HBS Leaders on HBS | Alumni on Leadership | Community Memories

Community Memories

A collection of poignant, humorous stories and reminiscences on the HBS experience from our community members, including alumni, staff, and MBA students.

1-103 of 103 listed alphabetically by storyteller's last name

CLASS OF2009

Durdana Achakzai Story VIDEO: RT: 03:22

Story regarding her smooth transition into the flow of HBS through the Pre-MBA Program and her intentions of carrying forth the principles of business ethics and corporate social responsibilities into her role as a business leader. She commends Pre-MBA staff members, Maureen Walker and Joyce Majewski, for their dedication to ensuring the success of the experience and the international faculty for sharing their stories of acclimating themselves to life in the United States. The multiplicity of ideas and opinions expressed during class discussion serve as the basis for truly informed decision making. In her future capacities, she will construct her leadership on the foundational teachings of courses such as Leadership and Corporate Accountability.

 

MBA2010

Steve Alden Story VIDEO: RT: 05:52

Story regarding his learning about Harvard University and its various programs and his route through accounting to HBS. Growing up in Massachusetts, he heard throughout his youth about Harvard and so he faced a difficult decision when he was accepted there and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. With his commercial interests, he selected the latter's business program. As a senior, he found about the 2+2 Program, whereby students are reserved a slot at HBS and then spend two years gaining work experience. With the aid of HBS alumni, he crafted his application and was admitted. During the two years he worked as an accountant and earned his CPA. Quickly overcoming his concerns about fitting in with his classmates, the supportive milieu and community spirit of his section and the School will be the foundation for his energy and excitement over the next two years.

 

CLASS OF1977

Burt Alimansky Story VIDEO: 13 minutes

Story regarding his experience as a PhD in English Literature attending HBS in the 1970s, which was a series of adventures in experiential learning. He recounts how the first day orientation introductions showed each successive student more impressive than the last. He dared to answer the Decision Theory final exam question not with "linear regressions" but with his intuition, and was commended. Professor Hatton secretly arranged with him to enact a disturbing situation in class, that demonstrated the case study in discussion, to see if students would defend a victim against an authority figure. He also mentions briefly his portrayal of a kangaroo.

 

CLASS OF1972

Paul Applegarth Story VIDEO: 5 minutes

Story regarding his experience as a Vietnam veteran attending HBS in the 1970s, recalling the incongruity, upon his return from the war, of taking malaria pills during an early winter snowstorm, and the aura of independence and activism on campus. His service as Education Representative of his section led to resolution of a rebellion in the course WAC (Written Analysis of Cases), and to friendships with faculty members including John McArthur, who eventually became Dean. An HBS education leaves one with confidence and the ability to "define your own path."

 

CLASS OF2009

Stephanie Balois Story VIDEO: RT: 06:34

Story regarding her bonding with classmates during her Pre-MBA Program, the power of the HBS learning model, her admiration of alumni dedication, and her plan to convey her passion for the School to the next generation of students. She formed fast and lasting friendships in the course of her Pre-MBA. The Priscilla Ball was one of the most exciting events of her HBS years to date. As an international student far from home, she feels that her section members are a second family. During the Leading in Business and Beyond Global Summit, she attended a session on the future of the MBA Program and was taken aback by the passionate concern of the alumni which she intends to emulate for succeeding classes of students.

 

CLASS OF2009

Rye Barcott Story VIDEO: 3 minutes

Story regarding his experience as an Iraq War veteran attending HBS in the 2000s. His admissions interview was conducted over satellite telephone in Fallujah, Iraq, where he served as a Marine. Although skeptical when the interviewer, a former Marine, said that HBS is "a transformational place," he now agrees with that characterization. He is gratified by the pronounced "respect of others" on campus, including his welcome as a military veteran.

 

CLASS OF2008

Nikolaos Bartzoulianos Story VIDEO: 8.5 minutes

Story regarding his experience as a Greek student attending HBS in the 2000s, impressed by the professor of his first class, who knew by memory the name and interests of every student enrolled. He appreciates the support system for students that includes fellow students, professors, and the Career Services office. He recounts a particularly engaging and playful case study discussion. For him, "HBS is not a business school . . . it's a life school."

 

MBA2010

Courtney Bass Story VIDEO: RT: 07:58

Story regarding how her voyage to HBS was started by her mother and her long-term aim is to devote her HBS education to the service of bettering the lives of others. Her mother, Paula Sneed MBA 1977, always expected she would join the Harvard community, and she attained that goal by graduating from Harvard College in 2003. While pondering the next stage in her life, she determined that she desired to have an impact on the world on a grand scale, and the School's prominence in nurturing leaders was the deciding factor for her. She is gratified by the School's commitment to diversity and celebrating diversity, and she will go out into the world to work to open minds as hers has been at HBS. She believes that her mother and she are one of the first African American mother-daughter couples at HBS. Her mother's accomplishments as a business leader and ethical leader who has achieved "results and goodness at the same time" stand as a profound inspiration for her.

 

CLASS OF2009

Mohit Bathija Story VIDEO: 9 minutes

Story regarding his experience attending HBS in the 2000s, in particular the diversity and humor of Section J, and his recollections of the Middle East Immersion Experience (Middle East: Egypt and Dubai).

 

CLASS OF2009

Jacqueline Beato Story VIDEO: RT: 00:00

Story regarding her initial trepidations about fitting in at HBS and how the openness and friendliness of the students, the faculty, and staff dispelled her concerns quickly. The diversity of the School and the variety of viewpoints of her classmates expressed during and after class has incalculably enriched her learning experience. She praises Prof. Robert Pozen and Prof. Aldo Musacchio for their facility in conducting especially enlightening case discussions. She discusses the challenging responsibility of dedicating her HBS education and career to making an impact in the world and thus further enhance the public's perception of the School and its graduates.

