Favorite Business School Professors Of Best & Brightest MBAs

“JB Kurish – not only because he took a girl who couldn’t even begin to understand how to calculate the present value of a cash flow and gave her the tools to pass but also because of his genuine care for his students and their learning. As the core finance professor, he dedicated his Saturdays to provide additional support to those that had never had exposure to the finance concepts or just needed a little refresher on what we learned that week. I passed finance because of those sessions, but my favorite moments with JB were actually in our social impact investing course through the Business and Society Institute. JB carefully curated a curriculum that dove into how companies measure their ESG scores, the green bond market, the journey to net zero climate risk, and the impact of housing development in cities across the United States. It was refreshing to see a former investment banker care about more than just the bottom line. In that classroom, he provided a safe space and I’ll always be thankful for the environment he created for us as students.”
Sasha McNair, Emory University (Goizueta)

“Dr. Paul Madsen. I took his accounting class during my first year and worried I would struggle since I had no exposure to accounting concepts before starting business school. Madsen teaches accounting from the perspective of someone who did not immediately “get” the topic himself, and this really helps students to find it less intimidating and better enjoy the learning process. For more complex accounting topics, he encourages students to understand the logic of fundamental accounting concepts rather than teaching rote memorization. The class he teaches for the MBA program is not an advanced or high-level class, but it is taught such that students are all able to leave with a strong foundation in understanding basic financial statements. Since I went on to take several finance-focused courses, this was instrumental to my success through the rest of the program.”
April Rowland, University of Florida (Warrington)

“I had a lot of great Professors during my MBA. However, the one who edges it for me is Professor Miguel Alzola, whose teaching style was both thought-provoking and transformative. His class was a discussion; he operated more as moderator than a lecturer allowing the conversations to take its own shape and form. Whenever we ventured off, he had this innate ability to bring the conversation back to the topic at hand. What set him apart was his ability to guide students through complex ethical dilemmas without dictating conclusions. Rather than presenting business scenarios as black and white, he encouraged us to explore the gray areas, equipping us with the analytical tools to make informed, independent decisions.

His classroom was a space for rigorous debate and intellectual challenge, where diverse viewpoints weren’t just tolerated but actively encouraged. He fostered discussions in a way that ensured every argument was rooted in logic, evidence, and ethical reasoning rather than personal bias or popular opinion. His ability to moderate these discussions with precision often led me to consider perspectives I might have otherwise dismissed, deepening my ability to engage critically and empathetically with opposing views.

Beyond just teaching theory, Professor Alzola emphasized the practical application of ethical reasoning in leadership. Through real-world case studies spanning corporate scandals, discrimination and racism, whistleblowing, and global business challenges, he trained us to think like decision-makers who must navigate ethical complexities with clarity and conviction. His approach to teaching was more than just instruction; it was an exercise in shaping principled leaders who can think critically, act decisively, and remain steadfast in their values amid an ever-changing business landscape.”
David Kwame Dumorgah, Fordham University (Gabelli)

“My favorite professor at HEC Paris was Goncalo Pacheco de Almeida, who taught Advanced Strategy I & II. His classes weren’t just about learning strategy, they were about thinking like a strategist. From day one, he made it clear that textbook answers wouldn’t cut it. He pushed us to challenge assumptions, think critically, and anticipate competitive dynamics in high-pressure scenarios. His negotiation exercises were particularly intense real-world business conflicts that forced us to step outside our comfort zones, sharpen our persuasion skills, and adapt under pressure. It wasn’t just about theory; it was about learning to execute strategy when it really mattered.

