Sam Aflaki
HEC Paris
“Most impactful professor with a critical focus on sustainability. He’s the youngest department chair and full professor in the Information Systems and Operations Management (ISOM) department at HEC Paris .He holds the prestigious CMA CGM Chair of Sustainability and Supply Chain Analytics and was the first professor to design and teach the Sustainable Operations Management course at HEC Paris. His work on energy transition and sustainable supply chain practices has been widely recognized.” – Yann Algan
Sam Aflaki, 43, is a Professor and the Department Chair of Information Systems and Operations Management at HEC Paris, where he holds the CMA CGM Chair in “Sustainability and Supply Chain Analytics.”
His research focuses on using analytics to enhance the sustainability and resilience of operations and supply chain management. It has appeared in leading management and economics journals and has earned honors in several INFORMS competitions.
Teaching is one of Aflaki’s greatest passions. He offers courses in sustainable operations and supply chain management across various programs at HEC Paris. He has also guest lectured at multiple esteemed institutions worldwide, including the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. As the Academic Director of the Operations module in HEC’s Executive MBA program, he is dedicated to sharing his expertise in sustainable decision-making and inspiring future leaders. Additionally, he has designed and executed popular digital courses, including a MOOC on “Scaling Up Operations.” Aflaki has received multiple awards throughout his teaching career, including the BNP Paribas-Vernimmen Award for Teaching Excellence and Innovation at HEC Paris.
Beyond his academic work, Sam is a contributing member of Hi! Paris, an AI center dedicated to exploring AI’s societal impact, and the Society & Organizations Institute (SnO) at HEC Paris, which fosters research and teaching on responsible leadership and sustainability. As the French Director of the Industrial Excellence Award, Aflaki contributes to a prestigious competition recognizing operational excellence in European manufacturing and service sectors.
BACKGROUND
At current institution since what year? Since 2011
Education: PhD in Decision Sciences from INSEAD
List of Undergraduate courses you teach: Sustainable operations and supply chain management
TELL US ABOUT LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR
I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when …
I am not sure; it gradually dawned on me over time–I think. During my undergraduate studies, I became interested in how quantitative models could help people and organizations make better decisions. Still, it wasn’t until my first day of the PhD program at INSEAD when the Dean told us, in a very serious tone, “You’re here to become professors at top business schools.” That is when it really clicked!
What are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it?
My research agenda centers on understanding the incentives, barriers, and enablers that shape the adoption of `sustainable practices’ across a value chain, including consumers, companies, and their suppliers. I’m also interested in how policymakers can use these insights to craft effective policies encouraging investments in these sustainable practices, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, closed-loop supply chains, technology improvements, and even social goals like gender equality.
Through this research, I have learned that even when the benefits of these sustainable practices seem obvious, incentivizing these decisions is a complex task due to various non-obvious reasons. Furthermore, decisions to adopt often come with implications that go far beyond the immediate, first-order effects, creating ripples that impact multiple layers of the ecosystem. Therefore, to make effective and responsible choices, all stakeholders—from companies to policymakers—need a comprehensive understanding of the diverse sources of value, costs, and externalities associated with these practices. Only with this nuanced approach can we fully harness the potential of sustainable solutions while minimizing unintended consequences.
If I weren’t a business school professor, I’d be …
a physicist. I’ve always been fascinated by physics and the fundamental questions it aims to answer. I’m also an environmental enthusiast, so I’d probably still find a way to be involved in sustainability, whatever my path.
What do you think makes you stand out as a professor?
I’m passionate. I genuinely love it when the classroom transforms into a space for real debate and exploration. I often tell my students that I get goosebumps when they analyze concepts thoughtfully or feel comfortable enough to push back on ideas—they usually laugh, assuming I’m kidding—but honestly, I’m not! My class often begins with a few of my famously unfunny jokes to set a relaxed tone. Storytelling is also a big part of my approach; weaving the history of a concept or an unexpected story into lessons helps create a unique, personal environment where curiosity thrives.