 

CLASS OF2009

Roman Belotserkovskiy Story VIDEO: RT: 07:51

Story regarding the personal impact of his learning experience at HBS. On a visit to the campus, he was captivated by the case method and the energy on campus, which he discovered as a student derives from the dynamic people at HBS. Having studied Prof. Robert Kaplan's balanced scorecard management system, he was thrilled to speak with him personally. From his first year, he has taken away the valuable skills of listening and keeping an open mind.

 

CLASS OF1982

David Benello Story VIDEO: 3.5 minutes

Story regarding his experience as an "introverted mathematician" attending HBS in the 1980s, who developed confidence in public speaking by discussing case studies in class. One day he brought to class a business professor from Italy, to impress him with the case study method of teaching. There was a beach party going on.

 

CLASS OF2008

Shilpa Bhandarkar Story VIDEO: RT: 06:21

Story regarding how the effectiveness of the case method exceeds that of a lecture-based educational approach because of students' contributing their viewpoints to the discussion and analysis. The commitment of HBS to training for leadership is "authentic" as the School expects students to grow into leaders and provides the support for them to do so.

 

MBA2010

Gabrielle Bill Story VIDEO: RT: 07:27

Story regarding her life-changing decision to apply to the MBA Program and her capitalizing on the tremendous range of opportunities offered at HBS. As a public relations consultant, she had reached a plateau in her career and concluded that business school would prepare her for innumerable options. Aboard a cruise ship, her family and she anxiously awaited the email with her admissions results and were ecstatic when they read the first word, "Congratulations." She attended the Analytics program to bolster her quantitative and mathematical skills and now she feels confident of her abilities. A session of the course, Learning at HBS, dealt candidly with racial and gender issues, and she feels that this has opened up communications within her section. She is proud to be a representative of the HBS brand.

 

MBA2010

Oliver Bladek Story VIDEO: RT: 08:58

Story regarding his initial attraction to the "HBS mystique" and how he has managed to deal with the demands and joys of the MBA Program. After a former professor and HBS graduate recommended the program to him, he decided he was not ready yet and worked as a consultant in Toronto. The application process enabled him to reflect on his long-term career goals. For him the people of HBS are the core of the School. The faculty act as facilitators and expect the students to discover the answers together. The ninety members of his section are also his teachers and co-pilots on this intense yet also delightful adventure and will be his partners in life's journey.

 

CLASS OF1972

Terry Bloomsburgh Story VIDEO: 11 minutes

Story regarding her experience attending HBS in the 1970s, when women on campus were few but the population was diverse. These independent women did not often "coalesce." She discusses a case study based upon her government employment, her years as a stay-at-home mother, and her return to work at a time when most of her classmates are retiring.

 

CLASS OF1982

Paula Brancato Story VIDEO: beginning 4 minutes, second half 1.5 minutes, total time 5.5 minutes

Story regarding her experience attending HBS in the 1980s, from contending with a deferred admission (being 20-years-old at the time and had already run her own business), to being an outsider because of her creative perspective. The value of collaboration is touched upon, and her wish that HBS become an innovator in a multidisciplinary approach to business education.

 

CLASS OF1972

Beverly Brandt Story VIDEO: 6.5 minutes

Story regarding her experience as a Southerner attending HBS in the 1970s. In a class of only 37 women, she was gratified to learn of women's natural advantage as managers--their socialization as collaborators--from a case taught by Professor Ted Levitt. The case study method of teaching engages collaborative "creative insight". This has given her a powerful problem-solving tool to understand and make decisions about anything--"the fine art of dissection."

 

CLASS OF1973

Geraldine Brown Story VIDEO: RT: 08:45

Story regarding how she prevailed over her reluctance to contribute her ideas in class and has continuously applied the principles of her HBS education in her many roles in the world. When she began the MBA Program, there were not many African American students or women students. When Prof. Wickham Skinner returned a paper with the comment that her analysis represents the caliber of ideas he wanted to hear in class discussion, she immersed herself totally in the case method and advanced greatly thereby. She has capitalized on the concepts from her Human Behavior and Organizations course throughout her career as a lawyer and consultant. The School's presentation of business history has furnished her with many points for innovative entrepreneurial departures and the School's preparation for change has inspired her to seek out leadership responsibilities.

 

CLASS OF1977

John Bunce Story VIDEO: 4.5 minutes

Story regarding his experience attending HBS in the 1970s, which was a routine of study group, then section, then Pub. He discusses how learning came out of this routine as much as the courses. Teaching of ethics was intrinsic to most courses, as demonstrated by the examples of Professors John Matthews and Ben Shapiro. And, finally, HBS is "not a bad place" to fall in love.

 

CLASS OF1957

Dan Burack Story VIDEO: 6 minutes

Story regarding his experience at HBS in the 1950s, including the rush to get papers in on time for WAC (Written Analysis of Cases), and the demographics of the 1955 class.

 

CLASS OF1972

Matthew P. Caulfield Story VIDEO: 8.5 minutes

Story regarding his experience as the first Marine to attend HBS in the 1970s, after taking part in fierce battles of the Vietnam War, and serving in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. His first experience on campus, in Harvard Square, made him more afraid than he ever was in Vietnam. Although many of his classmates were anti-war leaders, students treated him with curiosity, never hostility. Today, he is still proud of being elected Section Representative. He touches upon the leadership of Professor Bower in closing school to hold a discussion of the My Lai Massacre.

