Meet the MBA Class of 2026: Maheep Gurnani
Maheep Gurnani
Emory University
Goizueta Business School
“Dedicated servant leader committed to fostering community and demonstrating care for others.”
Hometown: Belize City, Belize
Fun Fact: Bungee jumped 233m from Macau Tower at 15 years old.
Undergraduate School and Major: University of Toronto; Economics
Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Maheep’s Imports, Senior Leadership in Sales and Human Resources
What makes Atlanta such a great place to earn an MBA?
Atlanta stands out as a vibrant and culturally rich city, offering all the amenities of a metropolis while retaining the charm of distinct neighborhoods. The numerous outdoor spaces and temperate climate provide ample opportunities for running, biking, and other sports, contributing to a high quality of life. With several Fortune 500 companies and a dynamic startup hub, Atlanta is an ideal location to network and lay down roots. The relatively affordable cost of living also allows for enjoyment of the city’s recreational activities, including museums, concerts, and sporting events. Choosing Atlanta for your MBA can mean choosing your forever home.
Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Goizueta Business School‘s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you?
The leadership development aspect of Goizueta’s Full-Time MBA program was a key factor in my decision. Goizueta’s leadership development model, including the Certificate of Advanced Leadership, integrates academic, experiential, and reflective opportunities. This model allows me to participate in leadership initiatives such as the Goizueta Advanced Leadership Academy and Delta Coaching Fellowships, facilitating genuine growth and challenging me to expand my leadership capabilities.
What course, club, or activity excites you the most at Goizueta Business School?
I am excited about Goizueta’s IMPACT class and project, as it represents our first chance to apply the knowledge and skills we’ve acquired during our MBA studies to a real-world client problem. This project offers invaluable hands-on experience in project management, teamwork, and communication, preparing me for my upcoming internship.
What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026? Why?
My experience leading and working with an hourly workforce, both at my family business in Belize and at Chick-fil-A, provides unique insights for my core team. My proximity to the operations floor and people management experience will allow me to contribute meaningfully to classroom discussions and support peers who may experience imposter syndrome.
Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:
Choosing to join Chick-fil-A’s Leadership Development Program instead of a traditional office job in Canada after graduation was a significant risk. Despite skepticism from peers, this decision profoundly shaped my approach to people leadership and operations management. My time at Chick-fil-A has reinforced my commitment to servant leadership and positively impacted my community.
Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful?
First, it would be building lasting connections with classmates and faculty as these relationships can provide valuable support, serve as truth tellers, and offer counsel for both your professional and personal life. Additionally, I want to stay active in student organizations and take on leadership roles that will prepare me for future management positions and allow me to positively impact the Goizueta community. In addition, I hope to Invest time in discovering companies and roles that align with my career goals. Not to mention, I will be attending career fairs and engaging with alumni networks to gain insights into different industries and job functions. This exploration will help me identify the best fit for my skills and interests. Lastly, I will be engaging with diverse learning opportunities that will enhance my skills and broaden my perspectives, while striving for a balance between my academic commitments and personal well-being. I hope to pursue extracurricular activities as well as maintain a healthy lifestyle through sports such as tennis and basketball.
Interested in exploring Full-Time MBA opportunities? Learn more about Goizueta’s Full-Time MBA program.
