Putting People First: How Stifel Managing Director Michael Bosway Walks the Talk

At Stifel, we believe that culture is the key to a successful firm. For Stifel Managing Director Michael Bosway, that means putting people first.

Stifel has always been committed to putting clients first in order to build rewarding, long-term relationships. It’s a commitment that’s woven into the very fabric of our firm and shapes the entrepreneurial culture we’re known for. I recently spoke with Michael Bosway, Managing Director for the Midwest Region, about what makes our culture unique, and how he ensures it remains front and center as his team grows.

The Right Cultural Fit

Having worked in finance for almost 40 years and served as a CEO for half of that tenure, Bosway knows a thing or two about running a successful investment firm. When Stifel acquired his former firm in January 2017, Bosway hit the ground running as our Midwest Region Director, overseeing branches across Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky.

It’s been a busy few months for Bosway, during which time he’s had the chance to see Stifel’s values put into action. “I’ve visited something like 20 or 25 branches in the last five months, and I haven’t met one person who wouldn’t have been hired at my old firm,” he says. “For me, that’s proof that our cultures are very similar and that it’s a good fit.”

At the heart of this shared culture are what Bosway calls “Midwestern values” that prioritize relationships and put people first. “After 36 years in Indianapolis,” he claims, “I can say that the culture at my old firm and the culture here at Stifel uniquely reflect the values that set the Midwest apart from more transient coastal cities — and that’s a good thing.”

Encouraging and sustaining that culture at a global firm is no easy feat, and it requires strong and consistent leadership. “Having been the CEO of my previous company, I know that the tone of an organization starts at the top,” Bosway says. “Here at Stifel, you’ve got Chairman & CEO Ron Kruszewski and Co-President Jim Zemlyak — both Midwesterners — whose consistent and transparent leadership permeates the entire company.”

Values in Action

What do those values look like in practice? At Stifel, they help us empower our advisors to do what’s best for their clients.

“This is a people-first firm,” Bosway says. “One of the things that you hear consistently around Stifel is this emphasis on an advisor- and client-first attitude.” In a competitive industry like financial services, the importance of this mindset cannot be overstated. "This business can be tough,” says Bosway, “But if you're in it for the long haul, you have a desire to see your clients happy. You want to see their assets grow."

Growing His Team

When it comes to leading — and growing — his team, Bosway’s philosophy is simple: “I don’t expect anything more of anyone than I would expect of myself, but I hold myself to a high standard.”

Bosway spurs on his team to take initiative, build on their strengths, and deliver results in whichever way makes the most sense for their clients. “When you have the right people on the bus, it’s important to let them do what they do best,” he says. “If you hover over them, it's just going to make them less productive than they otherwise would be.”

Ultimately, this is where all the pieces fall into place for Bosway and how he interprets Stifel’s values and culture. As he encourages his team to meet his high standards of professional service, he can always refer back to the client-centric mentality that has driven Stifel’s success for more than 125 years. “The opportunities we have at Stifel, given our reputation, are phenomenal,” says Bosway. “If you come here, you'll know one thing: the client comes first.”

Interested in learning more? Visit ChooseStifel.com.