 

CLASS OF2009

Joanne Chang Story VIDEO: 7 minutes

Story regarding her experience attending HBS in the 2000s as a first-generation immigrant from South Korea and the first person in her family to go to college. She discusses the Healthcare Initiative at HBS, the Biomedical Enterprise Program (a joint program between M.I.T. and Harvard University), and the impact of these unique collective programs on her decision to attend HBS. She appreciates the international perspective at HBS, as reflected in a section flag ceremony representing the students' international diversity. She recalls Professor DeLong challenging students not to avoid confronting "messy situations", such as the conflicts between financial and ethical concerns that often arise in healthcare-related case studies.

 

CLASS OF2008

She-Rae Chen Story VIDEO: RT: 09:08

Story regarding how her experience at HBS has been one of experimentation and exploration. She pushed herself to take classes with no immediate appeal for her. With the idea of starting her own company, she participated in the Business Plan Competition. Through activities such as the student show, she has formed close friendships, one of her lifelong "take-aways" from HBS.

 

CLASS OF1972

Michael S. T. Chen Story VIDEO: 7.5 minutes

Story regarding his experience as a "global citizen" attending HBS in the 1970s. While studying to become an academic, this son of a diplomat decided to become a businessman; even though, as he notes, a businessman is at the bottom of the social pyramid in the Confucian hierarchy. Today he is the Executive Director of the HBS Asia-Pacific Research Center in China.

 

MBA2010

Kunal Chowdhry Story VIDEO: RT: 06:27

Story regarding his appreciation of the support and care provided by the School for him to fulfill his roles as father, husband, and student. Just as he was completing his MBA application, his wife gave birth to their daughter. He was very happy to be accepted but he was concerned about balancing his family and academic responsibilities. Despite feelings of anxiety about returning to school after a number of years working and expectations of student competitiveness, he has been gratified by the generous services available to students and their families. At Partners' Case Night, his wife shared studying and discussing a case with him, which gave her insight into the intensity of the student workload. He is confident that the School understands his considering his family as his top priority and an essential part of him as a student.

 

CLASS OF1987

Edmundo Costa Story VIDEO: 11 minutes

Story regarding his experience attending HBS in the 1980s, especially the discipline of brevity instilled by Professor Pearson that impacts him today as a leader of high technology businesses in the Silicon Valley. He also talks about the value of the international perspective, gained at HBS, when he conducts multi-national business negotiations.

 

CLASS OF1972

Celia Currin Story VIDEO: 6 minutes

Story regarding her experience as a journalist attending HBS in the 1970s, a time of few women on campus and the budding feminist movement. She notes that she was the first woman editor of the Harbus student newspaper, which also led to the disappearance of her business partners, both married men. She also talks about the "sexy" presentation of Gloria Steinem in the Harbus which upset some women students. Were they "girls" or "women?"

 

CLASS OF2009

Linda Dempah Story VIDEO: 5 minutes

Story regarding her experience as a West African attending HBS in the 2000s, where she had to demonstrate "leadership every day, right away and at such an intense pace." After two months here, she is developing important leadership qualities, such as the ability to listen and knowledge of how others respond to her.

 

MBA2010

Yinan Du Story VIDEO: RT: 07:08

Story regarding his first impressions of HBS through the Harvard University reputation, his adjustment to and total engagement with the case method, and his entrepreneurial pursuits. Growing up China, he became acquainted with the Harvard name and observed the respect accorded to those who attend the University. The transition from the lecture style of instruction to the case method was challenging until he fully understood the model of students learning from each other with the professor as guide and leader. He finds the additional types of teaching modes at HBS to be complementary to the case method, such as the Best Reflected Self exercise in his Leadership and Organizational Behavior course. His original goal of coming to HBS was to develop his entrepreneurial acumen and so he has availed himself of the School's numerous resources, the faculty's guidance, and his classmates' knowledge and expertise.

 

CLASS OF2002

Jean-Claude Dubacher Story VIDEO: 5 minutes

Story regarding his experience as a Swiss law student at HBS in the 2000s, including opening up to new cultures, learning to take risks, and meeting a Latin American student, who became his future wife.

 

CLASS OF1977

Jody Dyer Story VIDEO: 2.5 minutes

Story regarding his experience as the first person to attend HBS in a wheelchair, in 1975, in terms of his few special accommodations, and taking a shower.

 

CLASS OF1982

Jane Ebbern Story VIDEO: 4.5 minutes

Story regarding her experience as a Canadian attending HBS in the 1980s, from the influence that Women's Admit Day had on her decision to attend, to the balance of fun and study. She explains how an intense aura in the classroom elicited for her the ability to defend an argument and the ensuing confidence that this gave her, even if the stress sometimes made her forget to breathe. She summarizes her experience in a statement made to students during her term as President of the Student Association.

 

CLASS OF1977

Len Edgerly Story VIDEO: 9 minutes

Story regarding his experience as a former newspaper reporter attending HBS in the 1970s. Every day was a struggle, but he grew from an epiphany about values that occurred in John Shank's Control course, professors taking the utmost concern about what happens in the classroom, and learning to risk speaking his mind. His MBA has been invaluable to him, but he had far more pleasure getting his poetry degree at Bennington.

 

CLASS OF1957

Mead Ferguson Story VIDEO: 13 minutes

Story regarding his experience as a rancher attending HBS in the 1950s, the flexibility of thinking engendered by the case study method of teaching and the operation of study groups, developments in business reflected by changes in the cattle industry, and a comparison of the HBS he knew with today's school.

 

CLASS OF1977

Preston Ford and Candice Ford Story VIDEO: 10 minutes

Story regarding their shared experience of his attending HBS in the 1970s, as an engaged couple. Topics encompass her visits to the classroom, laughter during case study discussions, and the enduring "special camaraderie" of Section B.

 

CLASS OF2008

Taneka Francis Story VIDEO: 2 minutes

Story abouy her experience attending HBS in the 2000s, reflecting on the accessibility and inspiration of HBS alumna, Taran Swan.

