Ted Obi

Why did you choose this path at this point in time?

I halted my medical school journey because I was curious about the business of medicine and passionate about making a broader impact in the health care and life sciences industry. Fundamentally, I believe health care providers who apply a patient-first framework to business are uniquely positioned to affect change and drive efficiency within health care.

Coming to HBS is like…

Being a kid in a candy store. At times, the plethora of resources can be a little overwhelming. However, I’m extremely grateful to have the support and resources necessary to achieve my goals as my interests evolve over my time here.

Being part of the HBS community is like…

Winning the lottery but feeling an immense sense of humility and responsibility. Humility from being surrounded with equally brilliant and compassionate leaders positioned to realize the impact they intend to make. And responsibility to use the privilege I’ve been offered to drive change and help others.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A comedian, because I thought they were so courageous. Standing in front of an audience of strangers with the learned ability to conjure joy by simply manipulating their words is no small feat. The ability to transform moods, minds, and hearts is an aspirational goal of mine.

What is your favorite childhood memory?

My father has 8 siblings, and my mother has 11. Growing up, my grandmother (our matriarch) enforced a rule that we would all gather at her house for Sunday dinner. Sundays were filled with love, laughter, and fellowship. Every week, I looked forward to playing with my cousins, learning swear words in Igbo from my uncles, and watching my grandmother cook traditional Nigerian cuisine from scratch using recipes she learned from her grandmother.

Who is one person from your life that you admire the most today?

Ashley, my twin sister. We are similar in many ways and different in others. In our 26 years of friendship, she has taught me how to lead with empathy and unapologetically be myself no matter the environment.

What’s the best thing about your hometown?

Tex-Mex food, Friday night football, and the impulse to "super-size" everything.