From Refugee to Founder: Garri Rivkin on Building the Support He Once Needed
The "good life" is often built on invisible foundations—the networks, mentors, and social capital that many of us take for granted. But for those navigating new countries or systems for the first time, the work isn't just about doing the job; it's about finding the door. We believe work is a powerful activator of fulfillment, but it can only truly work for you when the barriers to entry are dismantled.
In this episode, we sit down with Garri Rivkin, founder of The City Tutors. Garri’s journey from a refugee arriving in the U.S. to the head of a major educational non-profit is a masterclass in resourcefulness and stewardship. We discuss how his personal history informed his mission to provide professional access to students and alumni who are often overlooked, and why building "social capital" is just as important as building a resume.
Check out the actionable takeaways below, including:
Why lived experience is often your most valuable professional asset.
How to build a "portable" network when you’re starting from scratch.
The difference between transactional networking and genuine community-building.
Strategies for founders to stay grounded in their mission during seasons of scale.
Listen to the full episode to hear Garri’s story and learn how to create more pathways for yourself and others to find work that truly works.
Actionable Tips & Takeaways
Treat Social Capital as Currency
Talent is universal, but access is not. If you are starting out, identify the "gatekeepers" in your desired field and look for mentors who are willing to bridge the gap.
If you are established, look for ways to "spend" your social capital by making introductions for those who don’t have the same networks. A simple email introduction can be a life-changing activator for someone else’s "good life."
Leverage Your Lived Experience
Being an "outsider" or a "beginner" isn't a weakness; it’s a perspective. Garri’s background as a refugee allowed him to see gaps in the education system that others missed.
Don’t scrub your personal history from your professional narrative. The challenges you’ve navigated are proof of your resilience and problem-solving abilities—traits every employer values.
Practice "Low-Stakes" Networking
You don't need a formal event to build a network. Start by being curious about the people around you—at your current job, in your community, or through alumni networks.
Focus on learning, not asking. Reach out to people not to ask for a job, but to understand their path. People are far more likely to help when they feel their expertise is being respected rather than their influence being used.
Iterate on Your Impact
The City Tutors didn't start as a massive organization; it started as a response to a specific need. When building your own project or career, focus on solving the problem in front of you first.
Allow your "how" to change while your "why" remains steady. Flexibility in your methods is what allows you to stay sustainable and effective over the long haul.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
The "Self-Made" Myth: No one reaches the "good life" entirely on their own. Resisting help or mentorship doesn't make you stronger; it just makes the path harder.
Over-Polishing the Story: Don’t wait until your life is "perfect" to start building your professional identity. Authenticity and a willingness to be a beginner are what actually draw people to your mission.
Confusing Activity with Impact: It’s easy to get busy with the "admin" of a career. Periodically check in to ensure your work is actually activating the growth and fulfillment you set out to find.
Tips For Managers
Look Beyond the "Standard" Resume: When hiring, look for signs of grit and resourcefulness that might not be captured by a prestigious degree. Candidates who have navigated significant life transitions (like immigration or career pivots) often bring a unique level of problem-solving to a team.
Be a Bridge-Builder: Actively look for opportunities to introduce your team members to people outside of their immediate circle. Helping them build their own social capital makes their work more rewarding and their career more stable.
Create Systems of Support: Don’t just tell people to "find a mentor." Create structured opportunities for mentorship and peer-to-peer learning within your organization.
At the end of the day, making work work for everyone means recognizing that we are all responsible for the bridges we build—both for ourselves and for the people coming up behind us.
Links & Resources
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