In an era often defined by the allure of instant success, Doug Dossey (ACCY ’95) offers a different, time-tested approach to building a fulfilling life: Define wealth broadly and build it slowly.

The co-founder and co-managing partner of San Francisco-based Tensile Capital Management will share his insights on developing your life’s purpose at this year’s Gies College of Business convocation ceremony on May 16, 2025.

“Doug has been a driving force behind our ‘Business on Purpose’ mission and embodies how to turn this mission into tangible action,” said Brooke Elliott, Josef and Margot Lakonishok Professor in Business and Dean of Gies College of Business. “His leadership and advocacy continue to be instrumental in furthering our reputation as a top business school.”

Dossey said that early in his own career, a mentor encouraged him to slow down and channel his energy because those who move too quickly to get ahead often cut corners, and that’s not a sustainable path.

“I’ve learned that to lead a principled life, you should strive to be wealthy in many ways, and you can accomplish that best through discipline and perseverance,” said Dossey, whose approach to business was shaped by a strong work ethic, rooted in his upbringing in Eureka, IL.

“Growing up, we bought used cars, and I watched my parents scramble when our water heater broke,” said Dossey. “It drove me to want financial security, but I didn’t make any of my initial career moves based on maximizing a salary.”

Today, Dossey often cites the work of author and entrepreneur Sahil Bloom who challenges business professionals to “explore, then exploit” while early in their careers and stresses the importance of making small, consistent efforts to create significant results over time. He  emphasizes that the lessons learned along the career journey are more valuable than the size of a paycheck.

Career Journey and Mentorship

Dossey’s own career journey began as an accounting major and high jumper on the University of Illinois Track and Field Team. As a freshman, he volunteered to join a small cohort to test out Project Discovery, an innovative accountancy curriculum partially developed by Art Wyatt, a revered Gies Business professor who inspired countless students and helped revolutionize undergraduate accountancy education.

Wyatt became Dossey’s mentor, ultimately introducing him to the world of investment banking. Dossey joined the Merrill Lynch analyst program to gain exposure to business leaders and financial products, and after three years he transitioned to FdG Associates, a private equity firm. In 2009, he was recruited by Blum Capital Partners, a pioneer in hybrid investment, before co-founding Tensile with Arthur Young.

About five years after graduation, Wyatt invited Dossey to speak to an accountancy class about private equity and leveraged buyouts, marking the beginning of a life-long commitment to giving back to Gies Business.

“It whet my appetite – I still remember the kids who stayed afterwards, eager to ask more questions,” said Dossey. “I loved the idea of planting a seed, and it’s energizing to me to see kids embrace a career path in investing.”

Dossey said he challenges those he mentors to repeatedly put one foot in front of the other, emphasizing the importance of hard work in relationships, careers, health, and personal growth. He considers it part of building upon Wyatt’s legacy.

Giving Back and Building Community

Dossey began contributing modest but increasing amounts to the Gies Business and Varsity I Association’s scholarship funds while still early in his career. In 2016, Dean Jeff Brown persuaded him to make his first material gift to support the hiring the College’s first chief marketing officer. This led to the development of the Business on Purpose brand – and the purpose, commitments, and beliefs, which continue to define Gies Business today.

“He struck a nerve when he compared the investment in marketing by other top business schools when, at the time, Gies Business had few dedicated marketing staff,” said Dossey. “I saw an opportunity to help the College shed a bit of its ‘Midwest humble’ and elevate the brand with employers, prospective students and the business community. It’s been exciting to be part of this transformation.”

In 2024, Dossey and his wife, Kathrin Dellago, created a 1:1 matching fund up to $250,000 to name a space in the new Steven S. Wymer Hall in honor of Wyatt. The gift was part of a larger donation to underwrite the building’s fourth-floor faculty offices and suites.

“Art Wyatt helped me understand and enter a world that a kid from Eureka couldn’t imagine,” said Dossey. “And he taught me, by example, how valuable and rewarding it is to give back. Whenever I’m on campus, I want to experience everything and touch it every way I can.”

These days, a typical visit is jam-packed with activities. On a recent visit, Dossey attended a women’s soccer game, a cross country meet, a track and field practice, and a football game. Another day started with basketball practice, then Dean’s Legacy Council meetings, and a session with Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman, before ending with the annual Varsity I awards dinner.

“Doug embodies what it means to be a leading alum,” said Elliott “His passion for Gies Business and Illini Athletics is part of his identity, and he’s become a vital part of the fabric of this College.”

“My wife giggles because I say I-L-L- every time I pass someone wearing our gear,” said Dossey. “I seize every chance to share where I went to school and connect with fellow Illini. I’m unbelievably honored to have been invited to speak at convocation this year, and I’m hopeful I can inspire our newest alums to take a deliberate and purposeful approach to developing wealth – defined in a personal and expansive manner.”

The Gies Business convocation ceremony for undergraduate and residential graduate students will be held May 16, from 2 – 4:30 p.m. at the State Farm Center. The deadline to registeris May 2.