world of Forbes 30 Under 30.
Thanks to the following folks for their assistance with this vital investigation: Jake Karls, an entrepreneur who has made the list; Chris Bakke, an entrepreneur who (sadly) didn’t make the list; and Jody Fisher, a New York-based public relations expert; and Sarah Ross, a licensed medical professional and comedian.
Follow Jake: / jakekarls_
Follow Chris: / chrisjbakke
Follow Jody: / jodyfisher
Follow Sarah: www.instagram....
#Forbes30Under30 #Scam #goodwork
Video by Dan Toomey and Henry Stockwell
Subscribe to GOOD WORK here: / @goodworkmb
FOLLOW GOOD WORK HERE: / goodworkmb
FOLLOW DAN HERE: / dhtoomey
SIGN UP FOR MORNING BREW HERE: www.morningbre...
Is Forbes 30 Under 30 a scam?

[@normalearthling]

I'm not exaggerating when I say this is the most inspirational video I've seen this year

[@fraffeetan9395]

Truly good work

[@SLVYER1]

I'm more inspired that the Forbes used to be drug dealers, and now they have a news agency where they can manipulate anyone. Opium rhymes with Copium

[@littlelilacbunny]

😂😂

[@shrineguard2778]

Also wanted to say this - the end of the video was surprisingly uplifting lol. Bonus points for adding that beaver as an encouragement.

[@lewsea14]

fr

[@chrisjbakke]

Many people are asking me why my bookshelves are empty. I had to embarrassingly spend 27 minutes of my 30 minute interview with Dan moving stacks of my Forbes magazines off the shelves and out of camera view for this interview. Anyway, thanks for having me on.

[@GoodWorkMB]

Chris, you're always welcome with or without books. Thanks for joining!!

[@michellel9739]

It would have been hilarious to see it all stacked with Forbes magazines.

[@stop08it]

😂😂

[@thetrends5670]

Is this a real Chris from Twitter?

[@upsidedownChad]

Can i have a job?

[@PokhrajRoy.]

“For some, it’s a lifelong dream. For some, it’s a hub for criminals.” This is such a versatile line. You can fit it into everything.

[@nagasaipurvaz4251]

and for the beaver who is carrying a carrot and a lettuce at the same time absolutely mean nothing

[@marcelleclerc690]

What about Disneyland

[@moayadalismail5602]

@@nagasaipurvaz4251 my favorite line lmao

[@LuisSierra42]

@jayadevkp8054 bot

[@nagasaipurvaz4251]

@jayadevkp8054 I am a bot trained by aliens to mimic human behaviour to write the bull shit in comment section

[@bryguy0052]

This is getting dangerously close to journalism. If you keep this up, the Last Week Tonight folks will send you a cease and desist.

[@sophiedowney1077]

Or a job offer 🤷

[@GoodWorkMB]

Don't worry we are idiots

[@andrehoffmann7203]

@@GoodWorkMBHow dare you, we are nothing alike.

[@auroragb]

Don't worry, they are on strike😅

[@dh6462]

Journalism? LOL. So many jealous videos being made about Forbes 30 under 30... Everything you are saying is so far from the truth. And I know for a FACT that you can NOT "buy your way into it". Any another inaccuracy you failed to mention in your video: Elizabeth Holmes was NEVER on the Forbes 30 under 30 list. Finally, from the thousands of people under the Forbes 30 under 30 list over the years, only tiny fraction of them (like less than 10 people in total) were involved in some kind of financial crime, but they were all in the FINANCE CATEGORY. There are so many other categories in this list where everyone truly deserves to be on it. Also, if you look at anything like a college or school, from the thousands of alumni, there are always a handful of people who ended up doing something bad, but it is it fair to say then that ALL of the alumni from that school or college are 'scammers'? Stop making badly researched generalizations about this list and spreading lies!

[@Foodies]

please make a video on genius world records. you MAY or may not not HAVE to pay.

[@22burnsie]

Do you mean Genius or Guinness world record?

[@odnx]

@@22burnsie Genie

[@Benzinilinguine]

1 year ago with 2.4k likes and only 2 comments? What.

