After spending three days at campout, I had tickets to the most anticipated event at Duke University — the Duke men’s basketball game against rival the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (UNC). When you are at Duke, you can’t escape the fascinating Duke-UNC rivalry. But for me, hidden inside this age-old rivalry were experiences extending far beyond the court — experiences that can easily be translated to a corporate setting and were a crucial part of my MBA journey here at Fuqua.

1. Adaptability is Crucial

Duke’s ability to maintain dominance despite recent coaching changes demonstrates the importance of adaptability in any organization. When legendary Blue Devils coach Mike Krzyzewski retired, many wondered if Duke could maintain its edge. Yet, under new leadership, they’ve continued to excel, showing that a strong culture and system can thrive even as key leaders change

Amazingly, this lesson connects to our first class, Leadership, Ethics, and Organization, when the famed Professor Grainne Fitzsimons placed cases such as Enron, Lincoln Electric, or Martha McCaskey in front of us and asked us to contemplate what the senior leadership should have done.

2. Talent Development is Key

The standout performances of Duke freshmen Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, who scored 21 and 22 points respectively, highlight the importance of nurturing young talent. In business, identifying and developing high-potential employees can lead to breakthrough performances and long-term success.

It is heartening to know that this concept of talent development is engrained in all the academic programs here at Fuqua. From pairing every student with a second-year mentor, providing a structured recruiting pipeline, organizing career treks, or providing resources such as the Center for Health Sector Management (HSM) and many others, talent development was at the core of my Fuqua experience.

3. Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Despite falling behind by a large margin in the January 2025 matchup, the UNC Tar Heels continued to fight. This resilience, even in a losing effort, is a crucial trait in both sports and business. The ability to perform under pressure and not give up when faced with setbacks is invaluable.

This resilience resonates with my MBA experience the most — from navigating challenging quantitative courses to competing for summer internships, there were many setbacks and failures, but no losses. Because the people around me never let me lose. After each setback, I got support from the Career Management Center (CMC), peers, and faculty to prepare for what was to come and leave the baggage of the past there and then.

4. The Power of Competition

The Duke-UNC rivalry has pushed both programs to greatness over the years. Healthy competition can drive innovation and excellence in business. It’s important to respect your competitors while striving to outperform them.

At Fuqua, an air of healthy competition motivates everyone to unlock their true potential—from friendly competitions among the different sections during orientation week to debating classmates during case competitions.

5. Cultural Impact Matters

“Go Devils!” is more than just a popular saying; it’s a belief at the core of our shared culture, values, and spirit. Your company’s culture and values can be a powerful differentiator and motivator. Here at Fuqua, too, Team Fuqua is not a gimmick; it is a value that we live by and feel proud of. Whether attending Fuqua Fridays or leading team projects, we embody these values daily because, for us, it isn’t just about winning — it’s about how we win

The parallels between Duke basketball and the Fuqua experience run deep. Both institutions understand that success isn’t just about individual talent — it’s about building a culture of excellence, fostering collaboration, and maintaining resilience under pressure. As I continue my MBA journey, these lessons from the fabled rivalry continue to shape my approach to leadership and team dynamics.