Tenzin Dadul

Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan

“Purpose-driven leader advancing innovation, entrepreneurship, and transformational growth through empathy and visionary leadership.”

Age: 40

Hometown: Grosse Pointe, Michigan

Fun fact about yourself: I’m a lifelong soccer enthusiast, an avid reader who loves getting lost in great stories, a nature lover always ready to hit a new hiking trail, and a curious traveler with an ever-growing list of dream destinations.

Undergraduate School and Degree:

Bharath University – Doctor of Dental Surgery

Saveetha University – MDS in Medicine & Radiology

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – MS & Radiology Residency

Andrews University – Ph.D. in Leadership, concentration in Creativity & Innovation

Harvard Business School – Specialization in Leadership and Management

Where are you currently working?

Cancer Medical Dental Association, Founder & President

Global Medi Techs, Co-founder & Innovator

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is helping deliver free cancer, medical, and dental care to over 150,000 underserved individuals around the world since 2011. This work has not only brought healing to those in critical need, but has also deepened my conviction that healthcare is a universal right, not a privilege. Each patient’s journey has reinforced the power of compassion and the profound impact of service.

Equally meaningful has been mentoring more than 400 medical and undergraduate students from underserved communities in the Himalayas and Detroit. Many of these students have gone on to become physicians, dentists, and surgeons—leaders who now serve their communities with empathy and purpose. Witnessing their growth has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? I chose the Michigan Ross Online MBA because it offers an unparalleled blend of academic excellence, flexibility, and purpose. As the founder of a medical innovation startup and an academic leader at PNET Global, I needed a program that could meet the demands of my professional life without compromising on quality. Ross delivered on every front—and exceeded expectations.

What truly distinguishes Ross is not only the rigor of its curriculum, but the extraordinary leadership and community behind it. The opportunity to take in-person electives allowed me to build meaningful relationships with faculty and industry leaders. Programs like the Ross Leaders Academy at the Sanger Leadership Center and the Thriving Catalyst Endorsement Program at the Center for Positive Organizations were transformative, cultivating leadership from the inside out.

Dean Sharon Matusik’s visionary leadership has shaped a business school experience that is inclusive, innovative, and deeply impactful. Leaders like Associate Dean S. Sriram and Professor Scott Hopp have built a program that is both academically rigorous and thoughtfully structured for working professionals. Their dedication to student success is evident in every detail.

Equally inspiring is the unwavering support from Lizette Korn, managing director of the Online MBA Program, and Kristin Jordan, student affairs program manager. From orientation through graduation, they fostered a sense of belonging and empowerment that made Ross feel like home. Without question, Ross is not only the best online MBA program—it is a global benchmark for elite business education.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? What I valued most about the Michigan Ross Online MBA was the extraordinary access to world-class faculty and a global network of accomplished peers—all within a flexible format that aligned seamlessly with my professional and personal life. The academic experience was exceptional. Professors such as Mike Barger, Venky Nagar, Michael Jensen, Lindy Greer, Katherine Burson, S. Sriram, and Gretchen Spreitzer brought not only deep expertise, but also a genuine passion for teaching. Their ability to make each virtual session intellectually rich and personally engaging elevated the learning experience far beyond expectations.

Equally impactful was the opportunity to collaborate with peers from Fortune 500 companies. Their diverse perspectives and real-world insights enriched every discussion, transforming case studies into dynamic, practical learning experiences.

The leadership development through the Sanger Leadership Center were truly transformative. Under the thoughtful guidance of Jeff Domagala and Michelle Austin, I gained not only practical leadership tools but also a deeper understanding of how to lead with authenticity, empathy, and purpose. Their dedication to developing principled, high-impact leaders left a lasting impression.

None of this would have been possible without the visionary leadership of Dean Sharon Matusik. Her unwavering commitment to student success and inclusive innovation has made Ross not just the best online MBA program in the world, but a vibrant, supportive community where every student is empowered to lead with confidence and purpose.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? My experience in the Michigan Ross Online MBA program surpassed my expectations and offered a level of depth, flexibility, and engagement that was both transformational and distinct from my undergraduate classroom experience.

One of the most impactful aspects of the online format was the intentionality it fostered. Each course required thorough preparation and critical analysis of cases, which sharpened my ability to think strategically and contribute meaningfully to discussions. The asynchronous components allowed me to reflect deeply on complex business challenges, encouraging thoughtful decision-making grounded in real-world application.

Unlike the fast-paced nature of traditional classrooms, the online structure provided a balanced rhythm—combining the rigor of a top-tier MBA with the space to absorb, reflect, and apply insights. This cultivated a more introspective and strategic mindset that has been invaluable in both my professional and personal growth.

What truly sets the Ross Online MBA apart is its uncompromising commitment to quality and connection. The program delivers the same world-class education taught by exceptional faculty, while fostering a vibrant, collaborative community. It empowers students to learn in a way that aligns with their lives and leadership aspirations—making it not only the best online MBA, but a model for what elite business education should be.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? My best advice to prospective Ross Online MBA students is to approach the program with clarity, intention, and wholehearted commitment. This isn’t just a flexible alternative—it’s a world-class, transformative experience that rewards those who fully engage.

Set aside dedicated time each week—at least two focused days—to immerse yourself in the coursework, reflect on key concepts, and actively participate in discussions with peers and professors. The online format offers the unique advantage of flexibility, but its true value is unlocked when you show up with purpose and consistency.

