National Student Leadership Conference - Yale University

This summer, I had the privilege of attending the National Student Leadership Conference at Yale University for the Business & Entrepreneurship program, an experience that didn’t just teach me about business, but transformed how I see leadership, innovation, and my own potential.

The heart of the program was our Shark Tank-style product pitch. In small teams, we built a business from the ground up, starting with an idea, shaping it into a product, and creating a strategy to bring it to market. We researched, designed, and developed a full business plan before pitching it to a panel of investors. It was fast-paced, high-pressure, and incredibly rewarding. I walked away not only with sharper entrepreneurial skills, but also with the confidence to turn bold ideas into actionable plans.

We also took part in Capsim, a simulated business challenge where I worked in the R&D department, a role that taught me how to merge creativity with data-driven decisions to deliver a product that truly meets market needs. This also meant collaborating closely with the Finance, Marketing, and Production departments, aligning our goals, solving challenges, and making decisions together. It gave me a deeper understanding of how the different areas of a company interconnect and how teamwork can solve the toughest problems a business can face.

Beyond the projects, the program immersed us in the real world of entrepreneurship. We met some of the most successful entrepreneurs in their fields, listened to their stories, and learned from their challenges and victories. One highlight was visiting Inc. Magazine’s headquarters in New York City, gaining insights into the media side of business and the role it plays in shaping industries. In addition, we had lectures from Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) presented by an amazing lecturer whose sessions were both insightful and impactful.

We also had leadership sessions that were presented by an amazing international educational speaker Dennard Mitchell, that honed essential skills, communicating with clarity, listening to understand, negotiating effectively, solving problems creatively, and staying resilient under pressure, lessons I’ll carry into every challenge ahead.

What made NSLC truly unforgettable wasn’t just the skills I gained, in leadership, communication, and strategic thinking; but the people I met. I built friendships and connections with students from around the world who share the same drive to create, innovate, and lead.

This experience didn’t just teach me how to run a business, it made me dream bigger, think bolder, and believe in the power of ideas to change the world.

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