Adam Shlomi, NYU Stern MBA Class of 2027
Age: 27
Hometown: South Florida
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, Global Business
Pre-MBA Work Experience: I was the founder of SoFlo Tutors, an online test prep company that I started while on medical leave from Georgetown. I grew SoFlo to 100 tutors in four years and eventually sold the company. After SoFlo, I created an investment fund named Ocean View Partners, which I funded with the capital from the sale. Through that fund, I invested across small businesses, public equities, and real estate. So I’ve had experience as both an operator and an investor.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I decided to attend business school because I want to realize some audacious visions, and the community, network, and learnings from being at a top business school make it more likely that I achieve my goals.
As an investor, I recognize that I still have a lot to learn. I do not want to rely on trial and error risking significant amounts of my own capital without more experience. I want to understand how sophisticated investors allocate capital and improve businesses. Business school felt like the right environment to gain that knowledge and avoid mistakes.
Why did you choose NYU Stern? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose NYU Stern because I wanted to be in the heart of New York. I felt I could learn just as much from the business thought leadership happening throughout the city as I could inside the classroom at Stern. Who you know and who you interact with shapes how you think, and Stern felt like the place where I’d be exposed to thought leadership both on and off campus.
I also have a friend who was recently recruited from Stanford to teach at NYU Stern’s Initiative on Purpose and Flourishing, and I really wanted a school that valued holistic development. I’ve always thought about my career not just in terms of dollars but also in terms of impact and purpose. Stern’s culture felt aligned with that.
On a more personal level, I had considered NYU for undergrad, and I have a lot of friends who went here. When I toured campus, I felt comfortable right away. I liked the people I met, and I could see myself fitting in. So from a learning perspective, from a holistic perspective, and from a social perspective, NYU Stern felt like the right fit.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
Not many people my age have started, scaled, and sold a business. I bring that perspective.
Most sales are handled by Silver Tsunami types, but I went through the process at a much younger stage in my career. That gives me a unique vantage point. I can offer insight into how businesses should be built and structured so they’re ready for a smooth and successful exit for everyone involved.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’m a registered yoga teacher. For the past two years, I’ve been teaching a few classes each week. Yoga played a major role in my recovery from a broken ankle, when I couldn’t walk for nearly a year. Now, I enjoy helping others connect more deeply with their bodies and leave class feeling better than when they arrived.
Post-MBA career interests:
Post-MBA, I have a number of interests that pull me in different directions, and it can be difficult to narrow my focus. Readers can explore some of my projects on my personal site. I’m excited that I’ve accepted an early offer at an MBB firm. I’m looking forward to working with kind and capable colleagues.
At the same time, I can see myself returning to entrepreneurship or investing.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I was myself in the application process, and that benefited me because I am at a school that aligns with my values. I was focused on being authentic and finding programs that were the right fit for me. My advice is to do the same: be authentic.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I wish I had asked my close family and best friends to read through my applications earlier. I think I have an interesting story, but I didn’t do a great job communicating it in my earliest drafts. Right before one of my deadlines, my sister looked at my application and said incredulously, “This is what you’re sending in?” She helped me reframe my story.
Looking back, I realize I didn’t ask for help as much as I should have. My advice is to involve the people who know you best early in the process.
What is your initial impression of the NYU Stern students/culture/community?
Stern has a focus on both IQ and EQ (emotional intelligence), and that was something I really wanted in a graduate program. I didn’t want to be around people who felt robotic or one-dimensional. At Stern, I’ve found a lot of social, friendly, well-rounded people who are genuinely energizing to be around.
It feels like a school with a strong community, and since I deeply value community myself, I’m glad to be part of Stern’s.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’m really excited to join some of the many clubs on campus. One of the biggest ones I want to get involved with is the volunteer community service program. I resonate strongly with the idea of karmic yoga, tikkun olam, and “men and women for others” — three values from different religious traditions that I connect with.
For me, acting selflessly to better your community is one of the most meaningful things I can do. I’m looking forward to getting involved with volunteer opportunities at Stern and serving alongside my classmates.
What is one thing you have learned about NYU Stern that has surprised you?
I was hoping to take classes with Professor Scott Galloway, so I was surprised to learn that he is not teaching on campus this academic year. That was unexpected.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m really excited about all of the different learning opportunities available to me because I’m a really curious person. Many of the smartest investors and people at the cutting edge of market trends are in New York. I’m looking forward to hearing them speak on campus, meeting them for coffee chats, and taking advantage of all the learning opportunities available.
