HBS alumni venture capital investors share their favorite startups founded by fellow HBS graduates. Keith Bender (MBA ’20) reports. HBS alumni startup founders have created $364B in market value since 2010. Accordingly, graduates in the venture capital industry closely follow the companies our fellow alumni are building. This month, I asked a panel… Continue reading Alumni Startup Corner: Investors’ Favorite HBS Companies
Category: Alumni
How to Fail Well and the Similarities Between Business and Dating (I/II)
Felipe Cerón (MBA ’22) interviews HBS professors about their failures and what they learned from them. How do we fail well? How do we learn from it? How do we get comfortable and move on fast? Should we share our failures? If you are anything like me (and I would place a bet most HBS… Continue reading How to Fail Well and the Similarities Between Business and Dating (I/II)
Is Rugby Related to Sumo?
Michael Rush (MBA ’72) recounts the early history of HBS rugby and the alumni’s recent “Japan Trek” for the World Rugby Cup. The HBS rugby tradition was founded in 1963 through the organization of an intrepid Scot, Jim Johnstone (MBA ’65). Various tours to the Bahamas and other island venues during the 1970s instilled an… Continue reading Is Rugby Related to Sumo?
Social Theory at HBS: McGinnis’ Two FOs
Patrick McGinnis (MBA ’04), writing just before his graduation in 2004, defined FOMO for the HBS campus—and the world. [Editor’s note: To complement this month’s article by Michael Deliakis, we are delighted to reprint the piece that began it all. McGinnis published this article in the Harbus in May 2004. Although some of the Harvard… Continue reading Social Theory at HBS: McGinnis’ Two FOs
Trump, Leadership, and the Problem with Harvard Business School: An Interview with Larry Summers
Our interview with Larry Summers has not quite started according to plan. Half an hour after we are scheduled to meet in Klarman Hall, where Larry is speaking at a conference marking the 10th anniversary of the global financial crisis, he is still deep in conversation with an attendee while your interviewers hover awkwardly in… Continue reading Trump, Leadership, and the Problem with Harvard Business School: An Interview with Larry Summers
2,300 Alumni and Guests Return to HBS For Fall Reunion
Over 2,300 alumni and guests returned to campus on October 11th for HBS’ annual fall celebration of 25th through 45th reunions. Reunion activities ranged from faculty presentations and alumni- and faculty-led case discussions to 7:30 am soccer matches (for the lucky members of the Class of 1993!) and perennial favorites, Friday night section parties and… Continue reading 2,300 Alumni and Guests Return to HBS For Fall Reunion
How Should Business Leaders Address Global Climate Change?
Alumni and students pose answers to the question: Where’s the Leadership on Climate Change, Harvard? In the past several years the Harbus has run an alumni-sponsored series of at least nine ads and articles urging more action on climate change. Seven HBS alumni have joined forces to make this happen. The latest of these, “Where’s… Continue reading How Should Business Leaders Address Global Climate Change?
King of the Castle
Interview with Alan Horn (MBA ’71), Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios Alan Horn (HBS ’71) may be the humblest man in Hollywood. This might not be what you’d expect from one of the most influential figures in the film and television industry, and one of the individuals responsible for shaping much of what we’ve watched… Continue reading King of the Castle
Where’s the Leadership?
Where’s the leadership regarding HBS, business leadership, and climate change? Please consider the quotes on the facing page, many of which will be recognizable, and all understandable, to the Harvard community. Surely the statements by President Faust and Dean Nohria can only be considered sincere, and can only be fulfilled, if the School takes a… Continue reading Where’s the Leadership?
Advice from faculty to outgoing ECs
Stay in touch with one (or more) of your faculty members; these oftentimes become amazing points of connection — in both directions — over the long term and a great way to stay engaged with HBS. Dean Nohria Think about what is important to you and to those whom you care about. Use that input to… Continue reading Advice from faculty to outgoing ECs
A Lifetime of Service: An Interview with Secretary Ray Mabus
Over the course of his career, Ray Mabus (HLS ‘75) has held remarkably diverse, high-level roles in both state and federal government: from first serving as Mississippi State Auditor at the age of 35, to becoming the nation’s youngest governor, to his role as Ambassador to Saudi Arabia—and finally his tenure as Secretary of the… Continue reading A Lifetime of Service: An Interview with Secretary Ray Mabus
Who said Harvard MBAs don’t code?
