David Guo, MBA '24

How does it feel to be valedictorian?

I am honoured and grateful to have been voted by my classmates. I hope I can do the role justice given the calibre of talented, intelligent and amazing people in my graduating class. I wouldn’t have been where I am without them.

Why do you think your classmates chose you for this honour?

I think they’ve all made a terrible decision. All jokes aside, I tried in my three years to represent the program and my classmates in the best way possible, through student governance, through my day to day interactions, and within the classroom. I hope I can showcase what our class of 2024 exemplifies: brilliant, passionate, smart individuals who are humble but yet driven to make an impact.

How has the program changed you?

The biggest benefit of the program was the people that I’ve met. I’m constantly learning from these accomplished classmates of mine. Learning from them helped me grow in gaining not just business and management acumen, but also building a network across all industries and functions which I continue to draw inspiration from. Rotman has opened my eyes beyond the confines of my healthcare and clinical background and be able to see the world in a whole new perspective in business, leadership and management.

Describe a highlight of the program.

One of the greatest experience was a Global Health Consulting project two of my classmates and I conducted for the Ministry of Health and the Norwegian Embassy in Malawi. With the help of our advisor, we conducted an analysis of the logistics and supply chain of medical products into the country and its most rural areas and identified gaps in the operational and support processes. It was a learning experience not just in supply chain management, but also cultural, political, and social factors for a country reliant on aid and other financial supports from NGOs. Never had I imagined doing work in Africa, nor did I imagine making an impact in this way using my MBA degree.

What makes my classmates / graduating year special?

If I haven’t said enough great things about my classmates, I truly believe these are an unbelievable group of individuals. They have all accomplished so much prior to the program and have accomplished even more throughout, while in school. They have been warm, supportive, in offering assistance to everyone whenever the opportunity arises. They bring brilliant ideas and perspectives to different problems. Lastly, they know how to have fun and enjoy each other’s company while at it. It is the best of all worlds. I could not have asked for better classmates through these three years.

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