Eye on the Hult Prize SFs winning team starts Goalfrog campaign to put their plan into action Hult Blog

Winning the regional round of the Hult Prize competition in March was a huge accomplishment for Hult San Franciscos team. But it was just the first step. After a brief celebratory period following the competition and lots of excitement across all Hult campuses the team got to work setting their winning idea, an active food savings plan called Pulse, into motion. Theyve created a Goalfrog campaign to introduce Pulse, explain how it will work, and start fundraising. Team member and MBA student Saul Minkoff answers some questions about the project, the groups next steps, and what its like to take part in this global competition. After winning the regional competition, what is the immediate next step you had to take? Aside from sleeping for about a week after a hectic run up to the regionals, we had to figure out if we were all going to the Hult incubator (which we are), change any rotation plans we had for Module D, and get the process started to rotate to Boston in Module E. We also started to discuss what we could do in the months leading up to finals at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Annual Meeting in New York that could give us the best possibility of winning the competition, as well as deciding as a team what we would all do in a win/lose situation. We all have the passion and desire to launch the business regardless of the $1 million prize, and we are taking the necessary steps to do that now. What made you want to start the Goalfrog campaign, and how do you hope it will work specifically for Pulse? In our meetings, we decided that by the time we presented at CGI we wanted to have an investable business ready, and not just a concept that needed to be turned into a business. We set goals of having conducted a pilot project in our first country, as well as having the mobile platform built, which we need to raise about $30,000 for. Goalfrog is a recently launched start-up that has a section geared specifically towards project funding, which was perfect because it is exactly what we need. We thought about Kickstarter or Indiegogo, but those sites are crowded and don’t cater specifically to what we’re doing. In the spirit of start-ups, we wanted to give a new and innovative idea a shot. The platform is great, and the founders gave us some really sound advice, so it was a no-brainer. This campaign will be open basically for the month of May – what will you be doing during that time? We’re all reaching out to our networks, both personal and professional, in hopes that the project raises their interest enough to make a small contribution. We’re also reaching out to press, and asking Hult faculty to spread it around their networks. We strongly feel too that it would be a great branding opportunity for Hult to see us secure the funding and thereby giving us the best shot at overall success. We’re relatively new to all this, so it will be a steep learning curve, but the guys at Goalfrog are also helping us get the word around. Where will you be conducting your research next month? Who are you planning to interview? We’re working on proposals to secure partnerships with two organizations that have presence on the ground in India. Those organizations will conduct preliminary research on our behalf in two to three cities. We’re planning on interviewing women in urban slums to find out a little more about their daily struggles, their needs, and if the Pulse program could be of value to them. We plan to re-work our model based on those responses, only then build a beta version of the SMS platform. When do you go to Boston for the Accelerator? July 2 through August 15. We will all be back for graduation! Do you know anything about the other finalists? Yes, the McGill team from Montreal is planning on growing mass amounts of crickets (which are high in protein) and has created home kits for turning them into flour, and other ingredients. The team from the University of Cape Town in South Africa has the â€Å"reel gardening project† which as we understand it has to do with urban farming. The other teams are ESADE from Barcelona, and the Asian Institute of Technology. There will be a sixth team joining us in the finals; however we will only know who they are once the online competition ends mid-May. How have you been able to maintain the momentum you got from winning? Coffee and keeping each other accountable. We had a little dip in energy levels for a week or so, but we’ve been keeping busy by meeting big companies in SF who have offered us a ton of advice, NGO’s, and start-ups. Niketa [Malhotra, fellow team member and MSE student] was even invited to speak at an event at NYU Wagner a few weeks ago, where she made a ton of important contacts and came back super excited. If we ever experience a dip in energy, it is soon back to normal after meeting with the likes of McKinsey or  Greenstart, or a dinner with [team mentor] Mike Grandinetti†¦ tough to not have any energy around that guy! How often do you all meet as a team? How are you all continuing to get along? We don’t always meet as a full team, as we realized we would be more efficient with the â€Å"divide and conquer† method. We do meet daily (and constantly) through Whatsapp (instant messenger) or by telling the others to check out the latest addition to our ever-growing Dropbox folder. After spending so much time together we somehow still all get along and love hanging out†¦ as soon as there’s even a hint of tension you can be sure that someone will make a stupid joke or imitate the other’s accent, and all is forgotten. We have to remind ourselves that we’ve accomplished a ton in the last few months and to really savour the moment. We’re five students from Hult who will be presenting at CGI to some of the world’s leaders†¦unbelievable. How could we not be happy?! How do you feel about everything coming up this summer, and what will happen with classes? One word: Excited. Everyone has told us how amazing Boston is, so it’s cool to be able to go there and experience it with your friends, and your team. The MBAs still have to do electives, but the MSEs are having the incubator count as their action project, so they’re happy. Overall we expect an intense six weeks, but it’s a period that will be crucial to the development of Pulse. We know that this is not only an experience of a lifetime, but also the opportunity to work on something that we are passionate about. Kickstart your career right next door to Silicon Valley by studying at Hults San Francisco business school. To find out more, take a look at our blog A story about why I chose Hult San Francisco. Download a brochure or get in touch today to find out how Hult can help you to learn about the business world, the future, and yourself. Hult Rotation offers you a chance to study in a truly global way. Our rotation program allows you to study and be immersed in some of the finest cities in the world. 