Meet Our New Faculty: Sungyong Chang

Sungyong Chang | Assistant Professor of Management and Organizations| Johnson School

Meet Sungyong Chang, one of the newest faculty members from across the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business. Chang earned his PhD in management from Columbia University, and his BA in business and economics and MS in strategy and international business at Seoul National University. Before joining Cornell, he was a faculty member in strategy and entrepreneurship at London Business School. Chang joins the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management as assistant professor of management and organizations. Learn more about his area of expertise, his research focus, courses he will be teaching, and other interests in this Q&A.

What are your research and teaching areas of focus?

My research examines how entrepreneurial firms overcome their disadvantages to compete against industry leaders. My research bridges management and computational social science—the use of large-scale data and computational models to investigate firms’ strategies and people’s behavior. My particular focus is on high-tech and cultural industries, where innovation and creativity matter most.

What class(es) will you be teaching this year?

This year, I will be teaching Dilemmas in Founding New Ventures. The course helps students navigate key challenges in building a successful startup by addressing the top reason for failure—not product or execution, but team-related mistakes.

What attracted you to the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management?

I was drawn to the Johnson School by the opportunity to engage with people from diverse backgrounds and interests, supported by Ezra Cornell’s “… any person … any study” philosophy. Having lived in New York City and London for 14 years, I find Ithaca to be an exciting change, offering a unique environment to explore.

What first sparked your interest in your research area?

Recently, I’ve focused on how innovation can be harnessed to tackle grand challenges, such as curing diseases like cancer. I’m particularly intrigued by how we can develop new technologies and better distribute existing ones to reach those in need. Tragically, I’ve discovered that many patients still face life-threatening situations despite the existence of cures for certain deadly diseases, which further motivates my research.

How did you know you wanted to teach? What do you like best about teaching?

It wasn’t until I stood in front of a classroom at London Business School that I realized teaching was my true passion. I found fulfillment in sharing my research and introducing students to cutting-edge developments. Engaging in discussions with bright, curious students adds another layer of excitement, as it challenges me to think in new ways.

What’s the best book you’ve read this year?

The best book I’ve read this year is Supposing My Words Are Whiskey by Haruki Murakami. In this captivating work, Murakami intertwines his experiences of traveling, writing, and his deep appreciation for whiskey. This book resonated with me because it explores the balance between creativity and life, offering inspiration for new ideas while savoring life’s small pleasures.

What do you do to recharge?

I enjoy cycling and am an avid fan of watching the Tour de France, as well as training with Zwift. When I need to unwind, a good glass of whiskey also helps me relax and recharge.