What is the primary responsibility of a business school professor? I view mine as teaching—with a mission to educate students about, and elevate, the modern practice of business.

Of course, research, administration, and professional outreach are also important parts of my occupation. However, despite the multifaceted nature of my job, I have put most of my efforts into teaching—since this is where I feel I can have the greatest positive impact on others' lives.

My goals as a teacher, both inside and outside of the classroom, are quite simple and straightforward:

Organize a cohesive and intellectually rich course which is well-integrated with other courses in the business school curriculum and which provides a portfolio of learning opportunities that allow all students to stay challenged.

Bring the same energy and vitality to every section of every class that great performing artists, such as opera singers and actors, are able to bring to each of their performances.

Make each class sufficiently engaging so that students look forward to coming to class and actively participating.

Provide a reliable and caring support system for those students who need assistance.

Serve as a continuing resource for students, outside of the classroom, for both academic and job-related questions and problems, and as an active participant in student-sponsored activities.

One of the most memorable experiences of my life was watching Maya Plisetskaya, the former Bolshoi Ballet star, perform the Dying Swan solo in Swan Lake during my studies at MIT. Her performance had tears rolling down most of the audience's faces—with a subsequent loud and lengthy standing ovation. All present surely must have felt they had just participated in a once-in-a-lifetime performance. Many in the audience yelled, "Encore! Encore! Encore!" Remarkably, she proceeded to perform the solo again—"dying" just as brilliantly. This performance has served as a great inspiration for me of what can be achieved with the proper preparation, discipline, and commitment of energy.