From challenge to confidence: How DeGroote students transformed under pressure

The 24-Hour case competition is a cornerstone of the 1GR0: Student Experience and Development course at McMaster’s DeGroote School of Business. This high-intensity experiential learning pushed roughly 774 first-year Commerce students in mid-January to apply problem-solving, innovation and teamwork skills under a tight deadline.

The challenge? Students had to design an innovative product for DeGroote alumni, develop a budget, and create a sales strategy to raise $5,000 for Hamilton food banks.

With only 24 hours to develop a business solution and present their ideas to a panel of alumni judges, students navigated real-world business challenges while honing critical skills for their future careers. Supported by volunteers, faculty and staff, this experiential learning experience truly showcased the strength of our community.

Innovative solutions under pressure

Deeya Ghatoura’s team developed a set of coasters featuring McMaster campus buildings and words of encouragement.

The project emphasized the importance of creating something both functional and meaningful.

For Kofi Boateng and Nikola Boras, the competition demanded a strategic approach. “We focused on creating a unique, innovative product with strong feasibility,” they shared. Their rigorous preparation, detailed research and emphasis on financial viability helped them secure victory with their premium university alumni pin. They leveraged their strengths and executed their presentation with confidence.

Challenges and growth

Time constraints and high-pressure decision-making were common challenges. Emily Payne described the difficulty of working within the 24-hour deadline: “It feels like you’re racing to make sure your numbers add up and everything’s ready for the presentation. There was not a lot of room for hesitation or over analysis.” However, the experience proved invaluable in developing trust, teamwork and adaptability.

Boateng and Boras echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the challenge of being a two-person team. “We had to take on multiple roles, but that became our greatest strength,” they noted. Their ability to stay focused and execute under pressure ultimately led to their success.

As for Jasdeep Singh, instincts kicked in. “I have always struggled with working in teams, mainly because I’m not the best at delegating. I have a strong sense of drive and like to take control of tasks to ensure they are done to a high standard. However, in a group setting, decisions are not solely mine to make—everyone’s input matters. This has sometimes made me doubt whether my ideas are the best, leading me to hesitate when voicing my opinions,” he said.

“During the case competition, our group faced challenges with synergy and direction. At a moment when we seemed stuck, I surprised myself by stepping up and pushing for collaboration. Something instinctive kicked in—the realization that if we wanted to do well, sitting back was not an option.” This experience has taught Singh that leadership is not about controlling everything but about guiding the team in critical moments, even when uncertain. Stepping up when needed showed him that leadership involves encouraging collaboration and finding direction together.

Key takeaways and lessons learned

Beyond the competition, students walked away with enhanced skills in communication, problem-solving and time management. Payne discovered a newfound confidence in public speaking. “Normally, I stress about forgetting lines, which makes me more nervous. But when I was put on the spot, I just answered—confidently! I learned that knowing the material well is more important than memorizing a perfect script.”

For Boateng and Boras, the experience reinforced the importance of adaptability and strategic thinking.

A transformative experience

The 24-Hour case competition was more than just a test of business acumen—it was an opportunity for students to push their limits, learn from each other and gain real-world experience in an intense but rewarding environment. Whether it was developing innovative products, tackling unexpected challenges or mastering the art of the pitch, students walked away with invaluable skills and lasting memories.

For Singh, the competition was eye opening.

“Seeing their success and passion made me realize that I should take pride in my journey and the path I have chosen. This experience gave me a newfound confidence in my field of study and reinforced that I have exciting opportunities ahead,” Singh added.