One word that describes my first time teaching:
Humbling
Here’s what I wish someone would’ve told me about being a business school professor:
That publishing a paper can take seven years—or more!
Professor I most admire and why:
I have great admiration for all my colleagues, coauthors, and former students who have become professors themselves. My late PhD advisor, Professor Paul Kleindorfer, however, had a particularly profound impact on my life. As a pioneer in sustainability and operations management, his extensive knowledge, humility, kindness, and approachable nature greatly influenced both my career and my outlook on life. He was an exceptional mentor and a truly generous person. May he rest in peace.
TEACHING BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENTS
What do you enjoy most about teaching business students?
The potential for indirect impact. Business students often go on to hold influential roles, and knowing I might play a small part in shaping how they approach their work is incredibly rewarding. There’s nothing quite like receiving an email from a former student who’s making a real difference a few years after class, sharing that they appreciate what they learned in my class.
What is most challenging?
Convincing some students (especially at the undergrad level) that certain operations and supply chain management concepts, which may sound trivial—or boring—are actually hugely impactful and fascinating.
In one word, describe your favorite type of student:
Present
In one word, describe your least favorite type of student:
Indifferent
When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as …
not overly strict. While I expect effort and thoughtfulness, I believe grades are just one part of the process; what really matters is that students walk away with knowledge they can use—and, ideally, enjoy getting there.
LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy bike riding, experimenting with sound and listening to music, spending time with my children, and reading when I get the time.
How will you spend your summer?
I’ll be traveling, spending quality time with my kids, and catching up on some overdue projects—whether around the house or in my research.
Favorite place(s) to vacation:
Anywhere in nature. I like the crisp air and thrill of the mountains and ski slopes in winter. But when the snow melts, I’m drawn to the tropics, sunny beaches, and the open water—I’ll jump at any chance to sail.
Favorite book(s):
I enjoy anything Kafka wrote. I’m also a big fan of Haruki Murakami’s work, especially The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle and IQ84. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro, Piranesi by Susanna Clarke, The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz, and A Short Stay in Hell by Steven L. Peck have all left a mark on me. Life of Pi by Yann Martel and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce also gave me a new perspective on life.
What is currently your favorite movie and/or show and what is it about the film or program that you enjoy so much?
I love documentaries; give me a good one, and I’m hooked. I particularly love Werner Herzog’s work; He has a way of exploring humanity in raw and unexpected settings. I also enjoy nature documentaries, and my guilty pleasure is watching true crime.
I have a growing interest in sports documentaries, too. Recently, “Free Solo” has been occupying my mind. It tells the story of rock climber Alex Honnold and his quest to climb El Capitan; without ropes!
In the film, Honnold has an insightful conversation with a pioneer in rock climbing, who raises the question of whether climbing with cameras around affects the purity of his purpose—whether he is doing it “for the right reason.” It’s a subtle moment, but it has made me reflect a lot on what would be the “right reason” for taking on such an extraordinarily dangerous quest. I haven’t figured it out yet, but I feel in the answer to that question lies an immense lesson for me.
What is your favorite type of music or artist(s) and why?
I enjoy all types of music—I don’t have a favorite genre, just like I don’t have a favorite color. The idea of a “favorite type” doesn’t resonate with me; as long as the music is good (and is not made to make money as a primary motive), I’m in.
THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more of this
Openness to new ideas. I’d love to see an environment where students and faculty are constantly encouraged to question assumptions, explore unconventional perspectives, and experiment with fresh approaches in a real way. The world is changing rapidly, and business academia that embraces curiosity and flexibility will prepare students to thrive in that evolving landscape.
In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job at …
Respecting the sanctity of life. Businesses have a responsibility to create value beyond short-term profit—to consider the dignity of all beings on this planet, including future generations. A truly successful organization, in my view, is one that balances financial goals with a genuine respect for all forms of life.
I’m grateful for …
I feel like the luckiest person I know, blessed with a wonderful family, two beautiful children, a lovely place to call home, and a fulfilling job that offers endless opportunities for creativity and impact. I am profoundly grateful for this life.
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