Tyki Wada 25MBA

April 2, 2025

Never would I have imagined I would be gifted a Woodruff fellowship. In my mind, I didn’t fit the profile. I was, and still am, a father, navigating and designing a life for our children with my wonderful wife. Nothing else is more important to me. Despite this, I was gifted with such abundance.

I was gifted focus.

I wrestled with where I fit in. In my previous world as a data scientist, I enjoyed being a part of almost every idea and decision. We modeled the world to fit the problems around us. My idea of attaining an MBA was to go broader than my current path to do… everything. Mercifully, the Woodruff network immersed me in Atlanta’s the innovation ecosystem. While starting my own technology company and assisting emerging founders with their analytical needs, I realized not everything is possible. Our success relied on leaning into our strengths and trusting others. To be truly good was to master that one thing others don’t pursue. This shaped my focus and foundation as a leader.

I was gifted more patience.

Riding the wave of family needs and personal ambitions often felt like a zero-sum game. Furthermore, returning to school felt like I was being measured again. Measured by my peers, my outcomes, and by the job I would hold. I hated it. Yet, the Woodruff scholarship and stipend allowed me to put the game and ruler aside. I had the time to evaluate my life and the leisure to take risks I would not otherwise. I could put my family first while exploring my purpose and focus. My relationship with my wife flourished and we welcomed our second child. All of this was possible on top of my academics and career.

I was gifted perspective.

Before starting my MBA, a friend once told me that the biggest learning from his program was that “none of us really know what we’re doing and we’re all just trying to figure it out.” How true that statement is! Our Goizueta Woodruff cohort catered a special program to help us connect with our peers and explore our future. I re-learned what I love most. I love people. I love rigor, passion, and innovation. I take energy from surrounding myself by those who needlessly serve. I shaped my understanding of the many characters of success and how I can command it without trying to become something I truly am not. I see more clearly how our purpose in life is built upon, steadily and frequently.

My true gratitude is to the ‘people’ who gifted me this focus, patience, and perspective along the way. Because of you, I leave more eager and confident. Thank you for your guidance and for supporting my family.