Celebrating MBA Dads: Harmonizing parenthood and B-school

Goro Suzuki ’24 MMM Program, Matt Lojkovic ’25 Evening & Weekend MBA Program and William Adams ’25 Two-Year MBA Program prove that love and ambition can go hand in hand. They are fathers who are embracing the beautiful chaos of fatherhood while juggling the rigors of business school.  

We recently sat down with them to discuss their hopes and aspirations as they journey through business school and what they hope to leave behind for their children. They also share tips on how parents can manage both school and family life whether you’re in a full-time or part-time MBA program. 

They say things change once you become a parent. As a dad, how do you feel being a parent has motivated you?  

Goro Suzuki (GS): Pursuing an MBA often involved pushing myself out of my comfort zone, whether it was through taking a club leadership role, interning in a foreign country and culture or simply speaking out in classes in a non-native language.  

I often motivate myself by thinking about what I would want my daughter to do if she were the one going through all this. I want to encourage her to try as much as possible, so I’m pushing myself to do the same to be able to motivate her in the future. 

Matt Lojkovic (ML): My family absolutely motivates me both personally and professionally. Becoming a parent has pushed me to become the best role-model for my kids as possible. This provided extra motivation to pursue an MBA at Kellogg. I want my kids to know the importance of investing in yourself, the power of education and how this can translate into a career you love and can be successful in. 

Becoming a parent has also motivated me to role-model what being a good partner looks like.  It’s important for my daughters to see that even when things are busy at work and school that you can set these obligations down and be present for your partner and family. Ultimately, they’re what I’m working for, so they’re always the top priority. 

William Adams (WA): Being a dad puts things into perspective. There are plenty of exciting and valuable opportunities at Kellogg than any one person would ever have time for. Having two kids to think about and take care of has helped me prioritize how I invest my time and where I focus my efforts in recruiting, classes, and club activities.

What are some tips that you’d offer to other parents who are considering an MBA program that have helped you successfully balance the two worlds of academia and parenting? 

GS: Parents definitely have less time and are often at a different stage of life than many other students. Befriend FOMO and be okay with missing many 'signature events' and ad-hoc get-togethers. While I might know fewer people than typical MBA students, those I do know are important to me. 

Even so, I experienced more difficult times with my family during my MBA than I would have otherwise due to the busy schedule, and I imagine other MBA parents had similar experiences. Make sure to block out time on your calendar for your family and hold yourself accountable to that dedicated family time, as it can be all too easy to get caught up on class projects and events.

ML: There are a few tips I’d provide parents who are considering an MBA. 

First, you can do it. Yes, it will be busy at times, and there will be late nights and early mornings. But, if you can get through the first month during the newborn stage, you can get through your courses!

Secondly, communication is crucial. Be completely in-sync with your partner and extended support group on what you need to be successful. Keep in mind it’s a two-way street as well. What does your partner need from you to properly support them as you go through the program? Make sure you’re listening and adjusting as you go along.

Finally, give yourself grace. Your schedule may get so hectic that putting in the work to achieve a perfect GPA may prove difficult at times. Focus on what you’re truly learning and getting from your classes and colleagues that you can apply in your career instead of simply the grade. I regularly remind myself of this. 

WA: As you’re thinking about schools, pay close attention to what the experience will be like for your partner and children. Be sure to include your partner in the decision because the academic and professional commitment will have a huge effect on the entire family. 

I also encourage you to have a very clear idea of what you want to get out of your time in business school. If you know your objective, it’ll be easier to decide how to manage your time. School is important and socializing with classmates matters but taking care of family, for me, is my number one priority. By having that clear vision, I’ve put in and gotten out exactly what I was hoping for with classes, recruiting, social engagements and family commitments. 

What kind of legacy do you want to leave for your children? 

GS: Personally, I want to inspire my daughter through how I live and what I do. Professionally, I want to leave a positive impact on the society that her generation will live through. After Kellogg, I will be working on a project to build a smart and sustainable city infrastructure in Japan, and I am very excited about it!  

ML: This is a tough and profound question. I’d boil it down to two learnings: 

The first is that if you have a goal you want to achieve in your life, you can do it. It may not be on the original timeline you had in mind, but if you prioritize the right things, work hard, treat people with kindness and lift others up, you’ll be able to achieve just about anything you put your mind to.  

Secondly, pick the right partner in life. Find someone who will support you and challenge you to become the best person you can. I wouldn’t have had the success I’ve experienced so far in my career or life without my wife. There’s a good chance I would’ve given up on my MBA goal if it wasn’t for her! I hope my daughters see this and find a partner who will provide them with the same support I’ve been lucky to experience. 

WA: I want my kids to be honest, generous and hardworking. My four-year-old has already kicked off her career as an entrepreneur by baking goodies to sell to my classmates. I hope she remembers the lessons we’re trying to teach her, especially if she comes back to Kellogg in twenty years! 

Learn more about the school’s extracurricular opportunities including Kellogg Kids and Joint Ventures that provide a welcoming environment for children, families and partners. 

Read next: “Secrets to success: Drawing resilience from family”