Best Kind Solutions continued their winning streak at the 18th annual Business Case Competition at CNA’s Grand Falls-Windsor campus last week, taking home the top trophy for the third year in a row.
Best Kind Solutions won first place.
Ethan Lane, a third-year student on the winning team from Grand-Falls-Windsor campus, says he was motivated to participate due to his interest in developing his personal and professional skills.
“I first joined because I wanted to challenge myself and develop my problem-solving and presentation skills, but it quickly became something I genuinely enjoyed,” he said. “Each competition pushed me to think critically, collaborate under pressure, and work alongside my great teammates: Ashley Hoskins, Corwin Greenham, and Matthew Ekwenuya.”
The second-place team was Vision Vault, also of Grand Falls-Windsor campus, comprised of Lynn Skanes, Tristan John, Jirah Alaine Angue, Emma Diamond. In third place was Crystal Clear Consulting of Prince Philip Drive campus, featuring Breanna Seward, Nathan Cave, Keenan Crawley, Liam Senior. And winning the Bob Hearn Memorial Award was Synergy Solutions, also of Prince Philip Drive campus, with James Bonnell, Kayla Coombs, Jenna Pilgrim, Divine Ibok.
Top row: Vision Vault won second place; Middle row: Crystal Clear Consulting won third place; Bottom row: Synergy Solutions won the Bob Hearn Memorial Award.
Lane explains that these competitions have been rewarding and has opened different opportunities for him.
“When I’m competing, I feel a real sense of confidence and belonging. My team and I thrive under the bright lights and the pressure, it’s where we do our best work. Speaking for all of us, I can truly say that when we’re competing, we feel right at home,” he said. “The atmosphere, combined with how well-organized the competition is, makes it easy to focus, perform, and enjoy every moment.”
At the end of the day, Lane says its all about teamwork.
“I want people to know, it’s how incredible my teammates, coach, and the staff and event organizers at CNA are,” he said. “The way we collaborate, trust each other, and support one another is a huge part of our success, and the effort put in by the organizers truly makes the experience what it is. I would encourage everyone to participate and get involved, it’s such a great opportunity to grow personally and make lifelong friends.”
James Bonnell, a student at Prince Philip Drive campus, competed for the first time saying it was an incredibly rewarding experience from start to finish.
“It’s a powerful learning opportunity that reveals more about yourself and your teammates than you might expect,” he said. “You’re pushed beyond your comfort zone, challenged to apply your knowledge and creativity, and given the chance to tackle real-world business problems.”
Set to graduate in 2027, from the Strategic Human Resource Management program, he says seeing the work his teammates put in to improve themselves was the best part.
“My favourite part of competing in the Business Case Competition was witnessing the growth of my teammates from case to case,” he said. “While I have experience in public speaking, some of my team did not, and watching their confidence in themselves and their abilities grow throughout the weekend was truly the highlight of the entire experience.”
Over the course of two days, teams analyzed a business case, developed an innovative solution and implemented a plan, and then presented their recommendations to industry judges.
For students participating in CNA’s Business Case Competition, the experience goes far beyond solving complex business problems. Competitors not only put their knowledge and creativity to the test but also gain invaluable skills, build lasting connections, and discover more about themselves in the process.
“I would absolutely recommend the Business Case Competition to others. My coach told our group that competing in this event is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves as students at CNA, and I wholeheartedly agree,” he said. “The connections you build with students and staff from other campuses, the knowledge and insight gained from the judges’ hard-hitting questions, and the opportunity for growth, not just as a student, but as a person, make this competition a must-attend experience during your time at the college.”
Success in a Business Case Competition isn’t about being the best speaker or having the most experience. It’s about mindset, teamwork, and courage.
“One thing I really want people to know is that you don’t need to be the most confident speaker or the most experienced student to thrive in the Business Case Competition,” he said. “What truly matters is your willingness to learn, to collaborate, and to step outside your comfort zone."
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