[@EricMeyerson]

Somebody said a few years ago: "We need fewer 30 under 30 lists and more lifetime achievement awards."

[@Locn.dn95]

Exactly! Stop putting such a huge pressure on younger generation!!!

[@dh6462]

So many jealous videos being made about Forbes 30 under 30... Everything you are saying is so far from the truth. And I know for a FACT that you can NOT "buy your way into it". Any another inaccuracy you failed to mention in your video: Elizabeth Holmes was NEVER on the Forbes 30 under 30 list. Finally, from the thousands of people under the Forbes 30 under 30 list over the years, only tiny fraction of them (like less than 10 people in total) were involved in some kind of financial crime, but they were all in the FINANCE CATEGORY. There are so many other categories in this list where everyone truly deserves to be on it. Also, if you look at anything like a college or school, from the thousands of alumni, there are always a handful of people who ended up doing something bad, but it is it fair to say then that ALL of the alumni from that school or college are 'scammers'? Stop making badly researched generalizations about this list and spreading lies!

[@1zebbe3]

@@dh6462you know what satire is?

[@AugustusCheeser]

I can't tell whether this is serious or satire. My humor is broken? But I'm afraid my whole brain is broken cause that's a possibility

[@fullmetaltheorist]

That could mean two very different reasons. Either celebrating the achievements of individuals over long careers. Or making fun of people who got life in jail for fraud like Salmon Baked and Fried.

[@hlcsdcds]

Forbes’ list really stands for “30 years in prison under 30 years old “

[@nihleigleca6702]

30 criminals under 30 to look out for 😂😂😂

[@gup6993]

I wish it was 30 years for most its like 3 years

[@dh6462]

So many jealous videos being made about Forbes 30 under 30... Everything you are saying is so far from the truth. And I know for a FACT that you can NOT "buy your way into it". Any another inaccuracy you failed to mention in your video: Elizabeth Holmes was NEVER on the Forbes 30 under 30 list. Finally, from the thousands of people under the Forbes 30 under 30 list over the years, only tiny fraction of them (like less than 10 people in total) were involved in some kind of financial crime, but they were all in the FINANCE CATEGORY. There are so many other categories in this list where everyone truly deserves to be on it. Also, if you look at anything like a college or school, from the thousands of alumni, there are always a handful of people who ended up doing something bad, but it is it fair to say then that ALL of the alumni from that school or college are 'scammers'? Stop making badly researched generalizations about this list and spreading lies!

[@rajns8643]

​@@dh6462 Seems like someone from Forbes would say

[@PokhrajRoy.]

0:03 Not even 5 seconds in and I admire the commitment to do a Forbes video outsides the Forbes building.

[@LuisSierra42]

He always does this

[@joshuaslee]

Sometimes, just carrying a carrot and a full-sized head of lettuce at the same time is enough. Thanks, Dan!

[@GoodWorkMB]

we think so too joshua. thank YOU

[@Nataliexgiselle]

LMAO fr

[@bepreparedforwhatscoming4975]

@@GoodWorkMBmake a video about how NYT Best Sellers is overrated! *Almost every book* says they’re a New York Times Best Seller!

[@alexdenlinger6870]

Needed to hear this! You’re the best!

[@anthonymeade7345]

I have hands so that's easy for me.

[@chaosmuffinminecraft]

I'm only 26 and I'm on SEVERAL lists. Don't let Dan keep you down.

[@Junniebug]

toaru pfp, checks out.

[@yunki_]

Oh!? Did you make it onto the list of registered sex offenders? 👀 (jk🤣)

[@Hannah-y2z]

Loool

[@patt5085]

FBI, CIA, DEA, Interpol, sex offender..

[@whyisblue923taken]

Yeah, the schools in the area were alerted when you moved.

[@hackbarrow]

I love the little titles under their names when they do video calls, they are always so funny!

[@muraliavarma]

Banned from Canadian media (long story).... a moose was involved :D

[@pippistyles]

@@muraliavarma 🤣🤣

[@GoodWorkMB]

Thank you Hack Barrow

[@Matkatamiba]

The story I heard was at the Twitch office, they contacted by Forbes that they were on the list. They asked around the office who wanted it, and some random dude took it. Not merit based at all, just randomly chosen from hyped up companies.

