Mitch Gurick, Ph.D., combines his extensive experience in corporate HR, leadership development and organizational strategy with a deep passion for teaching at San Francisco Bay University. Gurick’s career includes nine years at Google, where he developed expertise in HR strategy, talent development and building scalable company culture, as well as a Ph.D. in Global Leadership and Change from Pepperdine University. Dr. Gurick currently serves as an HR staff member at OpenAI, gaining invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of AI and its impact on the future of work.
This industry experience informs Gurick’s approach to teaching, as he pairs methods and deep reasoning with real-world applications. In HR Management and How to Design Your Life courses, Gurick helps students align their careers with personal values and long-term goals.
“I want students to leave SFBU with a semblance of direction, rooted in passion — confident in who they are and how they can make an impact,” he said.
Gurick’s teaching philosophy goes beyond imparting knowledge to providing mentorship and practical learning, grounded in adult learning theory. “The most rewarding part of teaching is witnessing students experience powerful ‘aha’ moments,” he said. “When students connect the dots between theory and their future, that’s when I know the lessons have truly resonated.” By incorporating adult learning principles, he creates an environment that encourages self-directed learning, empowering students to understand concepts and apply them in their futures.
To further enable student success, Gurick collaborates with SFBU AI Strategist Shalini Gopalkrishnan to host workshops that prepare students for today’s evolving job market.
“We share strategies that guide students in their understanding of how AI is reshaping the job market,” he said. “Giving them the tools to succeed in an increasingly tech-driven world is essential. The world of work is changing fast, and we need to give students the tools to navigate that change effectively.”
Gurrck’s commitment to shaping the future of work is also reflected in his academic research. His work spans leadership, organizational change and AI’s impact on workforce dynamics. One of the projects he’s most proud of is his presentation at the International Leadership Association Conference, where he explored leadership and followership dynamics during times of organizational change. This research continues to influence both his academic work and professional endeavors. Gurick is also teaching a course at Stanford University titled Harnessing AI to Transform Organizations, which equips professionals with tools to leverage AI for optimizing team performance, leading both people and AI agents, fostering innovation, and enhancing decision-making.
On a personal note, Gurick’s recent experiences have further shaped his journey. He was recently honored to join the EIU Foundation Board of Directors, serving on the Finance/Audit & Real Estate Committee. In addition to this professional accomplishment, Gurick became an uncle for the first time to his niece, Gia.
“Watching her grow has been such a joy,” he said. “It’s a reminder of the importance of family and mentorship.”
When it comes to advice for current students, Gurick encourages a mindset of continuous learning and resilience. This advice extends beyond career development, stressing the importance of building authentic relationships.
"True leadership is about inspiring and uplifting those around you, not just making decisions," he said. "The most successful leaders stay deeply committed to their vision while fostering genuine connections that drive shared growth."
Ultimately, Gurick’s approach to education is about more than academic success. Whether guiding students in career development, collaborating on cutting-edge research or sharing his insights from the corporate world, his impact on SFBU is undeniable.
“I’m here to help students discover their potential, so they can create fulfilling careers and make a positive impact in the world,” Gurick said.
Meet the rest of San Francisco Bay University’s faculty members here.