 

CLASS OF2008

Brian Frimpong Story VIDEO: 4 minutes

Story regarding his experience as a native of Ghana attending HBS in the 2000s, and as co-president of the ABC (Africa Business Club) that hosts the increasingly popular Africa Business Conference.

 

CLASS OF2008

Otso Fristrom Story VIDEO: 10 minutes

Story about his experience as a Finnish student attending HBS in the 2000s, the unity achieved by "dysfunctional" Section C, and a harmonious campus atmosphere that "brings the world together . . . but without weird problems and issues that make newspaper headlines."

 

CLASS OF2007

Anthony Fry Story VIDEO: RT: 04:19

Story regarding how his participation in AMP 173 "restored his faith in humanity" and illuminated a new path in life for him. The intellectual interchange of the Advanced Management Program was the main ingredient of his personal renewal. One particularly intense discussion on international relations initiated an opportunity for his classmates to tighten their social bonds. The global character of the AMP participant pool has furnished him with the good fortune of assembling a new world-wide network and creating friendships with individuals with whom he might not even have the chance to meet. These various avenues of exposure to innovative thoughts and people fortified him to strike out in a boldly novel direction.

 

CLASS OF2009

Luke Fuszard Story VIDEO: RT: 03:50

Story regarding how international scope of HBS infuses the learning process. On his first day, he was impressed by the array of flags representing the countries of the student body. He especially values the unique forum at HBS for students from across the world to exchange ideas. This sharing of perspectives will shape his conception of leadership in a global society.

 

CLASS OF1982

Grandon Gill Story VIDEO: 10.5 minutes

Story regarding his experience attending HBS in the 1980s, colored by his previous experience, working on a naval nuclear submarine. He explains how HBS changed his name. His unlikely road to being chosen a Baker Scholar is told, in terms of his interest in just having fun and taking pleasure in disagreeing with any statement given in class. As a professor, he believes that Harvard should not keep its secrets but become an educational "evangelist" to other colleges.

 

CLASS OF1982

Philippe Goetschel Story VIDEO: 7.5 minutes

Story regarding his experience as a Swiss legal and economics graduate attending HBS in the 1980s, mainly how the capabilities of the single Atari 800 computer at HBS piqued his interest during a quiet winter break and led to his career in the computer software industry. Story includes a comparison of the European and HBS methods of teaching business, and the characteristics that define an HBS graduate.

 

CLASS OF1971

Jocelyn Goldberg-Schaible Story VIDEO: 6 minutes

Story regarding her experience attending HBS from 1969 to 1971, when few women were enrolled. She recalls a private conversation with a professor who advised her to emulate another female student who was sure to succeed. His suggestion and her eventual decision to be herself, have resonated throughout a lifetime of business management.

 

CLASS OF2008

Earl Gordon Story VIDEO: 7 minutes

Story regarding his experience attending HBS in the 2000s, where he shares about volunteering his leadership to making the Sankofa an annual tradition at HBS. The impetus for this show was a suggestion made at an African-American Student Union (AASU) retreat, and Earl and others brought it to life.

 

CLASS OF1947

R. Miller "Buck" Hicks Story VIDEO: beginning 11 minutes, second half 8.5 minutes, total time 19.5 minutes

Story regarding his experience attending HBS during World War II, the popularity of Professor De Haas such that a guard was posted at his classroom door, his varied career as an entrepreneur, and how business competition has expanded from domestic to international, creating an interdependence between countries that may prevent a future world war.

 

CLASS OF1987

Mitch C. Hill Story VIDEO: 8 minutes

Story regarding his experience attending HBS in the 1980s, in terms of the bonds he made in Section F ("F Troup"). He discusses the diversity of the section, the importance of integrity of business leaders, and the necessity for today's business students to prepare for multiple careers.

 

CLASS OF1973

Louis Hughes Story VIDEO: RT: 04:19

Story regarding how the HBS environment transformed him from a young man from a small town in Ohio into a leader with a global vision and how his student friendships and HBS knowledge have sustained and energized him throughout the thirty-five years since graduation. The superior caliber of his classmates and the faculty stimulated his intellect growth. The instructional tactics of Prof. Theodore Levitt fostered the priority of case preparation and still vibrantly resonate today with the HBS process of breaking down and rebuilding students. The case method imparts the expertise in dissecting and resolving even the most complex corporate problems and daunting societal issues. He is compelled to recommend the School to prospective students as a way of sharing the potential for a total transformation.

 

CLASS OF1997

Jamal Hussein Story VIDEO: 12 minutes

Story regarding his experience as an international CPA attending HBS in the 1990s, including the preparation HBS gave him for dealing with competition and stress in his work, and how he contributes to the betterment of his homeland, Somalia.

 

CLASS OF2009

Gregory James Story VIDEO: 10 minutes

Story regarding his experience attending HBS in the 2000s. "This is a special place and . . . a special environment" where students and professors support each other and are comfortable challenging each other's ideas. During an examination period, Professor Lakhani eases student stress by a lesson in proper proportion. Sections become families, and an international student body continuously learns from exchange of personal experiences.

 

MBA2010

Brooke Jenkins Story VIDEO: RT: 04:06

Story regarding how her academic development and personal growth has been fostered by the members of her section and the faculty and staff of the MBA Program. At first, she was uncertain about the overall character of the campus but she at once understood that everyone is intent on furthering her success. She has enjoyed sharing the cultures and ideas of her classmates and contributing her own experiences and knowledge with them. Honing her interpersonal skills has been just one dimension of her HBS education.

 

CLASS OF1997

Allison Johnson Story VIDEO: 12 minutes

Story regarding her experience as an international public policy worker attending HBS in the 1990s; including some student misunderstanding of her humanitarian perspective, the heartening assurance of Professor Moss of the future benefit to her peers of her differing viewpoint, the impact of business training in her work, and the community spirit and global contributions made by HBS Alumni clubs.