[@brandond2394]

I love the fact that we as a society are finally starting to "show truths", but it's not enough.

[@TheDonutboy1573]

Genuine concern. What would happen…if one day you guys can't find a new pile of garbage to shoot in front of?

[@GoodWorkMB]

Greta Thunberg dreams a clean planet

[@thegamerlucifer6664]

@@GoodWorkMB😂

[@BigBigBigJeff]

You've clearly never been to new York

[@hungryepicboys8895]

It’s union square rich people garbage and therefore acceptable

[@PennyAnimates]

i like how every cut to Dan interviewing people is him smoldering Patrick bateman-esque into the camera

[@internetshaquille]

NYT best seller list next pls

[@jasonranalliheadshots6875]

You don't need high production value when you have great journalism and scripting like this. Don't change a thing! Great work.

[@HooKt4]

No, Sir, this is Good work.

[@HipyoTech]

"has invisible books" I died laughing

[@fujinshu]

Yoooo a wild Hipyo?!?!?!

[@jhykobz1yq]

As someone who works under an incompetent executive in the 30

[@RareBoom]

Fun fact: I nannied a baby from 3 months to 9 months then he showed up 20 yrs later on the list. I take all the credit bc I read to him and played Tracie Chapman everyday

[@benjohnson9224]

Best part of the video is the ending sketch during the credits. It's okay to not be successful at 30, in fact, if you are successful before thirty, chances are you cut some corners somewhere to get there.

[@LuisSierra42]

I thought you coughed up your liver once you turn 30

[@MagnumCarta]

Man I felt that one with the end skit. As someone who turned 30 this year I was equally like "people say I start breaking down now when does that kick in?"

[@ladyeowyn42]

35 lol

[@Appa0]

That post credits scene was the best bit of the whole video. Why'd you not include it 😂

[@ChonkyMonkey1]

He... pretty much did?

[@LuisSierra42]

The nurse was lying, when you turn 30 you literally die

[@PokhrajRoy.]

In a world of 30 under 30, be a beaver carrying a carrot and a head of lettuce.

[@JohnKY1993]

We need a 90 over 90 list

[@bernardogadelha821]

I've just discovered this channel today and I have already watched everything. I need more of these informational videos AND the office skits

[@ErikPelyukhno]

Good Work has the best editors, hands down. Literally nonstop funny, even the end screen 😂

[@GoodWorkMB]

[@f-person]

@@GoodWorkMB

[@MacyMorningBrew]

"i would look at that list, and i wanted to be on it" genius. so well spoken.

[@CarlGratiot]

As someone who was recently awarded "Top 37 year old by 37 different, INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED, beef jerky companies" (most notably, Slim Jim) I can confirm that the whole process felt (much like the jerky tasted) less than savory.

[@lygiabird6988]

😂😂 nice

[@hitcom0709]

"How bull is this shit" is the most philosophical and shakespear-ish shit I've heard in a long while

[@Budgetgadgets2]

I started watching this channel a few months ago, and I honestly keep checking for new uploads. Genius, insightful content here. Cant wait to see it at 1m.

[@RedMeansRecording]

But what avout my sweet baby brother and 30 under 30 media luminary Griffin McElroy 😢

[@Damage_Inc]

I was ‘recommended’ this video and after a few mins I knew this was an insta subscribe. The algorithm is working!

[@margotk538]

There’s definitely an ego factor that pressured or drive some of those top 30 under 30 winners into criminal activities because they cannot accept failure. The list is a danger to have as it not only strive you to be the best at a very young age, but also limited their ability to experience failure and learn from it. Most of the people in the top 100 riches list are all over 50, even 60-90 years old for a reason.

[@johnnychang3456]

Yea probably only one in a billion people actually succeed in business in their 20s, e,g., Jobs, Gates, Dell, Zuck, and it’s not without extreme luck and unfair resources around them. To expect anyone to achieve those standards in their 20s is beyond unrealistic.

[@ksoosk]

Or the other way around. They conned their way to the list to make themselves look credible and take more money.

