Yes, and

‘Yes, and.’ 

These two little words are the first of three lessons MBA grad Ankur Gopal ’00 shared with business students in a recent talk on UD’s campus — the same weekend he accepted a 2025 UD Alumni Award, the Special Achievement Award from the University.

‘Yes, and’ is a common lesson taught in improv comedy, something Gopal knows all about.

Before founding Interapt, a pioneering tech firm, Gopal was chasing laughs onstage at comedy club Second City in Chicago. He’s put lessons from his time in comedy into his journey in the business world — and it’s paid off.

“Improv requires authenticity and vulnerability that, alongside a UD education, can make you unstoppable,” said Gopal. 

During his return to campus last month, he spoke to students in Boll Theatre, encouraging them to say “Yes, and” to new, innovative ideas, opening new doors to opportunities. He also presented them with two other lessons he’s learned: first, play the scene you’re in — value every experience and prioritize excellence in your current task. And second, make your partner look good — the core value of servant leadership is to build trust and collaboration.

“These lessons don’t stop at the start of your career,” he said.

“I’m continuing my ‘yes, and’ with a positive mindset and nurturing professional partnerships.”

Gopal’s talk was part of a guest speaker series from the School of Business Administration. It’s a part of the BIZ 202 course. The series, which brings in speakers every Friday during the fall semester, is part of SBA’s four-step Flight Plan for Career Readiness program. 

“The Flight Plan is designed to help students prepare for their internship by building their professional brand,” said Misty Bruns ’20, School of Business Administration lecturer. 

Brun said the invited speakers often share stories with students in hopes of providing them with sound advice for success in the business world, and Gopal was no different.

He has helped more than 3,000 individuals — including veterans and those who are unemployed or underemployed — launch high-paying careers in technology. Interapt’s innovative approach, he said, offers training, tuition support and apprenticeships, removing barriers and creating pathways to opportunity.

“I really enjoyed the opportunity to be a resource for UD students,” said Gopal.

“I remember looking up to alumni when I was on campus, and it's a privilege to now be in a position to pay that forward.”

Gopal concluded his lecture with a call to action for UD students to remain curious and execute on that curiosity. In following their curiosities, students can find financial success and make a powerful, positive impact on their communities, he said. 

And, he reminded them, their career paths will not be linear; instead, they will be creative and dynamic improv journeys.

Photographs courtesy of Knack Video + Photo.