SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW

Ian Martin (MBA2)

Before Stern, I: worked in investment management and lived in NYC. Prior to that, I was an awkward child.      

I wrote my Stern essays about becoming: a creator of game changing businesses. A mentor of mine once said, “Always under promise and over deliver.” Sorry mentor.

In 10 years I see myself: running a company. I used to say that with a self-deprecating smirk. Among other great things, Stern has given me the confidence to say that with a straight face. It probably won’t be a big company, but it will be a good one.

The one word I would use to describe myself is: observant.

If I had one meal left on Earth I would eat: whole wheat sourdough from Bread Alone and a bowl of soup from Fig Food Co. Then I would have fried chicken for dessert. If I have to go, I’m bringing one of those chickens with me.

My favorite CEO is: Mark Parker at Nike because he’s managed to excel both on the creative side and the management side of his business. He seems to have a knack for stimulating innovation and taking the right kind of risks. That can’t be easy in a large company. He also seems committed to supply-chain CSR, which I think is a moral imperative and a business requirement given the importance value of Nike’s brand.

I love living in New York because: 1) you cannot exhaust its potential for fun and discovery, 2) it’s impossible to out-weird your neighbor, and 3) the world comes to you. I hope that doesn’t come across as lazy.

I hate living in New York because: I actually don’t hate anything about NY. There’s no problem with the city that can’t be overcome, ignored or made better with a little effort.

My first childhood memory is: boring. I’m standing in my family’s old house, reaching up to a door knob.  My favorite early memory is of taking a nature walk with my grandfather in our little back yard in Teaneck, NJ.  

I’m glad I decided to come to Stern because: its brimming with unbelievable people. They are not only smart and entrepreneurial, but fundamentally decent. It’s a fantastic community.

Something no Sternies know about me: I was obsessed with break-dancing as a little kid. I had a miniature Michael Jackson leather jacket and would perform on demand. I was also objectively terrible at it, even for a five year old. I’ve come to grips with that.

My wishes for the class of 2013: chase a big idea sometime soon and support your fellow Sternies who are trying to do the same.

Dominique Miller (MBA2)

Before Stern, I: was an account executive for the denim company 7 For All Mankind.  I managed the West Coast specialty store and e-commerce business for the women’s collection and, along the way, learned that the fashion industry is not as glamorous as people think.

I wrote my Stern essays about:  founding my own clothing collection and taking it global!  (I know how to dream big…)

In 10 years I see myself: running my own business and living in Santa Monica, close enough to smell the ocean.  

The one word I would use to describe myself is: enthusiastic!

If I had one meal left on Earth I would eat: my grandmother’s enchiladas. They are so delicious! They could literally catalyze world peace.

My favorite CEO is: Mickey Drexler because he is fearless and uninhibited (for better or for worse).

I love living in New York because: there are always people walking around at all hours of the night.  Also, you can accidentally get drunk at dinner (or brunch!) and not have to worry about driving home.

I hate living in New York because: a) it is impossible to find a ripe avocado and b) at times, it can be seriously annoying to run errands without a car.  (As my LA friends can attest, schlepping stuff for your apartment from Bed Bath & Beyond on the subway is only occasionally worth it…)

My first childhood memory is: delivering balloons to my mom in the hospital when my little sister was born.

I’m glad I decided to come to Stern because: I have met some truly special people at Stern and traveled to unbelievable places around the world with them.  I have made friends at Stern that I know will be in my life for a very, very long time.

Something no Sternies know about me: In high school, I spent a summer in Japan living with host families.  I do not speak any Japanese and my families did not speak any English, so it was an incredible way to learn how to be ok existing outside of my comfort zone.

Advice for the class of 2013: do not stress about grades, travel as much as possible, and enjoy every moment of your last year at Stern – it goes by way too fast!

Ryan Greene (MBA2)

Before Stern, I: worked for Abercrombie and Fitch in their home office in Columbus, Ohio. I planned and allocated various merchandise for the brand and became an expert clothes folder and cologne spritzer. Wearing shorts and flip flops to work was nice, but spending all day trying to predict how many paint splattered, destroyed denim skirts tweens would buy next spring just didn’t do it for me.

I wrote my Stern essays about becoming: a management consultant. Extremely original! I really didn’t know what I wanted to do, so like most of us, I made something up and pretended to be really passionate about it.

In 10 years I see myself:donating enough money to Stern to have one luxurious bathroom named after me.  It will have rich mahogany, all types of fortified wines and Sherries, and many leather-bound kindles.

The one word I would use to describe myself is: shiny.

If I had one meal left on Earth I would eat: an orgy of BBQ and side dishes from Fette Sau in Williamsburg followed by a massive Butter Lane cupcake.