 

CLASS OF2008

Constance Jones Story VIDEO: 9 minutes

Story regarding her experience attending HBS in the 2000s, including opportunities for international travel, especially a personally meaningful trip to Jerusalem. She discusses organizing a Black History Month presentation for her section, and the personally revelatory method of learning in the Authentic Leadership Development course.

 

CLASS OF2009

Shelly Kanhai-Trench Story VIDEO: RT: 06:36

Story regarding her family's focus on the power of education and her goal of applying her HBS education to making the world a better place. Her father's achievements with a technical school education inspired her to strive for the highest levels through her school and college years. After working in the petroleum industry, her husband, David Trench, MBA 2009, and she decided their long-term vision is to make a difference in the world and to do so through the skills and principles of the MBA Program. HBS has introduced her to many options for implementing her strategy. Being exposed to new cultural experiences, she has developed in a deeply personal way through her friendship with a gay classmate. She hopes to return to Trinidad and Tobago and to exert a large-scale impact on the life of her country and to bring about change in her nation's society.

 

MBA2010

Nana Kankam Story VIDEO: RT: 04:10

Story regarding her pride in her capacity as a student at HBS of representing her parents' achievements and ensuring that all students' voices are heard. Her mother and father immigrated from Ghana to the United States, and she sees her being an HBS student as "the fruit of their hard work." In the year when Barack Obama is elected president of the United States, her family's accomplishments show the possibilities of this country. Aiming to attain the highest echelons in the new media field, she will invest all she has learned from her classmates from around the globe about how they use new technologies to achieve that goal. One of her great pleasures at HBS is to observe the diversity of the School and to amplify the ideas and concerns of minority and women students.

 

CLASS OF1998

John Bo Kemp Story VIDEO: RT: 05:47

Story regarding how he fulfilled his father's wish that he follow him at HBS. Before passing away, John Kemp, MBA 1981, expressed his desire that his son also attend the School. As a member of the student senate, he co-coordinated Class Day 1998, at which Dick Spangler announced his gift of a new center at HBS. At reunions, he delights in reconnecting with faculty members, such as Prof. Joshua Lerner, and to reflect on the past decade.

 

MBA2010

Umair Khan Story VIDEO: RT: 02:45

Story regarding how he ascribes his motivation to attend HBS to his goal of acting as a representative of and role model for his communities. He shares his success with his Pakistani American and Muslim American communities. He welcomes his classmates' openness to and engagement in learning about other cultures. After Ramadan, he was gratified by the reception to his presentation about the relationship of Islam and business and views the response as indicative of the School's commitment to diversity and cultural learning.

 

CLASS OF1982

Naina Lal Kidwai Story VIDEO: 8 minutes

Story regarding her experience as an Indian woman attending HBS in the 1980s, assimilating to American places of business, such as a supermarket. She discusses the benefit of "two years of perpetual competition" on one's ability to "deliver" in business, especially as the one woman in Investment Banking management in India. Having attained this "globally recognized degree" gives her credibility and impresses prospective clients.

 

CLASS OF2009

Netta Kivilis Story VIDEO: 9 minutes

Story regarding her experience attending HBS in the 2000s, a discussion of Career Treks organized by students, and the impressive helpfulness and responsiveness of HBS alumni (some, very powerful and busy people) to participate in treks and give career advice. She and other students from Israel were inspired to organize a trek there.

 

CLASS OF2009

Lisa Kostova Story VIDEO: RT: 07:49

Story regarding her perfect fit with the community spirit of HBS and the educational process of the case method. On a visit to the School, she was captivated by the intellectual engagement and excitement of the case discussion that synchronized with her learning style. In contrast to the educational method of presenting and applying discrete ideas and subjects, HBS courses complement each other as concepts analyzed in one class are synthesized with theories taught in others. At the end of each course, a student would impersonate the professor, and this mutual fun and respect are indicative of the faculty's sincere appreciation of their relationship with their students. One the great lessons of the HBS education is the realization that there is no single answer to business or life issues and that the key is to ask the right questions to reach an effective solution.

 

CLASS OF1957

Wini Kovacik Story VIDEO: 13 minutes

Story regarding her experience as a wife (now widow) whose husband attended HBS in the 1950s. Topics include the classroom experience of spouses, her responsibility for entertaining students at home, the difficulty for a college wife to find employment in Boston, and the contrast between the expectations of a wife in her generation with today's generation.

 

CLASS OF2008

Anny Kwok Story VIDEO: RT: 09:52

Story regarding how learning with such a diverse group of accomplished people has been at the heart of her HBS years. Prof. George's leadership class supplied a safe space for candidly sharing ideas. The faculty have continually responded to students' needs, and MBA Career Services has provided invaluable coaching and support. She will use her transformational experience to make a positive difference in the world.

 

CLASS OF2002

Rodrigo Lara Story VIDEO: 12 minutes

Story regarding his experience attending HBS in the 2000s, from the perspective of an international non-English speaking student who benefited from the Pre-MBA program and the bonds made within his student section.

 

STAFF

Pat Light Story VIDEO: 08:32

Story regarding her thirty plus years at MBA Support Services working with students to ensure the best possible HBS experience for them. She narrates a story of helping a student's brother after the tragedy of September 11th. She describes the School's "culture of support" and how Harvard and HBS are "in her blood."

 

CLASS OF1983

Bob Maginn Story VIDEO: RT: 04:27

Story regarding his long-term association with HBS and his abiding loyalty to and affection for the School. After writing cases with Prof. Joseph San Miguel, he entered the MBA Program and, even with his familiarity with the case method, was struck by its unique pedagogical dynamics and effectiveness in refining his communication skills. Completing the cycle of student through budding entrepreneur to established business leader, he returned to Prof. Quinn Mills's course on CEOs as a guest speaker with his wife, Ling Chai, MBA 1998. Pondering the changes in the School over the past twenty-five years, he is excited by the diversity and international character of the student body and their dedication to social enterprise and engagement in making the world a better place.

