If you want to be a leader you always have to look for, and be willing to learn from who is better then you: then you must strive to surpass him/her. Simonetta Lein
I am a Millennial and I love to enhance and get empowered by other fellows Millennials that feel strongly about our generation. One day I cane across a project called Millennial Leadership: an online platform that looks for Millennial Leaders around the globe. Now more than ever people are more conscious about the Millennial generation as one of power. In fact, millennials are the ones that everyone is calling out to change things in our society.
As Millennials we sometimes feel stereotyped. Lately however, it is clear that our voice has been heard and we need projects like Millennial Leadership to bring to light those Millennial Leaders who are doing so much good and impacting the world. This is what our generation is about, and this is what Randall Garcia, founder of Millennial Leadership, stands for.
When you were a child, did you wish for the career and for the life that you have manifested today?
Yes. I think I was like a lot of kids. I wanted to do something that I love and be successful at it. So to a 10 year old who loved to play basketball, I figured that I would overcome all odds, grow to 6'4", and play in the NBA. Little did I know that my genetic makeup would have something to say about that. Now that I am an adult, I see that even though I didn't make the NBA, I still have achieved that same dream of doing something I love and being successful at it. I am using my skills, business knowledge, and leadership to impact lives in a positive way. I would say that the career and life that I have now have exceeded all expectations that I had as a kid. I truly would not choose any other life than the one I have right now.
**This is so empowering to me, living the life you want is such a blessing and also the consequence of your commitment to making it happen the way you want it to. Be inspired and thankful about one's own life is a strong part of being a leader. A leader loves life, no matter what.
Name a wish that you had for your life or for humanity that finally came true.
First off, I must say that you are doing absolutely great work with The Wishwall Foundation. I love the concept that surrounds your organization and how you grant these meaningful wishes to people who need a positive light in their life, it is truly inspiring to me.
One wish that finally came true in my life is discovering fulfillment within myself. Growing up, I always wondered about the man that I would become, and in my college years I still was not quite certain what my future would hold. I would think about my life and my future every night and wonder if I would ever be successful.
One of the biggest realizations that I came to was that success does not have a dollar sign attached to it, but it is about the impact that you make in other people's lives. It is about giving and not receiving. I find much satisfaction on blessing others and using my platform to make a positive difference in others lives.
Within humanity, I actually see a similar pattern. There is hope! It's just a matter of spreading positive messages and inspiration to those who need it. There is hope for humanity because of this next generation of millennial leaders who are currently being molded and developed.
**As a leader you will notice that the more you give the more you receive. If you work hard, you strive to impact others with your presence and quality: success and money will follow. Strive for progress and you will see many more people that actively inspire others.
Inspiring others I think is the most noble job of modern society. Without good examples, motivations and wishes, there can be no progress. As leaders that is the main purpose of life.
If you were granted one wish for humanity or for our planet, what would it be?
Faith, hope, and love are what keep me going... But the greatest of these is love. I see so much negativity around me nowadays. People are constantly displaying such hatred towards those with different values, beliefs, and world-views. It is a no-brainer, I would wish for love. It doesn't matter what you believe in, everyone in humanity can agree on love. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails. #LoveWins
**Love needs to be looked for, we need to strive for love and to give love. As Millennials we want a fair society and know that with our example we can create a just future for generations to come. Love should be a force that helps you expand your life and bring forth your innate potential with fresh and dynamic vitality. Let's put love for oneself and others as the center of everything we do, and let's pay it forward.
If you could go back in time and ask one question to anyone from history, whom would you want to meet and what question would you ask?
Right now, I would definitely choose Martin Luther King Jr. He was such an inspiring leader who led a great movement that was based upon a dream for the future. His positive outlook on life but firm beliefs led him to be one of the greatest leaders our world has ever known. He preached about love and had so many people follow his lead. I would ask him if I could bring him into the 21st century! A leader like him can reach so many people on so many different levels. He is an inspiration to myself and someone that I truly look up to.
When I see Martin Luther King Jr. I see a great example of what many millennial leaders should aspire to be like.
**Dr. King once stated "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige, and even his life for the welfare of others." Our Millennial Leaders have to go back to this teaching - fairness and integrity are the best kind of style you can have.
Please tell me what influences your unique sense of style?
My style definitely reflects my personal brand. I am a creative millennial professional, so when people think of me I want them to think of words like integrity, creativity, authenticity, influence, and quality. These 5 words just happen to be my core values, and I try to live them out in everything that I say and do. My personality style is very easy going, and I would like to think that my sense of humor is one thing that people enjoy about me. I am a people person, and my style reflects that.
When people meet me, I think they automatically realize my laid back style. I love to lighten up the mood in a room filled with intense discussion, but I also love to ask the tough questions see how others respond.
**As a leader it is very important that your style reflects what you want to communicate. Nothing has to be left to chance. Branding is the strongest word for being confident with your leadership. Always remember that your are your brand - even if it seems that it doesn't speak about you - it does. Your energy is behind the creation of your brand. Put yourself in everything you do, that is what it means to be a leader.
What is your favorite brand right now and why?
This is really a no-brainer. I come from a branding background, so not only do I recognize great brands, but I am a huge brand advocate when I find brands that I love. I love Apple for creativity and Lexus for quality, but I know you are big on fashion so I will expand on the other two.
