Meet this year’s LDRx student co-chairs

by | Aug 27, 2021 | Sanger News

We’re thrilled to introduce to you three highly motivated MBA2s who will be leading one of our most popular leadership programs this year! Every year, our Leader Experience (LDRx) program is organized and led by MBA student co-chairs.

Meet Margot, Steve, and Tom, who were working behind the scenes this summer to create a meaningful experience for the 2021-2022 school year! The LDRx application is now open and is due on Sunday, September 12, 2021. Weekend and Full-Time MBAs are invited to apply—we’d love for you to be a part of our community this year! More information »


Thomas Steichen, MBA ’22

Preferred Name
Tom

Career Interest
Corporate Strategy

Current Internship Position
3M Strategy & Marketing Development Program

In a few sentences, describe why you’ve dedicated your time here at U-M to becoming a better leader.
Nearly every idea that will grow to make the world a better place requires a team effort to implement it effectively. To accomplish goals as a team, we need leaders who understand others’ motivations and enlist their participation in a way that aligns their needs and interests with the group’s purpose. I hope to become a leader creating positive change and shaping the future of work to be better for everyone.

What piece of advice do you have for MBA1s?
Take this time in business school to step back and reflect on what you’ve accomplished, where you’d like to end up, and how you can utilize the incredible resources and network at Ross to help you get there. View this time as an opportunity to try new things and explore areas of interest you haven’t had a chance to dive into before.

Any pets?
Not yet, but I’m hoping a dog is in the near future!

Favorite vacation spot?
My parents have a little cabin in central Minnesota where I spent my summers growing up and continue to visit numerous times every summer. 

Quote that inspires you
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney


Margot Swank, MBA ’22

Preferred Name
Margot 

Career Interest
General Management

Current Internship Position
Finance and Commercial MBA Program Analyst at Chevron

In a few sentences, describe why you’ve dedicated your time here at U-M to becoming a better leader.
I chose Ross because I aspire to be an exceptional, people-oriented leader. I believe that people are the key to the success of any organization and that a great leader can build the environment and provide the support needed to assist people in achieving their goals. 

What piece of advice do you have for MBA1s?
You get out what you put in! Dedicate your time to the experiences and opportunities that will be the most meaningful and impactful for you and your goals. 

Any pets?
Two dogs: Lucy and Archie

Favorite vacation spot?
Not sure I can pick a favorite! I just love being outside and seeing different parts of the world. 

Quote that inspires you
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” – Ian MacLaren


Steve Zubrzycki, WMBA ’22

Preferred Name
Steve

Career Interest
Technology / Advanced Manufacturing

Current Job
Manager of customer success for AI startup, DeepHow

In a few sentences, describe why you’ve dedicated your time here at U-M to becoming a better leader.
Naturally introverted, I took my first career in technical sales in order to become a trained extrovert. I recognized the ability to bring people together and gain buy-in on a common cause was going to be extremely important to upward mobility in organizations, as well as just being a good life skill. Specifically here at Ross, I’m making an investment in myself for this degree so I am leveraging every resource I can to gain leadership experiences. The experiences from the Sanger Leadership Center such as Crisis Challenge (LCC) and my MAP project were the two reasons Ross was my first and ONLY choice for an MBA. I’m thrilled to be fortunate enough to be in the LDRx group again this year and honored to be among the leadership team to further expand on the once-in-a-lifetime experiences gained through this program.

What piece of advice do you have for MBA1s?
“Keep the main thing, the main thing” and “Set the bar high… higher than you’re comfortable with.” In other words, I am a “Plan A” kind of guy but didn’t really have a solid plan coming into the MBA program. However, once I was able to break through my own perceived limits with the help of our coursework and the Sanger LCC and LDRx, then I was able to understand just how powerful a degree from this World-Class MBA program truly is and no small part of that comes from the alumni network effects. Go for what interests and inspires you.

Any pets?
A new puppy Bentley, our Australian Labradoodle (was supposed to cap out at 35-40 lbs… but the size of his paws is telling me we’re in for a 50-60 pounder)!

Favorite vacation spot?
Aruba all-inclusive is the way to go.

Quote that inspires you
“We are overwhelmed by our own power… And you’ve got to ‘put that ox in the harness.’ Make it do the stuff it just doesn’t want to do. What the hell did oxen do in the wild? I can’t imagine they’re happy.” – Jerry Seinfeld on the Tim Ferriss Show