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For Ivan and Ken, the MBA Games (held at the University of Alberta in Edmonton) started in early October, when they were unsuspectingly nominated and voted in as team captains. Previously, only one captain organized the games, but as the two new leaders would soon find out, having someone there to share the responsibilities would be invaluable.

Upon election, Ivan and Ken met with MBA Games veterans from last year’s team to get a timeline and checklist started. There was no shortage of items on the list, what with a lipdub video to create, a dance to choreograph, and the minor detail of finding 38 other people to drag along for the ride. The most intimidating part of the early stages of the process was finding enough people, since Sauder did not have a long history of success in the games to fall back on. It was up to the captains to drum up excitement for the games and in this area they definitely succeeded. Nearly 60 people signed up to fill 40 spots! Continue reading →

On Tuesday Nov. 15th, I watched a hockey game between the Sauder School of Business’ two MBA hockey teams: the appropriately-named (for a business school) “Sauder-Meizers” and the “Sauder Marauders.” The Sauder-Meizers scrimped their way to a 4-2 victory, out-skating their opponents throughout.

This was the first hockey game I’ve ever been to, or watched for that matter, because I’m from France and we look down on sports that we’re not particularly good at reducing the number of popular sports to two (rugby and soccer). I had done no research on hockey, but after watching for a bit, I think I was able to understand the fundamentals: as far as I can tell, the rules are similar to soccer, except it’s on ice, there’s a stick involved, and there’s a box that sometimes players go and sit in (Editors note: Go Struggy!). A couple other requirements: a lot of padding and a mustache.

Both teams played well and although there were no fights, passions seemed to run as high as the stakes of the game – this was a semi-final. A nicely-sized cheer squad was out as well. The emotions that day, while intense, were nothing compared to those during the final game which took place Monday Nov. 21st.

The Sauder-Meizers faced yet another Sauder team: the undergraduate B-Coms. Halfway through the first period the Meizers had yet to score and were being lead by two goals. However, they came from behind and scored twice in a few minutes. The rest of the game was equally tight. While the B-Com team wasn’t exactly submissive, the Meizers were penalized several times, supposedly for being too physical with the opposing team. In the final period, with one minute to go and two players out in the box, our team was down to 3 players with a 4-5 score in favor of the B-Com team. A decision was made to swap the goalie out for an offensive player, and with only a few seconds left, the Sauder-Meizers tied-up the game. (Editors note: The crowd went absolutely ballistic at this point!)

The game went into over-time with a sudden-death rule, back to 5 on 5. Each attempt to score was met with excitement from the MBA Crowd that had come out. Less than half-way through, the Meizer’s scored. The game was over: 6-5 for the Meizer’s. Within seconds all the team members were on the ice screaming of joy and hugging each other. The same scene was taking place in the spectator area.

I had an awesome time and I’m glad to know that the atmosphere between students is such that they can share the joys and disappointments of winning or loosing a game together. Good luck in defending your title next year, I’ll be back to cheer!

Posted on behalf of Chloe Tergiman.

On Wednesday 16th November our always-on-to-it VP Events Mr. Graeme Millen organized a social evening with the MBA class at SFU. We met at Coppertank, our usual Wednesday / Thursday night haunt, and proceeded to do what MBA’s do. Network!

It was a really great experience to hear first hand what another MBA program is like and just generally drawing comparisons and differences between the cohorts and schools. The typical SFU MBA student is younger than the typical UBC MBA student and has a bizarre and completely unfounded belief that they will beat us at the MBA Games. Despite this little absurdity it was awesome to meet a few more people in Vancouver outside of UBC and create a few more of those valuable LinkedIn and FB connections.

Conversational topic varied from school talk to current events to life after the MBA. I heard a few comments that from SFU students that our class seems to have bonded really well for the short time we’ve been together. Maybe it’s the structure of the integrated core that helps or maybe it’s just that we have more people and a higher proportion of males that allows more bromance to blossom? Whatever the reason the students at Sauder make it an awesome place to get my ducks in a row.

My parents live in the interior of B.C. and have long thought it important for us to know how to shoot a gun. When given the opportunity to go shooting one afternoon last week with a few of my female classmates I jumped at the opportunity. I was excited to get some first hand perspective on something I found so intriguing. Girls day at the gun range was on.

I had mixed feelings going in. Having been raised with friends who lived in the country I understand the potential benefit of owning a gun. Sometimes it is important to be able to protect family, livestock, to be able to put down an animal when necessary, to be able to hunt your family’s food. I was also intrigued by the power that comes with holding a weapon that could cause so much damage. It was both exciting and scary thinking about it.

When we arrived at the range I was overcome with anxiety. It became very real that this was something that was potentially very dangerous. We were walked through the safe way to load and shoot the guns, 3 handguns and a shotgun, and the first few girls stepped forward. A few of them made it seem easy, having some past experience or just a lack of fear. Others were on the other extreme, anxious coming into the day being faced with the actual guns they were extremely tentative. After watching a few of the other girls go I stepped up to shoot. I was a little overwhelmed remembering all the steps to loading and firing.

