Alex Napierski applied to the BYU Marriott School of Business because of its core value of excellence. But after being waitlisted for the strategy program, he questioned his own merit. For Napierski, now enrolled in the program, the key to overcoming feelings of self-doubt and developing the excellence he was seeking came through embracing another one of BYU Marriott’s core values: faith in Christ.
“If I’m going to try to become excellent, the only way to do that effectively is by partnering with Jesus Christ,” says Napierski, from Orem, Utah. “Faith in Christ has transformed my experience here in the strategy program from overwhelming to exciting.”
One of his first examples of faith, he says, was his father. “My dad has this incredibly deep faith in Jesus Christ that has been an inspiration to me,” he says. But it wasn’t only his faith that encouraged Napierski. “My dad’s work ethic is incredible,” he says. “Growing up with 11 siblings, I tried to adopt my dad’s work ethic and strive for excellence.”
Napierski says his faith and understanding of leadership continued to grow from the example of his mission president, Tracy Skousen. “Seeing him function as such an effective leader and form a culture that was so focused on Jesus Christ got me stoked about being part of a culture that was helping people transform,” Napierski says. That culture led him to a realization: “This life is so much bigger than me and so much more than figuring out how I can excel—but figuring out how I can help others thrive.”
That lesson from his mission became a helpful reminder for Napierski, he says, when he experienced imposter syndrome in college. “As hard times came and confidence in myself and my abilities wavered, what really helped was continuing to draw on others,” he says. “I’ve had so many incredible professors and mentors who helped me find a different way to see things and see myself in a new light.”
One of these mentors was affiliate professor Mike Maughan, who encouraged him to “work hard and be kind.” Those five words are displayed in Napierski’s phone case as a daily reminder of what’s really important. “I believe looking upward for strength to work hard and outward to spread kindness is the best way to overcome feelings of inadequacy.” Napierski says. “This gospel is all about becoming. Becoming more like our Savior and helping others become their very best.”
As he has grown in his own confidence, Napierski says he has sought to demonstrate Christlike leadership to help his peers. Last year, Napierski served in the strategy program presidency. “That really opened my eyes to the opportunity I had to uplift those around me.”
And where Napierski once worried about how he compared to his peers, he now focuses on uplifting them as copresident of the BYU Marriott Student Leadership Advisory Council. “I get excited about seeing the potential in others and helping them recognize it too,” he says, “because I’ve had so many leaders who have done that for me.”