 

CLASS OF1952

Ilmar J. Martens Story VIDEO: 5 minutes

Wife's story regarding the experience of her husband (now deceased) as an Estonian attending HBS in the 1950s, and his co-founding, in 1988, of the Estonian Business School established upon Western business practices.

 

CLASS OF2009

Ekhi Muniategui Story VIDEO: RT: 03:55

Story regarding his sense of privilege to be at HBS and his equal sense of obligation to repay this honor by making the world a better place. The amazing range of learning scenarios both inside and outside the classroom has empowered him to explore career and personal paths he had not previously considered. After meeting with corporate and world leaders and exchanging information about various professions and business experiences, he has reconsidered his desire to develop a consulting career. During his summer internship at a steel plant in Allentown, Pennsylvania, he became friends with individuals who were not aware of HBS, which placed an entirely new perspective on his education. Now he envisions applying his HBS years to bringing about substantive change.

 

CLASS OF1993

Kathleen Murray Story VIDEO: RT: 04:07

Story regarding how she accords a prominent position to her membership in the HBS community among her multiple life affiliations. She devotes a great amount of time and energy to her HBS alumni network and responsibilities, including serving as AMP class secretary and working with various HBS and Harvard organizations. The lifelong intellectual stimulation, learning, and friendships from her Advanced Management Program experience continually reinvigorate her connection to the School. She has even transmitted that commitment to her nephew, whom she persuaded to select HBS from among the business schools to which he was accepted.

 

CLASS OF1968

Gerry Nathe Story VIDEO: RT: 05:55

Story regarding how he, having grown up in a small community in Montana, was introduced to a diverse and international environment at HBS which inspired him to embark on a global career in manufacturing. Prof. Malcolm Salter's class opened up a world of possibilities that he had never even imagined. He voices concern about the School's shift toward an emphasis on finance and consulting. Together with the strong moral values with which his family raised him and HBS teachings, he has always accentuated ethical business conduct, stressed the well-being of his staff, and prioritized giving back to his community and family.

 

CLASS OF1982

Edwin Nelson Story VIDEO: 4.5 minutes

Story regarding his experience as an older student attending HBS in the 1980s, arriving after years of work in the oil fields of Texas. He explains that his first encounter with a Harvard student, to ask directions to the library, was a jarring experience. "Trying to take a drink from a firehose everyday" for two years has prepared him for his eventual vocation--teaching high school mathematics.

 

CLASS OF2009

Bernardo Novick Story VIDEO: RT: 07:26

Story regarding his endorsement of the Pre-MBA Program to prospective students and his recommendation to all students to manage their time wisely and to regard their HBS years as a cornerstone of their lives and not just a career stepping-stone. The Pre-MBA environment was the setting for developing tight bonds that have carried on into the MBA Program and was a productive introduction to the case method. The India Immersion program was a unique platform for learning deeply about a country and its people. With the multitude of options at HBS, he exhorts students to steer their HBS course prudently and efficiently.

 

CLASS OF2009

Anh Pham-Vu Story VIDEO: RT: 04:30

Story regarding his reflections on the first year of the MBA program, which has provided him with a framework to ponder his long-term interests and to take risks, such as in his choice of a summer job in Asia. HBS learning will serve him throughout his career. In the HBS whirlwind, he advises others to involve one's spouse or partner and take care of one's health.

 

CLASS OF1977

Dev Purkayastha Story VIDEO: 7 minutes

Story regarding his experience as an accountant attending HBS in the 1970s, from arriving a day late from Calcutta and being stranded on the steps of the Baker Library, to making friendships with fellow students, including his future wife. He discusses how he and his roommate, also an accountant, budgeted and divided living expenses and how HBS training prepared him for work in an "uncertain world."

 

CLASS OF2008

Sridevi Raghavan Story VIDEO: 6 minutes

Story regarding her experience attending HBS in the 2000s, regarding her dream to manage day care in India. Her inital insecurity about her business plan was transformed into confidence by the community of HBS that took an active interest in her ideas and encouraged her to enter the HBS business plan contest. She is awed by this powerful spirit emanating on campus. "The only thing that stops me at HBS is how much I believe in myself and my ideas."

 

CLASS OF2002

Cinzia Rascazzo Story VIDEO: 8 minutes

Story regarding her experience at HBS as an international student from Italy and her decision to be an entrepreneur in her community.

 

CLASS OF2002

Carlo Reato Story VIDEO: RT: 06:12

Story regarding how he insisted on applying to the Advanced Management Program only despite his firm's urgings to explore other options. On first meeting his team members, he was thrilled by the international character of the group. In a collection of such expert executives, he found the challenge of leading a cadre of leaders exhilarating. The AMP faculty greatly impressed him with their facility in instructing experienced managers. He accounts membership in and access to the HBS alumni network as an amazing asset. Despite his team's nickname for AMP 162 as the "executive jail," he urges any interested party to take advantage of the program and rejoices at returning for his reunion.

 

CLASS OF1977

Jack Reed Story VIDEO: 6 minutes

Story regarding his experience attending HBS in the 1970s, the transformation of a New Jersey native, working in real estate who had little need of Harvard, into a writer and a Californian. The caliber of teaching is reflected by two professors who received standing ovations from the students.

