We are all familiar with the narrative of a leader who upholds resilience, innovation, and a profound dedication to community. However, we seldom acknowledge the journey—the history, the trials, and steep valleys—that molds the leader into what they become.
This is such a story. One of purging boundaries and limitations and emerging at the top of the castle. This is the story of Michael Vlad, the General Manager and CEO of The Argyle Club.
Michael Vlad is nothing less than a visionary whose journey transcends geographical and professional frontiers. From the harsh constraints of the Eastern European Communist Bloc to the pinnacle of hospitality excellence, Michael’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the relentless pursuit of transformative leadership. His work reflects a deep-seated commitment to fostering a positive impact, making him an inspiration for aspiring business leaders across the globe.
Where it All Started
Expanding on his early life, Michael says, “Growing up in the Eastern European Communist Bloc was a unique and challenging experience. Life during that time was characterized by a strict state-controlled economy and limited personal freedoms.”
“I remember very vividly my father getting arrested after a home search conducted by the local police that led to them to finding a few hundred dollars which was illegal at that time; the government controlled most aspects of one’s daily life, including education, employment and even leisure activities.”
“My father’s experience in managing hotels and restaurants taught me the importance of hard work, resilience, hospitality and service, while my mother’s dedication as a full-time tutor emphasized the value of education, curiosity and believing in myself,” he adds.
At 20 and contrary to his family’s views to pursue a doctorate degree, Michael decided to move to New York City and begin a new life. “My actions were a huge disappointment to my family but at the time I felt, I was destined to pursue other goals and dreams,” Michael expressed.
Starting my career at ‘Windows on the World’ at the World Trade Center in New York City was pivotal to Michael’s career. This experience not only honed his skills in the hospitality industry but also shaped his passion for service and excellence.
The tragic events of September 11, 2001, had a profound impact on Michael’s perspective. Losing many of his colleagues that morning and surviving the day reinforced the importance of gratitude, resilience, and the value of human connections. It motivated Michael to pursue his passions with greater determination and to prioritize both personal and professional growth.
Having met his wife, Noemi, gave new meaning to Michael’s goals and dreams and acted as a catalyst for the transformational journey that reshaped his future when he doubted himself or didn’t have the clarity to pursue his ambitions.
“Reflecting on my journey, I would like to emphasize the importance of resilience and the power of community,” Michael said.
“I believe that success is not just about personal achievements but also about making a positive impact on the lives of others. Whether through mentoring, community involvement, or fostering a supportive work environment, I strive to lead with empathy, integrity, and a vision for a better future.”
“To anyone reading this, I encourage you to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, to value the connections you make along the way, and to always strive to make a difference. Our journeys are shaped not just by our successes, but by how we overcome obstacles and support those around us,” he added.
Onward! Ambition Calls.
After his time at ‘Windows on the World,’ Michael continued to build his career in the hospitality industry. He took on various leadership roles that allowed him to develop skills and gain valuable experience. “Each position taught me important lessons in leadership, empathy, and most importantly, how to deal with and positively impact the lives of our most valuable asset, our staff,” Michael said.
The importance of continuing education played a significant role in Michael’s career; studying and focusing on his career path became synonyms with his identity and he knew that with hard work and determination, opportunities would eventually come to light.
Talking about the storms he had to withstand and overcome, Michael says, “Moving from Eastern Europe to New York City was a major transition. The cultural differences were vast and adapting to a new environment was challenging. I overcame this by tremendous support from my community, immersing myself in the local culture, and continuously learning and adapting.”
“Surviving 9/11 gave a whole other definition to emotional challenges that continue to stay with me until this very day. This experience taught me a whole deal of gratitude, resilience and the value of life.”
Like other professionals, Michael says that he has faced many setbacks in his career. In 2008, the company he was working for at the time closed doors due to the economic shift that impacted a vast amount of people and businesses alike.
“I learned to view these career setbacks as learning experiences and opportunities for something greater and bigger that in time would materialize,” Michael explained.
