The Exchange: Dean’s Message July 2024

Dear Colleagues and Friends of the UofL College of Business,

I hope your summer is going well. I want to reflect on an amazing trip I took to San Francisco to visit with one of our outstanding alumni, Adam Fish. Adam graduated from our MBA program in 2012 after making a bold decision to leave medical school to focus on his MBA studies, a move that surprised many, including his physician grandfather.

Today, Adam is the co-founder and CEO of Ditto, an innovative software company that specializes in peer-to-peer connectivity. Ditto’s clients include major airlines, fast food chains like Chick-Fil-A, and even the Department of Defense. During our visit, Adam shared his journey with a group of College of Business Global MBA students, recounting how in 2018, most people he approached thought his idea was far-fetched. However, this skepticism only fueled his determination, and now Ditto stands virtually unrivaled in its field.

The MBA students were deeply impressed by Adam’s innovative spirit, a testament to the entrepreneurial culture that thrives here in America. Adam’s journey is a quintessential American success story and a shining example of the transformative power of our MBA program. His story reaffirms my belief that the University of Louisville is not only fostering great minds but also bold leaders who are unafraid to challenge the status quo and pursue their dreams.

In other exciting news, we recently hosted the annual Cardinal Challenge, a prestigious business plan competition. This year’s event was nothing short of spectacular, with exceptional teams from our Innovation MBA, Global MBA, and Professional MBA programs, as well as undergraduate teams competing under the Social Impact business umbrella thanks to our new partnership with the Health Equity Innovation Hub.

The two-day competition showcased the incredible talent and innovative ideas of our students. The energy and creativity displayed by all the participants were truly inspiring, and it was clear that the future of entrepreneurship is in very capable hands. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to this year’s winners. Your dedication and ingenuity are commendable, and I look forward to seeing your ideas come to life.

Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this event. Together, we continue to build a vibrant, entrepreneurial community that not only enriches our university but also contributes to the broader business landscape.

Best regards,
Jeff Guan, PhD, Interim Dean
College of Business, University of Louisville