 

CLASS OF1998

Carolee Reiling Story VIDEO: RT: 04:28

Story regarding her applying to HBS, her experiences as a visually impaired student, and her approach to time management. On a whim, she decided to fill out an HBS application, which she did in pencil. She is blind in one eye and she appreciated the caring support from the School and her classmates. A second-year student's advice of taking afternoon naps to manage her academic and social lives let her down one day in her Accounting course, but she succeeded with her sense of humor and determination.

 

CLASS OF1957

Bill Riley Story VIDEO: 9 minutes

Story regarding his experience attending HBS in the 1950s, including the rush to get papers in on time for WAC (Written Analysis of Cases), and the founding, in California, of the Harvard Business School Bachelors for postgraduate professional development and society.

 

CLASS OF1984

Rene J. Robichaud Story

I was one of about twenty five Canadians admitted into HBS in 1982. I played hockey for the glorious HBS Blades team both years and was elected the captain of the A team in my second year. My contribution to the team was to organize a meeting with the captains of many of the graduate school teams in the area so that we could plan a season schedule and avoid much of the last-minute hunting for games that had been taking place. My other significant contribution was to ensure we had enough hockey pucks for everyone at practices. For these efforts, I received an engraved silver bowl from Dean McArthur, along with my diploma, on graduation day. I am proud of both of them. It was on October 22 during my second year that I met Karen, my spouse-to-be, at an off-campus party. Seven months later, we were married in a local church by her cousin, father Tom Rossi. Then we went to work! Karen worked in retail and consulting for several years until we had our eldest. I worked in investment banking for the next fifteen years moving her and the kids through Montreal, Toronto and New York, with firms including Wood Gundy, Morgan Stanley and Salomon Smith Barney. Afterwards, one of my former clients, NS Group, asked if I would join them as the president. In 1999, the company was in financial trouble. They supplied specialty steel tubular products to the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry. Then, the prevailing price for a barrel of oil was $10! The company was traded on the NYSE and was priced around $6 per share when I joined mid-year. The turnaround took only seven and a half years. We managed to keep about 1,500 people employed full time and substantially improved the accident rate in our mills. Shareholders did very well when we were acquired for $66 per share in December 2006. Next year, Karen and I will have been married for 25 years. We both hope to see you at the HBS reunion then!

 

CLASS OF2008

Carlos Roman Story VIDEO: 3.5 minutes

Story regarding his experience attending HBS in the 2000s, where he reflects on the power of business to transform lives and raise the standard of living in developing countries. He talks about the effectiveness of the case study method in teaching entrepreneurs to wield such power in a responsible manner.

 

CLASS OF1998

Mary Teichert Rotelli Story VIDEO: RT: 06:51

Story regarding the educational and personal highlights of her HBS experience. She describes her defining academic moment when she opened a class discussion of a case which she had prepared thoroughly with her study group. She recommends making the MBA curriculum more flexible to facilitate completing the program for women with families. On an HBS High Tech Fellowship, she worked with Prof. Myra Hart and Prof. Lynda Applegate to research and write cases on the transformations wrought by the new Internet economy and the future of business.

 

CLASS OF1982

Lisa Rubin Story VIDEO: 3 minutes

Story regarding her experience attending HBS in the 1980s, including her reflection upon business ethics and humanity as encapsulated in an evening at the Pub. She recounts a story regarding a television news report broadcast when she was at school that Anwar Sadat had been shot, and how another student reacts to her gloomy response.

 

CLASS OF2008

Rohit Sahni Story VIDEO: RT: 04:55

Story regarding how the diversity of his class has had a strong impact on his world view. The faculty has been inspirational and generous with their personal attention. He recounts class anecdotes and his student club activities to show the central role of humor and fun at HBS.

 

CLASS OF2008

Andrew Saunders Story VIDEO: 7.5 minutes

Story regarding his experience attending HBS in the 2000s, as an international citizen born in the United Kingdom, raised in Australia and schooled in Japan in Japanese. He characterizes HBS as "a celebration of diversity" and "a school of doers." To him, inspiration abounds here, from student and professor relationships to cultural events on campus. Accumulated personal experience--gained from role playing in Professor Kaplan's classroom and a student-organized trip to Israel--is an invaluable part of his education.

 

CLASS OF2009

Sonam Saxena Story VIDEO: 5 minutes

Story regarding his experience as a married student from India, attending HBS in the 2000s. Expecting to meet competitive arrogant students, he was surprised to meet "friendly dolphins, friendly whales." HBS brought him closer to his family, because his section included his wife and child in its activities. He has "found a family away from home."

 

CLASS OF2009

Lena Sene Story VIDEO: 10.5 minutes

Story regarding her experience attending HBS in the 2000s, the realization of a childhood dream. HBS has exceeded her expectations in terms of her fellow students, the caliber of the faculty, and the "richness" of the case study method.

 

CLASS OF2008

Maryia Shaton Story VIDEO: RT: 04:38

Story regarding the diversity of the HBS study body and their perspectives and experiences. She describes the power of the case method with a story about a heated panel discussion in her Venture Capital and Private Equity course. She is ready to assume leadership roles with the skills she has gained through the creative educational methods of HBS.

 

CLASS OF1977

Dan Shypula Story VIDEO: 8.5 minutes

Story regarding his experience attending HBS in the 1970s, beginning with the dismay of arriving a week late, very behind in his studies and a stranger to his classmates. He relays the nervous humorousness of his first presentation of ideas in class, and another instance when he impressed the professor by accident. He characterizes HBS as serious in endeavor but lighthearted in manner. First-year "humility training" opens one to eventual personal growth.

 

CLASS OF1982

Pedro Simko Story VIDEO: 7 minutes

Story regarding his experience attending HBS in the 1980s, as a student with no work experience, learning through sheer panic at the beginning of the term. He discusses the case study method of teaching as the introduction to a career he loves, consumer products. He exhorts today's students, when deciding upon a career, to "choose with your heart."