Setting New Benchmarks
As Michael moved into leadership roles, managing diverse teams and navigating complex organizational dynamics presented challenges. He overcame these by developing strong communication skills, fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, and continuously seeking feedback to improve his leadership approach.
Michael believes empathy, integrity, emotional intelligence, and vision are the foundational pillars of effective leadership. “These qualities help build trust, inspire teams, and create a positive organizational culture,” he added.
“Adaptability, resilience, innovation, and decisiveness are equally crucial as they enable leaders to navigate challenges, drive progress, and make informed decisions. Together, these qualities create a well-rounded and dynamic leadership approach that can thrive in today’s complex and ever-changing world.”
Balancing the Professional and the Personal
Honesty is an attribute found in scarcity nowadays. Being true to oneself and your value system is even rarer. But not in Michael’s case. We asked him a rather personal question on what effort he takes to balance the roles of a businessman and a family man, and he answered in all honesty.
“This is one area I’ve struggled with the most. Balancing the demands of a high-pressure role with personal life is indeed challenging, but I believe it’s essential for long-term success and well-being.”
“Quoting Jim Rohn, “I’ve got to get my family to the beach. I’ve been promising to take them to the beach. What are they going to think if I don’t take them?” Guess where I was while thinking about the beach–at the office.”
“I finally get my family to the beach, but at the beach I’m saying, “I should be at the office. Here I am at the beach when I have so much to do. I should cut all this short and get to the office.” I’ve messed up my beach time with the family by thinking about the office,” Michael added.
“So, I learned this lesson: make a playday a playday and workday a workday. Don’t mix the two. Sure enough, if you say, “I’m going to take off at three o’clock and go play,” guess what you are thinking about all morning–taking off to go play! Don’t play at work, and don’t work at play. It’s a great rule to follow to ensure that your time is used more effectively.”
“All of this must be modified to fit your particular situation. No one rule will apply to all situations. But keep this main thought in mind, and separate work and play,” Michael explained.
A Journey of Excellence
A leader who has been molded under the pressures of harsh sacrifices and unfaltering determination will always exhibit true passion and obsession for attaining success.
Michael is one of such leaders. Professionally, one of his most significant achievements has been his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic posed unprecedented challenges, but Michael and his team were able to implement effective strategies to protect the workforce and ensure operational stability.
This achievement underscores Michael’s commitment to employee well-being and organizational resilience, and it has been a defining moment in his career. It demonstrated the importance of proactive leadership, empathy, and the ability to adapt in the face of adversity.
On the education front, Michael most recently completed the CEO program with UC Berkeley Hass Business School. The program was designed to equip senior leaders with the skills needed to navigate complex business environments and drive organizational success.
“Being recognized as ‘The Most Iconic Leader to Watch in 2024’ is an incredible honor and a testament to the hard work, dedication, and resilience that have defined my journey. This recognition is not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of the collective efforts of my team, mentors, and everyone who has supported me along the way,” Michael said.
Michale expressed that this accolade motivates him to continue pushing boundaries, fostering innovation, and leading with empathy and integrity. It also serves as a reminder of the responsibility he has to inspire and support the next generation of leaders.
“Ultimately, this recognition is a celebration of the values and principles that guide my leadership, and it reinforces my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the world,” he added.
New Horizons Await
Talking about his set of priorities for the next year, Michael says, “Be Part of Something Bigger: I aim to contribute to initiatives that have a meaningful impact on society. This includes supporting causes that align with my values and leveraging my skills and experience to drive positive change.”
“Give Back: Giving back to the community is a key priority. I plan to engage in philanthropic activities, volunteer my time, and support charitable organizations that make a difference in people’s lives.”
“Serve on a Nonprofit Board: I am committed to serving on a nonprofit board to provide strategic guidance and support to organizations that are dedicated to important social causes. This role will allow me to use my expertise to help these organizations achieve their missions.”
“Travel: Exploring new places and cultures is important for personal growth and gaining new perspectives. I plan to travel more, both for personal enrichment and to understand global trends and opportunities that can benefit my professional endeavors,” Michael concluded.
