Rising to the Challenge: How Georgetown’s MiM Program Prepared Me to Lead with Confidence

This story is part of the Student Voices series, which provides a firsthand perspective of the student experience at Georgetown McDonough.

Justin Thompson (MiM’25), a McDonough Student Ambassador, is pursuing a Master’s in Management (MiM) at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. As part of the program’s curriculum, he participated in the MiM Leadership Challenge. 

Here, Thompson reflects on the experience and how it helped develop essential leadership skills. 

Why I Chose Georgetown McDonough’s MiM Program

Before coming to Georgetown, I studied urban studies at Rhodes College, where I developed a deep interest in how cities evolve, the policies that shape them, and the leadership needed to drive meaningful change. During my time at Rhodes, I was actively involved in student leadership and community engagement, which fueled my passion for working at the intersection of policy, business, and social impact. Additionally, I ran cross country, as well as track and field, which further challenged me as a leader and teammate.

When looking for a graduate program, I wanted something that would push me outside my comfort zone, similar to my experience as a student athlete, while giving me the skills to lead in complex environments. Georgetown’s MiM program stood out because of its fast-paced curriculum and emphasis on leadership, Jesuit values, and real-world applications. It felt like the perfect place to refine my problem-solving skills and learn how to navigate high-pressure situations — something experienced firsthand during the MiM Leadership Challenge.

The intense, high-energy experience exposes students to real-world business scenarios, testing our ability to think quickly, communicate effectively, and lead with confidence. More than 50 alumni and MBA volunteers act as executives, creating a realistic environment where we have to negotiate, assert our perspectives, and handle unexpected challenges in live cases — just like in a real boardroom. It’s an eye-opening test of everything we learned during the first few weeks in the program. Despite the intensity of the Leadership Challenge, it is a great opportunity to bond with your teammates and develop a deeper understanding of your strengths and weaknesses.

Preparing for the Challenge and Lessons Learned

Leading up to the challenge, my classmates and I spent weeks practicing presentations, refining our communication skills, and learning to navigate tough conversations. We tackled case studies, engaged in role-playing exercises, and practiced staying composed under pressure. I also took time to study real-world business conflicts and negotiation strategies, knowing that flexibility and adaptability would be the key to success.

A huge part of my preparation was thanks to the guidance of Marisa Mandrell (MBA’25), my team’s coach. Mandrell provided invaluable insights on effective communication and decision making in high-pressure environments. Her mentorship helped me refine my approach to strategic thinking, ensuring I could confidently articulate my ideas and navigate complex discussions.

When the big day arrived, I could feel the buzz of excitement and nerves in the room. As soon as the first simulation started, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a typical classroom exercise. I watched my classmates in a boardroom-style meeting, defending a strategic decision to a panel of skeptical executives. Every statement was questioned, every hesitation noted.

One moment that stuck with me was a heated debate over a business acquisition. My classmates had to think fast, provide clear evidence, and remain confident — even when others pushed back. Another standout moment was a crisis scenario where I had to mediate between two team members with conflicting interests. It was a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just about having the right answers; it’s about guiding conversations, balancing different perspectives, and making tough calls.

Key Takeaways from the Experience

1. Influence is about more than facts – Having data is great, but how you communicate your message and connect with people emotionally is just as important.
2. Stay calm under pressure – No matter how tough the situation gets, keeping your composure can make all the difference.
3. Listen as much as you speak – The best leaders don’t just talk; they know when to step back, listen, and bring people together.
4. Be ready to pivot – Plans change, people push back, and challenges arise. Being flexible and open to adjusting strategies is key.
5. Confidence comes from preparation – The more you prepare, the more confident you’ll feel when faced with high-pressure situations.
6. Conflict can be constructive – Disagreements aren’t always negative; they can lead to better solutions if managed well.
7. Collaboration is key – No leader succeeds alone. The ability to build relationships and leverage team strengths makes a big difference.

Advice for Future MiM Students

If you’re preparing for the MiM Leadership Challenge, my advice is to embrace the discomfort. It’s going to be intense, but that’s the point — the experience is  meant to prepare you for real-world leadership. Be confident in your ideas, but also be willing to listen and adapt. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to make mistakes; every challenge is an opportunity to grow.

For me, the Leadership Challenge reinforced why I chose Georgetown McDonough in the first place. The MiM program isn’t just about learning business concepts — it’s about developing the skills and mindset to lead in complex, high-stakes situations. If you’re considering Georgetown’s MiM program, get ready to push yourself and discover what kind of leader you can become.

-Justin Thompson (MiM’25)