Profile: Elad Granot, Ph.D.

Meet Elad Granot, Ph.D.
Dean of the Boler College of Business and Professor of Marketing at John Carroll University

Name: Elad Granot, Ph.D.

Job: Dean, Boler College of Business, Professor of Marketing, John Carroll University

City: Cleveland, OH

Hometown: New York City

Q: Tell us about yourself and your role at John Carroll University’s Boler College of Business.

I am passionate about the role of Higher Ed in its ecosystem, and actively work to build, cultivate, and promote social and economic connections through active citizenship in the community, while serving as a key strategic influencer for students to move up the academic and economic ladders. Currently, I am the Dean of the Boler College of Business. Most of my focus as dean has been making sure Boler is delivering the highest quality education to our students. I have spent most of the last year revamping Boler’s graduate offerings and implementing a tech core and international study tour opportunities that will be accessible to all Boler students.

Q: As an advisor to numerous tech startups and the founder and managing member of a high-tech VC fund, you don’t have the background most would expect of a college dean. How do you think that’s shaped your approach to the job?

I always say “the goal of a business should always be to make a profit.” At the end of the day, higher ed is a business and needs to be treated as such. I think all of my experience in tech startups and venture capital has shaped my understanding of business and allowed me to apply it to my role as dean. Additionally, I am using my passion for venture capital to bring a student led venture capital fund to Boler, Blue Streak Studio. I think this will be an incredible opportunity for our Boler students. In addition, I think a question like that would never be asked of a Med school dean who is also a practicing physician; a business school dean SHOULD have vast business experience. 

Q: How does the Boler College of Business support technology and innovation in Ohio?

Boler puts supporting technology and innovation in Ohio at the forefront of everything we do. First, our talented students are the future of this region. We make sure our students are not only technologically educated through our newly launched "tech core," but our curriculum focuses on teaching students how to think critically and creatively. We also partner with organizations, like OhioX, to give our students exposure to what’s happening in Ohio surrounding technology and innovation. We are charged with pumping talent into the Ohio ecosystem that is going to further the state’s technology and innovation initiatives.

Q: You’ll be speaking at the upcoming Ohio Tech Summit on May 18. What’s on your mind?

I’ll be speaking about the “Boler Effect.” These are the five tenets we operate under at Boler College of Business. These tenets inspire and drive our goals as an organization. They include Ecosystem Impact, Internalization of the Curriculum, Learning by Doing, Quality Business Education, and a Tech Core. Our Tech Core tenet aligns perfectly with the amazing work OhioX is doing.

Q: What’s the formula for entrepreneurial success?

Leading from the front and not being afraid to innovate. Without innovation we become stagnant. I am always looking to try new things and push the boundaries of business education.

Q: What’s your favorite place in Ohio?

John Carroll University's beautiful campus, especially the Boler College of Business, of course!

Q: What makes Ohio special to you?

I love this state. In Cleveland specifically, I love how when you go to the airport it’s like a high school reunion and you know everyone. This city is so tight-knit and everyone supports each other. It’s truly special.

Q: What do you do for fun when you’re not working?

Being a business school dean is the best job on any university campus. Work IS fun.

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Learn more about Elad’s work by connecting with him on LinkedIn.