Max Siwik

Yale School of Management

“A simple Midwesterner committed to bringing value, serving others, and leaving organizations better off.”

Hometown: Cleveland, OH

Fun Fact About Yourself: I am the only non-lawyer in my family, making me something of a black sheep.

Undergraduate School and Major: Denison University | Political Science

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Cobalt Service Partners (Alpine Investors platform) | Director of Integration

The Yale School of Management is regarded as a purpose-driven program. What is your mission? How will your MBA at Yale SOM help you fulfill that mission? At my core, I believe in the power of bringing talented people together to achieve something larger than themselves. My mission is to become a leader who doesn’t just manage, but truly nurtures and elevates teams. Yale SOM’s emphasis on both rigorous analytics and continuous improvement aligns perfectly with my mission. The skills I’ll gain and grow – from statistics to organizational behavior – will form the foundation of my leadership toolkit.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Yale SOM’s MBA curriculum or programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Yale SOM’s “Leading Small and Medium Enterprises” course, taught by AJ Wasserstein, really stood out to me. Having worked with SMEs, I’m eager to learn from AJ’s hands-on experience. His insights will be valuable as I aim for more senior roles in the sector post-MBA.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at Yale SOM? I’m particularly excited about the Private Equity & Venture Capital Club. While my background in private equity has given me solid operational experience, I’m eager to deepen my understanding of the financial aspects that drive deals. SOM’s club offers a unique opportunity to better understand the intricacies of modeling and forecasting that shape investment decisions.

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026? My experience in both the public and private sectors provides me with a unique perspective on how these worlds intersect. While I expect to learn significantly more from my classmates, I hope to contribute valuable insights on how each sector influences the other. Hopefully, my cross-sector understanding can enrich our discussions, particularly when we’re tackling complex issues that span business and public policy.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: When I served on Capitol Hill, my team drafted and passed COVID-19 mental health research legislation honoring a young man who died by suicide after battling the disease.

What do you hope to do after graduation? Return to the Alpine Investors family and help grow great companies.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Yale SOM’s MBA program? While “be authentic” is common advice for a reason, I’d emphasize letting your intelligence and kindness shine through in your application. These qualities are what truly set the SOM community apart. Showcase your intellectual curiosity and how you’ve applied your smarts to make a difference. Equally important, highlight moments where your kindness has made a positive impact on others or shaped your leadership style. SOM values sharp minds coupled with genuine empathy. Don’t just tell them you’re smart and kind – demonstrate it through your experiences and aspirations.

DON’T MISS: MEET YALE SOM’S MBA CLASS OF 2026