Adam Dugan Strott, International MBA student and also part of the John Molson Case Competition team. Adam is American and graduated in Film Production. Before he came to Brazil in 2015 he was a Sales and Marketing Administrator. In April this year he will graduate from the Full Time International MBA, a one year course at FIA Business School. Take a look at his testimonial of his experience during the competition:
(Learn more about our course: http://www.fia.com.br/internationalmba)
Within the realm of business, competition breeds innovation, and, through that evolution, a culture is fostered that perpetuates these ideals. With its participation in the 2016 John Molson International MBA Case Study Competition, FIA is continuing to lay the groundwork for a future exchange of knowledge and experience gained through the sport of analyzing and presenting business cases in a competitive environment. These were never more apparent than how the team recognized and utilized the three central thematic elements of this year’s event of competing, connecting and innovating.
From the moment of the first opportunity to meet the other teams, we immediately understood the complex dynamic that exists between us all, as oft does between coworkers and even businesses. They were both potential allies and fierce adversaries. They wanted to be our friends, as we did theirs, but not for one moment did we, nor they, forget the roles that we each were there to fill. The spirit of camaraderie that eventually arose was forged through the fires of competition, and while one team sought to topple the other, we all sat together to cheer the winner, as it was our combined efforts in the competition that brought them to the podium.
Of course, the challenge of being locked in room for three hours with a complex case was exacerbated by the pressure of knowing that our conclusion would be presented to a panel of professionals with illustrious backgrounds and experiences. It was through this crucible that our team, most of whom were merely acquaintances not but a few weeks previous, quickly created an internal synergy that manifested itself through our focus and presence. It was at this moment that we truly understood and embraced one of the competition's central themes of connection. We not only connected with one other as we disseminated cases and worked together under pressure, but connected with the judges, exhorting them to believe in our recommendation through our confidence in ourselves and solutions.
However, the growth that our team, FIA’s team, experienced was not limited to our ability of breaking down a case quickly and decisively, and presenting it therein. No, it had also manifested itself through the relationships fostered throughout the process, through developing a fair competitive spirit, and through our ability to create new and innovative ideas. While perhaps we had not the strongest analytical background, our team found itself with an advantage in its generation of creative solutions. This was our wheelhouse, and used to our fullest advantage, and one that was honed through continuous practice throughout the week.
Ultimately, through the guidance of our coach, we had gained the skills and the confidence necessary, which were not present before the competition. She pushed us forward when we needed motivation, and spared no detail in what we needed to succeed when we had failed. It was through her tutelage directly that we won twice in one day, one of the few teams to do so. Ultimately, this competition is more than event, but it is an experience that will forever have an impact on the way we approach problems and develop solutions. For a group of MBA candidates, this is the greatest lesson that any could receive.