[@Accidege]

"Has invisible books" Thank you Good Work. This is why I watch the channel

[@Sumble]

7:40 This is the most inspiration thing I've heard all year!

[@chiefpanda7040]

I really appreciate him doing the new anchor accent it adds so much to the video I've never seen this channel and I'm very disappointed I haven't before.

[@ruheHQ]

I have a digital marketing agency and it's really sad that most people don't realize that 99% of everything you see on the internet is for profit. Blogs, newsletters, pretty much everything has a for profit agenda

[@niablee]

When you work in marketing, you realize everything can be bought and paid for 😂

[@Domedwho]

Thats because capitalism drives that, and moet people are dumb as bricks.

[@DeathStarLuke]

This is my new favorite KZbin channel. Thanks. I love you.

[@cavscout43]

Forbes 30 under 30 is a coin toss on if they came from a wealthy background, or if they're going to get indicted for fraud.

[@littlestbroccoli]

Him reporting from under the scaffolding with boxes got me 😂

[@jinntakk]

Thank you for including Ben Simmons. He should never be able to get away with his fraudulence.

[@Stelios78910]

The Jody Fisher - Woody Harrelson joke was brilliantly understated

[@ChangedNames]

The prophecies has come true! How much did you pay them?

[@shre9]

This video somehow made me feel lighter. Your humour is always on point, thanks Dan ❤

[@07gh59]

Glad this video was in my recommendations. Funny, factual and subscribed.

[@hoangvu6811]

Did not know what I need today was Dan Toomey telling me it’s okay if I can only carry two things at once and it’s okay to drop it too

[@jacobmakes_jpg]

The empty bookshelves play is actually psychotic

[@chcarroll5164]

There's a local publication that does a 30 under 30 as well a 40 under 40 list. Most everybody disappears without accomplishing anything of note but a good number end up in jail.

[@ShawnFX]

7:40 - 8:06 Dan I seriously mean this when I say I FKN LOVE YOU, YOU'RE THE MAN!!❤ Not only hilarious but compassionate! dont ever change Dan!!

[@muddy-one]

First time viewer. Liked the subtle comments in each frame. Subscribed to maybe one day hear the long story about being banned in canookistani media.

[@peachmango5347]

Forbes is yet another media source worth avoiding. Seriously - there is limited time and Forbes offers nothing of substance. Choose your media carefully to keep it manageable and having integrity.

[@dakotagifford8461]

I love this channel - very funny and makes me feel a lot less out of step with the world

[@Ariamaki]

The video was rock-solid but the outro kicked my ass, A+ work.

[@anthonytuder]

The only person on the list I can think of is Griffin McElroy, and he's pretty cool

[@michaelcurcio4025]

Young Robert Stack here...love the vid.Well done.

[@JessicaMachiavelli]

the editing style is sick af !!! i love it

[@thisaccount7632ijn]

I don’t know anything about 30/30, nor do I care, but this is one of the best videos I’ve watched recently; well done.

[@agent__47]

Without you, what will do Dan.😅😂

[@press_pause2236]

I love it how Foster is like "Yeah, those people are no criminals, they are just under a lot of pressure and it is our fault." - What a huge amount of BS.

[@crazyk3449]

Forbes is anyway not very trustworthy for a publication company.

[@poobiswoobis]

I feel like there's always a million people who claim to be on a "forbes 30 under 30" list. It all seems like a scam

[@Mikhos]

Your smartass reporting is really refreshing in this age of KZbin.

[@robrick9361]

When I was 29, I could stay up all night and drink all day and eat whenever I wanted. At 30, I fall asleep by 7:30, I can barely finish a light beer, and a late dinner is 4:45 AT THE MOST.

[@williamhalstediq]

When I see someone from this list or has a video with Ted , I immediately start fact checking everything they say.

[@mohdtalha8558]

This is my first time watching this channel and it has so refreshing humor. Punchline are so good man. Especially that invisible book comment and Zackenberg line🤣🤣🤣🤣 Subscribing to the channel. Keep up the good work.