Firing the first shots I was nervous. Though I was shooting the smallest of the guns the kickback was more than I expected at first. The sparks and the casing were a bit of a shock. After firing the first few shots it because a little bit easier and there was a bit of a rush to it. A few of the girls didn’t have the fear and stepped up. The confidence they had to control so much power and to enjoy it was admirable to say the least. The diversity of the group, their comfort level with shooting and with why each of us were there was what made it such a remarkable experience. There was a lot of support in an experience that caused a lot of stress for some of us.

At the end of the day it was both scarier and more fun that I expected. I am not sure if I have to go again soon but I have a better understanding of what it is all about. These opportunities are such an amazing added bonus to what is already a rewarding program.

Posted on behalf of Julia Kerrigan

“This barn was built 7 years ago, I remember because it was the year that Kevin got married”

The farm and the family are one, they have been for the last 30 years since Jerry moved down the street from his father and brother to his own dairy farm. It was this deep connection to the land, to the animals and to each other that rang through the clearest as Jerry and his two sons lead us around their farm, humble but with a shy pride.

We learned more about the industry than I ever expected to know. Much of the information came from what Jerry and his sons spoke of but more came from the subtleties. It was evident how much these men knew about the business from the way they spoke to quotas, to feed mixes for the cows, to efficiencies and costs. They admitted to not having weekly “board meetings” at the kitchen table, but it was clear that the communication shared around the barns, in the fields and at meals was thier their equivalent to our conference calls. They made up an exceptional management team, each with his own specialization but all  integrated with each other. When asked about expansion they discussed opportunities for upgrading machinery and also for hiring more people to help with the milking. The first option seemed to be much preferred, the most significant reason being that Jerry, Kevin and Brian liked to have their hands on their animals at least once a day.

For someone who has avoided dairy for a few years for a handful of reasons today completely shifted my persepective. The animals that we saw were so incredibly healthy looking, clean and happy that I was beyond impressed. We heard at length about how happy, calm cows were the best producers and therefore it was in the best interest of the farm to have comfortable, healthy, happy animals. The barns were immaculate. I was also comforted by the fact that no dairy cows in Canada are given growth hormones and that, at least on Jerry’s farm, antibiotics are a last resort and if a cow goes on them they are withdrawn from the milking heard for twice as long as required by regulations. It was made clear over and over again just how safe canadian milk is and from this source, looking at their animals and barns, I believe every word. I just makes financial sense in the business to have high quality milk.

They key difference, from a business perspective is the management of the milk supply. Instead of being an open market the amount of milk available to consumers is regulated and the producers are bound to a quota which they own. Being over or under is penalized. This, along with tariffs and other barriers protects the Canadian dairy industry, though, like our friends at YVR, the farmers are also worried about trans-border leakage, the problem of Canadians heading south of the border for lower prices.

All in all I was ultimately drawn to Jerry and his family, his animals and land because they were good, smart people making a living at what they loved. They reminded me of people at home. They are folk who know the feeling of land under their fingernails, hard work in their muscles and joints, and honesty in their lives.

Posted on behalf of: Julia Kerrigan

Diwali, the festival of lights, is the biggest festival in India and it marks the peak of Indian festive season. It is a symbol of victory of good over evil, light over darkness and joy over gloom. Though it is celebrated all across the country, there are many regional versions of Diwali. It spans over six days and each day has its own religious significance. First day – “Govardhan Pooja” is the day for expressing gratitude towards cows and calves – considered holy in Hindu culture. Second day – “Dhana – Trayodashi”, is considered an auspicious occasion to buy valuables such as gold. Third day – “Narak Chaturdashi” signifies the triumph of good over evil. Fourth day – “Laxmi Poojan” is generally recognized as Diwali (Deepawali), the valuables in the home such as gold, currency, as a symbol of Laxmi – The Goddess of wealth, are worshipped. Fifth day – “Bali Pratipada” is the day of celebrating the harvest for farmers. Sixth day – “Bhaubeej” is the day to celebrate the affectionate bond between brothers and sisters.

During the period of these six days, houses are decorated with garlands and bright, colourful lighting, gifts, an array of sweets and home-cooked delicacies are exchanged, small clay lamps (“Diya”s) are lit in the yards. Fireworks in the nights sparkle up the skies.

The Marketing Club celebrated August with a bocce tournament at the beach. Over 40 club members and classmates descended upon Kits Point, branded in themes of their choice. Competition heated up among the Hawaiian Hulas, The Capitaine and his sailors, an 80′s bocce rockstar, The Spice Girls, The duo in plaid, and more! The tournament was an opportunity to get the club together partway through summer and also send off our classmates leaving for exchange this fall. Against the beautiful Vancouver backdrop, competition heated up in two ladders. We played well into the night, and it was The Hawaiian Hulus (Rob, Devon, Laura, & Rob) who faced off against Robby, Murray, Matthew, and Henrique . It was an impressive match as they played through into the dark. The guys took home top prize in the end!

