Bielak is returning to Guelph-Humber as a judge for the NIBS Worldwide Case Competition in February 2026
Daniel Bielak looks out into a packed lecture hall as he stands at the front of the room alongside his teammates. Looking ahead, as they’re about to begin the presentation, he takes in the sight of the judging panel and his fellow competitors, glancing back at him. A sense of calm washes over him, yet he remains fiercely determined to win the case competition. It’s time to present their solution to the problem posed by the case study they were shown just hours before. It’s time to win.
Case competitions challenge individuals and teams to tackle real-world business problems, pushing them to think creatively, present bold ideas, and stand by their vision. For University of Guelph-Humber (U of GH) Business alum Daniel Bielak (class of 2020), participating in case competitions as a student served as a key pillar to his educational experience, preparing him for a successful career. He has participated in 27 competitions, placing among the top three in 14 of them.
And in February 2026, Bielak will experience a full-circle moment as he returns to Guelph-Humber as a judge for the esteemed NIBS Worldwide Case Competition, hosted at U of GH. Competing was one of Bielak’s most “impactful” university experiences, so being part of NIBS – which may become one of the most memorable undergraduate events for visiting students from roughly 16 universities – feels truly “special.”
“We want the next generation to succeed… The best way to arm Business students to do that is through the application of business [during case competitions],” Bielak said. “The fact that University of Guelph-Humber has the honour to host such a prestigious competition is incredible.”
Bielak’s passion for case competitions isn’t just for competing or even for judging; it’s about mentoring others. With experience in case competitions from high school to university, he has helped others for over seven years with tips and tricks, and he continues to do so through a company he recently founded to coach participants called CaseCompHQ. This love for mentorship, along with his experience in consulting at companies like EY and ASTROFF, and working with youth at a Jewish educational centre called The House, inspired Bielak to follow this calling.
Bielak firmly believes in the benefits that case competitions bring in launching successful careers, when paired with a strong educational foundation – and the proof is in his own pathway.
As a high school student, Bielak looked up to his grandfather and mother for their entrepreneurial spirits. His grandfather graduated from the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law and opened a car dealership in Saskatoon, whereas his mother founded a charity called Crafting for a Cure. This guided his decision to study business.
When he entered the Guelph-Humber Business program, a program he was drawn to for its small class sizes and practical learning, he was ready to get involved in the community and connect with his peers by joining clubs and societies (like the Guelph-Humber Consulting Association), and of course, continuing to compete in case competitions.
Case competitions build valuable soft skills that employers look for when hiring new graduates, including analytic and public speaking skills. They also give students networking experience. And over Bielak’s years of case competition experience, he personally learned the value of teamwork.
“As a team, you can often do far more and far greater than as an individual. Inherently, you have strengths and weaknesses, and other people can complement your weaknesses and improve on your strengths,” he said. “Learning that was a key skill as I transitioned into the workforce, and now in my entrepreneurial venture, as I think about hiring people, building a team, thinking about the work that needs to be done, and where I can focus as a leader.”
Another major lesson that case competitions teach participants – something Bielak learned firsthand – is to focus on the problem. To solve a challenge, he said, you cannot start with the solution.
“If you’re not solving the right problem in a case, it doesn’t matter how great your solution is because you’re solving the wrong problem,” Bielak said. “If you’re not solving the key issues that the client is experiencing, then you’re solving the wrong thing for them.”
Ultimately, Bielak learned that it’s ok to make mistakes. If you do, whether as a student or a professional, he was taught not to struggle in silence. Reach out for help and support. That’s part of being a team. Also, don’t let the fear of failure stop you from chasing success.
“The world is your oyster. Case competitions help you develop your network and help you develop yourself. If you compete and do well, you’ll realize that the sky is your potential, if not greater,” Bielak said.
To learn more about the 2026 NIBS Worldwide Case Competition, hosted by the University of Guelph-Humber, click here.
