Nicolas Ziadi, an international student from Argentina, made a name for himself at Snow College by combining exemplary entrepreneurial, academic, and leadership skills.
While earning his degree in international business and marketing, he served as president of his NSLS chapter and executive vice president of the Snow College Business Club. He also founded Global Essentials, a business providing culturally familiar comfort food to international students, helping them feel connected and supported on campus.
Ziadi’s college career is marked by both academic excellence and competitive success. He earned first place in International Business at the Collegiate Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Utah competition, qualifying for nationals, and placed in the top ten nationally in multiple FBLA and DECA competitions.
These accomplishments reflect a combination of strategy, leadership, and determination cultivated through his studies, student organizations, and entrepreneurial ventures.
To succeed across these diverse challenges, Ziadi relied on a mix of leadership skills.
“To achieve these goals, I relied on a combination of leadership, time management, critical thinking, and communication skills,” he says. “As a student leader and competitor, I had to manage multiple responsibilities at once, leading organizations like the NSLS and Business Club, preparing for competitions, and maintaining academic excellence. Strong time management allowed me to prioritize effectively and meet deadlines without compromising quality.”
Time management may have helped him stay organized, but critical thinking pushed him further.
“Critical thinking played a key role in analyzing case studies and developing strategic solutions for business competitions. I applied marketing, finance, and international business concepts in a practical context to address real-world challenges.”
Equally important were his communication skills, which gave him the confidence to share his ideas with clarity and impact.
“Communication skills were also essential, especially when presenting ideas clearly and persuasively in both written reports and live presentations.”
Beyond academics, leadership and teamwork shaped how Ziadi inspired others and collaborated toward success.
“Lastly, leadership and teamwork were crucial in motivating others, organizing events, and collaborating with peers during team-based competitions. These combined skills enabled me to stay focused, deliver results, and grow through each experience.”
These same skills fueled his entrepreneurial pursuits while attending Snow College. Global Essentials was born from his desire to help international students navigate the emotional challenges of being far from home. Growing up in Argentina during times of economic instability taught him creativity, adaptability, and resilience, qualities that guide his work to this day.
One person who left a lasting impression was Caden Birch, Deputy Head of Student Life at Snow College. Ziadi admired how Birch combined confidence with approachability, providing clear direction while creating space for others to contribute.
“During my time at Snow College, I had the opportunity to observe his leadership firsthand, and I was consistently inspired by his ability to lead with both vision and humility. Caden demonstrated a strong sense of direction while always remaining approachable and supportive.”
Birch’s leadership was marked by his ability to unite people around common goals.
“He knew how to bring people together, encourage collaboration, and help individuals grow into their potential.”
For Ziadi, this example showed how mentorship can be a powerful catalyst for growth.
“What stood out most to me was his ability to lead by example. He maintained high standards while showing genuine care for those around him. Whether it was organizing events, mentoring students, or representing the school, Caden led with integrity, professionalism, and a service mindset. His leadership style taught me that true influence comes not just from titles, but from actions and consistency.”
The NSLS helped Ziadi transform potential into practice.
“The NSLS has significantly contributed to my growth as a leader by providing me with practical tools, a supportive community, and leadership training that enhanced my skills. As President of the NSLS chapter at Snow College, I learned how to organize and motivate teams, communicate effectively, and create impactful events that foster personal and professional development for members.”
Leading his NSLS chapter also bolstered his emotional intelligence and other skills he will carry into his career.
“Through the NSLS’s leadership modules and workshops, I developed greater self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking abilities. The experience taught me how to lead with empathy, adapt to challenges, and empower others to achieve their goals.”
His NSLS member experience also deepened his connections.
“Being part of NSLS also expanded my network of like-minded peers and mentors, which has been invaluable for collaboration and continuous learning. Overall, the NSLS helped me transition from a student with potential into a confident leader ready to take on real-world business and community challenges.”
Ziadi’s mindset is shaped by stepping outside of his comfort zone, a piece of advice he received from one of his business professors.
“A piece of advice that truly inspired me came from Mark Andreasen, who told me, ‘Nothing great happens inside your comfort zone.’ That message stuck with me and has shaped how I approach both challenges and opportunities.”
With this mindset, Ziadi has embraced opportunities, staying positive when confronting challenges.
“Whether it was taking on leadership roles, competing at national business events, or adapting to life as an international student, I’ve learned to lean into discomfort as a sign that I’m moving forward. That mindset has helped me become more resilient, take calculated risks, and push beyond what I thought I was capable of.”
Ziadi is now focused on launching his professional career in business. He aims to lead multicultural teams and develop marketing strategies that connect brands to diverse global markets.
“My next goals focus on launching my professional career in business, specifically in areas like marketing, sales, or international business. I aim to apply the skills and knowledge I gained at Snow College to real-world challenges, contributing to a company’s growth while continuing to develop my expertise.”
To accomplish this, he plans on leaning on experiential learning opportunities and deepening connections with other like-minded leaders.
“To achieve these goals, I plan to seek opportunities such as internships or entry-level roles where I can gain hands-on experience and learn from industry professionals. I will also continue building my network through professional associations and by leveraging connections made during my academic and extracurricular activities.”
And like all great leaders, Ziadi knows that learning never stops.
“Additionally, I intend to pursue ongoing education and certifications in marketing and business strategy to stay updated with industry trends and best practices. By combining practical experience, continuous learning, and strong professional relationships, I am confident I can reach my career objectives and make a meaningful impact in the business world.”
For Ziadi, leadership isn’t about titles or giving orders. It’s about creating an environment where people feel supported, valued, and motivated to grow.
“To me, leadership means guiding and inspiring others toward a common goal while fostering an environment of trust, respect, and collaboration.”
This belief reflects his focus on bringing people together and listening deeply.
“It’s not just about giving directions or holding a title; it’s about listening, understanding different perspectives, and empowering people to bring out their best.”
Ziadi emphasizes that the best leaders set the tone by example. Humility, adaptability, and empathy are traits he believes define real leadership.
“A good leader leads by example, stays humble, and adapts to challenges with resilience and empathy. Leadership also means taking responsibility for both successes and failures, learning from experiences, and helping others grow along the way.”
At its core, he believes leadership is about impact.
“Ultimately, leadership is about making a positive impact on the team and community, creating opportunities for collective achievement and personal development.”
When reflecting on what guidance he would offer aspiring leaders, Ziadi emphasizes the importance of listening as the foundation of effective leadership.
“One piece of advice I would give to someone who wants to become a better leader is to lead by listening first. Leadership is not just about having the answers or giving directions, it’s about understanding people, building trust, and helping others succeed.”
By listening first, leaders not only gain valuable perspectives but also demonstrate genuine empathy.
“When you truly listen to your team or peers, you gain valuable perspectives and show that you care,” he says.
He also reminds future leaders not to wait until they feel completely prepared to step into leadership roles.
“I would also say, do not wait until you feel ‘ready’ to lead. Step into opportunities, take initiative, and grow through experience. Some of my biggest leadership growth came when I took on responsibilities that initially felt intimidating.”
Finally, Ziadi underscores the importance of humility.
“Stay humble and consistent. People follow leaders who are dependable, respectful, and focused on lifting others up.”
Ziadi’s journey demonstrates how vision, perseverance, and a service-oriented mindset can create meaningful impact not only on campus but also in the broader global community.
Seeing through a global lens is an important step to becoming an impactful leader. Watch to learn more on how to respect cultural differences to build a more unified workplace.