1
1
By Michelle Lopez
FIU Business Career Management and the Blackstone LaunchPad at FIU hosted the first ever "Table Talk: Entrepreneurship and Etiquette" workshop in April 2025, delivering an engaging, interactive session aimed at equipping students with vital skills for professional success.
Featuring Eric Malka, co-founder and former CEO of The Art of Shaving, and Sammi Rosin Lewis, a certified etiquette instructor and former corporate recruiter at FIU Business, the event offered a dynamic blend of real-world business insights and professional conduct guidance.
"One day, when I do get to bigger, more important tables, I want to know how to conduct myself," said Cameron Ghandeharioun, a Healthcare MBA student. "It's a different world, and you want to make sure that you're not out of place in that situation."
The workshop is part of a broader vision to give students a competitive edge in both boardrooms and dining rooms.
Malka, an accomplished entrepreneur with more than 30 years in the luxury consumer goods sector, shared his journey from humble beginnings in Morocco and Canada, to building a global men's grooming empire.
"Success didn't happen overnight," said Malka, who started his company with $12,000 and grew it into an internationally recognized brand. He recounted how The Art of Shaving caught the attention of Gillette and was eventually acquired by Proctor & Gamble.
Rosin Lewis led students through an etiquette workshop rooted in real-world scenarios. A graduate of the Protocol School of Washington and a seasoned human resources professional, she underscored the role of etiquette in closing opportunity gaps.
"This isn't just about teaching manners or telling stories. It's about preparing our students to walk confidently into any room — and own it."
– Sammi Rosin Lewis
"Confidence is key," said Rosin Lewis. "How you conduct yourself at the [dining] table can impact how you're perceived in the boardroom."
Her session covered topics including proper napkin use, utensil placement, posture and how unconscious bias can play into hiring decisions. She emphasized the value of etiquette as a silent but powerful communicator in business settings.
Students were encouraged to participate by eating a four-course meal while they practiced networking and reflected on subtle cues that shape first impressions and professional relationships.
"This is the type of programming that transforms our students, bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world application," said Rosin Lewis. "This isn't just about teaching manners or telling stories. It's about preparing our students to walk confidently into any room — and own it."
