Steven Sasaki (second from left) at a recent HPU Delta Mu Delta event. He was joined (left to right) by Michelle Alarcon, Allison Gough, and Tara Wilson.
HPU alumnus Steven Sasaki, a recent partner at New York Life in Honolulu, returned to campus this fall for an inspiring conversation with members of Delta Mu Delta, the University’s business honor society. Sasaki, who graduated from HPU with a double major in criminal justice and sociology, detailed his professional journey, shared insights on the finance industry, and emphasized the importance of adaptability in shaping one’s career.
Sasaki explained that his decision to attend HPU stemmed from the university’s smaller, more personalized educational experience. “For me, coming from a smaller high school at Damien Memorial, HPU’s small class sizes were key,” Sasaki said. “I really got to know my professors, many of whom had real-world experience in law enforcement. I appreciated the supportive, close-knit environment, which helped in building a solid foundation early in my career.”
Sasaki’s career began with an ambition to work in law enforcement. “The goal when attending HPU was to join the FBI,” he recalled, highlighting his initial interest in becoming a canine officer. However, life took a different turn after the birth of his first son. Realizing that staying in Hawaiʻi while pursuing his law enforcement dreams would be difficult, Sasaki made a pivotal decision. “Business always interested me. I wanted flexibility in my career and an income that was performance driven.”
His pivot to a career in finance began when his son was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. After he and his wife consulted with their financial advisor but did not find the guidance they needed, Sasaki began researching how to secure his family's future. His drive to protect his son's financial well-being led him to a new passion: helping other families prepare for the unique challenges of raising children with disabilities. Today, Sasaki, connects financial professionals and a special needs trust attorney with families with a special needs child.
As a partner at New York Life, Sasaki now leads a robust team of advisors, mentoring and training them to succeed in the competitive world of financial advising. He believes that strong communication skills are essential for success in the profession.
“The most effective people in this industry are those who can connect with others,” he said, highlighting the critical role of building relationships in his field. In addition to advising clients, his time is spent networking and helping aspiring financial professionals grow in their careers.
During his recent talk with Delta Mu Delta students, Sasaki explored themes that resonate deeply in today's professional landscape. He addressed the common concern of uncertainty in career paths, reassuring students that it’s not to have all the answers immediately. He emphasized the importance of building relationships and networking as foundational elements for success, encouraging students to remain open to opportunities that may arise in their lives.
He also highlighted the value of lifelong learning and adaptability in the finance industry, sharing how staying informed about trends and technologies is crucial for growth. The discussion touched on the significance of ethical leadership, urging students to cultivate strong ethical principles as they prepare to enter the business world. His insights provided valuable guidance, reinforcing the importance of resilience and personal connections in achieving career success.
Sasaki's inspiring journey reflects a deep commitment to the well-being of others, as he believes that fulfillment comes from helping those around him thrive.
“Seeing people succeed brings me a lot of joy,” he shared, illustrating how his role allows him to support Hawaiʻi families in their financial planning. This dedication to helping others not only shapes his professional life but also enriches his personal experiences, highlighting the profound impact that fostering success in others can have on one's own happiness.
