By Leya Aronoff, Marketing Manager at J Leaders & J Leaders Academy ‘22-’23 Fellow
Tell us about yourself.
Tell us about yourself.My name is Daniel Krigel, and I was part of the 4th J Leaders Academy ‘23-’24. I work in the Global Healthcare & Life Sciences Practice at Heidrick & Struggles, focusing on C-level executive searches. Jewish holidays are an important part of my life — I celebrate (and eat!) with family and friends as a way to stay connected to my Jewish identity.
What inspired you to apply to J Leaders?
It all started on a run with a J Leaders alum, Garrett Langfeld. He shared his experience and thought I’d be a great fit. At the time, I had just moved back to the Bay Area from Boston and was looking for ways to engage with the Jewish community. The Academy’s structured approach — focusing on self, team, and organizational leadership — really stood out to me, as did the opportunity to learn from inspiring speakers.
With so many options, why did you choose J Leaders?
J Leaders provides a platform that meets people wherever they are in their leadership journey. Whether someone is stepping into leadership for the first time or looking to refine their skills, the program offers valuable tools and insights. I was also drawn to the strong network of kind, supportive young Jewish professionals, all eager to build community and make an impact.
What was the most impactful part of your J Leaders experience?
What was the most impactful part of your J Leaders experience?Our final project was by far the most meaningful. We partnered with the American Jewish Committee (AJC) San Francisco to host a panel discussion on navigating Jewish identity and Israel in the workplace. With antisemitism on the rise post-October 7th, we wanted to create an event that provided resources and strengthened our sense of community. The turnout was incredible—50 people attended in person, and about 30 joined via Zoom. Seeing the need for these conversations firsthand was powerful. Beyond that, working with my team reinforced the value of different leadership styles and how to effectively collaborate by leveraging each person’s strengths.
How has the program influenced your professional and Jewish life?
Most importantly, the program reinforced the importance of leaning into and trusting my values. J Leaders has given me more confidence both at work and in my personal life. Since finishing the Academy, I’ve joined the J Leaders Board and helped build and lead a fun & collaborative Alumni Board team. In my professional life, I’ve started to take on more leadership responsibilities in my career. Plus, I’ve gained a new Jewish circle of friends.
What’s an unexpected benefit or achievement from your J Leaders experience?
The vast alumni network. J Leaders has built an incredible community of kind, talented professionals who continue to stay involved in meaningful ways. Involvement can vary based on what feels right, including reading newsletters, attending Shabbat dinners, moderating a fireside chat, or joining the Alumni Board! I didn’t fully appreciate just how valuable this network was until after I completed the program.
What advice would you give to Jewish young adults considering J Leaders?
You’ll get out of it what you put in. With the right attitude and commitment, J Leaders can help you grow in ways you might not even anticipate. Be open, be engaged, and take advantage of everything the program has to offer!