Georgia Institute of Technology College of Sciences

At a recent leadership training workshop, where chairs, deans and provosts engaged in "Vegas Rules" discussions about how to develop talent in staff and ourselves, I was asked the question-What was the thing that I enjoyed most during my childhood? Of course I responded: Solving math problems fast! But how does that relate to my research on pricing strategies in the automotive industry, technological aspirations in the developing-country context, earnings and employment differentials by race/ethnicity and gender in various market sectors, and return on investment in food safety research? The answers to this question will be the focus of this talk. The key takeaways will be that pathways meander, enjoy scientific explorations, and the quickest pathway to the crown of one's career is not necessarily the most fulfilling.