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For many students, entrepreneurship is a career path. For��, it has become a way of life: one rooted in helping others discover their own entrepreneurial potential. As a student ambassador for the��Deming Center for Entrepreneurship, he’s become a trusted mentor and inspiring young professional.

Coming from a smaller, private school background, Sean found the transition to a larger public university an adjustment. He chose CU Boulder for��Leeds School of Business, which offered a variety of opportunities for him to explore his interests, and find a close-knit community feeling within a large university setting. The chance to experience big-school energy: football games, campus life, while still feeling connected to his home in Vail made it the perfect fit.

Sean is double majoring in Entrepreneurship and Business Analytics, with certificates in Entrepreneurship and Global Business. Recognizing the growing role of AI, data, and technology, he wanted a strong foundation in analytics while still focusing on business strategy. Entrepreneurship stood out because of its flexibility. Unlike majors that lock students into one path, it allows exploration across finance, analytics, and strategy, aligning with his long-term goal of owning and operating his own business.

Finding Purpose at the Deming Center

Sean’s introduction to the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship was almost accidental, but it quickly became a defining part of his experience at CU Boulder. Two months into his freshman year, he walked into the center for the first time, unsure of what to expect. That decision led him to meet Maddie and Betsy, key members of the Deming team, who would later encourage him to become a student ambassador. From that moment, he felt a strong sense of belonging and knew he wanted to be part of the center’s mission.

What stood out to Sean about the Deming Center was how different it felt from other business-related clubs and organizations on campus. Unlike some groups that emphasized strict professionalism and specialization, the Deming Center had a more welcoming and flexible environment- one where students could explore, experiment, and develop their interests in entrepreneurship at any stage. As a student ambassador, he appreciated the creative freedom he and the team is given to increase student engagement and help others find a sense of community within the business school.

Shaping the Future of Entrepreneurship at CU

Sean quickly realized that many students had never even heard of the Deming Center. This realization fueled his passion for promoting the center’s resources and opportunities. His goal as an ambassador became clear: to help others experience the same sense of discovery and support that he found there. Seeing students experience that "Aha!" moment: whether realizing they could start a business, access resources, or approach entrepreneurship in a new way- became one of the highlights of his work.

Now a senior, Sean has played an active role in shaping student engagement within the Deming Center. Events like the Student Business Fair provided students with a platform to showcase their businesses, make sales, receive feedback, and conduct market research. By creating opportunities for students to engage with real customers and refine their ventures, the event fosters confidence and entrepreneurial growth. He has seen students go from hesitantly sharing half-formed ideas to fully embracing their entrepreneurial vision after just a few conversations.

One of Sean’s greatest strengths as a Deming Center ambassador is his authenticity. He doesn’t approach conversations with an agenda or try to push students in a specific direction, he simply listens, engages, and offers genuine advice. His ability to connect with people in an honest and approachable way makes him a trusted resource for students who may feel overwhelmed or unsure about their next steps in entrepreneurship. Whether a student has a half-formed business idea, is struggling to navigate CU’s entrepreneurial resources, or is just curious about what entrepreneurship really means, Sean creates a welcoming, judgment-free space where they can explore possibilities. His kindness and patience ensure that every student he interacts with walks away feeling heard, encouraged, and excited about their potential.

Real-World Application��

Beyond the student community, one of the most impactful opportunities Sean took part in was�� a global seminar study abroad program that took him to South Africa. There, he worked directly with local entrepreneurs, helping them develop business strategies and financial systems.

One of his most memorable projects involved a family-run furniture business, where each family member played a role. The business lacked formal accounting practices, so Sean and his team helped design customized accounting statements, introducing basic financial tracking methods to improve cash flow and sustainability. The impact was immediate. When the business owner, Eddie, realized he could save enough money to invest in materials and ease financial strain on the company and family, it was a breakthrough moment. These experiences cemented Sean’s belief in the power of entrepreneurship to create tangible change, not just in business operations but in people’s lives.

Evolving the Entrepreneurial Mindset

These experiences reinforced Sean’s passion for fostering growth within organizations, shaping his vision for an exciting career. In his professional future, Sean envisions himself working closely with entrepreneurs, not just as a consultant who delivers insights from a distance but as someone actively involved in shaping businesses. He thrives in dynamic environments, where each day presents a new challenge. He’s particularly interested in accelerators, where he can work hand-in-hand with founders to tackle pressing business challenges. His ultimate goal is to be part of a multicultural team, bringing together diverse perspectives to find innovative solutions. Ideally, he hopes to work abroad, gaining firsthand experience in global business and economics in developing countries.

For Sean, entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business, it’s about problem-solving and adaptability. His time with these experiences and the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship has helped him refine this mindset, teaching him to navigate challenges, embrace uncertainty, and constantly seek out opportunities for growth.

Sean credits CU Boulder’s entrepreneurial ecosystem with helping him develop both his skills and confidence as a future business leader. The constant exposure to pitch decks, real-world case studies, and team-based problem-solving has forced him to become comfortable with discomfort. He also thanks his parents, the entire Deming Center team, and his mentor,��.��

Taking Action & Closing Doors

Sean’s biggest piece of advice to students is simple: try everything, and close doors quickly. “If you take a class and hate it, that’s a win, it means you’ve ruled out one possibility and can move on to the next.” If you’re considering a career path, do the research, talk to professionals, and figure out early whether it’s right for you.��

“The sooner you identify what doesn’t excite you, the faster you can find what truly does.”

His advice to anyone looking for success, whether as an entrepreneur or in any career, is to keep showing up, keep asking questions, and keep pushing forward until you find what truly excites you. If you never grow tired of something,��it may just be your calling.