I would emphasize that relationships are crucial and to treat everyone with love and respect. Work hard at your craft and what you can control, and allow the rest to fall into place. I also believe in setting healthy boundaries in every aspect of my life and that it is okay to say “no.”
As a part of our series about stars who are making an important social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Michael John Benzaia.
Michael John Benzaia is an actor, vocalist and dancer and was theatrically trained on a scholarship through the Stella Adler Academy of Acting School in Los Angeles, CA. Michael has achieved dual degrees in both the arts as well as the medical field, and obtained a MBA and ARRT certification in Radiological Sciences from Nyack College (2012) & Manhattan College.
Thank you so much for joining us on this interview series. Can you share with us the backstory that led you to this career path?
My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was a teenager. She would bring me with her to her treatments and diagnostic imaging exam appointments. This aspect of medicine really intrigued me. I wanted to be an advocate for my mother on this journey and others facing the same hurdle. In regards to how I became involved with acting, my family owned a costume house so I grew up around the stage. The use of imagination lured me into wanting to pursue acting. I am especially fascinated by humans and their actions and the craft of acting is centered around these aspects.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
It’s a funny mistake, during my first week at my first official job, I followed the staff out to the roof for a quick break. I was distracted by the view and when I attempted to reopen the door it was locked from the inside. Twenty minutes later, a janitor let me in. I think it’s safe to say I always check if a door locks behind me.
What would you advise a young person who wants to emulate your success?
I would emphasize that relationships are crucial and to treat everyone with love and respect. Work hard at your craft and what you can control, and allow the rest to fall into place. I also believe in setting healthy boundaries in every aspect of my life and that it is okay to say “no.”
Is there a person that made a profound impact on your life? Can you share a story?
I worked with Oprah in the past and during a conversation with her I said, “I won’t keep you long,” and she responded, “If I want to leave this conversation, I will, don’t rush things and make sure to own your space, people will let you know if they don’t want to stick around.” This really resonated with me strongly and was a reminder of self-love and holding space for myself in this world as well as to not assume I know what others are feeling.
How are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting causes you’re working on right now?
Through my production company, I have written and developed a documentary centered around cancer care and the opportunities that countries around the world offer, including the United States. By combining both my love of the medical field and film, I’m able to help individuals gain knowledge on options available to them as well as self-awareness.
Can you share why you took up this particular cause?
Working in diagnostic imaging opened my eyes to the available options. For instance, knowing that an MRI is the gold standard for breast exams.
Are there three things or are there things that individuals, society, or the government can do to support you in this effort?
I would love the opportunity to speak with Congress about what I have discovered in the research for my documentary.
What is 1 thing I wish someone told me when I first started?
I quickly learned that nothing in life is personal.
You’re a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
I would love to expand on how closely related our mental health is to our gut health.
Can you please give us your favorite life lesson quote? And can you explain how that was relevant in your life?
My favorite life lesson is, “Knowing that we are all connected and what we put out comes back x10.” Everything that has developed in my life was brought about by this simple fact: I do the internal work and the external manifests.
We are blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
I would love to have Prince Harry and Megan Markle’s production company, Archewell, involved in some capacity. They truly understand the importance of self-awareness and mental/gut health.
Thank you so much for these amazing insights. This was so inspiring, and we wish you continued success!
Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Michael John Benzaia Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.