Last spring, we published a Harbus piece asserting that “coding is the new business literacy.” As we look back on the student-led digital literacy movements at HBS over the past year, we’d say that the student body agrees. There’s a blossoming ecosystem on campus of tech-driven clubs, hackathons, and ventures. It’s hard to believe that… Continue reading Who said Harvard MBAs don’t code?
Memoirs of an EC
Sasha Pang’s Three Most Important Lessons From Business School Have Nothing To Do With Business In August 2015, my husband and I packed ourselves and our beloved cockapoo into our SUV, and drove from San Francisco to Boston. As we made our way across the country, I looked forward with anticipation to the challenge and… Continue reading Memoirs of an EC
The future of payments: A conversation with Hassan Ahmed of Venmo
Samar Sikka discusses the origins of Venmo, scaling fast-growing startups, and business strategy with Hassan Ahmed, HBS ’11, Business Operations Manager at Venmo. Venmo – the one app you will find across every student’s phone at the Harvard Business School. Just as Facebook has forever changed the way we share and interact with the world, Venmo… Continue reading The future of payments: A conversation with Hassan Ahmed of Venmo
HBS Startup Anomalie: Breaking with Tradition
In the United States on average, there are 2.1 million people getting married each year. The industry is worth about $54 billion in the US and $300 billion globally. Most of the market has stayed the same over time, but with growth in the digital space, the market is slowly being disrupted by embracing new… Continue reading HBS Startup Anomalie: Breaking with Tradition
Young Alums of HBSCNY
Did you know the Harvard Business School Club of NY (HBSCNY) is the largest HBS Club in the world with more than 1,300 active members? Plus, as a graduation gift, HBSCNY gives a free one-year membership to recent graduates (currently Class of 2016). Here are three HBS Alumni that have found success in the Big… Continue reading Young Alums of HBSCNY
An Interview with Henry Ellenbogen: The Man who Taught Mutual Funds how to Invest
The allure of Silicon Valley has grown in the eyes of HBS graduates since the Financial Crisis, and it is not surprising that more and more HBS’ers are leaving school to join start-ups. The MBA curriculum has tilted in the same direction although the shift of FIELD 3 back into EC year may signal a… Continue reading An Interview with Henry Ellenbogen: The Man who Taught Mutual Funds how to Invest
Executive Search: Finding the Needle in the Haystack: An interview with Jim Searing, HBS ’79; Founder, Lochlin Partners
“It is like looking for a needle in a haystack” describes Jim Searing with a mild chuckle, when asked to describe the executive search business. The founder and retired CEO of Lochlin Partners, a top notch executive search firm, has spent an impressive 32 years in the “head-hunting” industry. A Marine Corps veteran, he graduated… Continue reading Executive Search: Finding the Needle in the Haystack: An interview with Jim Searing, HBS ’79; Founder, Lochlin Partners
Disrupting the engagement ring industry: the hbs alum taking on cartier and tiffany
The idea: A luxury jewelry start-up that disrupts the engagement ring industry by creating a unique ring for every client. Designed from scratch, manufactured, and sold only for that single proposal, it tells a couple’s personal love story. The start-up will compete with Tiffany, Harry Winston, Cartier – hallowed names of the jewelry industry that… Continue reading Disrupting the engagement ring industry: the hbs alum taking on cartier and tiffany
Sapphire Ventures’ Quiet Approach Speaks Volumes with HBS Alums
Ask any current HBS student with a background or interest in venture capital this simple question: “What is the best-performing venture capital fund in the world?” Likely answers include Sequoia, Accel, NEA, Greylock or Andreessen Horowitz – each a smart pick. Yet, a quick look at CB Insights’ list of the top VC funds with… Continue reading Sapphire Ventures’ Quiet Approach Speaks Volumes with HBS Alums
Put your data analysis skills to the test – take part in the Datathon for Diabetes
Diabetes is a global pandemic. Characterized by chronic high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) due to the body’s failure to produce enough insulin, diabetes affects over 9% of the population in the US alone, and of those people, approximately 25% are undiagnosed. More alarmingly so, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates that 415 million people have… Continue reading Put your data analysis skills to the test – take part in the Datathon for Diabetes
A Path Less Traveled: HBS Graduate Runs for Mayor of Baltimore
According to Harvard Business School’s recruiting statistics, the most sought out industries by HBS graduates are financial services and consulting, together consistently drawing in over half of the school’s graduating classes. The class of 2015 statistics support that narrative, with 31% of graduates entering financial services and 24% joining a consulting firm. Contrast that with… Continue reading A Path Less Traveled: HBS Graduate Runs for Mayor of Baltimore
Harvard Business School Club of New York: Congratulations, Class of 2016!
