On January 30 and 31, 2025, nearly 400 students gathered at the University of Michigan for the annual Leadership Crisis Challenge (LCC). Hosted by the Sanger Leadership Center, this premier experiential learning program immerses students in the role of senior executives navigating a simulated business and media crisis. Over 48 hours, participants are challenged to strategize through turbulence, think on their feet, and demonstrate poise under intense pressure.
A Contemporary Case
Sponsored by General Motors and McKinsey, this year’s challenge featured StarNight Aerospace, a fictional company on the cutting edge of aviation innovation. StarNight’s debut supersonic passenger jet was projected to revolutionize sustainable aviation, promising fuel efficiency and a commitment to global collaboration. However, as the jet prepared for its first flight, questions arose about the company’s culture and the safety of its flagship product. Developed with input from industry executives at Alaska Airlines and American Airlines, this year’s case highlighted critical issues such as aerospace engineering, supply chain optimization, and sustainability—topics that resonate deeply in today’s fast-evolving business landscape.
“In an era of constant disruption, a leader’s effectiveness is not defined by an ability to maintain the status quo, but by how effectively they can navigate turbulence,” said Dr. Mike Barger, assistant clinical professor of business administration at Michigan Ross, founding member of JetBlue Airways, and LCC board member. “Crisis leadership isn’t just a skill; it’s a mindset, one that can be cultivated through experiential learning that simulates decision-making when the stakes are high and the facts are unclear. The Leadership Crisis Challenge is the gold standard for high-pressure, high-stakes, action-based learning where University of Michigan students––the leaders of the future––learn how to adapt, communicate, and act decisively when the playbook no longer applies. I can’t imagine a more valuable experience.”
Feedback that Fuels Leadership Growth
Rooted in the Michigan Model of Leadership, a framework developed by U-M faculty, LCC emphasizes key leadership competencies such as communication, flexibility, and influence. Participants honed these skills not only through team-based decision-making and high-pressure strategy sessions but also through invaluable feedback from communication coaches and their board of directors. These feedback sessions, consistently rated as one of the most impactful aspects of the program, provided students with direct insights into their leadership presence, messaging effectiveness, and strategic decision-making.
This year, communication coaches received updated training to integrate Michigan Model of Leadership reflection points into their coaching, ensuring that students received targeted feedback aligned with key leadership competencies.
Alumni and Community Engagement
LCC continues to thrive thanks to the dedication of alumni and volunteers, whose insights and mentorship enrich the student experience. More than 110 volunteers—including distinguished alumni, journalists, leadership coaches, and faculty—played pivotal roles, including offering feedback and serving as judges throughout the competition.
“The Leadership Crisis Challenge stands out because of its scale, intensity, and realism,” reflected Derek Kerr, former vice chair and CFO of American Airlines and board member of Comerica Bank and AECOM. “As a board member, I thoroughly enjoyed engaging with students—hearing their strategies and providing feedback throughout the process. As a Michigan Ross alum, I was especially proud to see current U-M students rise to the occasion, think critically, and lead under pressure.”
First-Class Leadership: Our 2025 Winners
As the program concluded at Michigan Stadium, four finalist teams took the stage during a simulated press conference. The winning graduate team, C-7, and undergraduate team, Apollo 56, demonstrated exceptional strategic thinking and leadership while fielding questions from real members of the media.
“This was a great experience,” commented Megan Douglas, BBA ’25, who played the role of chief communications officer for team Apollo 56. “It was the first time any of us have competed in the program and I think the most important part was that we had a lot of fun with it. We really enjoyed all working together to address the crisis and present our strategy.”
Reflecting on the event, Dr. Lindy Greer, Sanger’s faculty director, remarked, “The Leadership Crisis Challenge exemplifies the power of action-based learning. It’s inspiring to see students rise to the occasion, tackling complex challenges with creativity and courage.” Nick Viviano, Sanger program specialist, added, “The energy and engagement this year have been unparalleled. The students truly stepped up to make this the most impactful LCC yet.”
Graduate winners: C-7
- Matt Hughes, OMBA ’26
- Haris Jameel, OMBA, ’26
- Susan Mostofizadeh, WMBA ’26
- Viraj Shah, FTMBA ’26
- Jatin Sharma, FTMBA ’25
- Yasin Taghvaei, FTMBA ’25
- Jon Watson, OMBA ’26
Undergraduate winners: Apollo 56
- Megan Douglas, BBA ’25
- Vidit Khattar, BBA ’25
- Sam Mitchell, BBA ’27
- Ryan Rzeszut, BBA ’27
- Siti Khadijah Sultan, BS ’27
- Avi Thanawala, BS ’25
- Tiger Wu, BBA ’27
Graduate winners: C-7
Undergraduate winners: Apollo 56