Inside Ivey
Step into the world of Ivey Business School through the eyes of its students. Whether navigating the program, embracing leadership opportunities, or forging lifelong connections across the globe, these firsthand stories showcase the ambition and impact of Ivey students. Real voices, real experiences, and real insights into life at one of the world’s leading business schools.
Lily Di Gasbarro and Talia Ellner Yerushalmi, both HBA ’25 candidates, co-chaired the recently held Ivey Scotiabank International Case Competition (SICC), one of the largest, longest-running, and most diverse business school case competitions in the world. In the Q&A below, they discuss their motivations for taking on the role, the challenges and rewards of organizing a global event, and the valuable lessons in leadership, collaboration, and cultural awareness they gained along the way.
Q&A with Lily Di Gasbarro and Talia Ellner Yerushalmi
Why did you choose to co-chair the Scotiabank International Case Competition?
(Lily) I chose to co-chair the Scotiabank International Case Competition because of the incredible experience I had on the executive team last year. In that role, I built meaningful connections not only within the Ivey community but also with participants from business schools around the world. This year, I wanted to take on a larger leadership role to gain a more holistic perspective on the competition – overseeing its strategy, execution, and impact. Stepping into the co-chair position has allowed me to contribute at a higher level while continuing to foster global connections, making the experience even more rewarding.
(Talia) I chose to co-chair the Scotiabank International Case Competition to be part of a long-standing Ivey tradition, connect with students from around the world, and witness them tackle real-world business challenges. With a passion for travel and learning from diverse cultures, this role was a unique opportunity to combine those interests with leadership, bringing this incredible event to life alongside a dedicated team.
What were your main responsibilities?
(Lily) As Co-Chair of SICC, I oversaw all non-academic aspects of the competition, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for participants. This included managing logistics such as meals, social activities, and social media to enhance the overall atmosphere. I led a 15-member executive committee, guiding the team through the planning and execution process. To ensure efficiency and maximize impact, we structured the team into specialized portfolios – including events, logistics, and communications – which enabled us to deliver a well-organized and memorable competition.
(Talia) My primary responsibilities included leading an executive team of 13, serving as the main liaison between Ivey Events and the student executive committee, and overseeing all aspects of the competition. Our team managed everything from event planning, logistics, and communications to content creation and coordinating country ambassadors.
What was the most challenging aspect?
(Lily) The most challenging aspect was balancing multiple priorities and managing the competition’s many moving parts. One moment, I would be coordinating visa arrangements with an international team; the next, I’d be finalizing event logistics with the Ivey Events team or working with my logistics team to ensure seamless catering. Juggling these diverse responsibilities required strong time management and the ability to adapt quickly to shifting demands.
(Talia) The biggest challenge was managing communication with more than 75 students, especially when schedules or logistics changed. Keeping international participants updated on event details in real time required strong organizational skills and adaptability. I also balanced these responsibilities while actively delegating tasks to my executive team, which was at times challenging.
Why is this competition a valuable learning opportunity for students?
SICC is a valuable learning opportunity for both competitors and organizers. For participants, the case method sharpens critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, while building confidence in high-pressure environments. It challenges students to analyze complex business problems and present strategic solutions, mirroring real-world scenarios. For Ivey students involved in hosting and coordinating the competition, SICC offers a unique opportunity to develop leadership, project management, and cross-cultural communication skills. Engaging with teams from around the world fosters a deeper understanding of global business perspectives, while the hands-on experience of organizing a large-scale event builds adaptability and collaboration – skills that extend well beyond the competition.
What fun activities did you organize for participants?
We planned a variety of engaging social activities to create a memorable experience for participants beyond the competition itself. From our cozy opening-night hot cocoa social to a lively bowling event, we offered opportunities for competitors to connect in a relaxed setting. A highlight of the week was our trip to Niagara, where participants explored one of Canada’s most iconic destinations while strengthening their global networks.
