Tyler Melton, MBA ’26
Tyler Melton, MBA ’26, joined the Ross School of Business Executive MBA Program in Los Angeles to strengthen his leadership skills, build his foundation in strategy and finance, and get ready to scale his entrepreneurial ventures. Through the program’s action-based learning curriculum, he saw a path to bring his long-term vision to life — connecting creativity and commerce through an art x tech platform. Learn how he's planning to use the EMBA Program’s academic rigor and powerful network to make that vision a reality.
What is your current role?
I served as a general manager at DoorDash within the New Verticals department, essentially a startup environment inside a Fortune 500 company. It was fast paced and hypergrowth, and I owned a $200 million P&L. My role was to drive my portfolio of sites to profitability by balancing revenue-driving and efficiency strategies, ultimately ensuring product market fit. That meant building new playbooks, scaling operations at speed, and navigating growth challenges while delivering results.
Why did you choose Michigan Ross? What made this program different from others?
Ross stood out for its action-based learning model and reputation for producing leaders who can execute, not just theorize. The culture is collaborative, the alumni network is far-reaching, and the program is built for executives who want to immediately apply what they learn in real-world settings.
How have you already applied your learning to your work/current position?
I have applied Ross frameworks directly to my entrepreneurial venture, MANTL, and my operations leadership approach. Whether it is evaluating product market fit, building efficient systems, or coaching teams, Ross has given me tools I can put to work immediately.
How would you describe the Ross community and the support you've received so far?
The Ross community is collaborative, ambitious, and grounded. My classmates bring diverse perspectives, and everyone is generous in sharing their expertise. The support is both professional and personal; you get the sense that people truly want you to succeed.
What kinds of action-based learning opportunities have you participated in? What did you find most valuable about the experience?
The case studies and simulations have been invaluable. They replicate the pressure of making decisions with incomplete data, which mirrors the realities of business leadership. I am especially looking forward to ExecMAP, working with peers on a real-world opportunity, and applying our collective knowledge. It is a chance not just to solve problems, but also to learn from executives across industries and add value in the process.
What leadership experiences (courses or co-curricular activities) have you found most valuable?
Leadership-focused courses and team-based projects have been transformative. Beyond frameworks, the real learning has been the experience of working alongside other executives. I have had to refine where to push, where to concede, and how to align people with different leadership styles to get the job done. That dynamic — navigating personalities and perspectives — has made me a sharper, more adaptive leader.
What are some of the most valuable takeaways you’ve gained?
Strategic clarity, financial rigor, and confidence in making decisions quickly while bringing others along on the journey. I have also learned how to better frame complex problems in ways that drive collaboration and resolution.
What are your career plans after graduation? How do you feel Ross is preparing you for those plans?
My focus is entrepreneurship, specifically launching and scaling an art x tech platform. Ross has prepared me by strengthening my strategic and financial foundation, expanding my network, and refining my leadership skills for high-growth environments. I feel more confident than ever in taking the leap into building something transformative.
What advice would you give students considering applying to the EMBA Program and/or Ross?
Approach the program with an open mind and a genuine commitment. The real value is in immersing yourself in the community, engaging deeply with peers, and applying concepts immediately in your work. If you are ready to stretch yourself, Ross will give you the tools, network, and perspective to take your career and impact to the next level.