This fall, the Ivy College of Business executive MBA (EMBA) and students from the online MBA traveled to Washington, D.C., to learn from experts about how business, policy, and leadership come together.
Throughout the trip, students had the opportunity to hear directly from policymakers, congressional staff, and business leaders. They visited historic landmarks, toured the U.S. Capitol, and engaged in candid conversations about the policymaking process. For many, the experience not only brought classroom concepts to life but also broadened their understanding of how leadership operates in complex environments.
The first day of the Washington, D.C. study trip opened with a session led by David Castagnetti, partner at Dentons Global Advisors, which emphasized the importance of always being prepared to advocate for your organization’s issues and the growing significance of brand identity in today’s business climate. Students then heard from Douglas Holtz-Eakin, president of American Action Forum, who discussed fiscal and monetary policy challenges and their implications for the economy and capital markets.
Later, Karis Gutter, vice president of government and industry affairs, North America at Corteva Agriscience, focused on the intersection of agriculture, politics, and policy, underscoring the importance of networking and advocacy to keep issues moving through the policymaking process. The day also included an interactive group project led by Jonathan Gledhill, president of Policy Navigation Group, on navigating the regulatory process. Students ended the evening with a guided tour of Washington, D.C.’s monuments.
The second day was spent on Capitol Hill, where students gained direct exposure to the legislative environment. Brad Figel, former vice president and senior counsel, public affairs at Mars, Inc., spoke about the evolving role of corporate public affairs, urging companies to identify issues they care deeply about and commit to being champions for them.
Students also participated in an engaging discussion with two chiefs of staff for U.S. Representatives, providing insider perspectives on how congressional offices operate. The group concluded their time on Capitol Hill with a tour of the U.S. Capitol building and met U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA, 4th District).
The final day began with Alan Tank, an Iowa farmer and executive advisor with Agriculture & Agri-Foods Investments, Blue Sea Capital, who shared insights on managing agribusiness and public policy strategically. Students also heard from Wendy Cutler, managing director at Asia Society and vice president of Asia Society Policy Institute, who provided a global perspective on trade policy, tariffs, and supply chain complexities.
Throughout the trip, consistent themes emerged. The first was the importance of relationships, and that networking and building valuable relationships truly matter. A second theme was the responsibility business leaders have in engaging with public affairs.
Hear from our MBA students and their Washington D.C. experience:
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Anja JonesAnja Jones is an executive MBA student and the head of North America seed genetics testing at Bayer Crop Science.
Jones said the trip reshaped her perspective on leadership and policy.
“Policy is shaped by relationships, timing, and relentless negotiation. That realization was a powerful reminder that leadership—whether in business or politics—requires more than strategic thinking. It demands emotional intelligence, situational awareness, and the ability to navigate complex human dynamics.”
She left D.C. with a new appreciation for engagement:
“Throughout the trip, one phrase echoed repeatedly: ‘If you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re probably on the menu.’ That simple line stuck with me because it perfectly captures the stakes. In business, we often focus on internal strategies to adapt to legislation, regulations, and public opinion. But rarely do we ask the more powerful question: How can we help shape the playing field itself?”
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Apollo GichemaApollo Gichema is an executive MBA student and the IT manager of corporate operations at Scoular.
Gichema highlighted the complexity of policymaking.
“Policy is not a linear process. It involves collaboration and lots of compromises. Effective leadership is about being clear and connecting with people at every level. While not everyone will have the same perspective, it challenges a person(s) to think beyond their own vision.”
He was especially moved by the visits to Capitol Hill and the stories told through art and monuments.
“The artworks and sculptures throughout the Hill added depth to the experience, telling stories of our nation’s history and values. Each piece, and the D.C. memorials, fosters a deeper understanding of democracy and the sacrifices made for it. Other significant views for me were MLK and Lincoln Statues.”
Like his classmates, Gichema came away with practical lessons for leadership.
“The power of preparation. Use a story to drive your message. Think systematically and build cross-functional bridges within my organization.”
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Chris BolingChris Boling is an executive MBA student and the senior vice president of store operations at Casey’s.
For Boling, the trip made politics feel tangible.
“Walking through the House of Representatives offices and meeting with Randy Feenstra was a memorable part of the trip. Seeing real people and hearing them talk about the issues was so much more impactful than just seeing faces and sound bites on TV.”
The historic sites also stood out.
“Walking into the original Supreme Court room or walking through doorways that Hancock and Jefferson walked through gave me a feeling of reverence and appreciation for our country’s history.”
Boling returned home inspired to get involved.
“I plan to get involved at a local level with government. I also plan to be engaged with my industry’s political efforts. Again, in a supporting way, until I understand how I might fit in a leader role. This visit certainly inspired me to move from bystander watching to active participant.”
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Sophie DowsonSophie Dowson is an executive MBA student and the supply chain operations leader at Pepsi Beverage, North America.
For Dowson, the Washington trip provided a rare opportunity to gain insight into the world of agricultural policy.
“The most memorable part of my Washington, D.C. study trip was gaining firsthand, inside knowledge of the agriculture industry. Breaking through the typical Washington, D.C. bubble to engage directly by seeing operations up close is an incredibly unique experience.”
She also valued the perspective of key speakers. Alan Tank’s, executive advisor with Agriculture & Agri-Foods Investments, Blue Sea Capital, message stayed with her.
“He made a strong impression by addressing key challenges in agriculture and challenging our conventional thinking. His insights encouraged us to rethink assumptions and consider innovative, forward-looking approaches to the industry’s most pressing issues.”
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Jordan TietzJordan Tietz is an online MBA student and the assistant manager of operations-procurement and expense at Iowa State University.
For Tietz, the trip was as much about experiencing D.C. as it was about policy.
“The monument tour at night was very memorable. Pictures do not do justice. Driving by the Washington Monument during a picturesque sunset and seeing monuments and memorials lit up at night was an experience I will not forget.”
He was also struck by the level of activity on Capitol Hill during the group’s visit.
“Visiting the U.S. Capitol and House building while Congress was in session and a high-profile House Committee hearing was taking place was really interesting.”
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Brad PottebaumBrad Pottebaum is an online MBA student and president of Cyclone Energy LLC.
For Pottebaum, the study trip provided an opportunity to connect the dots between business and policy. He found value in the variety of voices represented.
“Meeting two chiefs of staff from opposite parties was especially valuable. Hearing about their schedules and how they manage competing priorities was eye-opening. Many speakers emphasized that ‘the media doesn’t report about the planes that land’—and I was struck by how leaders on both sides stressed the importance of keeping partisanship to a minimum so businesses can plan effectively and adapt to changes.”
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Melvin ParrotMelvin Parrot is an online MBA student and the director of facilities planning and management at Iowa State University.
Similar to his peers, the Capitol visit was a highlight for Parrot.
“The most memorable moment was visiting the Capitol building and meeting with Congressman Randy Feenstra. Having the chance to ask questions directly and hear perspectives on current policy issues made the experience both personal and impactful.”
He left D.C. with an important reminder for business leaders.
“The trip reinforced how interconnected the two really are. Business leaders must be proactive in understanding government priorities and policies, while government leaders benefit from hearing the perspectives of industries impacted by their decisions. It showed me the importance of advocacy, collaboration, and long-term thinking.”