📠¸: @jasminmanzano . Hult Rotation offers you a chance to study in a truly global way. Our rotation program allows you to study and be immersed in some of the finest cities in the world. 📠¸: @jasminmanzano . Each year, Hult seeks to enroll a talented and ambitious incoming class from all over the world. We look for diverse students with a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and interests—students who will thrive in our unique educational atmosphere. Are you ready for a truly global experience? 📠¸: @iambrunadiniz . Each year, Hult seeks to enroll a talented and ambitious incoming class from all over the world. We look for diverse students with a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and interests—students who will thrive in our unique educational atmosphere. Are you ready for a truly global experience? 📠¸: @iambrunadiniz . We’re excited to start 2020 on a ranking high! Hult is proud to have been placed #28 in Poets Quants 2020 rankings for Best Undergraduate Business Schools in the US. Taking a huge leap of 32 places from our 2019 position, we’re also very happy to have secured top positions in key categories like: life-changing experience, practicality of the degree, and global immersion. . With five global campuses, a student body of over 130 nationalities, and a learn-by-doing approach—Hult offers a student experience like no other. . We’re excited to start 2020 on a ranking high! Hult is proud to have been placed #28 in Poets Quants 2020 rankings for Best Undergraduate Business Schools in the US. Taking a huge leap of 32 places from our 2019 position, we’re also very happy to have secured top positions in key categories like: life-changing experience, practicality of the degree, and global immersion. . With five global campuses, a student body of over 130 nationalities, and a learn-by-doing approach—Hult offers a student experience like no other. . â€Å"I’m from an engineering background and needed a whole new skill set for the industry I wanted to switch to. I learned a lot about myself and how I deal with being out of my comfort zone. I learned both soft and hard skills, from how to work in very diverse teams to key accounting metrics and strategy. I was surprised by how weak I was at certain tasks in English or how strong I actually was in other areas. Hult gave me opportunities to try new things and meet people from places I never thought I would have friends. . My internship experiences gave me the chance to broaden my view of different cultures and different companies. I had the opportunity to work and live with people whose values differed from people in my home country. I thought that this would be difficult, but it gave me the chance to reflect on my own values and assess if they were a result of my home country environment or if they were intrinsically mine. . Diederick ter Kulve (@diederick.terkulve) Netherlands Masters in International Business . â€Å"I’m from an engineering background and needed a whole new skill set for the industry I wanted to switch to. I learned a lot about myself and how I deal with being out of my comfort zone. I learned both soft and hard skills, from how to work in very diverse teams to key accounting metrics and strategy. I was surprised by how weak I was at certain tasks in English or how strong I actually was in other areas. Hult gave me opportunities to try new things and meet people from places I never thought I would have friends. . My internship experiences gave me the chance to broaden my view of different cultures and different companies. I had the opportunity to work and live with people whose values differed from people in my home country. I thought that this would be difficult, but it gave me the chance to reflect on my own values and assess if they were a result of my home country environment or if they were intrinsically mine. . Diederick ter Kulve (@diederick.terkulve) Netherlands Masters in International Business . Say a big hello to our Bachelor of Business Administration program cover star, Elisa Orus Plana âÅ" ¨ . â€Å"I’m excited for the future—especially that I cant predict whats going to happen. Maybe Ill end up in Mexico working for a trading company or maybe in Africa, developing my own business. Everything is possible, and the options are constantly changing. I love the idea that Im never going to be stuck doing the same job until the end of my life if I dont want it to be like this. . Hult really supports me and my ambitions and truly believes that we deserve to be considered as professionals as well as students. Here, I get to express not just my opinions but all elements of myself. From my creative side with the Fashion Society to my finance and business sides in Trading Club and the Management Consulting Club. We get a different type of learning here. Not just essential knowledge and theory, but practical skills and mindset. The school is always evolving. We’re encouraged to innovate and to always look for new ways of doing traditional things. We learn how to be more confident and become aware of how we can impact our environment. The school aims to help you become a better version of yourself and to stand out from the crowd.â€Å" . Elisa Orus Plana French Bachelor of Business Administration Class of 2021 Say a big hello to our Bachelor of Business Administration program cover star, Elisa Orus Plana âÅ" ¨ . â€Å"I’m excited for the future—especially that I cant predict whats going to happen. Maybe Ill end up in Mexico working for a trading company or maybe in Africa, developing my own business. Everything is possible, and the options are constantly changing. I love the idea that Im never going to be stuck doing the same job until the end of my life if I dont want it to be like this. . Hult really supports me and my ambitions and truly believes that we deserve to be considered as professionals as well as students. Here, I get to express not just my opinions but all elements of myself. From my creative side with the Fashion Society to my finance and business sides in Trading Club and the Management Consulting Club. We get a different type of learning here. Not just essential knowledge and theory, but practical skills and mindset. The school is always evolving. We’re encouraged to innovate and to always look for new ways of doing traditional things. We learn how to be more confident and become aware of how we can impact our environment. The school aims to help you become a better version of yourself and to stand out from the crowd.