Ayman El Tarabishy

Ayman El Tarabishy, Ph.D., is a distinguished teaching professor and Deputy Chair of the Department of Management at The George Washington University School of Business (GWSB), specializing in entrepreneurship, innovation, and small business management. A dedicated educator, he has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to teaching and engagement. He received the 2024 Dean’s Award for Excellence – External Engagement Award and the 2022 Student Choice Award for Teaching Excellence from the Accelerated MBA Program.

Beyond academia, Dr. El Tarabishy is the President and CEO of the International Council for Small Business (ICSB), which was founded in 1955. He leads global initiatives to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). He also founded the United Nations MSME Day (June 27), an internationally recognized day dedicated to advocating for small businesses and their critical role in economic growth and sustainable development.

Dr. El Tarabishy is also the author of the best-selling book The Future of Business Schools: Purpose, Impact, and Innovation, which explores the evolving role of business education in a rapidly changing world. His award-winning article on the Origins of Korean Entrepreneurship has been widely recognized for its deep insights into the historical and cultural factors that shaped Korea’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and significant multinationals such as Samsung, Hyundai, and LG.