Georgetown College. Georgetown University.

Professor Brian Blake

What do you regard as your greatest academic success?

My research assistant, Michael Nowlan, had 3 papers as a freshman and led a research competition of graduate students/research professionals for me.

What is your idea of happiness?

Splashing at the beach with my son

Who or what was the greatest influence in your life that led to your career?

Emulating my father's drive is probably the single most important factor. My mother has taught me to temper ambition with humility.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

Spend more time in entrepreneurship forums early in my career. Not particularly to start a business, but the lessons learned in from small business owners are worth their weight in gold.

What do you enjoy about teaching?

The moment when a student "gets it".

Who is your favorite musician?

Stevie Wonder

What historical figure would you most like to meet and why?

Ronald McNair, astronaut/scientist/fraternity brother, how cool?!!

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

Remove politics (not government, but politics)

If you could change one thing at Georgetown, what would it be?

I would put a Metro Stop in the Leavey Center

If you could come back to life as a plant/animal/thing, what would it be?

No question, eagle

What is your favorite word?

Enthusiasm

How do you have fun?

Outdoor athletics, fishing, and fantasy sports

What is the best piece of advice you could give to your students?

Understand what generally makes you happy and pursue it. Your career will follow suit.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

Understand the big picture and in doing so work smart.

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