Michael Inman met up with the communications team earlier this year to begin his interview with his favorite beverage – hot apple cider. Cozy up with your own mug of cider, tea or coffee and witness his extraordinary journey for yourself.
On a reminiscent note, Michael began to tell his story and quickly revealed his passion for music. With the vocal cords of an angel, Michael was anything but shy as he sang a popular song for us and followed it up with a pirouette right in the middle of the Ohio Union. Not surprisingly, Michael attended a high school for the performing arts in his hometown of West Chester, Ohio. As a third year business administration major specializing in marketing with a minor in the music industry, Michael has shifted his focus toward managing the talents of others rather than refining his own. “I felt like I had to give up some of my soul when I decided to stop performing,” he joked. “I’m not a Beyoncé! I’m more of a Kelly when it comes to my own singing.” With that declaration, he continued to share how he narrowed down his career goals down to three options in arts management. With an established career working in either the talent, music or film world, Michael will live out his dreams by first establishing his career, then returning to his own vocal career with a little practice.
Focusing back on the present moment, Michael listed his many involvements outside of the classroom. He spoke highly of his business fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi, where he has developed some of his closest friendships. Convinced by fellow Buckeye Melissa Traeho, Michael’s first leadership role at the university took hold when he helped revive the student organization Out in Business. Leading this LGBTQ-friendly organization, he works to create initiatives and develop a value proposition for members who seek a supportive community as they develop their identities and careers. Also among Michael’s oversight is the Student Talent Agency Experience. As founder and current president of the organization, Michael reflected that “it’s wonderful to ‘mock-do’ what I want to do when I grow up.” Michael is also heavily involved with the national professional program for diverse candidates: Management Leadership for Tomorrow.
Michael’s leadership and learning experiences stretched beyond U.S. borders when he studied abroad this past summer in London. However cultured as he may be, Michael is not above what he describes as the “quintessential college cuisine.” His favorite spot on campus is the KSA Café in Knowlton Hall, with its infamous nutty waffle. Considering his overall experience at Ohio State, Michael shared that it is wisdom at this university that has made his time here extraordinary. “Many universities are filled with knowledge, but I have found a deeper sort of wisdom here at Ohio State that encompasses the practical experiences and accessibility of great leaders and peers who are changing the community.”
Exuberant, ambitious and strategic, it is no wonder that Michael was featured last year on the “Faces of Fisher” business school magazine. We will probably see him featured there again someday as a successful young alum!