MILI honors winners of 2022 Carl Platou Leadership Competition

The Carlson School of Management’s Medical Industry Leadership Institute is recognizing three standout MBA students for the program’s 13th annual Carl Platou Leadership Competition. 

The award honors MBA students with a medical industry specialization, who have displayed strong leadership skills and innovative thinking. The competition is held in honor of Carl Platou, a visionary healthcare executive who was inducted into the 2009 Minnesota Business Hall of Fame. 

A panel of judges reviewed nominations and determined this year’s winner as Kyle Lee, ‘22 MBA, president of the 2021-22 MILI Student Association (MILIsa). Kyle’s leadership in planning a cross-college happy hour, creative ideas to engage students remotely, and plans to build on the strong MILI Affiliate network greatly impressed the judges.

“Carl was a luminary in the healthcare industry and in the Twin Cities community, so for parallels to have been drawn between his accomplishments and leadership to that of my own, I feel a great sense of pride,” said Lee. “I’m also proud to have been in consideration amongst all the other candidates, with whom I’ve worked alongside this entire year and have a great deal of respect for.”

Nathan Jones, ‘22 MBA, and Bill McCue, ‘23 MBA, finished in second and third place, respectively. All winners received a monetary award as well as a lunch with the Platou family.

“I saw many of my dad’s values and characteristics in these candidates,” said Nancy Platou Steinke, Carl’s daughter and one of the competition judges. “This made the selection process both rewarding and challenging, as they are all well-qualified. It’s my pleasure to be a part of this selection committee in my dad's name.”  

In addition to Nancy, the two other judges were Matt Stoll,  Valuation Lab instructor and previous Platou Award Winner, and Dr. Julia Halberg, MILI Executive in Residence.

“It is a pleasure and privilege to be part of the Platou Leadership Award process,” said Halberg. “I extend my congratulations to all these accomplished students, nominated by their peers and colleagues. To me, the Platou Awards showcase the potential to further advance the medical industry field through these outstanding individuals.”