Marketing executive dares PHL millennials to make differences

THERE’S a clash of opinions about the attitude and values of young Filipinos, according to Team Asia/Hamlin-Iturralde Corp.

“In one camp, there’s a prevailing opinion that millennials are too headstrong, too addicted to instant gratification and has an inflated sense of self-worth,” the integrated marketing communications agency said in a statement. “On the other, a school of thought says that the youth is a transformative force in various sectors of society from business, politics, culture and education, millennials are changing the way we approach things by harnessing technology.”

According to Managing Director Bea Lim, there is a certain truth to these clashing beliefs. But the ideas of the two camps can be reconciled to properly portray Filipino millennials.

“Millennials are a complex group of individuals, but what’s clear is that they want to make their mark in the world,” Lim said. “Some people have portrayed the youth negatively, but if you look at it, our generation is intent on pushing the envelope and going beyond the box.”

Lim, daughter of the late branding guru Hamlin, explained “it is about perception.”

“If you seek to see the youth in a positive spectrum, you’ll see the best,” she said. “If you choose to focus on the negative, all you’ll see is the bad.”

Lim said she’s not ashamed to be called a millennial. At 28, she leads a dynamic team of young professionals who believe in the transformative power of communication.

“My generation has some of the most passionate and idealistic people around.

But, at the same time, they are grounded in reality brought by unprecedented access to information,” Lim said. “We need to harness this passion and idealism to recognize what we can do to improve the world we live in. We need to invent new ways to approach our problems to make sure that when we leave this world, we leave it better.”

In her talk at the Asia Young Leaders Summit, titled “I’m a millennial too,” Lim dispelled common myths about the youth. She also painted a picture of millennials as people of varied interest that they are unafraid to pursue.

According to her, young professionals do not want “handholding.” “What they need is mentorship.”

With proper guidance and empowerment, the youth can truly make a difference not only in their respective professions but also in their other pursuits as well, according to her.

Instead of telling millennials to “go forth and make a difference,” she said, “Why not challenge them to make ‘differences’ and transform everything they touch?”

Lim added that the millennial spirit of curiosity, innovation and creativity might be their greatest contribution to the future. Utilizing technology that is available to the youth today, Lim believes that millennials can shape how we shape a better world through their vision and determination to defy the status quo.

“All I can really tell millennials is just be yourself, and be yourself well,” she said. “What you need to take care of is the inside—yourself. The rest of the world will follow.”

Source: http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/marketing-executive-dares-phl-millennials-to-make-differences/