Event Spotlight: Affinity Solutions CEO and Founder, Jonathan Silver, Guest Speaks at the High School of Economics & Finance in New York City

This past April, Affinity Solutions CEO and Founder, Jonathan Silver, paid a special visit to the High School of Economics & Finance in New York City — acting as a guest speaker and sharing his inspiring career journey.

Affinity Solutions delivers comprehensive purchase insights and media measurement through exclusive, fully permissioned, real-time, consumer purchase data, integrated with key ecosystem partners. This allows for seamless, privacy-centric data access on an unprecedented scale. Affinity Solutions provides financial institutions, marketers, investment firms, consulting firms, and media & marketing enterprises, with real-time demand signals and insights on consumer spending. These insights drive high-value decisions that lead to superior business outcomes.

Jonathan envisions Affinity Solutions transforming data insights into experiences that significantly improve people’s lives. He holds degrees from the Wharton School and the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering.

The NYC NAF Academies Foundation Advisory Board and I were proud to coordinate this special guest speaker event at the High School of Economics & Finance, AOF, welcoming Jonathan Silver, CEO and Founder of Affinity Solutions. The day consisted of meetings with school and academy leadership, advisory board members and alumni, as well as touring the high school, visiting academy classes, and being treated to a fireside chat, facilitated by James G. Norman (HSEF AOF Alum 2014) with sophomore students.

Jonathan discussed his early life and the path that led to founding this leading consumer insights company, as well as reflected on the important topic of work-life balance and shared advice with the next generations of leaders. He emphasized curiosity, discovering your passion, and connecting with the right people.

In their conversation, Jonathan and James dug into curiosity, by explaining the value of mentorship and sharing the role models and mentors who played a significant role in shaping their own personal journeys.

Jonathan stated, “Having direct feedback is extremely valuable. I’d encourage you all to find someone who can be your mentor in your future internships and jobs.”

James reflected, “I had a few mentors. I attribute a lot to my parents, my mom, who dedicated her life to public service and helping people and that’s what I also try to emulate. Additionally, the first person I met at the High School of Economics & Finance was Shatiek Gatlin (NAF ALC Member and former Board Chair) and to this day, he has played a major role in my experience.”

Additionally, they shared more about how discovering your passion can lead to excellent results, especially in the business world today.

“Running a business today has so much to do with technology and how you motivate your colleagues to ensure that the product succeeds. It’s essential to create passion among the team to drive great results,” said Jonathan.

Both agreed that networking and connecting with the right people are sure-fire recipes for success!

Jonathan said, “People care about people, and they want to give back.”

“Find your definition of mentoring and go 100% at it,” James affirmed.

Also, in attendance were the following:

High School of Economics and Finance

Michael Stanzione, Principal

Steven Squillante, Asst. Principal

Aristides Lourdas, NAF Academy Director

James G. Norman, Risk Management Consultant, Grant Thornton (HSEF NAF Alumni 2014)

NYC NAF Academies Advisory Board

Atul Kapoor, VP of Engineering, Stack Blue (NAF Alumni)

NAF Board of Directors

Shatiek Gatlin, Member & Co-Chair, NAF Alumni Leadership Council (HSEF NAF Alumni 2012)