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Trust. Grit. Teamwork. New WSB Campaign Asks: Who Do You Want on Your Team?

By Wisconsin School of Business

October 21, 2025

When organizations look for top talent, they’re not just hiring for skills—they’re hiring partners they can trust. They want team players who can navigate ambiguity, build momentum, and inspire change. Wisconsin School of Business alumni do just that.

Meet five standout graduates whose careers reflect WSB’s core values: curiosity, humility, grit, and a deep commitment to collaboration. Narrating is Bryson Williams, a former student-athlete whose move from the gridiron to Wall Street was propelled by the skills and network he honed at WSB. 

The featured alumni lead with integrity and heart across industries such as consulting, finance, media, and sports. They’re the people you want on your team. 

“These alumni aren’t outliers—they’re representative of what makes Wisconsin School of Business graduates so special,” says Bennett Cole, executive director of industry relations for WSB. “They lead without ego, they’re unafraid to ask questions, and they make the people around them better. That’s why our industry partners don’t stop at one WSB hire—they build teams of them.”

Get to know five of the nearly 60,000 WSB alumni making their mark. 

Oumou Barry (BBA ’24)

Tech Business Analyst, Deloitte

Oumou brings confidence, curiosity, and community-building to her work in consulting. Whether she’s helping clients streamline systems or leading initiatives like Deloitte’s Midwest Black Allies Initiative, Oumou’s leadership roots—first developed as vice president of internal development for the Wisconsin Consulting Club—run deep.

Charlie Forbes (BBA ’23)

Associate, Energy Capital Partners

Charlie’s reputation for delivering results is matched only by his commitment to mentorship. After two years at Rothschild & Co., he now evaluates energy investments and builds professional connections through the alumni network, Badgers in Finance. Colleagues describe him as “the co-worker you want to have,” thoughtful, intelligent, and always going the extra mile.

Abbe Gahart (BBA ’19)

Partnership Marketing Manager, Chicago Bulls

Abbe is the ultimate team player: genuine, organized, and deeply committed to the people and partnerships she manages. Her journey through internships with the Indianapolis Colts, Big Ten Network, and Wisconsin Athletics shaped her approach to sports marketing. Today, she manages global brand partnerships for one of the NBA’s most iconic teams.

Anders Larsen (BBA ’19)

Product Marketing Manager, Spotify

From launching AI tools to leading global teams, Anders is a builder of brands and momentum. His colleagues describe him as someone who “finds the signal fast” and “multiplies impact.” A self-starter with a passion for innovation, Anders exemplifies the raise-your-hand mentality that defines WSB graduates.

Bryson Williams (BBA ’22)

IED Sales-Trader, Morgan Stanley

Bryson’s journey from student-athlete to institutional trader underscores how discipline, adaptability, and strong relationships can shape a career. Today, he’s known as “the one clients call first” for his ability to manage complex trades in interest rate and derivatives markets. Recruited for his current role by a fellow member of Badgers in Finance, Bryson pays it forward, mentoring students pursuing finance careers in New York City.

The Wisconsin Way

These stories are united by a shared spirit. WSB alumni show up with humility, ask tough questions, and lead with integrity. They don’t wait for a blueprint—they create one. 

The momentum is building. Global firms have deepened their partnerships with WSB, strategically investing in Business Badger talent. The inaugural Wisconsin Invitational Consulting Case Competition in 2025 drew sponsorships from Bain, Accenture, Spaulding Ridge, Deloitte, and more, with many recruiting talent directly from the event. 

The investment continues long after graduation, with recruiters extending internship and full-time offers to Business Badgers at record rates. WSB’s undergraduate Class of 2025 achieved a 94% employment rate, with leading firms, including Deloitte and EY, hiring WSB graduates in double digits. 

New, large employers are also taking notice, connecting with top talent through event sponsorships, experiential learning, and recruiting partnerships. Whether graduates join the Big Four, in-demand consulting firms, household names in sports and tech, or launch ventures of their own—as 15 students did last year—the Wisconsin way is working.

“Employers return year after year because they know what they’re getting: professionals who show up ready to contribute and learn quickly.”

—Melissa Leffin, executive director of undergraduate career, employer, and pathway engagement

“We’re hearing consistently from recruiters that Business Badgers stand out in interviews and on the job,” says Melissa Leffin, executive director of undergraduate career, employer, and pathway engagement for WSB. “Employers return year after year because they know what they’re getting: professionals who show up ready to contribute and learn quickly. That intellectual curiosity, combined with Midwestern work ethic, creates graduates who don’t just fill positions, but elevate teams.”


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