[@PD_CĪPHĒR]

I have a pocket full of lint and like 37 cents in change. I think my chances are good. Thank you for helping me discover my true purpose for the next 5 years.

[@vexorian]

I must really question your journalistic integrity here. I mean, you downright stated that the Beaver doesn't care at all about the list, but it doesn't look like you ever asked him for comment. Maybe he does care.

[@GoodWorkMB]

You are so right. We apologize. To you, to the Beaver, to the larger Beaver community and its allies. We pledge to do better

[@Nunya24567]

You really found your calling with the newsman skits

[@zec.4491]

Who tf is genuinely feeling bad about not being on forbes 30 under 30

[@SpruceGaming]

The nurse and Forbes aren't telling us something about turning 30

[@hazew8413]

haven't watched the whole video but it surely is for some people - i used to work for a guy some time ago, and he paid around 60000 dollars for the photo and feature and his name was indeed on the list (EDUCATION section). it's quite a joke.

[@ahgo8121]

Dan is a total legend! I love his channel!

[@kbmats]

That Beaber reference got wholesome af at the end

[@PokhrajRoy.]

The captions made under Dan’s name during interviews >>>>>>>>>>>>

[@DaganKay]

Instant sub. Had me cracking up, high production value, and an interesting topic! SICK!

[@Ramix09]

1:07 that's what I call a girlboss, respect

[@vinel208]

Thank you for the message at the end. Really made me feel a lot better about myself

[@Trevelon]

I absolutely love the bio lines during interview cuts.

[@philmurphy2411]

Ben Simmons even here 💀

[@cuppacoffee1572]

Oh god no one tell media luminary Griffin McElroy

[@diamozila]

This is the best channel on youtube about corporate truth🙌

[@pb_and_nutella]

Dan's definitely going to be on the list this year, as retribution for this video

[@JuliusDotCo]

Oh shit does Dan know his basketball????

[@GoodWorkMB]

👀

[@JuliusDotCo]

@@GoodWorkMB my goat 🐐 now please end big parking tickets

[@thattroy]

Thank you, algorithm, for putting this on my recommendation page. Brilliant videos, man!

[@renaudr8542]

really glad youtube fed this to me binged all of the rest of the documentary-style video!! in the VC one, when the camera changed to your face and it was blurred captioned "anonymous interviewer"... bruuuuh 🤣🤣☠☠ KEEP UP THE AWESOME WORK!!!

[@miguelmorgado8392]

I was on that list and also Time best invention of the year 3 years ago. I am not rich neither we did a huge impact on the world. But it was great for marketing and almost everyone accepts my linkedin connection requests now. I don't think it's a scam but I also don't think it is important for your professional life as it is sometimes portrayed.

[@trstmeimadctr]

The streamer Atrioc, who worked at twitch early in its existence, said that once a year one of the managers would just come in and ask 'who wants to be on the 30 under 30?' and whoever raised their hand first went on the list. They even wrote their own blurb that was printed verbatim. Apparently it went one very year that he worked their.

[@onaraisedbeach]

Me, who is over 30: Finally, the REAL reason I didn't make it. Also I'm not a anarchocapitalist ghoul wearing a tech bro skin, so that probably didn't help.

[@sheezle3]

Anarchocapitalism is an oxymoron. But it's ok, most of these tech bros are morons anyway

[@coccosoids]

The fact that this is only 720p is even more inspirational!

[@AlexVoxel]

This was an amazing video, very positive and uplifting. Thank you for making it

[@mitsakos137]

Don't be sour Dan, maybe one day you'll get nominated

[@alles_klar]

Where *isn't* Forbes selling coverage to influence seekers? It's their entire business model at this point.

[@Topself24]

“Humans do be negative”

[@nimitzufo]

"Has invisible books" 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@dawgnasus338]

that girl boss winning part killed me lol

[@Phoebonaccii]

I like the thumbnail. Not overdoing it

[@mort8568]

Just commenting because Toomey deserves the engagement boost

[@ZenMasterNahc]

This feeling I have, is gutwrentching. My stomach is literally in knots. I'm done.

[@PaulFisher]

Hi there, first time viewer, first time commenter, those end cards are great. Thank’s