Toby Motyka

Simon Business School at the University of Rochester

“A rad dad, who is always learning through living, loving, and laughing.”

Hometown: Rochester, NY

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m a father of three amazing girls; Ella (age 5) and identical twins Keira and Adriana (age 3). 

Undergraduate School and Major: Mansfield University, Communications (Broadcasting/Journalism)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: 13 WHAM Television (local ABC affiliate in Rochester, NY), Sports reporter/anchor.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Being awarded “best feature” by the Associated Press of New York State. It was a privilege to have the opportunity to tell the stories of people who have made such an incredible impact on their communities.

What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Inquisitive. My classmates are fantastically curious on both a personal and professional level. 

Rochester Simon is known for being “unabashedly analytical.” Why does the program’s focus on quantitative analysis and decision-making appeal to you? How do you intend to leverage this approach as a student and professional? As someone with a background in journalism, I knew it would be important to gain the analytical and quantitative toolset Simon will equip me with, and also to prove that I could handle the rigors of the program.  

Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? I love the tight-knit nature of the Simon Community, which of course goes well beyond the walls of the school. My current classmates, the second-year students, and the alumni have been so welcoming, encouraging, and motivating since the moment I set foot on campus.  

What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? I’m most excited to be a part of the Net Impact Club. I know my degree will lead to tremendous opportunities for me both during school and post-graduation, but Net Impact will help me align with a company and job that matches my values.

What was the most challenging question you were asked during the admissions process? At the time, the most challenging question I was asked was, “What exactly do you want to do with this degree?” I had a general sense and idea. As a career switcher, I was admittedly overwhelmed. Over time, my focus has narrowed. 

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? The opportunity for personal and professional growth and to better support my family. 

What other MBA programs did you apply to? RIT/Saunders

How did you determine your fit at various schools? With three kids at home and a wife who works, the location was very important to me. I was lucky that the Simon School happened to be in my backyard. But location would mean nothing if the fit wasn’t right and I felt like I belonged at Simon.

What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? Finding out you’re having a kid changes your outlook on life. Finding out you’re going to have twins flips your world upside down. I couldn’t imagine what life was about to be like, but now I can’t imagine it any other way. My girls taught me how to truly be selfless. 

Where do you see yourself in ten years? I see myself continuing to elevate and evolve, working for a company who values what I bring to the table and then going home to a house full of teenagers.