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.

1-46 of 46 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.

 

CLASS OF2001

Daniella Ballou-Aares Story VIDEO: RT: 08:50

Story regarding how her Social Enterprise Summer Fellowship in Liberia transformed her thinking about her role as a citizen of the world. She worked on a HBS project to obtain medicines for the AIDS epidemic in Malawi. She co-founded a consulting firm to work on humanitarian issues. She speaks about the HBS community's responsibility to lead such efforts and to have a global impact.

 

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.

 

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 OF2007

Annie Bertrand Story VIDEO: RT: 04:18

Story regarding how her trek to India led to her to found with classmates a nonprofit organization, the Indian School Fund. They raised the resources to build a school and they designed a successful educational system that incorporates entrepreneurship into the curriculum.

 

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.

 

CLASS OF2002

Gary Binford Story VIDEO: 2 minutes

Story regarding his experience at HBS in the early 2000s. He talks about receiving his acceptance letter and various classroom situations.

 

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 OF1978

Adele Bozza Story VIDEO: RT: 05:48

Story regarding how she honors the memory of deceased classmates and celebrates the life of her husband, Joseph Grasser, MBA 1976. Her section truly consolidated its unity following a party before the last day of class when no one expected Prof. David Reibstein to present any cases. However, when he called on her, she had to pass as she was unprepared as was most of the class. Her classmates as a group supported her by revealing to the professor why they had not studied the case. To commemorate the achievements of her husband, whose dream was to create his own company, she has endowed the Joe Grasser Entrepreneurial Leadership Fund to empower and encourage new graduates to pursue their dreams and to follow their passions.

 

CLASS OF2008

Privahini Bradoo Story VIDEO: 5.5 minutes

Story regarding her experience attending HBS in the 2000s, especially organizing and traveling on the India Immersion Experience, and learning that a business leader can change the world for the better.

 

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 OF1988

Byron Carlock Story VIDEO: RT: 03:44

Story regarding how HBS introduced him as a young person from Arkansas to a new world. He has often invoked "Earl's Pearls", the wise words of Prof. Earl Sasser, as tools to meet business and personal demands. The analytical and decision making skills inculcated by the case method have been the "best products" of his education. As all HBS graduates, he has taken to heart the urgings of Dean McArthur and Dean Clark to serve one's community and to make a difference as a bold and courageous leader.

 

CLASS OF2009

Omowale Casselle Story VIDEO: RT: 06:49

Story regarding the major components of his HBS experience. He decided to attend HBS as a means of answering God's call to service after visiting on Prospective Students' Day. As a child, school was an escape from the violence in his community. He is focusing on venture capital as a tool to help others. His Analytics professor and a student trek enabled him to realize that everyone can work to make the world better in their own way and that HBS students as future leaders will fulfill the duties of privilege.

 

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.

 

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 OF2009

John Fillmore Story VIDEO: 4 minutes

Story regarding his experience attending HBS in the 2000s, his "transformation" taking place during dinner with classmates to celebrate the end of first-term finals. During a humbling discussion about hopes and fears, he realizes he is sitting among the finest of prospective leaders, those that can change the world for the better.

 

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 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.

 

CLASS OF2005

Monisha Kapila Story VIDEO: RT: 03:03

Story regarding her experiences in the HBS Leadership Fellows program at Accion International in the microfinancing industry in Latin America and on the hindrances to MBAs working in the nonprofit sector. She encourages students to build their careers on their passions and urges the faculty to seek innovative ways of developing students into leaders.

 

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 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.

 

CLASS OF2009

Kristin Meyer Story VIDEO: 4 minutes

Story regarding her experience attending HBS in the 2000s, encapsuled in the international perspective she gained from attending the Middle-East Immersion program.

 

CLASS OF2008

Johnita Mizelle Story VIDEO: 6 minutes

Story regarding her experience attending HBS in the 2000s, encompassing leadership opportunities (serving as chair of the Financial Club Conference, and CFO of the Entrepreneurship Club) and what she learned from teaching and mentoring Harvard College sophomores with Wall Street aspirations. Being the first person in her family to attend Harvard is a meaningful achievement.

 

CLASS OF1957

David Morehead Story VIDEO: 9 minutes

Story regarding his experience attending HBS in the 1950s, including how an Army friend (later classmate) persuaded him to apply, enrichment of his retail background that enabled him to work in manufacturing and to become an entrepreneur, and how a working wife financially supported this "Doriot disciple" through graduate school.

 

CLASS OF2009

Limor Moshkovich Story VIDEO: 2.5 minutes

Story regarding her experience attending HBS in the 2000s, encapsuled in her organization of and participation in the China-Vietnam Immersion program (China and Vietnam: Faces of Revolutionary Change), and her hopes for the impressive elementary school children she met on that trip.

 

CLASS OF2007

Andy Murphy Story VIDEO: RT: 08:55

Story regarding his applying to HBS while in the Peace Corps in Ghana and how he and his wife from Ghana adjusted on their arrival at the School. He describes his career plan linking business and the environment, his joint program at the Kennedy School, and his HBS Leadership Fellows position at the World Wildlife Fund.