What was the most rewarding part of the experience?
(Lily) The most rewarding part of the experience was seeing months of planning come to life. Since November, we’ve been working tirelessly to ensure every detail was in place, and witnessing the competition unfold seamlessly was incredibly fulfilling. Seeing participants engage, collaborate, and enjoy the event made all the hard work worth it.
(Talia) The closing ceremony was the most rewarding part of the experience. Reflecting on the week’s events and seeing the participants' excitement and gratitude made all the hard work worthwhile. When the winning team was announced, the energy in the room was incredible. Many participants approached me afterward to express their appreciation for our hard work, which was incredibly fulfilling.
What did it teach you about international business?
(Lily) This experience taught me that cultural perspectives play a significant role in business decision-making. Throughout the competition, I observed how different teams approached the same case with unique strategies, often shaped by their cultural backgrounds. This reinforced the importance of understanding diverse viewpoints in international business. Moving forward, I recognize the value of researching cultural norms before entering global business settings to better understand stakeholders’ perspectives. This awareness will help me navigate cross-cultural collaborations more effectively and make more informed, inclusive decisions.
(Talia) This experience reinforced the impact of cultural diversity on problem-solving and decision-making in business. Each team approached the same case from a different perspective, showcasing unique analytical and presentation styles. It was fascinating to see how their cultural backgrounds shaped their strategies and solutions.
Did anything surprise you?
(Lily) What surprised me most was how effortlessly the participants formed friendships. It’s easy to assume that cultural differences might create barriers, but in reality, we had far more in common than I expected. As business students, we shared similar ambitions, challenges, and interests, which made connecting feel natural. This experience reinforced how biases – whether conscious or not – can shape our expectations. In the end, meaningful relationships can transcend borders. I hope to maintain the connections I’ve built and continue learning from the diverse perspectives I encountered.
(Talia) I was most surprised by how quickly the participants bonded. Many were reserved at the start, but as the competition progressed, they became increasingly engaged and collaborative. By the end of the week, they had formed meaningful friendships, despite the short time frame.
How do you think this experience will help your future career?
(Lily) Co-chairing SICC was an incredibly enriching experience, but the most valuable career lesson I took away was about leadership. At Ivey, we often explore leadership in theory, but this role taught me what it truly looks like in practice. Many people associate leadership with having all the answers and always being in control – but I learned that real leadership starts with being a team player. Great leaders aren’t perfect; they make mistakes, face challenges, and sometimes feel overwhelmed. What sets strong leaders apart is their ability to embrace their humanity while fostering collaboration.
Leadership isn’t just about guiding a team – it’s about being an integral part of it. It means making quick decisions with limited information, but just as importantly, it means rolling up your sleeves and supporting your team, no matter the task. Sometimes, a simple question – How can I support you? – can be more powerful than any directive. True leadership is rooted in active listening, adaptability, and continuous learning – lessons that extend far beyond the event itself.
(Talia) This experience strengthened my ability to manage high-pressure situations, lead a team, and navigate complex logistics – skills that are essential in any career. It also helped me improve my communication, time management, and problem-solving abilities, all of which will be valuable in my future role.
What advice do you have for future co-chairs of the event?
(Lily) My biggest advice for future co-chairs is to embrace the experience and enjoy the journey. The role comes with significant responsibility and pressure, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding opportunity to grow as a leader, collaborate with an amazing team, and build connections with people from around the world. There will be challenges, but don’t let them overshadow the excitement of bringing this competition to life. Take a step back, appreciate the moments – big and small – and have fun. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it goes by quickly, so make the most of every second.
(Talia) Be flexible! Unexpected challenges will arise, and the ability to adapt quickly is key. Stay calm under pressure, think on your feet, and maintain a positive attitude – your team will mirror your approach. Strong leadership isn’t just about making decisions; it’s about fostering a supportive, solution-oriented environment.
Related Articles
