Business has changed for good.  This we know.  The beauty of the down economy has been the rise of social enterprise, a collective questioning of public and private sector values, and a mainstream search for ways to integrate sustainability into our lives and work.  From where I sit, the future looks bright for Millennials – a generation of quiet rebels on the path to find a non-traditional, soul-enriching, values-fueled existence.

It isn’t a surprise that the media is tasking Generation Y with shaping the future.  We’re well positioned with our understanding of technology, our hyper-acuity for collaboration, and our desire to redefine success by the impact {not the money} we make.  And while that is exciting – maybe even a little humbling – handing over responsibility to a new generation because we seem to “get it” isn’t good enough. 

{Just saying that brings up an image of George W. tossing Obama the keys to the White House as he’s running out the door yelling behind him, “Bye, bye.  The country is falling apart.  I don’t know what the eff happened.  Knock it out, Barry.”}

So I have a different call to action.  Will the conscious millennial women please stand up? 

The world needs you to lead and live – like you’re on a mission.

Women catalyze change.  Business does better, nations govern better, impact happens faster when women represent at least one-third of the voices at the table.  {It’s called the “30 percent solution” and you can find out more about it here.}

Right now we are witnessing a global breakdown of old systems.  Wall Street collapses.  Arab Spring(s).  The world is changing.  It’s delightful.  And it just so happens that your voice, your values, and your vision align with what’s needed to build something new, meaningful, sustainable.

But you can’t be heard from the crowd.  You must stand up.

On voice: Millennial women will be a force for change when we take the stance that our natural assets are our leadership capabilities. 

There is genius in being a woman.  The millennial generation has come of age during a time when the feminine power base is becoming more valued.  But there is room to grow.  It requires that you start talking about your ability to engage, build alliances, and literally feel your way through situations as more than assets.  Leading means that you own up to your gifts and see them as leadership capabilities that drive creative processes and create triple bottom line results.

On values: Millennial women will be a force for change when our closely held values define how we are and what we do in work and life.

So, did you see that study that says you’ll burn out by 30?  Having made it through the other side of 30 alive and well, I have a different take.  Millennial women burn out when they realize that there’s more to life than just a job.  They burn out when they discover their career isn’t quite as meaningful as they had hoped.  They burn out when they don’t feel like they are contributing to something bigger than themselves.  Basically, burnout is just a sign that your values – the unshakable tenets that guide you – are lying like shards of glass on the floor.  Broken.  Leading means that you align your work and life with your values.  I believe that you have a unique reason for being on the planet at this exact moment in history.  When you find and commit to your purpose, you can’t help but lead.

On vision:  Millennial women will be a force for change when we move beyond idea generation towards a strong vision for the future.

We’ve been taught the more ideas, the better.  There’s nothing more fun to witness than a brainstorming jam with some fired up Millennials.  Idea central.  While ideas are fine for solving one-off problems, lasting {world-shifting} change requires vision.  Because vision doesn’t just “play with existing paradigms; it changes them.”  But the world already thinks men have a leg up when it comes to “that vision thing.” Millennial women have a chance to change this.  I see it happening in the social enterprises that you launch.  I see it in the way the philanthropic conversation is changing.  I see it in the roles that you are pursuing within organizations.  Leading means that you do more than participate in the change: you define its future.

Smart and savvy ladies of Generation Y, I know you’re ready to lead.  If you want to create impact and social change, you will have to lead.  You’re the key to unlock new conciousness for how we approach business and life…not because you inherited the responsibility, but because you have what it takes to be a force for change.

The only question is: will you lead?