Before beginning, take time to define your “why.” Understand what you hope to achieve, how you want to grow, and the kind of leader you aspire to become. Have open conversations with your support system—family, friends, and colleagues—so they can champion you through the journey.

The Ross Online MBA is more than a degree; it’s an invitation to join a mission-driven community that will challenge, support, and inspire you. If you stay curious, lead with intention, and embrace the experience fully, you won’t just succeed—you’ll be transformed.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? Yes, during my time in the Ross Online MBA Program, I was honored to be promoted to Academic Dean and Advisor at PNET Global. This advancement was not only a professional milestone, but also a deeply personal achievement that aligned with my lifelong passion for education, innovation, and service.

The Ross experience gave me the strategic insight and confidence to pursue a childhood dream: launching ventures in medical innovation and expanding our global medical mission. With the support of an extraordinary team, we successfully developed four breakthrough technologies aimed at improving the lives of individuals battling cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. This journey reflects the power of purpose-driven leadership and the transformative impact of a world-class education. The Ross Online MBA didn’t just prepare me for a promotion—it empowered me to lead with vision, compassion, and a commitment to meaningful change.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential or executive MBA program? I chose the Michigan Ross Online MBA because it offered the perfect balance of flexibility, academic rigor, and opportunity—enabling me to pursue a world-class education while continuing to lead my med-tech innovation startup. At a pivotal point in my professional journey, the online format allowed me to grow intellectually without stepping away from the work I’m most passionate about.

What truly set Ross apart was its unwavering commitment to excellence. The program mirrors the caliber of a full-time MBA, offering access to the same distinguished faculty, immersive learning experiences, and global opportunities. It empowered me to advance my education without compromising my impact—making it the ideal choice for a purpose-driven leader navigating a dynamic career.

Ross’s inclusion of the Multidisciplinary Action Project (MAP) and immersive residencies in innovation, transformation, and leadership—including international experiences in Italy, Germany, and Chile—brought global perspectives and hands-on learning that rival any full-time program.

Our MAP experience at Michigan Ross was a defining chapter in our leadership journey—one that brought the Michigan Model of Leadership to life. Guided by the insightful mentorship of Professor Nigel Melville and supported by a top-ranked academic institution as our sponsor, our diverse team—comprising a senior staff member from Capitol Hill, a former Air Force officer and F-15E Weapon Systems Officer, a financial analyst from Fannie Mae, a corporate executive from CrowdStrike, and a healthcare executive in medical technology—came together with a shared purpose. Through systems thinking and strategic action, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the sponsor’s revenue structure, evaluated alternative income streams, and modeled two high-impact growth opportunities. One of our most significant contributions was identifying a revenue pathway projected to generate $4.5 million within five years—fully aligned with the institution’s mission and stakeholder values. More importantly, we laid the foundation for a long-term revenue model with the potential to generate up to $25 million over the next 5–10 years, creating sustainable value for the institution and the communities it serves.

What made this experience truly transformative was how it reshaped our understanding of business as a force for good. Through self-awareness and relational development, we learned to harness our individual strengths, listen deeply, and collaborate with humility and purpose. We tackled complex financial and bureaucratic challenges with empathy, data, and open dialogue—proving that principled leadership and sound business strategy can coexist. The MAP experience taught us that business is not just about solving problems—it’s about creating lasting impact through people, purpose, and partnership. We didn’t just complete a project; we built lifelong friendships, shared meaningful conversations, and grew together as leaders. Thanks to the unwavering support of our sponsor and the exceptional guidance of Professor Melville, we emerged not only more capable, but more inspired to lead with integrity, innovation, and impact in a world that needs it most.

Equally transformative was the option to take in-person electives. I fully embraced this opportunity to deepen relationships with faculty and expand my network across the executive, weekend, global, and full-time MBA cohorts. This created a rich, interconnected learning environment that blended the best of both online and on-campus experiences—further affirming Ross as the premier online MBA program and one of the world’s elite business schools.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? The integration of U-M GPT into the Michigan Ross curriculum marks a significant advancement in academic innovation. This AI-powered platform offers a dynamic space for exploring complex ideas through critical analysis, thoughtful inquiry, and contextual interpretation. Its greatest strength lies in synthesizing diverse information into clear, relevant insights that enhance the learning experience.

While U-M GPT has been an invaluable tool for navigating challenging material, its true value emerges when used alongside human interaction. The depth of dialogue with faculty and peers remains irreplaceable—fostering sharper thinking, deeper understanding, and a more nuanced perspective. Ross’s thoughtful approach to AI integration reflects its commitment to academic excellence and its leadership in shaping the future of business education.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: 14 hours per week

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal?  My ultimate long-term goal is to serve in public leadership, where I can shape and implement transformative policies in the social and healthcare sectors. I am deeply committed to advancing equitable access to care and creating systems that uplift communities through thoughtful, data-informed governance.

Along this path, I am building a medical enterprise focused on revolutionizing the early diagnosis of cancer and other life-threatening diseases. In parallel, I am developing consulting firms that drive innovation and strategic excellence across business, healthcare, government, and education.

Through these endeavors, I aim to bridge the gap between visionary ideas and practical solutions—designing systems that are not only efficient but deeply human-centered.

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