We’re excited to announce that Hult Professor of Practice Daniel Rukare has been featured in the Poets&Quants list of the 50 best undergraduate business school professors for 2024. 

For Daniel’s students, this recognition will come as no surprise. In the 10 years we’ve been fortunate enough to have him teaching at Hult, Daniel has been voted “Most Inspirational Lecturer” six times. He’s been named “Most Innovative Lecturer” twice. And he’s been “Lecturer of the Year” for Entrepreneurship every year from 2016 through 2023.

As well as being a distinguished academic, Daniel is a strategy consultant, well-published thought leader, and in-demand industry speaker, noted for his extensive experience in business modeling, strategy design, implementation, and adaptation. He’s held senior roles with corporate giants like TNT, FedEx, and DHL, where he developed his expertise in global logistics, strategic operations, and organizational agility. In his consulting work, Daniel has led major projects with PwC, training senior diplomats from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and guiding senior executives at Saudi Telecom Company. His combined experience across academia and top-tier corporate environments provides him with a unique perspective on strategy, innovation, and resilience.

While he’s been consistently recognized at Hult for his enthusiasm and outstanding approach to teaching, we’re delighted to celebrate his inclusion in this prestigious Poets&Quants list. Get a taste of Daniel’s humor on campus with his recent video on Hult’s Instagram and read on for a Q&A to get to know more about him and his inspiring approach to business education.

Q: Why did you decide to teach business?

A: I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when my late father, a university professor, encouraged me to blend business with academics. Growing up, I watched him inspire students and make a meaningful impact, and he helped me see how I could combine my passion for business with a commitment to teaching. This vision shaped my path, driving me to bridge academic insights with real-world applications and guide students in thinking critically and innovatively. Now, every time I teach, I feel I’m honoring his legacy by making a difference in the lives of future business leaders.  

Q: What do you think makes you stand out as a professor?

A: My ability to recognize each student’s unique strengths and potential, empowering them to become the best versions of themselves. I see teaching as a collaborative journey where I guide students in developing not only their academic skills but also their confidence and personal growth. 

I value the perspectives they bring to the classroom, and I genuinely believe that learning is a two-way street—I learn from them as much as they learn from me. This mutual growth enriches the learning experience, fostering an environment of respect, curiosity, and continuous improvement. 

“I see teaching as a collaborative journey where I guide students in developing not only their academic skills but also their confidence and personal growth.”

Q: What do you love most about teaching students at Hult?

A: Witnessing their growth as they progressively bridge theory with practical application while developing critical skills. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them evolve from grasping foundational concepts to applying them creatively to real-world business challenges. Guiding them as they gain confidence, think strategically, and hone their professional abilities is truly fulfilling. Their progress reflects not only their academic growth but also their readiness to make meaningful contributions to the business world. 

Q: What’s the most difficult part of the job?

A: The most challenging part is grading, as it requires balancing objectivity with an understanding of each student’s unique learning journey. I always want to ensure that assessments are fair and truly reflective of their efforts and growth, so I approach grading thoughtfully to provide constructive feedback that supports their continued development. 

Q: Describe your favorite type of student in one word.

A: Inquisitive.

Q: How do you think the business school of the future should teach?

A: If I had my way, the business school of the future would emphasize experiential learning, bringing real-world challenges into the classroom through live projects, simulations, and partnerships with leading companies. Imagine students collaborating globally on complex business issues, integrating cutting-edge technology like AI-driven analytics, and learning from industry leaders who act as mentors. 

This approach would create a vibrant, immersive environment where students don’t just study business—they actively shape it, preparing to lead with innovation, adaptability, and a deep understanding of their field.

“If I had my way, the business school of the future would emphasize experiential learning.”

Q: That sounds a bit like a Hult education! What are some perks of teaching at Hult?

A: I’m grateful for the leadership at Hult for the incredible opportunities they’ve given me. These include the chance to develop the Hult Founders Lab, our in-house incubator that provides structured support to students as they develop their business ideas. This initiative not only fosters entrepreneurial growth but also allows me to engage directly with students on their journey. 

Additionally, I have the privilege of mentoring students involved in the Hult Prize Global Competition, where teams tackle pressing global challenges through impactful innovation, with the potential to win up to $1M. This unique combination of supporting student-led ventures and guiding them in a global competition has been both rewarding and inspiring, fueling my commitment to nurturing future business leaders.

Curious to learn more from Daniel? Listen in on his recent podcast with Voices of Hult:

Congratulations, Professor Rukare on your recognition from Poets&Quants! We’re very lucky to have you on campus.