
Building a Purpose-Driven Startup at UVA Darden
The video showcases Christina Washington, a second‑year Darden MBA, launching [8:12] Co., a purpose‑driven startup that offers a non‑alcoholic beverage and an events‑discovery app designed to let people celebrate without compromising faith or health. She credits UVA’s i.Lab and Darden’s entrepreneurship ecosystem for giving her a structured path from idea to launch. Washington highlights how i.Lab supplied mentors, frameworks, and a tight‑knit community that helped her refine the business model. A pivotal piece of advice from alum Patt Eagan—“do things that don’t scale”—prompted her to personally reach out to early users, building trust and a loyal support base rather than relying solely on automated outreach. “Why do you spend so much time with me?” Washington recalls, underscoring the depth of mentorship she received. The emphasis on genuine, non‑transactional relationships, both within the UVA network and Darden’s case‑method training, reinforced her confidence and communication skills. The story illustrates how purpose‑aligned ventures can thrive when backed by institutional resources and a culture of personal connection. For investors and aspiring founders, it signals that the next wave of consumer‑focused startups may emerge from academic incubators that prioritize mentorship over scale‑first tactics.

AI at Darden - Minute with Mike
The video spotlights how artificial intelligence reshapes the job market, emphasizing that the most valuable talent will be human judgment that augments AI outputs. Mike, a Darden professor, argues that while AI excels at prediction, it cannot replace the nuanced...

From Layoff to MBA: How I Turned a Setback Into a Comeback
The video chronicles Britt Terrell’s journey from a pandemic‑era layoff to a full‑time MBA at Darden, culminating in a coveted Apple Music internship. It frames the decision to return to school as a strategic response to industry contraction and personal...

Good Disruption: Episode 33 - Disruptor: Ralph Sampson, NBA Legend
The Good Disruption podcast’s Episode 33 spotlights Ralph Sampson, a former NBA star and University of Virginia legend, as a “good disruptor.” Hosts Yael Grushka‑Cohen and Mike Lennox explore how Sampson’s on‑court achievements and off‑court ventures illustrate a new model of...

Maintaining Momentum at Darden - Minute with Mike
Michael Lennox announced he will serve as Darden School’s interim dean, expressing deep gratitude and enthusiasm for the role. A 17‑year veteran of the school and a double alumnus of the University of Virginia, Lennox has been on the faculty...