I really love the custom clothing from J. Hilburn, I have a personal designer who helps me choose my fabrics and threads. In my opinion the quality is unmatched and I love the fact that I can build my own clothes according to my own personal style. The options are limitless. Lastly, the shoes will 100% of the time be Cole Haan because of their modern professional looks.
One of my great friends and business partners is very fashionable, modern, and trendy. To be honest I think that I wouldn't pay half as much attention to detail if it weren't for him. He keeps me on my game and calls me out when my style isn't up to par, I think it's very important in the professional world.
**Projecting your image out there is very important and not always easy. We need to recognize any help that comes from outside to bring us back on track on any level. Life is a team effort, nothing is done alone, we are all travelers on this amazing journey and can impact one another.
What habits have you included in your daily routine to strengthen your leadership skills?
Habits are key! One of the most valuable things that I have ever done for myself is to start off everyday with a plan for my body, mind, and spirit. I literally made a calendar where I would list everything I would consume that day, everything I would read that day, and everything I would listen to that day. From my prayers to my workouts to my personal development, I planned out each day so much that my routines became habits, and these habits have really pushed my leadership skills to another level.
**Training is everything, we have to train our body as well as our mind and spirit. In order to make an impact as leaders we have to follow Randall's recipe. To project accomplishment we have to be accomplished inside. To be a leader we have to start to lead ourselves first and develop compassion:only a compassionate person becomes a leader.
What advice would you give someone who wanted to become a more influential leader in their niche or organization?
This answer is two-fold. It all starts in investing in one's self and also learning from the best. If you want to be the best in anything you have to put in the time and effort, and yes, even the money. Just like people set aside money every month for savings and investments, I have consistently set aside a percentage of my income every month into an "investment account" for myself. I am constantly involved in masterminds, training, and programs where I am seeking to learn from the best people on earth.
I believe that time and effort can only get you so far so quickly if you aren't learning the right things from the right people. I have always made it a habit to try to be the "dumbest" person in the room, it doesn't mean that I am "dumb", it just means that I am surrounded by people whose expertise I truly admire and whom I would like to learn from. I have surrounded myself with mentor-like figures who can teach me the best practices to developing my entrepreneurship, career and community leadership skills, and it has helped accelerate my growth so much faster than if I tried to do it on my own.
**Fellows Millennials and those from other generations: the mentor-disciple relationship is one of the most important dynamics. It simply means finding that special person you feel can push out your insecurities. This way, you can see your insecurities and use them to enhance your good qualities. Having a mentor is a blessing, it is a shortcut and having that "curious" state of mind is the winingr key to becoming a leader. A mentor can inspire you and in the end wants you to surpass him or her. Sometimes we have to push ourselves in order to get out there and look for the best. If you want to be a leader, you have always to look for, and be willing to learn from who is better then you and then strive to surpass him/her. Last but not least, seeing ourselves as our best investment is very important.
What prompted you to start MillenniaLeadership?
Way too much pre-workout mix combined with sour feelings for the way millennials have been stereotyped led me to the idea that I needed to do something about it. I sure didn't want to fit the mold, and I know plenty of other millennials who felt the same way I did. I felt that there was a huge need to not only break millennial stereotypes, but also to inspire a new generation of leaders. It has also led me to opportunities where I can speak to other generations about harnessing the power of the millennial, how to create young leaders, and creating collaboration culture in work environments that better serve our generation.
It started as a project. At first I had no idea what it would actually become, but now I am super excited about the impact that this one idea can have on so many people.
**It is up to us and if not now, when?
What is your opinion on the millennial generation?
I believe that the millennial generation is an innovative one. We see things through a different lens than other generations, we set trends, and we value changing the world above making money. Other generations may negatively stereotype us for a number of reasons, but I don't think those stereotypes apply to the vast majority of millennials. We are high achievers, creative thinkers, and world changers.
**To keep on transforming the world we live in is necessary. As Millennials we believe in those from the past who inspired us to believe in dreams. They were often called crazy at the time, but would go on to become recognized leaders we still remember and revere today. We live in an incredible historical moment: we can talk about our dreams, inspire people, be that part of the change and become leaders. That is all thanks to our predecessors who fought for our rights and freedom: just knowing that, should make us proud and willing to leave this planet better off then we found it.
What is your mission and vision statement for MillenniaLeadership?
Mission: "To empower young leaders to rise up and break stereotypes by providing a source of enlightenment that promotes the genius within our generation."
Vision: "To transform millennial stereotypes and inspire a new generation of leaders."
**Millennials are the generation that recognizes that "genius" factor in others, and is proud of it. We need to empower each other and be that change we want to see in the world.
What is your final message for our readers?
Fill a need. This world has so many needs that need to be filled and problems that need to be solved. Find your own way to make a positive impact on this world. If you do this right, you will find true fulfillment in your life as it relates to your career.
**I am so empowered by this Millennial Leader, and I cannot encourage my fellow Millennials ( and non) enough to go to www.millennialeadership.com to be part of this amazing community and support it. Thank you Randal for you project that I call a movement. Let's strive ourselves to be Millennial Leaders and to support those leaders that this amazing generation is bringing to light, and will keep on coming.
Please connect with Randall and The Millennial Leadership community
Website: www.millennialeadership.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/MillenniaLeader
Instagram: www.instagram.com/MillenniaLeadership
Facebook: www.facebook.com/millennialeadership
As always, make your wishes come true.
From Philadelphia, The Celebrity Wishmaker Simonetta Lein