It was a fantastic night to bring people together while stretching our creativity with the themes! The Marketing club will be back in the Fall with planned speakers, conferences, and regular updates from the local marketing community.

Thanks to everyone for contributing to the success of this event!

Kim Zatlyn
Marketing Club President

Hello Everyone!

We are the co-presidents of the Women in Business (WIB) Club at Sauder. This year we wanted to volunteer in the community to make an impact and bring more awareness to the club.We are ecstatic to be working with Vancouver’s division of Dress for Success, an organization that aligns well with our values.

Dress for Success (DFS) is a not for profit organization that provides professional attire and resources to women in need. With over 105 affiliates, they have helped many disadvantaged women gain confidence in order to successfully attain employment.

Our current project is getting their new initiative, Dress Rehearsal, off the ground. As we were very excited about this opportunity, we gathered for drinks and appies with members of WIB and DFS’ Executive Director, Deborah, to discuss the organization and new project. The Dress Rehearsal Program allows DFS clients to have an opportunity to practice their interviewing skills in a realistic work environment. WIB is in charge of organizing volunteers in the local business community to conduct these interviews and put together a sustainable booking platform linking these volunteers with DFS clients.

For more information on Dress for Success, please visit http://www.dressforsuccess.org/home.aspx

If you are interested in getting involved, please contact either of us at womeninbusiness.sauder@gmail.com.

Thanks!
Lindsay and Lezlie

On April 22nd four students from the Sauder MBA program (including myself) travelled to Seattle, Washington to participate in the first annual Pacific Northwest Case Competition, hosted by the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business. We were competing against eight other schools from the region and had very little information regarding the case before arriving. We received the case at 9:00 AM on Friday and had 17 hours to analyze the problem and agree upon a comprehensive solution before presenting to a judging panel the next day.

The case we received was on Jones Soda, a local Seattle company that had a unique product offering with both their Jones Soda line and their recently reinvented Whoopass energy drink. Having done some modest preparation and utilizing Billy’s experience from HULT we came prepared with a game plan and stuck with it throughout the day. Our group was quite diverse and we had never really worked with each other before so we were pleased with how smoothly the process went. Our expertise was quite varied covering strategy, supply-chain, finance and marketing. We put together a strong and cohesive plan that we felt confident with going into the next day’s presentations.

The first round of judging had us in front of executives from companies such as Starbucks, Microsoft and Adobe. They asked us some tough questions but we screened them well and felt good about our performance. At lunch, they announced that we were one of four teams that had made it to the final round in the afternoon. The top three teams would be receiving trophies with cash prizes so we were eager to do well. This time we’d be presenting in the main auditorium in front of all the first round judges, other competitors, faculty and a new set of judges from Starbucks, Revel Consulting, Adobe and Microsoft. The stakes were higher this round but we performed strong and answered all their questions with confidence. After our presentation, we stayed for the networking event and closing dinner where the results would be announced.

The networking event gave us a chance to connect with the other schools as well as executives from the judging panels from the day. We were overwhelmed with positive feedback we received from our peers and made some meaningful connections. At the dinner we found out that we had place 2nd and were very excited to receive our trophy. More than that we were so touched by the support of the other schools and judges and returned home with a great sense of accomplishment.

Sharon Franks

On the weekend of March 4, a group of five MBA students (myself included) embarked on a trip to San Francisco to take part in the HULT Global Case Challenge. Our task was to tackle the challenges of the global water crisis and to come up with a sustainable, scalable solution that will allow clean water and sanitation to reach 100 million people living at the base of the socio-economic pyramid within 5 years.

The competition in San Francisco consisted of 30 teams from schools around the world, the winner heading to NYC next month to meet President Bill Clinton and compete against the regional winners of the 4 other HULT competitions that took place around the globe. Although the Sauder team didn’t make it to the finals (those Stanford kids are a smart bunch!), our experience was unforgettable.

Tasked with utilizing business knowledge and skills to solve one of the toughest social problems that exist today, this competition demonstrated the seriousness and urgency of global leaders on tackling the challenges of the global water crisis. Such an arduous task can only be tackled together as a group, and to see so many people band together for a common social cause was truly challenging, inspiring and transformative.

We were given five hours to analyze, prepare and present a solution in front of a panel of judges from various industries, including Gary White, co-founder of Water.org, and Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist. Adrenaline coursed through our veins and the time flew by in what seemed like a matter of seconds. The experience was surreal and so exhilarating we can’t wait until the next competition comes around!
Ultimately, the opportunity to meet students from around the world who shared a similar passion and desire to tackle such a monumental issue, coupled with the strong bonds of friendship we formed as a team, are takeaways we’ll remember for years to come.

Billy Chan