What made him stand out even more was his commitment to individual growth. He took the time to personally analyze our thought processes and decision-making, offering tailored feedback that helped us identify our strengths and improve our weaknesses. His insights extended far beyond the classroom – he made us push our boundaries, refine our reasoning, and become better decision-makers. His passion for strategy was infectious, and his ability to bring complex business challenges to life made his course an unforgettable highlight of my MBA journey.”
Arjun Shivach, HEC Paris

“My favorite MBA professor was Luis Diestre, who taught us Business Strategy in term 1. His teaching style was unique—he would make us believe in a particular strategy, let us build conviction around it, and then completely challenge our beliefs, forcing us to question everything. It was a brilliant way to teach us that strategy isn’t a fixed formula; it’s an art. His way of thinking completely shifted how I look at strategy—not just as a structured process, but as something dynamic and constantly evolving. His class was one of the most engaging and thought-provoking experiences of my MBA so far.”
Vivek Yadav, IE Business School

“My favorite professor was Heinrich Liechtenstein. I was fortunate to have him for two different courses, Entrepreneurship Finance (ENFI) and Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC). He strikes the perfect balance between seriousness and humor, explaining complex topics with remarkable clarity. Heinrich guided us through practical negotiations between startups and various types of investors, breaking down each step to make the process easy-to-understand. I remember how he once challenged our approach to customer acquisition during a case study, suggesting we rethink the channel strategy, which ultimately led to a much stronger pitch to the mock investors. Heinrich truly cares about his students, always ready to listen and offer support. His dedication and approachability make him an exceptional mentor, both inside and outside the classroom. He regularly invited top professionals for dinners, offering students the rare opportunity to engage with industry leaders. That kind of exposure was invaluable.”
Sergi Rivera Morcillo, IESE Business School

“My favourite MBA professor has undoubtedly been Dr. Danielle Lyssimachou, who taught one of our earliest core modules – Financial and Management Accounting. What truly set her apart was how she turned accounting into an art of storytelling rather than just numbers on a spreadsheet.

She made financial statements come alive, explaining that the balance sheet is the engine of the company – the mother of all financial statements. She broke it down so simply –how the engine is put to work (funds deployed), how that work generates output (operations), and how the results flow into performance each year (profit or loss).

Her goal was never just to teach us Accounting 101, but to equip us with the ability to demystify any company’s financial statements with just a quick glance at the numbers. She made an often-dry subject incredibly engaging, creating an environment where everyone felt encouraged to ask questions and truly understand the story behind the figures.

Beyond her expertise, she taught with humility and respect, making even complex concepts feel accessible. I will carry these insights with me throughout my career.”
Arshween Kaur, Imperial Business School

“I had the pleasure of taking two of Greg Fisher’s classes. His case-based approach to learning helped me thrive academically. Completing assignments before class allowed me to process ideas in advance, which was especially helpful as an introvert who prefers time to reflect before responding. This structure made discussions more engaging and inclusive, and I never felt hesitant to share my insights.

Beyond case discussions, Dr. Fisher frequently brought in guest speakers from the businesses we studied, making the learning experience even more tangible and impactful. His passion for thought leadership, strategy, and innovation was evident in every lecture, and he created an environment where students both felt challenged and supported. I look up to Dr. Fisher a great deal and admire his intellectual curiosity and leadership at Kelley.”
Anna Capone, Indiana University (Kelley)

“Professor Lite Nartey transformed Introduction to Strategy from foundational course to intellectual catalyst through her distinctively interactive approach. She orchestrates full-class discussions, where we collectively dissect business cases in real-time, creating sessions that are simultaneously rigorous, engaging, and memorably entertaining.

Her teaching excels in making strategic frameworks actionable. She guides us through pivotal strategic shifts at companies like Uber, Disney, and Coca-Cola, applying concepts like Blue Ocean Strategy and Five Forces with exceptional clarity. Rather than abstract theory, she develops our ability to think decisively as leaders, making strategic choices that create sustained value by aligning business objectives with market realities.

INSEAD’s Master Strategist Day showcased the real-world application of her teaching, as our diverse cohort tackled complex client challenges, demonstrating how her methodology prepared us to address ambiguous strategic questions in any business context.”
Simran Rahman, INSEAD

“In business school, a lecture can often feel too basic for those with industry experience or too complex for those new to the subject—hitting a sweet spot that serves very few students. For me, the true objective of a classroom is to learn concepts you don’t know and push them to their limits in an intuitive way. That’s exactly what Associate Professor of Finance Howard Kung did.

