As Saby Mitra begins his tenure as John H. Harland Dean of Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, he’s looking ahead to the opportunities that await while taking time to listen, learn, and connect with the community. We sat down with him to discuss what drew him to Goizueta, what has made the biggest impression so far, and how he hopes to lead in the years ahead.
Leading Goizueta
What drew you to Goizueta, and what made you decide this was the right place for your next chapter?
Ever since my years at Georgia Tech, I have always held Goizueta in high regard. It is a great business school with excellence in both research and programs. It is also located in the most dynamic city and region in the country, and it has the potential to be one of the best business schools in the world. That is what attracted me to Goizueta. Of course, returning to the city my wife and I consider our hometown was icing on the cake for us.
As you’ve gotten to know the Goizueta community, what has made the biggest impression on you so far?
Every interaction I had during the interview process and beyond, the pride and passion that Goizueta faculty, staff, students, and alumni have for the school and the university were obvious to me. Goizueta and Emory are very special places, and I am delighted to be a part of the team here.
As you begin your tenure as dean, what are you most excited to accomplish during your first year?
A great business school is all about its people: faculty, staff, students, and alumni. In my first year, I want to energize our alumni to be more engaged with us and to believe in our potential. I also want to motivate our faculty, staff, and students to believe that we can be the best and then work collectively towards that goal. Finally, I want to develop deep connections with industry in Atlanta and be an integral part of the upward trajectory of this wonderful city, whether it is through faculty research partnerships, student projects, or recruiting relationships.
What do you hope students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of Goizueta will come to know about you as a leader over the coming months?
I hope they come to know that I am collaborative and value their input and voice, and that I see my role as working to make them more successful in what they do. I believe that the best decisions are made with input from all stakeholders, but after a decision is made, we must work together to execute it flawlessly.
Beyond the Dean’s Office
Outside of work, what are some of your favorite ways to spend your time? What keeps you busy when you’re not on campus?
I love to read obscure historical stuff that no one else cares about, I love to cook, I love to be active, and I love to travel.
You spent many years living and working in Atlanta before your time at the University of Florida. What are you most looking forward to about being back? Are there favorite restaurants, neighborhoods, or traditions you’re excited to revisit?
I am looking forward to biking the silver comet trail again; it gives me time to think and decompress. And I am sure we will visit our favorite Asian restaurants on Buford Highway very often. Closer to campus, Doc Chey’s and San Francisco Coffee will again see a familiar face.
What’s something people are usually surprised to learn about you?
As a kid, I had a deep fear of public speaking. In school, I was the kid in class who would invariably freeze when I had a speaking assignment. While I don’t have that fear anymore, I do have a few tricks and tips in case it ever pops up again that I can share with those who have a similar predicament.
Lightning Round
First job?
As a math tutor for a middle school kid – my hardest job ever!
Favorite vacation destination?
Northern California, Hwy 1 along the Pacific Coast – a beautiful part of the country.
Go-to comfort food?
Rice and Chicken Curry – perhaps a bit cliché for someone of Indian origin.
Favorite app on your phone?
Google Earth – I visit fascinating locations from the comfort of my home.
Tea or Coffee?
Tea – Darjeeling only, no tea bags!
Mountains or beach?
Mountains – no mountains or hills in Florida, that’s why I am leaving!
Favorite movie?
Harry Potter, the first movie – so creative yet familiar.
Favorite TV show?
Modern Family – hilarious without being offensive or profane.
Favorite way to decompress in the evenings?
A glass of wine and British murder mysteries on BritBox.
Please join us in welcoming Dean Mitra to the Goizueta community. We look forward to the exciting chapter ahead!
As Goizueta begins an exciting new chapter under Dean Mitra’s leadership, explore the people, programs, and ideas shaping the future of the business school. Learn more about Goizueta Business School.
