David Sun ’26

Insurance is a fairly traditional industry, but we’re facing many changes right now. Elevated weather events, energy transitions, and cyber risks are reshaping the landscape. Customers are demanding new types of coverage at more affordable prices. On the other end, technologies like AI are pushing us to rethink how our business can better serve our customers and protect their interests. These developments have challenged me to build the strategic skills needed to navigate this moment—and motivated me to join the EMBA program, where I knew I could broaden my perspective.

In class at SOM, you’re exposed to end-to-end processes and functions you might not normally engage with at your company, like negotiations or sourcing and managing funds. This has helped me with big-picture strategic thinking. It’s not necessarily about knowing everything. It’s about being able to connect with the right people to tackle the most important problems.

Managing Groups and Teams was an especially valuable course. Everyone already has a strong leadership background, but we needed to come together as a team to collaborate. Not only was it a great way to get to know each other, but I was also able to apply what I learned at work right away. These were simple but effective strategies, like making sure you hear from everyone before a few people dominate the conversation, or facilitating communication and alignment on a cross-functional project.

My journey at SOM has been a reflective and transformative one. When it comes to change, how can we be ready? How can we think one step ahead? How can we build the right tools, skillsets, and teams so that we are prepared for new challenges and opportunities? To have that open mindset, to continue learning, to continue exploring—that’s really important as a leader.