â€Å" . Elisa Orus Plana French Bachelor of Business Administration Class of 2021"> During the final days of 2019, you probably reflected on what you’ve accomplished this year—and even this decade—and what you’d like to achieve in 2020. Let us know in the comments below. During the final days of 2019, you probably reflected on what you’ve accomplished this year—and even this decade—and what you’d like to achieve in 2020. Let us know in the comments below. â€Å"The first time we did group work on the program, I went head-to-head with a colleague. It taught me a lot about how I see people, how people see me, and how conflict can be resolved in a kind and productive way. The best feedback you get, when delivered constructively, is the most critical because it really feeds into how you lead. I’ve completely reversed my leadership style—the result is so much richer and more powerful when you lead from behind and lead with strength. . Studying in tandem with working, whilst challenging, gave me the perfect platform to directly apply learning concepts into my business environment, the competitive landscape, and the real-estate industry as a whole. When I started the program, I was very happy in my corporate role. But my courage and aspirations grew to the point that I took on a whole new direction. Having my career coach, Joanna, as a sounding board allowed me to really be strategic and get to know myself. She coached me thro ugh all the interviews, the research, and the questions. It went in parallel with what I was doing academically and after six months everything just clicked. . I went into the EMBA knowing I had nothing to lose and I’ve come out with everything. Great strength, global friends, amazing learning, mentors from professors, a job I love, and the knowledge that I can set my mind to achieve anything and with the right support and resources I’ll get there.† . Kashani Wijetunga British, New Zealand Sri Lankan Associate Director Senior Strategy Consultant CBRE EMBA Class of 2019 . â€Å"The first time we did group work on the program, I went head-to-head with a colleague. It taught me a lot about how I see people, how people see me, and how conflict can be resolved in a kind and productive way. The best feedback you get, when delivered constructively, is the most critical because it really feeds into how you lead. I’ve completely reversed my leadership style—the result is so much richer and more powerful when you lead from behind and lead with strength. . Studying in tandem with working, whilst challenging, gave me the perfect platform to directly apply learning concepts into my business environment, the competitive landscape, and the real-estate industry as a whole. When I started the program, I was very happy in my corporate role. But my courage and aspirations grew to the point that I took on a whole new direction. Having my career coach, Joanna, as a sounding board allowed me to really be strategic and get to know myself. She coached me thro ugh all the interviews, the research, and the questions. It went in parallel with what I was doing academically and after six months everything just clicked. . I went into the EMBA knowing I had nothing to lose and I’ve come out with everything. Great strength, global friends, amazing learning, mentors from professors, a job I love, and the knowledge that I can set my mind to achieve anything and with the right support and resources I’ll get there.† . Kashani Wijetunga British, New Zealand Sri Lankan Associate Director Senior Strategy Consultant CBRE EMBA Class of 2019 . â€Å"It was now or never. I knew that I’d have likely stayed in my neighborhood for years to come if I didn’t take this opportunity. I’d not lived or studied outside of the U.S. before. So I left my job as a global strategist at an advertising agency and moved halfway around the world. I’ve come back a more culturally aware, well-versed person. I’ve realized that everything is a learning experience and an opportunity for growth. Ill definitely carry this mindset with me into the future. Technology and social media allow us to be different people in several places at once. Im excited to see how I can establish myself in whatever city Ill be lucky enough to call home and still maintain deep connections with people all over the world. I’m inspired by my classmates every day. Hearing some of their life stories and how getting this degree fits into their greater mission has been very humbling. My biggest challenge has been finding the ‘right’ path for me. There have been rooms Ive felt like I shouldnt be in, but now Im proud to feel as though I truly belong, wherever I am.† . Dwayne Logan, Jnr. American MBA Class of 2019 . â€Å"It was now or never. I knew that I’d have likely stayed in my neighborhood for years to come if I didn’t take this opportunity. I’d not lived or studied outside of the U.S. before. So I left my job as a global strategist at an advertising agency and moved halfway around the world. I’ve come back a more culturally aware, well-versed person. I’ve realized that everything is a learning experience and an opportunity for growth. Ill definitely carry this mindset with me into the future. Technology and social media allow us to be different people in several places at once. Im excited to see how I can establish myself in whatever city Ill be lucky enough to call home and still maintain deep connections with people all over the world. I’m inspired by my classmates every day. Hearing some of their life stories and how getting this degree fits into their greater mission has been very humbling. My biggest challenge has been finding the ‘right’ path for me. There have been rooms Ive felt like I shouldnt be in, but now Im proud to feel as though I truly belong, wherever I am.† . Dwayne Logan, Jnr. American MBA Class of 2019 . Happy New Year, Hultians! . Happy New Year, Hultians! .