From Eagle Scout to MBA candidate, Bradly Boaz has always been drawn to leadership. But it wasn’t until he entered the world of healthcare business that his dream of making a real impact began to take shape. “I’ve always dreamed of leading and motivating others,” he says. “Pursuing an MBA finally made that dream feel real — especially in a field like healthcare, where the decisions you make can truly affect lives.”
Originally from North Carolina, Bradly earned his undergraduate degree in Health Services Administration from East Carolina University. He knew early on that traditional hospital administration wasn’t the right path for him. Instead, he found his passion on the business side of the industry during his time at Blue Cross NC, where he began to understand the larger ecosystem that drives healthcare innovation and delivery.
When it came time to choose a business school, UNC Kenan-Flagler stood out not only for its top-tier healthcare program but also for its proximity to the Research Triangle Park. “I felt like a kid in a candy shop,” he says. “From healthcare start-ups to pharmaceuticals, the opportunities here are endless.”
Now a full-time MBA student, Bradly describes his time at UNC as “grounding” — a word that reflects both personal growth and a deepening sense of purpose. Among his academic highlights is Marketing with Professor Khristopher Keller, a class that challenged his assumptions about the field. “It was a reality check,” he says. “Marketing isn’t just about ads — it’s about understanding the deep complexity of creating and positioning a product.”
Outside the classroom, Bradly is stepping into a major leadership role as the incoming president of the MBA Healthcare Club. His goal? To make the club an inclusive space where anyone — regardless of background or functional focus — can explore the dynamic world of healthcare. “I’m excited to learn from others and help build a community that welcomes all interests.” Through projects like STAR and countless coffee chats and case competitions, he’s come to value authenticity above all. “It’s easy to feel like you need to mold yourself into something you’re not. But I always return to the idea that no one else can be a better me.”
Looking ahead, his career interests are evolving. Thanks to the MBA program and exposure through the Healthcare Club, he’s diving into a summer internship in the pharmaceutical industry — a space he hadn’t previously considered. “I love the idea of staying in a marketing function post-MBA, ideally within pharma. Without this program, I wouldn’t have had that door open.”
In the long term, Bradly is considering entrepreneurship or a leadership role that blends business strategy with patient advocacy. But whatever direction his path takes, one thing is certain: he wants to inspire others to believe in their own potential. “I hope my journey shows that anything is possible,” he says. “Everything I’ve achieved once felt out of reach — but with curiosity, mentorship, and grit, I’ve learned that unlikely things can come to life.”