 

CLASS OF2009

Marc Oman Story VIDEO: RT: 09:30

Story regarding his reaction to the contrasts in educational methods from his upbringing in France and his confidence in the strength of his connections to the School. Although he harbored concerns about the efficacy of the case method, his direct participation terminated any doubts and he discusses one of his favorite cases. He illustrates the entrepreneurial spirit of the students and the School. One highlight of his first year was assisting with the planning of the European Immersion trip. He details the differences between the first and second years of the MBA Program. Perusing his grandfather's student records reinforced his sense of membership in the HBS community which he is certain will remain vibrant throughout his life.

 

CLASS OF2008

Avni Patel Story VIDEO: RT: 08:11

Story regarding how through classroom exchange, she was struck by the importance of listening to the ideas of others. The faculty's concern for the students has impressed her deeply. Her section bought a Christmas gift for a custodial staff member to show their appreciation of her work. Prof. Tom Piper's teaching has inspired her to be a better leader.

 

CLASS OF2008

Hunter Pierson Story VIDEO: 7.5 minutes

Story regarding his experience as a teacher and a native of New Orleans attending HBS in the 2000s, studying public education in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina as a participant of the New Orleans Service Immersion program. The "exhilirating, exhausting days" interviewing school principals (including a HBS alumnus), led to deep friendships, personal growth, and an independent research project to develop a case study about the New Orleans Public Education System.

 

CLASS OF2008

Michon Pinnix Story VIDEO: RT: 11:48

Story regarding how friendship is at the core of her HBS experience. With her friends' encouragement, she plans to proceed with a project on free-trade, organic coffee in Ethiopia. She will go forward with this idea now as an outgrowth of her responsibility to contribute to society with the tools and resources she has gained through her HBS education.

 

CLASS OF2009

Thomas Rajan Story VIDEO: 4 minutes

Story regarding his experience attending HBS in the 2000s. The weighty sense of history and responsibility that accompanies an HBS education inspires one to accomplish great things that change the world.

 

MBA2010

Mohinder Rajput Story VIDEO: RT: 09:46

Story regarding how he was inspired to apply to HBS by the graduates who have excelled in his country of India and how he converts the burdens of responsibilities as an HBS student into the energy to develop into a world leader. Major figures in the commercial and political spheres of India, such as Naina Lal Kidwai MBA 1982, have established a record of achievement to which he aspires. Prof. Jan Hammond furnished a lesson on leadership which he will never forget. During his introduction on the first day of class, he spoke of the basic premise of the Stoic School of Philosophy that everything happens for a reason. He applied this principle to their section by voicing his confidence that they will help teach each other for the next two years and this struck a chord with his classmates and earned their applause.

 

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 OF2003

Maria Rivas Story VIDEO: RT: 03:55

Story regarding how the tragedy of September 11th compelled her to accelerate her plans to return to Nicaragua to change her country and how she realized that if you want to make a difference, you need to start at once. Through the Leadership Fellowship Program, she started an investment development agency, became involved in tourism development, and was appointed Minister of Tourism. She recommends to the Social Enterprise program to strengthen their network and convene participants more often.

 

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 OF1998

Mark Selawry Story VIDEO: RT: 03:05

Story regarding the most noteworthy memory of his HBS years. At the end of each course, professors summarized the key lessons of their teaching, and students scrutinized these sessions for clues to exam topics. Instead of a summation, Prof. Clayton Christensen concluded his Managing Innovation class with a lecture on the social and moral responsibilities of leadership, which has left a lasting impression on him throughout his life and work.

 

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 OF2009

Maura Sullivan Story VIDEO: 9 minutes

Story regarding her experience as a former Marine Corps officer attending HBS in the 2000s, from the welcome given her during a visit, to the personal support provided to classmates by their section. HBS students are "dreamers" that act with a "mix of idealism and pragmatism."

 

CLASS OF2008

Gilbert Tang Story VIDEO: RT: 08:14

Story regarding his encapsulation of his MBA experience in two phrases: "Dream big" and "Think in billions." He intends to share his HBS education with the world by benefitting as many people as possible, such as through the nonprofit organization, Diagnostics For All. He and his partners made HBS history by winning both the MIT 100K Entrepreneurship Competition and the HBS Social Enterprise Business Plan Contest, which exemplifies the School's philosophy of sharing with one's community and the world at large. His parents, Rosemary and Peter Tang, express their great pride in their son, and his best friend, Dr. Steve Singh congratulates him on behalf of his friends and colleagues.

 

CLASS OF2009

Aduke Thelwell Story VIDEO: RT: 04:16

Story regarding the two major surprises of her first year. By putting herself in the professor's role, she has drawn from the case method the lessons of asking the right questions and framing a dialogue effectively in the context of decision making, which she has put into effect in her work with the Board Fellows Program. She describes how she has utilized an exercise in her Leadership and Organizational Behavior course about career-life balance to manage her feelings of stress.

 

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

Judy Zhu Story VIDEO: 6 minutes

Story regarding her experience attending HBS in the 2000s and her appreciation of the case study method of teaching --where there are "no right answers", student opinion is swayed by powerful debate, and student argument is strengthened by personalizing another's situation.