Nate Peeler

Stanford Graduate School of Business

“Dedicated husband, aspiring entrepreneur, Air Force veteran. Determined to make every day count.”

Hometown: York, PA

Fun Fact About Yourself: My friends convinced me to do the running of the bulls after finishing undergrad

Undergraduate School and Major: U.S. Air Force Academy, Systems Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Special Tactics Officer, U.S. Air Force

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Stanford GSB’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Regarding programming, I was most drawn to the GSB’s entrepreneurial classes and resources. I sought a business school program that would help me develop the acumen needed to lead businesses in the private sector in terms of both tactical business expertise and interpersonal leadership. Whether it’s leading through uncertainty to an early-stage startup or leading a decades-old business acquired through acquisition, the GSB’s programming covers the entire range of entrepreneurship. This is important to me because I want to effectively transfer the skills gained during my time in the Air Force towards productive, impactful efforts in the private sector.

What has been the most important thing that you’ve learned at Stanford GSB so far? It was mentioned during our first week that across the incoming class of 424 students, “everyone is running their own race.” This resonated with me because it reinforced the notion that a GSB education can be applied towards achieving a broad array of outcomes and is tailorable to individual goals. When paired with the diverse perspectives and backgrounds that each individual brings to the class, the GSB cultivates an environment where no idea seems out of reach.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Stanford GSB? My favorite course so far has been Corporate Finance with Jonathan Berk. I probably spent more time on that course than the rest of my classes combined during the first quarter, but his teaching method utilizing the “Flipped Classroom” model helped keep the class engaged while also building a very solid understanding of financial concepts.

What quality best describes your MBA classmates you’ve met so far? Give an example why this is true. Inspiring. Everyone here has already accomplished noteworthy feats in their lives, but it doesn’t stop anyone from pursuing their next big goal. Outside the classroom, I’ve seen classmates connect others to job opportunities, offer feedback on startup ideas, and rally around those going through personal challenges. On any given day, all one has to do is walk around campus to see the energetic, collaborative community that the GSB has cultivated.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Directing close air support during special operations missions in Afghanistan.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? So far, my biggest accomplishment as an MBA student has been personal growth with respect to building interpersonal relationships. Developing new relationships and spending deliberate time doing the things that matter to me has been a great way to pivot transition into the next chapter of my life. I enjoyed working on personal goals during the Leadership Labs course, and watching everything come together with my squadron of 6 students during the executive challenge was a great way to cap off our first quarter.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? Spending part of winter break exploring the emerging tourism economy in Saudi Arabia with classmates. The trip was led by second-year students, and we had access to people and places that I would have never imagined. Whether it was stepping out onto the Formula 1 track at Jeddah or stargazing in the desert of Al-Ula, the Saudi Arabia trip was a pretty amazing adventure that I’ll always remember.

What advice would you give to a prospective applicant looking to join the Stanford GSB Class of 2026? Responding honestly and authentically to the “What Matters Most” essay is a great exercise regardless of the admission outcome. Taking the time to deeply reflect gives the admissions committee a chance to know you better, and it also helps provide a north star for making the most of your time at business school.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE STANFORD GSB MBA CLASS OF 2026