Chapter 1: The Intersection of College and Business

During my time in college, I discovered how managing my own business enhanced my performance in a competitive simulation game. Once dismissed as outdated, the idea of entrepreneurship has now gained traction, prompting many students to inquire about majoring in this field.

In my final year, back in 2017, we were tasked with a capstone course that included a crucial simulation contest, significantly impacting our grades. Have you heard of Glo-Bus? It's an international simulation game where teams manage companies selling drones and action cameras, attracting participants from universities worldwide. This setup proves beneficial for both the hosting company and the educational institutions involved.

The game's objective is to operate as a public company, where teams submit weekly reports that are evaluated the next day—mirroring real-world business operations. The simulation is highly data-centric, a challenge for someone like me who prefers different approaches. My team comprised five individuals, many of whom were introverted, yet I adapted my approach to leverage my experience effectively.

As we progressed through the rounds, trust among team members grew, leading to impressive outcomes. While I may not have been the most knowledgeable, I recognized the distinction between theoretical knowledge and practical business acumen. Facilitating a team, even with minimal interaction, proved more productive than aimless discussions lacking a strategic plan.

Many organizations suffer from ineffective meetings that result in stagnation, making them vulnerable to becoming obsolete. At that time, I was also managing an e-commerce business, achieving about $2 million in sales of cosmetics. The key metrics were not just revenue, but also the customer satisfaction reflected in the positive feedback I received.

What struck me was how the game intertwined my interests in finance with my retail experience. Having spent years performing manual tasks, I was well-prepared to optimize profit margins in both drone and camera sales.

The simulation encompassed various elements that could enhance a brand's reputation, with over 80 adjustable variables across four regions: North America, South America, Asia, and Europe. In just two weeks, our group climbed to the top of the class rankings and soon dominated the global leaderboard. Our professor, who played a role in our success, enjoyed the recognition alongside our team name.

At times, it's not about being the best overall but being the first to excel at the right moment, which can lead to significant advantages in both games and life. In 2018, I participated in an advanced version of Glo-Bus, where only the top performers from the previous season competed. It was a fierce environment filled with skilled challengers, reminding me to always be prepared for competition and personal growth.

There's always someone out there who excels in what we do, but that shouldn't deter us from striving for improvement and new knowledge.

The Business and Future of College Athletics - Jeremiah Donati - YouTube: This video explores how college athletics is evolving into a business, providing insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.

MLB Is A Business...My Experience - YouTube: This video shares personal experiences within Major League Baseball, emphasizing the business aspects of sports.

Chapter 2: Embracing Opportunities and Challenges

Navigating through life's ups and downs can be challenging; the question is, which path will you choose?