The CEO

David Cohen, an MA graduate at Bar-Ilan University's School of Business, recently secured third place in the prestigious international Capsim Business Simulation Challenge, competing against students from over 1,000 universities worldwide.

If the Capsim simulation were to take place in the real world, David Cohen would have emerged as one of the top 3 business leaders among 100,000 CEOs globally - putting him in the elite 0.003% of executives worldwide. Managing a company with over $100 million in annual revenue, his strategic decision to focus on three core market segments while operating five manufacturing plants proved masterful.

In real-world terms, David's third-place finish in this intensely competitive global challenge would place him alongside the decision-making caliber of Fortune 500 executives. Within just eight simulated years (compressed into eight intense hours of competition), David transformed and grew his sensor manufacturing company through cycles of both growth and recession, showcasing the kind of business acumen that typically takes decades to develop.

For David Cohen, the path to business leadership was influenced by two primary factors: family and work. Following in the footsteps of his father, a successful businessman who served as his role model, David found himself drawn to the world of business administration. His workplace's strong support for advanced education provided additional motivation to pursue academic excellence at a young age, leading him to the Business Administration program with a specialization in Information Systems at Bar-Ilan University.

The journey to the global competition wasn't straightforward. It was the course team's recognition of his potential, coupled with their guidance throughout the preparation stages, that enabled his participation. Through this experience, David learned that success in business isn't instantaneous - it's built on a foundation of careful planning, thorough analysis, and unwavering perseverance.

The eight-hour competition was an intensive exercise in decision-making, with each minute demanding crucial choices that would impact business outcomes. David's approach to business leadership emphasized the importance of market understanding. "Successful business leaders throughout history have been those who dared to take risks that might have seemed questionable to others but were well-calculated because they had a long-term market perspective," he reflects.

His strategy for the finals was meticulously planned. After qualifying, David spent nights analyzing previous competition strategies to develop an unexpected approach. His decision to focus on just three market segments, while risky, allowed for more efficient time management and strategic planning. This experience reinforced his belief in the value of calculated risk-taking, a lesson he sees as applicable far beyond the competition.

One of David's key insights is the importance of mentorship. "Everyone needs a mentor," he emphasizes. "Seeking advice from someone who has already walked your path is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom." Throughout his preparation, he relied on guidance from course instructors, a practice he continues in his professional decision-making.

The competition presented unique challenges, particularly in dealing with uncertainty - what David likens to Clausewitz's depiction of war, involving both shifting market conditions and competitor strategies. His approach focused on maintaining composure, identifying business opportunities, and careful strategic planning. His extensive experience in managing pressure, developed through his professional work, proved invaluable during the competition.

For aspiring business leaders, David offers clear advice: "Don't be afraid to make mistakes; experience shows that decision-making is the greatest teacher. Mistakes are opportunities to grow and improve. If we don't take the leap into uncharted waters and try, we'll never know what awaits us on the other side."

Looking ahead, this achievement has reinforced David's ambition and opened new doors in education and academia. It stands as proof of his belief that determination can overcome any obstacle, representing not just personal success but bringing honor to both his university and country during challenging times.