Today we are pleased to have Robert Sofia join us in the Gen-Y Hot Seat. Robert is a blogger at the Baby Face Exectuive Blog and is the president of Gain Group, Inc, a firm that is equipping young professionals with the tools to be successful in business. In this Hot Seat we chat about Gen Y leading now, millennial worker stereotypes and overseeing more money that most of us would know what to do with. Enjoy!

Gen-Y Magic: Is Gen-Y ready to lead today?

Robert: I’m hesitant to over-generalize and say that an entire generation either is or isn’t. As with any age group, there are those who manifest the traits of great leaders, and those who don’t. One thing I’ll say is that you can’t trust the media hype to help you answer that question. Leave it to them and you’ll have our entire generation painted as slovenly slackers or techie overachievers. Experience has taught me that leadership is an individual proposition.

GYM: Are executives ready for Gen-Y to be leaders right now, today?

Robert: The smart ones are. I’ve had the privilege of working with a number of extremely successful businesspeople, and all of them had one thing in common - an eye for talent.
It’s been said that one of the most important traits of an effective leader is the ability to produce more leaders, and let’s face it; Millennials are the leaders of tomorrow.

Another thing to consider is the tremendous purchasing power of our generation. Forward thinking companies have to realize that if they are going to adapt to the demands of their biggest consumers, it will help to have a few on the inside.

GYM: From your experiences, what has Created Magic in your life to want to give back and teach young professionals how to excel and make a difference in their own lives?

Robert: That’s a good question Greg. There are a lot of factors. I’d have to say the most outstanding is that I’ve always been fortunate to have good mentors who helped me get to the next level by telling me what I needed to hear. I guess I decided it was time for somebody to get out there and say, “Hey! Yes you’re smart; yes you’re technologically savvy; yes you’re full of potential – but here’s what you have to do to get the most out of your career.” As somebody who’s done it, and can relate to the challenges that come with being a young professional, I figured I would be that person. I’ve noticed lately that everyone seems to be talking about our generation instead of talking to us - I’d like to change that.

It’s the reason I started my blog, and my newly formed company, The Gain Group, Inc. I am also in the process of shopping a publisher for my book which is titled after my blog. It should all come together nicely in the coming months.

GYM: How does it feel to be the young Vice President of a company that handles and oversees over $150,000,000 of other people’s money?

Robert: It feels really good! There’s no doubt that it’s a big responsibility, but it’s also tremendously empowering. To be this far along in my career at such a young age makes me appreciate what you can achieve if you really put your mind to it.

GYM: You recently talked about overcoming misconceptions of Gen-Y, and the choice Millennials have when they go to work and face their bosses and co-workers. Should Gen-Y have to choose, or CAN the current workplace mold to the iPhone holding, jeans and t-shirt wearing, flexible schedule wanting kids that are graduating by the thousands every semester?

Robert: There’s a good argument for both sides, but I think the simple answer is that you have to do what is in the best interests of the institution you’re part of. If you work for a hot Manhattan ad agency that specializes in developing campaigns to target young consumers – go for it! Bring on the open floor plan, the flip flops, and the shaggy hair; it’ll enhance your credibility. On the other hand; if you work for a conservative Wall Street hedge fund, you’d better stick to established professional standards. You have to know when to play by the rules, and when to break them. Once you have your foot in the door and you’ve established your value, there’s more room for expressing your individuality.

GYM: Robert, you are now off the Gen-Y Hot Seat. Thanks for taking your time to help us better understand Gen-Y and your perspective of Creating Magic for this generation!

Robert: Thanks for getting me involved. It’s been fun!