Daniel Rukare
Hult International Business School
“He is the greatest teacher I ever had. He is the only teacher where I learned to push my learning boundaries as far as possible .” – Carlo Cervo
Daniel Rukare, 50, is Professor of Practice at Hult International Business School.
He is a distinguished academic and strategy consultant with extensive expertise in strategy design, implementation, and adaptation. His specialization includes future-proofing, resilience, and innovative business modeling, equipping organizations to thrive in dynamic and competitive environments. His career uniquely blends academic and industry experience, having held senior roles with corporate giants like TNT, FedEx, and DHL, where he honed his skills in global logistics, strategic operations, and organizational agility.
With over two decades in academia, Rukare has served in various leadership roles, including a six-year tenure on the Academic Board – the highest governance body – at Hult International Business School. His industry insights make him a sought-after speaker, as evidenced by his presentations on fintech and payment innovations, notably at the Seamless Conference 2023 in Berlin. In his consulting work, Rukare has also led significant projects with PwC, training senior diplomats from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and guiding senior executives at STC-KSA, where he introduced processes to amplify competitive advantages in the telecommunications sector.
Daniel’s recent publications appear in esteemed outlets such as the Academy of Management (AOM), AHFE, and The Case Centre, underscoring his active contributions to both scholarly research and real-world applications in business strategy.
He set up the Hult Founders’ Lab in 2016 to support budding entrepreneurs at Hult, developing it to be a part of the curriculum and a thriving extra-curricular club.
At Hult, he was been recognized with several Lecturer of the Year awards as well as Most Inspirational and Most Innovative Lecturer awards.
BACKGROUND
At current institution since what year? 2014
Education: Bachelor of Business Administration, Masters of International Business, University of Westminster, UK; Doctorial Researcher
List of Undergraduate courses you teach: Family Business, Disruptive Innovation and Social Enterprises.
TELL US ABOUT LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR
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.
What are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it?
Recently, I published three case studies in The Case Centre, each focusing on resilience-building and scaling strategies for start-ups. I have also commissioned a textbook with Kogan Page, set for publication in June 2025. In addition, two of my papers were accepted by the AHFE open-source, peer-reviewed journal, where I developed a framework to support venture capital funding for women entrepreneurs and founders across Europe and the UK.
If I weren’t a business school professor, I’d be a manager at a corporate firm. That said, I actively run my own businesses and contribute to our family business, allowing me to apply my business acumen in real-world settings alongside my academic career.
What do you think makes you stand out as a professor?
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.
One word that describes my first time teaching: Thrilling
Here’s what I wish someone would’ve told me about being a business school professor:
Balancing the roles of educator, researcher, and mentor demands continual adaptation and resilience. This profession goes far beyond traditional teaching; it involves not only supporting students academically but also fostering their personal growth, staying abreast of industry advancements, and expanding one’s own expertise. Though immensely rewarding, it is a highly demanding path that requires steadfast commitment and a deep passion for lifelong learning and professional development.
Professor I most admire and why:
I admire several professors who have made profound contributions to their fields: Prof. Dan Ariely for his pioneering research in Behavioral Economics, Roger Martin for his innovative insights in Strategy, and Prof. Werner for his impactful work in Finance and Banking. Each has influenced how we think about decision-making, strategic thinking, and financial systems, inspiring me in my own academic and professional pursuits.
TEACHING BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENTS
What do you enjoy most about teaching business students?
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.
What is most challenging?
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.
In one word, describe your favorite type of student: Inquisitive.
In one word, describe your least favorite type of student: Disengaged.
When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as …
I think students would describe me as fair and constructive. I strive to provide clear, actionable feedback that not only assesses their performance but also guides them toward improvement. My goal is to balance high standards with an understanding of each student’s unique learning process, ensuring that grades reflect their efforts, growth, and ability to apply what they’ve learned.
LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
What are your hobbies?
Playing Squash and Swimming
How will you spend your summer? Travelling across Africa, and carrying out research
Favorite place(s) to vacation:
Mombasa, Kenya and Kashari, Uganda
Favorite book(s):
Moral Tribes By Joshua Greene
Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions- Dan Arely
What is currently your favorite movie and/or show and what is it about the film or program that you enjoy so much?
I don’t watch movies a lot, but Billions is my favorite TV series because it masterfully blends high-stakes finance with sharp character dynamics, creating an intense, intelligent storyline that keeps me hooked. I love the psychological games and power struggles between the characters, as they highlight ambition, loyalty, and the complexities of human motivations in a thrilling way.
What is your favorite type of music or artist(s) and why
I love music from The 1975 because their sound is a unique blend of catchy pop hooks with thought-provoking lyrics, making their songs both enjoyable and meaningful. Their ability to explore diverse genres and tackle personal and social themes resonates deeply, adding depth to each track.
THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more of this …
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.
In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job at …
Fostering inclusive cultures that encourage diverse perspectives and collaborative problem-solving. They should also focus on continuous learning and development, equipping employees with the skills needed to adapt in an increasingly dynamic and technology-driven world.
I’m grateful for …
I’m grateful for the leadership at Hult International Business School 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 one million dollars. 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.
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