In today’s increasingly virtual world, building meaningful relationships can be a challenge—especially in online learning environments. That’s why FIU Business’ Professional MBA (PMBA) Online program partnered with Gamechangers Consulting to launch the “Real Connections” challenge, a 30-day experience designed to transform networking, enhance communication and foster personal and professional growth.
Unlike traditional networking exercises, the Gamechangers Challenge is built on action, leveraging daily micro-engagements to create lasting behavioral change. The challenge encouraged participants to engage in purpose-driven actions focused on relationship-building, self-reflection, and gratitude—proven strategies for strengthening both professional and personal connections.
Eighty-three participants logged over 18,000 actions throughout the challenge, significantly strengthening their professional networks. One of the top participants in the cohort was Paulson Valcourt, a Miami native who described the experience as transformative.
“The Gamechangers challenge helped me gain confidence in building meaningful connections,” said Valcourt. “Before this, I thought networking was just about knowing as many people as possible. But I realized it’s about connecting with individuals who bring value to your life, whether academically or professionally.”
The initiative was the brainchild of Sergio Tigera (MBA ’15, BBA ’01), founder of Gamechangers Consulting. Tigera and his team developed the Gamechangers Challenge to address a common issue in leadership development—creating sustainable behavioral change.
“The challenge wasn’t a lack of knowledge or skills—it was about creating consistent, meaningful actions that drive real transformation,” Tigera explained.
Traditional MBA programs thrive on face-to-face interactions, networking events and spontaneous conversations. But for online students, those opportunities are often missing. Tigera saw an opportunity to bridge that gap through structured, guided actions designed to spark genuine engagement and connection.
For students like Manu Wared, who lives in San Diego and works remotely, the Gamechangers Challenge made all the difference.
“This is my first time doing online school. After COVID we all went online, and my work just became remote. I didn't feel as isolated at work, as I kind of feel right now with school,” said Wared. “This is definitely a new experience for me because there are the human connections, the human interactions face-to-face, that is missing.”
After students competed the challenge, they took a survey and regrouped online to review the results together. According to the student feedback, 82% of participants reported a greater sense of belonging, 81% took proactive steps to strengthen relationships, and 74% formed at least three new connections.
One student in the program, deployed overseas in the Middle East, celebrated the opportunity the challenge gave him to be able to interact with his peers from the other side of the world.
“Writing about our wins throughout the day, big or small and I really loved that. That was the mind shift,” said Ward. “It just made me realize that small wins add up to big ones, and it's a good thing to take out of the day. It was kind of like an ‘aha’ moment.”
Wared plans to continue taking time to count her daily wins and take stake of her achievements throughout day.
Valcourt, who aspires to become a financial analyst, believes the challenge should be incorporated into more courses.
“It fosters real-world connections, drives students toward success, and ultimately enhances the learning experience,” Valcourt explained.