After you graduate from HBS, your connection with the school should not be limited to reunions every five years. Several major cities have alumni clubs, the largest of which is The Harvard Business School Club of New York (“HBSCNY”). HBSCNY is a unique, powerful platform connecting the leadership and management expertise of Harvard Business School… Continue reading Harvard Business School Club of New York: Congratulations, Class of 2016!
Take it From the Guy who Created FOMO: One Job is not Enough
With graduation fast approaching, it’s natural to feel apprehensive about finding a job that will be both interesting and fulfilling. Even if you manage to find a position that meets your wildest expectations, how do you know that your initial excitement will last? According to Forbes Magazine, a recent survey by the Conference Board indicates… Continue reading Take it From the Guy who Created FOMO: One Job is not Enough
We Can Be Heroes: How These Illustrious HBS Alums Would Change History
By Vaibhav Singh, HBS Class of 2017 David Bowie, rock star, poet, actor and icon, died on January 10th 2016. He recorded one of his most popular singles, “Heroes” back in 1977, celebrating two lovers who meet at the Berlin Wall, trying to find a way to be together. The wall stood there for another… Continue reading We Can Be Heroes: How These Illustrious HBS Alums Would Change History
Longevity 101: Harvard Business School’s Oldest Alumnus Shares Secrets of Success
F. Gorham Brigham, Jr. (Harvard College 1937, HBS 1939), retired Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending, Citizens Bank of Massachusetts, turned 101 on January 14th, adding another milestone to his distinction as HBS’ oldest alumnus. Following graduation from HBS, Mr. Brigham began his career at Price Waterhouse before being called to active military duty, and… Continue reading Longevity 101: Harvard Business School’s Oldest Alumnus Shares Secrets of Success
From Field 3 to Shark Tank: The Story of ‘Unshrinkit’
“How about $150,000 for 15% of your company?” asked Mark Cuban in a recent episode of Shark Tank. “Yes!!! We will take it!” The two founders on stage cried and hugged each other. They could not believe their goal of a $1M valuation while only giving up 10%-18% equity had come true. “DEAL”. This moment… Continue reading From Field 3 to Shark Tank: The Story of ‘Unshrinkit’
Leveling the Playing Field: Lower the Cost of Pursuing an MBA
With acceptance rates at top MBA programs ranging from 7% to 20% and recent studies showing that over 50% of MBA applicants use an MBA consultant, the cost for competing begins early in the MBA pursuit process and has steepened dramatically. This advice comes at a steep price, though: the average hourly rate for admissions… Continue reading Leveling the Playing Field: Lower the Cost of Pursuing an MBA
Alumni Career Advice & Perspectives: Asha Haji, EF Education First
The Harbus Chief Operating Officer, Natasha Larsen, spoke with HBS aluma, Asha Haji, about EF Education First, how it fits into the social enterprise world, and advice to those interested in the space. The Harbus: Tell us about your industry Asha Haji: For starters, I wouldn’t call social enterprise an industry; rather it’s a space… Continue reading Alumni Career Advice & Perspectives: Asha Haji, EF Education First
Alumni Career Advice & Perspectives: Katy George, Director at McKinsey
The Harbus Chief Operating Officer, Natasha Larsen, spoke with HBS PhD aluma, Katy George, about her path to McKinsey, experiences there, and advice to would-be consultants. The Harbus: What was your path from HBS to your current position? KG: I came to Harvard to do a Ph.D. in Business Economics and fell in love with the Technology… Continue reading Alumni Career Advice & Perspectives: Katy George, Director at McKinsey