He made even the most intricate financial concepts clear, structured, and applicable. Instead of drowning in jargon, he focused on what mattered—breaking down complex topics like capital structure, IPO processes, real options, and corporate risk management in a MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) way. More importantly, he linked everything to real-world applications, ensuring we weren’t just memorising formulas but actually understanding finance as a decision-making tool. As someone who thinks best in workflows and process diagrams, I naturally look for frictionless user experiences—whether in digital product design or education. Just as a great product must be intuitive and seamless, so should a great lecture. Howard’s teaching wasn’t just informative—it was thoughtfully designed, removing unnecessary complexity while still challenging us to go deeper. Finance 2 became a foundational course for me, shaping how I analyse businesses, structure deals, and approach valuation. More business schools should follow this model—know the subject well, make it simple for the user, and always connect it to reality.”
Fernanda Camilo Aguiar, London Business School

“My favorite MBA professor is Dr. Siddharth Chandramouli. He leads the Carlson Consulting Enterprise (CCE), a two-semester course that immerses students in real-world consulting projects. Siddharth was instrumental in my development, not only teaching me key consulting skills but also coaching me to gain confidence as I transitioned from education to consulting. His commitment to helping students evolve into strong business leaders is a huge asset to Carlson’s program.

Coming into the MBA with a Deloitte internship, I found myself struggling with imposter syndrome transitioning from Ms. Oates, third-grade teacher, into the male-dominated field of management consulting. Siddharth’s support was crucial. He encouraged me to take on a leadership role from the start, pushing me to lead my team in my first semester and continuously challenging me to embrace strategic thinking and leadership throughout my time in the Consulting Enterprise. Beyond the classroom, Siddharth is a genuinely fun person to be around!  He road tripped with our CCE team for our final recommendation for our client. The presentation and road trip are among my favorite MBA memories.”
Emily Oates, University of Minnesota (Carlson)

“It was Professor Juanjuan Zhang, who teaches Introduction to Marketing. Professor Zhang is extremely passionate about her job and dedicated to helping students. She creates memorable experiences to reinforce the concepts we learn. For example, during a case study on Swatch, she brought in a giant watch to illustrate the brand’s impact. For another case, we discussed Sony’s robotic dog, and Professor Zhang brought in two robotic dogs and had them walk across our desks.

Professor Zhang also fostered friendly competition in our class and provided opportunities for us to build relationships outside of the classroom. The teams with the best projects and presentations received gift cards to restaurants, which strengthened our teamwork as we connected outside the classroom over group dinners.”
Lizzy Salata, MIT (Sloan)

“Bill Aulet, Professor of the Practice and Managing Director of the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship. He literally wrote the book on Disciplined Entrepreneurship, and having the opportunity to hear him talk is a gift in itself. Bill loves to teach from his experiences, and his humorous lessons based in real world anecdotes makes them all the more memorable. On top of that, he is always willing to go above and beyond for students. He loves making connections for people and spreading the passion for entrepreneurship.”
David Brown, MIT (Sloan)

“Professor Glenn Okun. The man is an absolute character. He heads up a lot of the entrepreneurship courses at Stern and is a must take. He’s hilariously, refreshingly, and even brutally, honest. One second, he’ll have you cracking up – and the next he’ll have you running out the door trying to start your own company.”
Julian Sutton, New York University (Stern)

“Adam Mersereau. If data analytics had a hype man, it would be Adam Mersereau. From the moment you step into his class—whether it’s Data Analytics & Decision Making (DADM), Thinking and Communicating with Data (TCD) or even the Business Foundations—you know you’re in for an experience that’s equal parts insightful and hilarious. His ability to break down complex concepts with humor and real-world relevance makes every session engaging. He has a way of turning statistical models and optimization problems into something you actually want to talk about. Discussions with him are thought-provoking but never dry, and he ensures that even the most number-averse student walks away feeling empowered. Learning with and from him isn’t just about mastering analytics—it’s about enjoying the process. And let’s be honest, when was the last time someone said stats class was fun? If Adam Mersereau is teaching it, it always is.”
Bhumika Agarwal, University of North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler)

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