On Monday, February 24, JLIC at Washington University in St. Louis was honored to host renowned business leader and philanthropist Michael Staenberg for an inspiring evening of personal and professional development. Under the leadership of JLIC Directors Rabbi Shlomo and Kyra Ashkanazy, students gathered for an enriching talk titled “Keys to Success in Your Future Career,” followed by a dynamic Q&A session and a delicious meat dinner.
A Full House for an Extraordinary Mentor
The event, held at JLIC Home, began with dinner at 6:40pm followed by Michael’s presentation at 7pm. Students filled the venue, eager to hear insights from a man who has not only built remarkable business success but has become a cornerstone of support for the St. Louis Jewish community and JLIC at WashU specifically.
As a successful real estate developer and businessman, Michael shared his life story with candor and wisdom. His journey resonated deeply with students as he discussed how his Midwestern values shaped his approach to business and life. Rather than presenting abstract theories, Michael offered practical advice drawn from decades of real-world experience.
Timeless Wisdom for Future Leaders
Throughout his talk, Michael emphasized several key principles that have guided his success:
- The importance of punctuality: Michael stressed that showing up on time is not just about courtesy—it’s a reflection of your commitment and reliability.
- Integrity in agreements: “Your word is your contract,” Michael emphasized, highlighting how maintaining trust has been central to his business relationships.
- Embracing hard work: Success doesn’t come without persistent effort, a lesson Michael illustrated through stories from his own career path.
- Finding and valuing mentors: Michael encouraged students to actively seek guidance from experienced professionals, just as he continues to mentor others, including Rabbi Shlomo.
- Find your ideal community first—Michael believes the right work opportunities will follow when you’re grounded in a place you love.
- Unwavering honesty: Whether in business dealings or personal relationships, Michael stressed that honesty creates a foundation for lasting success.
- The value of giving back: As someone who has achieved significant success, Michael discussed his commitment to supporting the next generation and strengthening his community.
Student Reflections
The impact of Michael’s message was evident in student reactions. Senior Lev Rose reflected, “Michael emphasized how much time we waste turning over life decisions when, in reality, we should just take a leap and learn from the results.”
Harrison Lieber, another senior, was particularly struck by Michael’s approach to difficult conversations: “Michael spoke about a relationship he had with a leader of one of his philanthropy initiatives. He worked with this person for many years, but eventually, he told them it was time to retire. That’s not an easy thing to tell someone, but clearly he had conviction in what was best for the program, and while that person was offended at the time, they actually ended up thanking Michael for being straightforward and that he was indeed right that it was time. I think having the ability to be honest with people and have hard conversations is incredibly valuable, and not everyone is comfortable and confident enough to do that.”
Taking Risks and Building Networks
A recurring theme in Michael’s talk was the importance of calculated risk-taking. He encouraged students not to be paralyzed by fear when opportunities arise, even if those opportunities seem beyond reach. His own career trajectory demonstrated how stepping outside one’s comfort zone can lead to remarkable growth.
Michael also highlighted the value of networking, sharing how the relationships he’s cultivated throughout his career have opened doors and created opportunities. He noted that being a “big fish in a small pond” in St. Louis allowed him to have significant impact and develop meaningful connections that might have been more difficult in larger markets.
Beyond Business: A Life Well-Lived
Beyond his business acumen, Michael shared his passion for art, his deep connection to his Jewish identity, and his unwavering support for Israel. He spoke lovingly about his family and the St. Louis community, demonstrating that true success encompasses much more than financial achievement.
Most touchingly, he discussed his commitment to building others up and providing opportunities, just as he was supported in his early years. This full-circle approach to mentorship clearly resonated with the students in attendance.
A Friendship That Inspires
Rabbi Shlomo Ashkanazy shared his thoughts on Michael’s visit: “Michael’s friendship and mentorship have been transformative for both our JLIC community and for me personally. His willingness to share not just his success stories but also his challenges provides our students with an authentic roadmap for navigating their own futures. What makes Michael truly special is how he combines business brilliance with genuine heart—he doesn’t just talk about values, he lives them daily. We’re profoundly grateful for his ongoing support and for taking the time to invest in our students’ growth.”
The evening concluded with thoughtful questions from students and continued conversations over dinner. As students departed, many expressed how Michael’s practical wisdom had given them new perspectives on their academic and career journeys.
JLIC at WashU continues to provide transformative experiences like this speaker series, helping students develop not just academically but as future leaders grounded in values and community.
Reach out to any of our Directors to learn more about or support JLIC and our programming.
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