From January 16th to 27th, I participated in ‘Spark Tank,’ a high-stakes entrepreneurship competition where my team and I developed SoleSwitch. Our idea was a modular shoe with interchangeable soles designed to reduce the environmental footprint of the fashion industry. This experience was a whirlwind of brainstorming, market research, and public speaking, taking us from a simple concept all the way to the grand finals.

LO1 – Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
Throughout this experience, I identified that my strength lies in conceptual thinking and developing sustainable business models. However, I recognized an “area for growth” in my ability to handle spontaneous questioning from a panel of judges. During the qualification rounds, I focused on improving my quick-thinking and articulation skills, transforming my nervous energy into a more composed and professional pitching style.

LO2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills
Participating in Spark Tank was a significant challenge that required me to develop skills in financial forecasting and product design. Creating a viable business plan for a modular product meant I had to learn about manufacturing constraints and material science. Balancing these technical details with the creative side of branding was a difficult but rewarding new skill set that I had to master within a very short timeframe.

LO3 – Initiate and plan a CAS experience
The success of SoleSwitch required intense initiation and planning. My team and I had to manage our time effectively over two weeks to ensure we met every competition milestone. This involved planning our research phases, designing our visual aids, and coordinating multiple practice pitches. This careful organization was the reason we were able to advance through the qualification round and secure a spot in the finals.

LO4 – Show perseverance and commitment in CAS experience
Our commitment was tested during the final preparation phase when we faced setbacks in our prototype design. Despite the pressure and the high level of competition, we showed perseverance by refining our pitch until the very last moment. Even after we did not win in the final round, our perseverance was evident in the way we thoroughly analyzed the judges’ feedback to understand how we could improve our future entrepreneurial ventures.

LO5 – Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively
The development of SoleSwitch was a testament to the benefits of working collaboratively. My team consisted of individuals with different strengths—some focused on design while others focused on the pitch. By collaborating effectively, we were able to create a much more comprehensive and polished business model than any of us could have done alone. This experience taught me how to delegate tasks and trust my teammates’ expertise.

Spark Tank was an incredible lesson in innovation and resilience. While we didn’t walk away with the top prize, the experience of bringing SoleSwitch to the finals provided me with invaluable insight into the world of business and sustainable design. I’ve learned that a great idea is only the beginning; it is the planning, teamwork, and willingness to face failure that truly defines an entrepreneur.