Meet Benji Stawski | Content Director & Travel Rewards Expert

We had the good fortune of connecting with Benji Stawski and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Benji, how do you define success?
I define success as a combination of progress, impact, and integrity. It’s not about reaching a finish line, but about growing through the pursuit of meaningful goals and doing things the right way.

I measure success by the positive impact I can have on others. In my professional life, that might mean helping someone achieve their travel dreams with points or build responsible financial habits. Outside of work, I mentor young leaders in a global peace‑building program, where exchanging diverse perspectives reminds me how much we can all learn from each other.

Equally important is how success is achieved. I care deeply about trust, ethics and doing work I’m proud of, even when it means taking the harder path.

I’m also a firm believer that anything is possible with the right mindset. As a teen, people told me I’d never make it to the main stage as a DJ. But by 15, I was opening for big-name acts at 21+ clubs. Today, I’m in a completely different industry but still living another dream — essentially getting paid to travel. Both experiences taught me that passion and persistence can unlock incredible opportunities.

I’ve failed plenty of times, and I own it because that’s where real growth happens. There’s a popular quote that says “Happiness is the key to success,” and I try to live by that every day.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career began during my freshman year of college, freelancing for The Points Guy and writing about travel and credit‑card rewards. What started as a side hustle quickly became a real passion. I soon began contributing to other major outlets, with work featured in CNN and beyond, and loved the thrill of breaking news and seeing my reporting cited across the industry.

Earning credibility at a young age wasn’t easy. I built trust by starting from the ground up — staying curious, putting in the reps, and consistently delivering reliable work.

After graduating, I joined The Points Guy full-time and worked my way up to Senior Writer. From there, I transitioned to CNBC as an editor to broaden my focus into personal finance and grow as a leader. Today, I’m the Content Director at Daily Drop, where I lead content strategy and manage a fantastic team focused on helping people maximize their points, miles, and travel experiences.

What sets me apart is a deep commitment to the reader. Whether I’m writing, editing, or leading, my goal is always to make complex topics feel clear, approachable, and genuinely useful. The relationships I’ve built have been just as vital as the work. I’ve been fortunate to learn from mentors, collaborate with talented teammates, and grow through a strong network that’s challenged and supported me.

I’m most proud of the path I’ve carved out and the impact I’ve been able to make by staying adaptable, leading with integrity, and letting passion guide the work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I split my time between New York and Los Angeles, so I’ll share a bit of both.

In LA, I’d keep things centered around Santa Monica. It’s what many people picture when they think of LA: ocean breeze, palm trees, and that laid‑back energy. It’s also one of the few walkable areas, which is a win if, like me, you’re not a fan of LA traffic. We’d start with a stroll through the Third Street Promenade, then rent bikes and cruise the beach path down to Venice. Lunch at Great White, sunset drinks at Élephante, and dinner at Hillstone. One day, we’d venture up to Malibu for a hike or beach picnic and maybe swing by Malibu Farm for something scenic.

In New York, I’d stay local to the West Village. It’s one of my favorite neighborhoods — quiet (by NYC standards), full of charm, and it feels like a little slice of Europe with its cobblestone streets, brownstones, and sidewalk cafés. We’d wander the streets, stop into a bookstore or two, and see where the day takes us. At night, a comedy show at The Comedy Cellar, maybe martinis at Dante, and a sunny afternoon on the High Line to balance it out.

Whether it’s Santa Monica or the West Village, my ideal week is never about packing in a million things. It’s about great food, great vibes, and time to slow down and enjoy the city like a local.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom, Tanya, has been my biggest role model and source of inspiration from day one. As a single parent, she moved across continents, made bold career pivots across completely different industries, and succeeded in each one. Through it all, she remained fully present as a parent — supportive, encouraging, and always believing in me.

Watching her navigate life with resilience, curiosity, and grace taught me that anything is possible if you stay adaptable, lead with integrity, and never stop learning. Her example gave me the confidence to take risks, follow my passions, and believe there’s no such thing as a path you have to follow.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benjistawski/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjistawski/

Twitter: https://x.com/benjistawski

Image Credits
Benji Stawski