Sandeep Goel is one of the newest faces at Elon’s Business School, stepping into the role of Executive in Residence for Fall 2024.
With a career spanning industries like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and high-tech manufacturing, Sandeep Goel P’27 brings global experience to the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business’ Executive in Residence program.
Goel, the President and CEO of SAYAS Alliance Inc., answered questions about what he hopes to accomplish and how Elon students can benefit.
What does an Executive in Residence do?
“The role is all about building a bridge between what’s taught in the classroom and what happens in the real world. I’m here to work closely with students and faculty, sharing my experiences and helping students understand how to apply what they’re learning to actual business situations. I’ll be guest lecturing, working on student projects, and mentoring students on everything from career paths to practical business skills. It’s a chance to bring a fresh, real-world perspective into the mix and help students see how their education can make an impact.”
Beyond your resume, what should people know about you?
“Family is number one for me. I’ve been married for almost 30 years, and our daughter is a sophomore here at Elon, studying Finance. Even though I’ve lived in the U.S. most of my life, I’ve kept a strong connection to my Indian heritage. I’m also a big fan of traveling—it’s the best way to really experience different cultures. I’m an optimist by nature and believe in living each day to the fullest. At this point in my life, I’m thrilled to be at Elon and to have the chance to share my story and experiences with the students.”
What inspired you to get involved at Elon?
“Honestly, it was mentorship. I’ve had some amazing mentors who really shaped my career and my life, and I’ve always wanted to give back in the same way. When my daughter was looking at colleges, we both found a strong connection with Elon. For her, it was the campus and community; for me, it was the Love School of Business’ focus on experiential learning. When I heard about the Executive in Residence program, I knew it was a perfect fit. It’s a way to be part of the Elon community and help students the same way my mentors helped me.”
What are your goals for this semester as an Executive in Residence?
“First, I want more students and faculty to know that this program is available and to create a stronger connection so more people can tap into this resource. I also want to provide practical insights through guest lectures and real-world student projects—things like case studies that could even turn into internships at my company, SAYAS Alliance. Lastly, I’m aiming to set up a mentorship program to help students with everything from career advice to building their professional networks. My goal is to add some real-world context and support what’s already being taught here at the school.”
What kinds of opportunities could students explore with SAYAS Alliance?
“I’ve got several projects lined up that could be great learning experiences. They’re in areas like market assessment, digital marketing strategy, pricing model development, and even incorporating AI into daily operations. There’s also a project focused on cybersecurity risk analysis. These projects could last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, and if things go well, they could turn into summer internships. It’s a chance for students to apply what they’re learning and work on something that makes a real impact.”
Goel is available to meet on campus with business students. To schedule a meeting email, sgoel4@elon.edu