Meet an Innovator: Dan Lee

As a student at the Kellogg School of Management, Dan is pursuing majors in Marketing and Strategy, taking courses such as Digital Marketing, Business Analytics and Advertising Strategy to expand his knowledge and arm him with the skills necessary to tackle issues in the fashion and luxury goods industries. This summer he is eager to collaborate with creative and business minded individuals to learn how to use design thinking to address complex issues facing industries he is passionate about. As a team member, he has experience leading interdisciplinary teams in several complex and high-profile strategic projects, navigating significant levels of ambiguity and working closely with multiple business lines. This summer he is keen to get first-hand exposure to the country’s world-renowned design and craftsmanship, and find innovative ways to help businesses tackle real-world challenges while retaining their authenticity.

Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Current city of residence: Chicago, Illinois, USA
School: Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management
Area of study: Strategy, Growth and Scaling, Managing Organizations
Languages you speak: English, Korean
Role model: My father
Favorite product or invention: Lamborghini Miura
Something you can’t live without: Internet
Favorite social media platform: Facebook

Articulate yourself in a few words?

Those close to me would describe me as passionate, friendly, creative, determined, and introspective. I take what I do seriously but don’t take myself too seriously.

What’s the coolest thing you’re working on right now?

Working on creating a succession plan and growth strategy for my family business, which imports and distributes disposable restaurant supplies.

What excites about the Italia Innovation Program?

I am extremely excited about the program because it epitomizes my professional and personal interests. It presents a unique opportunity to make a real impact on a well-known firm while gaining insight into the development of their products. I am thrilled by the diverse range of students and esteemed faculty that participate in the program, and am eager to combine my passions and experience while challenging myself to develop new skills. I am just as excited to spend a summer discovering a new part of one of my favorite countries, and cannot imagine a more ideal setting to learn in. Italian culture has influenced me in many ways, and “la bella figura” is a way of life I ascribe to. My aspirations and love of Italy make the Italia Innovation Program the perfect way to launch into my next chapter.

What is your driving force, the vision that guides your thoughts and actions?

I am driven by a desire for constant improvement, and actively pursue opportunities to step outside my comfort zone and develop new experiences, skills, and perspectives. I approach endeavors with an “all-in” mentality, which makes me a reliable colleague and devoted friend.I constantly seek ways to improve how things are done, and frequently question the status quo, whether to pioneer a new rotation in my leadership program or push for a new support structure on my team. I am detail-oriented and persevere to achieve higher levels of quality in results. I strive to help develop those around me, mentoring coworkers and alumni through various stages in their careers. I am eager to focus this driving force towards my passions throughout the Italia Innovation Program.

What aspect of yourself adds the most value to the world?

I have a strong sense of responsibility and accountability, which makes me proactive and committed to contributing to efforts that benefit those around me.

How would you like to use your talents and energy to make an impact?

I want to use my talents and energy to create businesses and beautiful products that make people look and feel good.

What would you like other participants to know about yourself?

I’m passionate about luxury goods and appreciate a wide range of aesthetics. My current obsession is high-end watches. I love to travel, play volleyball, drive cars and laugh. I always appreciate a good pun.