Five Questions with Kaushik Gala

Assistant Professor of entrepreneurship Kaushik Gala received his doctorate in entrepreneurship from Iowa State University and brings more than 20 years of industry experience to the KU School of Business, including consulting, managerial and entrepreneurial roles. His research interests include star performers, digital platform entrepreneurship, research methods, entrepreneurial cognition and corporate venturing.  

What got you interested in your field, and what is the most rewarding part of being involved in it? 

I started my career as an engineering researcher before pivoting to intellectual property licensing, technology commercialization and entrepreneurship. This opportunity to work at the intersection of technology and business across many industries ultimately inspired me to return to research. Academia gives me the freedom to explore a variety of topics. While many of my research projects focus on star entrepreneurs, others have involved Web3 technology, simulations and even religion. Being able to follow my curiosity makes this field truly rewarding! The best part of working at a public university is the chance to engage with students from all walks of life and help them recognize the positive role an entrepreneurial mindset can play in their lives. 

What is your favorite part about being a Jayhawk? 

I am relatively new to the Jayhawk community but am already glad to be part of it! Everyone at KU has been very welcoming and helpful; it has made the transition from Iowa to Kansas much easier. The best part so far? Meeting Big Jay during the New Faculty Orientation event at the Jayhawk Welcome Center! 

What would you see yourself doing if you weren’t a professor?

If I weren’t in academia, I would likely be trading options in the capital markets. The analytical rigor, dynamic environment and opportunities for constant learning in that field strongly appeal to me, something I also find in entrepreneurship research. 

What advice would you give your college self? 

I would strongly encourage my college self to take more risks, connect with peers from very different disciplines and stay alert to surprising opportunities that often come our way but can go unnoticed. The other piece of advice would be to start a side hustle. 

If you could require students to read one thing before graduation (outside of your class reading), what would it be and why? 

While there are many excellent books that can help college students develop personally and professionally, one I would recommend is “Antifragile” by Nassim Taleb. This book asks the reader to deeply understand the role of randomness and luck in life, to value simplicity and to embrace uncertainty.