From Finance to Food to Fostering Future Entrepreneurs: Stamatis Kakleas' Journey with BUILD NYC

When Stamatis Kakleas isn't streamlining operations processes as an Operations Associate at Tiger Global Management, there's a good chance you'll find him meticulously planning his next culinary creation. This dual passion for financial precision and pastry perfection makes perfect sense once you understand Kakleas' background: a Finance degree from Penn State University complemented by formal training in Pastry and Baking Arts from the Institute of Culinary Education in NYC.

But there's a third dimension to Kakleas that truly completes the picture: his dedication to fostering entrepreneurship in the next generation through his work on BUILD NYC's associate board.

Discovering the Associate Board Path

"I simply had no idea associate boards existed," Kakleas admits when asked about his journey to board service. Like many young professionals, he had misconceptions about what board involvement entailed. "I was under the impression that 'boards' were for more seasoned professionals with bigger networks and leverage."

This perception—that meaningful nonprofit leadership is reserved for later career stages—is one that CariClub actively works to dispel. For Kakleas, the platform revealed an entirely new avenue for impact.

"CariClub helped open a door into the world of associate boards," he explains. "I learned that advisory boards and charitable organizations rely on associate boards for help with execution, hands-on support, and their eagerness to give back."

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Entrepreneurial Spirit Meets Social Impact

Kakleas' path to BUILD NYC wasn't random. It was the culmination of a lifelong entrepreneurial journey that began in high school.

"I've always been very entrepreneurial," he reflects. "In high school, I was part of the Young Entrepreneur Association. In college, I participated in business plan competitions and pursued a minor in entrepreneurship. I even started two businesses while working full-time toward my career in Finance."

These experiences didn't just shape his career path—they provided formative learning opportunities that he now wants to extend to others. "My entrepreneurial ventures are some of the best—and most fun—learning experiences I've ever had," Kakleas says with visible enthusiasm.

This personal history makes his work with BUILD particularly meaningful. The organization uses entrepreneurship-based experiential learning to ignite potential in youth from under-resourced communities, equipping them for success in high school, college, and career.

"I believe in entrepreneurship and its ability to help students hone their skills, find their underlying strengths, and build confidence in themselves," Kakleas explains. "While I no longer manage my personal ventures, being on the associate board of BUILD allows me to pay it forward and help students learn and build confidence through the vehicle of entrepreneurship."

Beyond Volunteering: Becoming Part of the Engine

What distinguishes board service from other forms of volunteering? For Kakleas, it's about deeper integration into the organization's mission and operations.

"The round table discussions at the core of our meetings" are what Kakleas cites as his favorite part of associate board service. "While it's not an advisory board, the associate board is still at the heart of the organization and is involved—to some extent—with all aspects of it."

This level of involvement transforms the traditional volunteer experience. "You're not just volunteering," he emphasizes. "You're a part of the operational engine that keeps an organization moving and helps spread awareness of its cause."

The collaborative atmosphere of these meetings creates a uniquely purposeful environment. "Ideas are brainstormed and bounced around, experiences are shared, and everyone is present with one goal in mind: how to best improve the experience for current and future students of BUILD."

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Managing Expectations and Commitments

For many young professionals, concerns about time and financial commitments can be barriers to board service. Kakleas appreciates how CariClub helped set clear expectations from the beginning.

"CariClub made it very easy to manage expectations," he says. "Most of the associate board postings had detailed specs and obligations. I knew what I was signing up for and purposely sought out an organization that not only aligned with my interests but also had room for growth and opportunity to add real value."

Kakleas chose BUILD in part because of its active meeting schedule. "Some boards meet quarterly, others meet virtually, but the BUILD associate board meets monthly (and then some), and that was important to me in order to feel fully engrained."

He acknowledges the reality of balancing these commitments with other responsibilities. "Sometimes it can feel like a lot, especially when coupled with life's other obligations, but the associate board and BUILD team are very understanding and acknowledge that we are all professionals with busy schedules and personal lives."

Navigating Career Stress While Making an Impact

Working in investment management while maintaining board commitments requires exceptional organizational skills. Kakleas shares his approach to managing stress and multiple responsibilities:

"Having a system and daily checklist helps prevent items from slipping through the cracks when things get busy," he advises. "You don't want to neglect your standard workload when the ad-hoc stuff comes along."

His practical tips reflect the discipline that serves him well across finance, baking, and board service: "I always flag items for follow-up if I can't tend to them immediately and manage my flagged items regularly. Managing email using rules and folders also helps immensely."

For maintaining personal wellbeing amid commitments, his advice is refreshingly straightforward: "Get sleep, avoid junk food, and enjoy a few screen-free (and phone-free) minutes to yourself during the workday."

Career Insights From Investment Management

Kakleas offers three key insights for those starting in investment management:

First, he emphasizes the industry's interconnectedness: "The industry is much smaller than one might think despite its global reach, and anyone starting out should always ensure that they represent their brand well. News travels fast, and you never know which future hiring manager worked with or was college roommates with a previous co-worker of yours."

Second, he highlights the vast learning opportunities: "If you really put the work in, there's a lot to learn (and achieve) in this business. There are so many opportunities to expand your knowledge and/or pivot."

Finally, he counsels patience: "Be patient, keep your head to the grinding stone, and stick it out wherever you are. That venerable finance compensation comes commensurate with experience. It will get better in time; pay your dues."

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