12-16-2024
My curiosity has inspired me to explore the world and uncover practical solutions to complex challenges. I’ve found that one of the most effective ways to uncover these solutions is by building a network of mentors. Their perspectives provide invaluable insights as I work to understand the pressing questions facing the business world and society.
These perspectives are rarely uniform; they challenge my convictions, and, ultimately, help me form a well-rounded picture of any issue. One place that these conversations have been particularly enriching have been in my one-on-one discussions with James Bullard, the dean of the Daniels School of Business.
In these conversations, I’ve delved into some of my favorite topics, such as economic policy and its practical applications. Questions like “What are the implications of the 3-3-3 economic plan?” and “Can the U.S. outgrow its fiscal deficit?” have sparked engaging discourse. We’ve also explored how the U.S. should navigate an increasingly protectionist world after decades of collectivism, and how the Federal Reserve should approach the next 12-24 months.
The opportunity to discuss such complex, nuanced topics has been transformative. It’s not just about finding answers; it’s about learning how to think critically, synthesize different viewpoints and push the conversation forward. These conversations are like building a mosaic, with each perspective adding another piece to clarify the bigger picture.
These one-on-one conversations with Dean Bullard have grown into something bigger: A regular meeting we’re calling Economic and Business Insights for Tomorrow (EBIT). These small group discussions are designed to generate thought-provoking conversations among students and leaders. The sessions build upon the same principles that have guided my individual mentorship journey: fostering curiosity, encouraging discourse and challenging conventional thinking.
EBIT represents the Daniels School’s commitment to preparing future leaders to not just understand the world, but to shape it. By creating a space for students to grapple with big questions, the program ensures that we’re ready to engage with senior leaders and make meaningful contributions from day one.
Anton Ego, the hypercritical food critic in the movie Ratatouille (Disney’s best in their vast library, in my opinion), wrote of Gusteau’s restaurant: “In the past, I have made no secret of my disdain for Chef Gusteau’s famous motto: ‘Anyone Can Cook.’ But I realize only now do I truly understand what he meant. Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere.”
I find Chef Ego’s maxim fitting as I think about the implications of these conversations for life and business. Not anyone can provide a valuable perspective, but a valuable perspective can come from anywhere. To be successful in life and in business, I want to take an artist’s approach and continue to gather data points from a wide variety of peers and business leaders.
As I prepare to leave Purdue and enter the business world, I am deeply grateful for the mentors and experiences that have shaped me. The lessons I have learned — through one-on-one meetings, EBIT discussions, and countless conversations — have challenged my thinking and equipped me to contribute to the “Great Conversation” humanity has been engaged in for centuries. I couldn’t be more excited to see what’s next.
Sam Wadlington will graduate from Purdue University’s Daniels School of Business in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Business and Engineering and a minor in Accounting. He has held many leadership positions at the business school, including president and managing director at Boilermaker Consulting; vice president of external events on the Larsen Leaders Academy Executive Board; senior advisor at the Purdue Investment Banking Academy; an IBE/LLA program mentor; and a teaching assistant and undergraduate research assistant. He has interned at Rolls-Royce and Goldman Sachs and will join BDT & MSD Partners following graduation.
