Meet MIke Benj

We recently connected with MIke Benj and have shared our conversation below.

Hi MIke , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Being effective and successful—while often being one of the few in the room who looks like me—comes with its challenges. But I’ve learned that challenge itself is one of the key ingredients to success.

For me, it took time to understand that what I’m striving to accomplish is something that many others may never get the chance to pursue, let alone achieve. That realization became my motivation—it keeps me focused, grounded, and confident in who I am and what I bring to the table.

Whether I’m walking into a room to network, preparing to speak on a panel, or getting ready to perform, effectiveness always stems from preparation and familiarity. Once you’ve built that foundation, it’s just about locking in—and executing.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a drummer and music producer, currently focused on continually refining and expanding both crafts.
I play drums for Gym Class Heroes and Grace VanderWaal – proudly represented by Rawmtrl Management — the greatest team out there.

What I find most special about what I do is the ability to connect with people through music.

Whether it’s performing live and feeling that energy in the crowd, or knowing someone’s hearing and resonating with the music we’ve created — being able to share that experience is an incredible gift.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have had the greatest impact on my journey are:

1) The ability to adapt

2) The willingness to network and collaborate

3) The commitment to building and maintaining relationships

These three things have helped me tremendously—especially in Los Angeles—and are a big part of why I’m where I am today, both personally and professionally.

The best advice I can give to someone early in their career, or still finding their way, is to stay curious. Always remember—there’s far more that we don’t know than what we do. That mindset kept me active and hungry to grow. It never allowed me to get too comfortable with where I was.

When I approach things that way, I see every situation through the lens of learning: If I don’t know something—or someone—I’ll ask questions. The more you ask, the more you learn.

I’ve also never been afraid to approach people I look up to and tell them how much they inspire me, while asking questions that can help me grow to the next level.

That’s how you continue to build meaningful relationships, gain new insight, and develop a deeper understanding of how to do things better.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents ever taught me was how to be independent. My mom, Millie, my dad, Mike Sr., and my grandmother, Shirley, each played a huge role in shaping who I am today. They all gave me wisdom that continues to guide me.

My mother taught me how to communicate with people. Watching her interact with others growing up showed me that compassion can be expressed through how you speak to and treat people. She’s a big reason I value genuine connections—both in business and in life.

My father taught me how to be unapologetically myself. Whether it was through music, sports, public speaking, or just hanging out, he showed me that there’s no reason to dim your light to make others comfortable. It doesn’t matter what people think—always be yourself, no matter what.

And my grandmother gave me the courage to embrace what makes me unique. Growing up in the inner city with multiple talents wasn’t always easy, but she always encouraged me to be creative and free. I still remember playing drums in her kitchen, wearing her cooking utensils—(even though my mom had just bought me my first drum set) – She didn’t mind. She just loved seeing me express my gift.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikebenjmusic/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-benj-b6352a57/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MikeBenjMusic