We’re excited to welcome Ilya Gokhman to the Institute for Leadership and Social Impact! As a new member of our faculty, Ilya brings expertise in leadership and a passion for developing the next generation of changemakers. Ilya’s connection to Georgia Tech goes back to 2013 when he started his Master of Science in Organizational Psychology. Ilya’s earned his bachelor’s in economic from University of Georgia and Doctor of Philosophy in Media, technology, & Society from Northwestern University. To help our community get to know him better, we asked a few questions about his background, interests, and what they’re looking forward to in this new role.
Can you share a bit about your educational journey?
The journey to becoming an academic is a long one, and mine is longer than most because I kept finding new fields and ways of thinking that I wanted to explore. Between undergraduate and graduate programs, I've studied accounting, economics, public policy, international business (i.e., MBA), organizational psychology, and media, technology, & society. Each experience provided novel perspectives and invaluable insights that shaped my understanding of the world, organizations, and leadership.
An additional component that fueled my educational pursuits is that I've been fortunate to see the world as part of my studies with extensive stays in Atlanta (and Athens), Chicago, Italy, Russia, and South Africa.
What drew you to focus your research and teaching on leadership?
I was part of an undergraduate leadership program and caught the leadership bug. Despite the various and seemingly unrelated fields of study I mentioned in the previous question, one throughline in my academic and professional journey has been that of leadership, both as a student and instructor/facilitator.
I fundamentally believe that effective leadership is able to positively transform individuals, organizations, and societies, regardless of one's vocation. It is truly surreal that I get to do what my 20-year-old self-dreamed of: studying leadership and disseminating this knowledge to the world.
What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career?
Helping build and guide programs where students discover their own capacity for leadership and innovation. Watching students take an idea, run with it, and then go out into the world to make a difference, that’s the kind of achievement that means the most to me.
What skills or mindsets do you hope students will take away from your classes?
I hope students leave my classes with three things: a deeper ability to appreciate perspectives different from their own, greater clarity about how they can make a positive impact, and confidence in their ability to grow beyond how they currently see themselves.
What book, article, or podcast has influenced your thinking recently?
Lately, I’ve been inspired by Adam Grant’s ReThinking podcast, which challenges leaders to reconsider long-held beliefs. It’s a great reminder that we should all revisit and refine our ideas, no matter our status.
What's something on your bucket list?
I would like to hike through Patagonia.
What's your favorite place you've traveled to and why?
South Africa - it's a place where history, culture, and natural beauty uniquely converge. Its successes and struggles both offer powerful lessons about leadership (and humanity). I first moved there in 2007 as part of a graduate program. Since then, I've led multiple study abroad programs there.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
In elementary school, I wanted to be a pilot. But in college, I vividly recall the thought that being a college professor would be a rewarding way to spend one's life. I was never able to shake that idea.
Your life story in one sentence:
Curious about many things, passionate about helping others unlock their potential to create positive impact and trying to enjoy a few laughs along the way.
The Institute for Leadership and Social Impact (ILSI) is an interdisciplinary institute at Georgia Tech dedicated to promoting servant leadership and advancing organizational practices that contribute to a more just, caring, and sustainable world. Through experiential learning, research, and community partnerships, we nurture leaders who drive meaningful social change—locally in Atlanta and globally. To learn more about our initiatives and programs, visit our website.