Meet Michael Sugimoto

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

Hi Michael, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risks has honestly been one of the biggest parts of my journey. It’s like a baby bird being pushed out of the nest, sometimes, you just have to take that leap to learn to fly. If you never jump, you’ll never know what you’re capable of. In my journey as a student leader, I’ve learned that success doesn’t come from staying where it’s safe and familiar; it comes from having the courage to step beyond your comfort zones and tackle challenges head on.

We live in a time when so many people shy away from doing the hard things, but real progress only happens when we embrace them. The hardest part is often just taking that first step, but once you do, everything else falls into place.

People are too comfortable, but don’t confuse comfort with complacency. Don’t let yourself get lost in the monotony of everyday life. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t taken risks, taken that leap of faith, and trusted myself to do hard things.

And really, what’s the worst that can happen? You try, and if it doesn’t work out, you’re simply back where you began. But if it does work? It can change everything. Taking that chance is what shapes us, what drives us forward, and what makes all the difference.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I walked onto Pepperdine’s campus as a first-year in 2021, I never imagined how transformative the next four years would be. I started as Freshman Class President, climbed the leadership ladder to Vice President of Administration, Student Body President, and now Executive Vice President.

This journey hasn’t been easy; it’s come with many late nights in the office and little sleep. People often see the glamorous side of leadership, but it can be quite lonely. What sets me apart is my resilience and commitment to a standard of excellence. I won’t settle for just doing something well; it has to be excellent. I also never take “no” for an answer. Instead of shutting down possibilities, I always ask, “What can we do instead?” and “How can we navigate this?” There’s always a way forward. When you set the bar high and others know it, you build trust with your team and partners. And when that trust is established, there’s also room to have some fun along the way.

Mentoring younger Senate members has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey, and I always remind them to lead with their “why.” It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of meetings and deadlines, but staying rooted in purpose is key. And finding joy in your work is just as important. For me, it’s playing tennis, golfing, or spending quality time with friends. That balance is what keeps me going and what I hope to pass on to the next generation of leaders.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d want to show them the best of LA through my favorite spots. We’d start the day with a hot yoga class at CorePower. I love the C2 or Sculpt classes with weights because they really kickstart my day. After that, we’d head to JOi Cafe, my current favorite local spot in Westlake Village. Their coffee is sourced from different regions around the world, and it’s absolutely delicious! Supporting local businesses is important to me, and bringing my friends to these places is one way I can help share the experience.

I’d take them to a local farmer’s market, which is also really important to me. I love shopping seasonally and knowing where my food comes from and who grows it. It’s a great way to connect with the community and support local farmers. And of course, I’d take them to Erewhon for lunch! It’s one of those places that never disappoints. If you go, I’d recommend their organic buffalo cauliflower and salmon.

I’d show them some of my favorite museums, like the Getty or the Broad, to soak in some culture. After that, we’d grab dinner at one of my go-to spots, Uovo, where all the pasta ingredients are imported from Italy. It’s delicious, fresh, and truly a treat!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely! When I reflect on my journey, I have to give a shoutout to my parents, who have always been my biggest supporters. As a child, I was often filled with dreams that seemed too big for my small world. But they never hesitated to encourage me, instilling in me the belief that I could reach for the stars.

Their support wasn’t just about words; it was in their actions. They set a standard of excellence that I carry with me to this day. They showed me that being excellent isn’t just a destination, a letter grade, title or position; it’s about striving to deliver everything to the best of your ability, finishing strong, and leaving things better than you found them.

I owe so much of who I am today to their belief in me, and I am forever grateful for the impact they have had on my life. If anything, they taught me the importance of grounding ourselves with the people who love and support us every step of the way. Have people there to celebrate your success; but more important, have people there to catch you when you fall.

Instagram: Michael.sugimoto

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/michael-sugimoto

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