This summer, I had the extraordinary opportunity to spend ten days at the University of Notre Dame as part of its prestigious Leadership Seminars—an intensive academic experience designed for rising high school seniors with a passion for inquiry, reflection, and leadership.
Chosen from a pool of over 2,700 applicants, I was one of 175 students selected to attend the fully funded, 10-day Leadership Seminars. As one of 30 students in the Business Leadership Seminar—led by Professor James Otteson, Faculty Director of the Business Honors Program—we explored the role of business in fostering a just and humane society.
From world-class professors to prayer services by candlelight and conversations that stretched far into the night, my time at Notre Dame left me inspired, challenged, and more committed than ever to building a purpose-driven future through entrepreneurship.
The University of Notre Dame and Its Leadership Seminars
Founded in 1842, the University of Notre Dame is a globally recognized Catholic research university known not only for its academic excellence but also for its mission-driven approach to education and leadership. The Leadership Seminars, hosted annually by the Office of Pre-College Programs, are among the most competitive summer offerings in the country.
Each year, Notre Dame invites a select group of around 175 international students to attend one of several focused seminars, taught by Notre Dame faculty. The seminars are fully funded by the university, including room, board, and tuition, reflecting Notre Dame’s commitment to access and equity.
This year, in addition to the existing seminars in Global Issues, Inequality in America, The Environment, Business: ‘What is it Good For?’, and Finance, Notre Dame introduced a new track: RADIANT (Research Analytics Data Innovation and New Technologies)—a timely addition focused on AI and data science.
The Business Seminar: ‘Business: What is it Good For?‘
I was one of 30 students, split evenly by gender, selected from around the world to participate in the Business Leadership Seminar. Our cohort was a mix of students from every corner of the United States and a few international schools, each bringing unique insights, perspectives, and cultural experiences to the table.
Our seminar was led by Professor James Otteson, a renowned philosopher, business ethicist, and author. Professor Otteson serves as the Faculty Director of the Business Honors Program (BHP) at the Mendoza College of Business, in addition to holding the John T. Ryan Jr. Professorship of Business Ethics at the University of Notre Dame.
Professor Otteson challenged us to think deeply about the moral purpose of business, encouraging us to wrestle with tough questions like: What obligations do businesses have beyond making a profit? What are the responsibilities of an ethical business leader to self, to others, to society, and to the world? Can business be a force for good?
His Socratic teaching style pushed us beyond textbook definitions and into a realm of ethical exploration that was both intellectual and deeply human.
Academic Exploration: Philosophy Meets Capitalism
Our seminar days were packed with reading, debate, and reflection. Our reading list included everything from ‘What Adam Smith Knew’, edited and introduced by Professor Otteson, to Pope Leo XIII ‘Rerum Novarum’. We discussed the principles of free markets, entrepreneurial responsibility, virtue ethics, and the role of trust in economic systems.
We formed teams to debate several aspects of society with respect to government and business responsibilities. My favorite was ‘Carnegie vs Saint John Paul II on Capitalism’ because it challenged me to think deeply about the ethical implications of capitalism in society.
One of the highlights of the seminar was a group project where we were divided into teams of six and challenged to analyze the essential question: Is there such a thing as ‘honorable business,’ and if so, what is it? Using Canva, each group created a slide presentation that outlined a clear thesis, anticipated objections, formulated rebuttals, and provided supporting evidence. My group did a great job applying the new frameworks and ideas we’d explored throughout the seminar, and it was exciting to see how each team brought unique perspectives and insights to the table. The diversity of thought made for a rich and thought-provoking seminar experience.
Throughout the seminar, rather than simply teaching us how business works, Professor Otteson challenged us consider why business matters. This foundation in the philosophy of business has already reshaped how I think about entrepreneurship—not as a game of profits and losses, but as a vehicle to create real, lasting value in people’s lives.
Beyond the Classroom: Faith, Friendship, and Finance
Our days didn’t end with class. One of the most powerful extracurricular experiences was a candlelit prayer service at the Grotto, a quiet moment of reflection and unity. Although we came from different faiths and backgrounds, the Grotto reminded us of the shared values that transcend belief systems: compassion, intention, and humility.
We also took a day trip to Chicago, where we visited William Blair, a global investment bank. There, we met with Sabrina Curran, a Notre Dame graduate and Business Honors Program alumni. She gave us a behind-the-scenes look at careers in investment banking and shared candid insights on how Notre Dame had shaped her personal and professional path. Later in the day we took a break from business learning and went on an architectural boat tour on the Chicago River, offering unique perspectives of the city’s famous buildings and architectural landmarks.
Lasting Impact: Community, Perspective, and Purpose
Leaving Notre Dame, I felt incredibly blessed—not only to have studied at one of the most prestigious institutions in the country, but to have been welcomed into a community of deep thinkers, future leaders, and curious learners.
The seminar deepened my belief that entrepreneurship is a force for good when grounded in values. It reminded me that leadership begins with listening, learning, and reflecting—and that businesses, at their best, are engines of positive change.
As I continue to build my own ventures and explore the intersection of business and social impact, I’ll carry the lessons from Notre Dame with me: to lead with integrity, to think boldly, and to always ask the deeper “why.”
Read my reflections on my Wharton Global Youth summer program ‘Leadership in the Business World’, here.