23 Apr 2025
The New Resume
How agency, not credentials, is what matters today.
She pitched Shopify a job that didn't exist.
They hired her in 24 hours.
No application. No waiting. No permission.
Julia Fedorin, an undergrad student, created a video that opened with: "Shopify doesn't seem to have any marketing internships. What if I became the first?"
She showcased her audience of 10,000+ YouTube subscribers, her brand collaborations, and her ability to build communities.
Within hours, Shopify's COO replied with just three words: "You are hired."
Behind the scenes, founder/CEO Tobi Lutke revealed why: "I have a weak spot for high-agency people."
What made Shopify's leadership respond instantly?
Julia embodied three key traits of high agency:
→ Clear Thinking: She identified a genuine gap and proactively proposed a solution.
→ Bias to Action: Instead of simply claiming skills, she demonstrated them concretely.
→ Disagreeability: She bypassed traditional processes, tagging leadership directly.
Why does Julia's story matter?
The traditional job-application path is broken. Most people wait passively for job openings.
Julia showed what true agency looks like:
Low agency: "I hope Shopify posts an internship." High agency: "I'll show Shopify why they need me."
Low agency: "I'll list my qualifications on a resume." High agency: "I'll demonstrate my value with examples."
Low agency: "I'll wait to be chosen." High agency: "I'll make saying 'yes' inevitable."
Most people will read her story, be inspired, then slip back into familiar, comforting narratives:
→ "I couldn't do that."
→ "I don't have video skills."
→ "I don't have followers or side projects."
They'll convince themselves they must first land the perfect job before starting their dream side project.
But here's the uncomfortable truth: Comfort zones aren't safe, they are cages.
High agency isn't about being special. High agency isn't about being fearless. High agency isn't about being privileged.
Rather, it's about acting despite fear, leveraging what you have, and creating value where none existed before.
Like Julia, you don't need to wait for the perfect job opening. The future belongs to those who choose themselves and create value that can't be ignored.