 

CLASS OF1982

James Sinclair Story VIDEO: 5 minutes

Story regarding his experience attending HBS in the 1980s, after working on farms in Latin America. He discusses how being "put in a pressure cooker" is excellent preparation for working in business. He notes that the case study method defines the common ground he has with all HBS graduates: developing a way of thinking; and the emergence of Brazil as a business economy, which is reflected in the establishment of an HBS alumni club in Brazil, and in the number of case studies which emanate from there today.

 

CLASS OF1997

Jim Slayton Story VIDEO: 11 minutes

Story regarding his experience as an openly gay student attending HBS in the 1990s, his attempts to marry his partner or have the union blessed on campus, and his legacy as President of the HBS Gay and Lesbian Student Association.

 

CLASS OF2009

Andrew Styperek Story VIDEO: RT: 07:55

Story regarding his vision of combining his medical and business educations to exert an impact on society and the enrichment of the educational process from his classmates' inputs. Born into a family of physicians, his expression of interest in the business world diverted somewhat from that line, but he feels his plan to weld the two disciplines together will yield the most effective results. As a graduate of Harvard College, he is pleased to take part in the same diversity of students and viewpoints, which is a hallmark of the university tradition. He has learned a great deal from disagreements with classmates and the case analysis of business mistakes and failures. Equipped with his medical and business knowledge, he will be prepared to bring about major change in the world.

 

CLASS OF1997

Caty Szyman Story VIDEO: 5.5 minutes

Story regarding her experience attending HBS in the 1990s, from the perspective of being the first person in her family to attend Harvard and as a Midwesterner ("a girl from Minnesota") who gained an international perspective and experience.

 

CLASS OF1977

Abhay Talsania Story VIDEO: 6 minutes

Story regarding his experience as an economics graduate from India attending HBS in the 1970s, who moved from "being well-off in a poor country to being poor in a well-off country as a student." He compares the theoretical education of India to the case study method of Harvard, and recounts cultural offerings in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that introduced him to the American way of life. Harvard students tended to be conservative in their politics. He discusses the paradox of studying capitalist finance at the business school while attending a Marxist Economics course at the main campus. He characterizes his HBS experience as "profound."

 

CLASS OF1972

Marnie Tattersall Story VIDEO: 4.5 minutes

Story regarding her experience attending HBS in the 1970s. Initially intimidated to speak up in a classroom of men with impressive family names, she gains fortitude to succeed in business. Her hope to work on Wall Street is transformed by a student consulting project for CBS Records, into a career in the entertainment industry.

 

CLASS OF2007

David Tudehope Story VIDEO: RT: 05:49

Story regarding how he reached the half-time break in his career and the Advanced Management Program served as a spring training for recharging his entrepreneurial skill set. The broad range of cases exposed him to the issues and perspectives of other business sectors, nations, and regions and thus has enabled him to study his own field and country from a new angle. With a group of students from around the globe, he assembled a rowing team that defeated the Kennedy School of Government but more importantly renewed his fondness for teamwork and collaboration. In terms of the AMP mission, he exhorts the School to continue to innovate and to evolve as the world changes.

 

MBA2010

Jen Tydlaska Story VIDEO: RT: 02:29

Story regarding the factors that drew her to the MBA Program and how she has been taking advantage of the incredible array of opportunities at HBS. She was attracted by the School's commitment to the empowerment and development of women leaders and the wonderful work of the Women's Student Association and she intends to carry on this crucial mission into her career. The Social Enterprise program speaks directly to her personal determination to lead a ethical life and to contribute to the betterment of society. She connected at once with the palpable passion on the HBS campus. Her student friendships will blossom into lifelong relationships and an expansive support network.

 

MBA2010

Sofia Valdivia Story VIDEO: RT: 06:12

Story regarding her sharing academic and cultural learning and idealistic goals with her classmates. Originally from Peru, she earned an engineering degree at Stanford University and worked in supply chain operations until she determined that she needed a "broader perspective" and applied to HBS. Expanding on the joy of cultural exchange at the School, she is organizing a student trek to Peru with a classmate. At first she was skeptical about the effectiveness of the case method. Having observed the faculty's preparation of case materials and engaged in case discussions, she admires the invaluable interplay of multiple viewpoints and the mutual learning of the case method. She intends to employ her HBS education in the service of improving the lives and opportunities of the people of Latin America.

 

CLASS OF1982

George L. Van Amson Story VIDEO: 6 minutes

Story regarding his experience as a native New Yorker attending HBS in the 1980s, in terms of having to soften his natural acrimony toward Boston, and laying an important foundation for his life. He notes that the high caliber of students is reflected in a heated financial debate he had with a classmate who later became CFO and CEO of a Fortune 500 company. He also states that Harvard needs to increase its enrollment of African-Americans and that friendships made at HBS reverberate throughout a lifetime.

 

CLASS OF2009

Eduardo Weinstein Story VIDEO: 7 minutes

Story regarding his experience attending HBS in the 2000s, in terms of the caliber and community spirit of students, faculty and staff. The respect for and interest taken in international cultures evokes this spirit.

 

CLASS OF1987

Bob Youngentob Story VIDEO: 11 minutes

Story regarding his experience attending HBS in the 1980s. He describes himself as an artistic-minded economist who developed a passion for Real Estate under the influence of Professor Poorvu. He also discusses the balance between having fun and preparing for class, the forging of important personal and private relationships at school, and managing his own housing company.

 

CLASS OF1992

Marc Zablatsky Story VIDEO: 5 minutes

Story regarding his experience as a local lower middle-class student attending HBS in the 1990s. Topics include the decision to reapply after initial disappointment, the reaction of friends and relatives to his acceptance to HBS, the transformation of his perspective and career from local to international, and his identity as the "wildcard" of his student section.