Ari’s Story
Ari’s story is one of constant change.
Born in the United States, Ari emigrated to Israel with his family in 1973. Months later, war broke out.
A decade later, the Weinsteins had to leave Israel after several moves among 6 homes in as many cities; Things were not working out economically. Following a year of high school in New York, Ari made the tough decision to return to Israel — alone.
For two years Ari lived at his high school in a dorm, and was on a fast track to becoming a rabbi. But change was afoot once again, and Ari decided to move back to New York.
At 19 Ari was again separated from his parents, as they left New York, while he stayed behind to continued attending the college he has chosen; Ari had grown tired of moving.
With $200 to his name and rent paid for one month, Ari had to find a job. His first full-time position was in retail, followed by work for the college newspaper. The latter experience was a good match for Ari’s skills and interests, leading to his career as a graphic designer. He also did freelance work on the side, and launched AriW.com (you’re here!).
Change continued to affect Ari’s life and career. The world was rapidly adopting personal computers, and the Desktop Publishing revolution was in full swing. Ari helped colleagues on the job adapt to the new technology. That led to Ari’s second career in IT. Ari added technical consulting to his freelance portfolio.
With greater responsibilities came bigger budgets and Ari had knack for managing these while coaching his employees. Ari earned his MBA while working full-time, and began volunteering as a career mentor. Just as the 2007 recession hit, Ari’s group was moved into the finance department, where Ari changed careers yet again and became a procurement manager.
In his final corporate gig, Ari adapted to major organizational changes and joined his company’s global operations team. He continued coaching his own employees, mentees in other departments, and various groups outside the workplace with whom he and his colleagues volunteered.
2016 was a year of major change once again. Ari’s 24-year career on Wall Street ended, and he started his own business: A software company that failed. He continued to volunteer as a coach, and won an award from the City of New York for his work in 2017.
Falling back on his freelance work, Ari noticed how much he was enjoying close collaborations with clients. Asking for help from a coach was another turning point; In 2019 Ari became a certified coach himself, formalizing his years of practice as a volunteer.
Now focused on business coaching and brand development, Ari helps clients on their own journeys to change.
