As someone who has built a career leveraging technology to solve complex business challenges within this insurance industry, I was drawn to the Creative Destruction Lab’s (CDL) Risk Stream at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for its unparalleled approach to fostering innovation in risk management. One aspect of CDL that stands out is its mentorship model, which brings together accomplished entrepreneurs, industry executives, and academic experts to guide early-stage startups. For me, participating in this program as part of my UW-Madison MBA journey is an opportunity to engage with mentors who are shaping the future of risk management, from cybersecurity to climate resilience, and to apply their insights to real-world ventures.
The CDL Risk Stream’s mentorship is uniquely structured to maximize impact, with four full-day sessions between November and May where startups work closely with mentors to refine their goals, prioritize resources, and secure capital. What excites me most is the caliber of mentors involved—seasoned entrepreneurs who have founded and sold significant tech companies, alongside world-leading scientists and insurance executives. Their expertise spans emerging technologies like AI-driven risk assessment, IoT for loss prevention, and real-time geographic data analytics, enabling startups to tackle pressing challenges like cyber threats and environmental risks. As an MBA student, the chance to collaborate with these mentors and apply my skills to ventures in the Risk Stream is an invaluable bridge between theory and practice.
What sets CDL’s mentorship apart is its hands-on, objectives-based approach, which aligns perfectly with my goal of becoming a strategic leader in risk and insurance. Mentors don’t just offer advice—they challenge founders to set ambitious yet achievable milestones, fostering a culture of accountability and growth. Observing how mentors guide startups to navigate complex markets inspires me to think critically about how I can contribute to similar transformations, whether by developing financial models or refining go-to-market strategies for risk-focused ventures. My two years working with the program allowed me to learn from mentors who view risk not as a barrier, but as an opportunity for innovation. Their guidance will shape my ability to lead in an industry where data, technology, and human ingenuity intersect to create resilience. By engaging with CDL’s mentorship, I’m not just preparing for a career in risk management—I’m joining a movement to transform how businesses and societies navigate uncertainty, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of it.
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