This article was originally published in Company Cultures on March 26, 2021.
Adam Milstein, known globally for his leadership in both the philanthropic and business worlds, might be second to none when it comes to work ethic and drive. Over the course of his life and career, he’s shown a commitment to his goals that is the stuff of legend among peers in business and philanthropy. What can we learn about Adam Milstein’s work ethic? Here are five lessons that can help us all master the drive and grit it takes to help change the world— and ourselves.
1. Service
Before coming to America in 1981, Milstein served in the IDF during the 1973 Yom Kippur war lunched against Israel. There is little dispute about the work ethic and drive among those who sacrifice their lives to serve their country in times of war, and Milstein was no exception as he served alongside other soldiers on the front lines for the defense of his homeland. Serving in the IDF, Milstein learned firsthand what it means to put bigger causes first, to work relentlessly toward a common goal, and the benefits of a difficult job done for the sake of others.
2. Innovation in Philanthropy
Friends and colleagues of Milstein often note how when he wants something done, and there is no one else to do it, he simply gets to work and does it himself. Without fear of failure or apprehension about the hard work to come, Milstein rolls up his sleeves and gets to work. With his wife Gila, Milstein founded the Adam and Gila Milstein Family Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to fighting antisemitism, strengthening the State of Israel, safeguarding Israel and America’ssharedvalues—freedom, human rights, and democracy— and eradicating the common enemies who threaten these values and spread Jew-hatred. Milstein is also committed to supporting a variety of other organizations that serve the American people and pro-Israel community at home and abroad.
3. A Global Perspective
While Milstein is committed to providing unwavering support to the State of Israel, the benefits of a strong union between America and Israel is not lost on him. That which benefits one of the two nations will benefit both, and in an effort to perpetuate and nurture this idea, he co-founded the Israeli-American Council (IAC).
Currently he is the Chairman Emeritus and an active board member of the IAC which is one of the most impactful organizations in the Jewish-American community of our time. The IAC promotes unequivocal support to the State of Israel and is committed to helping Americans of Israeli descent to embrace their heritage while still thriving in America.
4. Collaboration
Milstein believes in creating organizations and projects when there is an underserved gap, but he also believes in serving and dedicating resources to those who are already doing good work in areas that are most deserving. Philanthropic synergy is something to which Milstein is committed wholeheartedly, and it shows in the way he invests his time and resources.
5. Entrepreneurship
From his position as a managing partner at Hager Pacific Properties to his many philanthropic endeavors, it’s clear that Milstein is in a league of his own when it comes to entrepreneurship. Whether it’s business endeavors or philanthropic goals, Adam Milstein takes the entrepreneurial spirit a step further and gives it a life all its own.
Milstein and his wife Gila are able to devote the majority of their time to charities and other organizations that serve the American people thanks in large part to Milstein’s unparalleled success in the real estate world. He credits that success to developing a savvy mind, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a work ethic that is virtually unmatched among his peers.
Final Thoughts
In a world that can be slow to embrace the values of hard work, charity, and philanthropy, Milstein is a leader where it matters most. Learning from those who have gone before us and those who stand even now as a picture of strong leadership is one of the most powerful ways forward. Adam Milstein’s example is one that should inspire us all to reach a little deeper to find a drive and purpose that will propel us into a better future.