How did you prepare for the national championship?

I used to be a professional table tennis player in China, and I started to play table tennis when I was 6 years old. At age 11, I started to play competitively. I had practiced and played for more than 15 years, and I retired as an athlete more than 10 years ago.  I didn’t really practice to prepare for this national championship, I guess I just relied on my old tricks and skills in this fresh tournament. I still got it!

Can you walk us through your experience during the competition?

It is a remarkable experience. I represented San Jose State University, my undergraduate college, to compete in this tournament 12 years ago. I never thought I would be back to compete in the national collegiate tournament again after so many years, and I didn’t know there was a table tennis team at Harvard. Last year, the team captain connected with me through a friend and invited me to the co-ed team. We competed in the regional college

tournament and made it all the way to the national championship. The whole experience has been a great surprise to me on top of the amazing HBS journey.

I am able to make many new friends from different schools and share school experiences. We are worst enemies during matches because everyone shares a great fighter spirit and wants to win, but we are best friends outside of the table tennis courts given the sport bonds us together so well.

What was the toughest match you played in the competition, and how did you overcome it?

In a quarterfinal match, I was playing against a very strong male athlete who had so much strength. I knew I had no chance to win, but I fought hard every ball and gave him a hard time. I lost, but it wasn’t an easy win for him. It was a great match and I earned a lot of respect from the audience as a tough female athlete.

What did you learn from your experience in the national championship?

I learned that my experience as a professional athlete when I was young really helped me a lot in becoming an entrepreneur and business leader today. It takes persistence, mental toughness, and extreme hard work to excel in the sport, and this is the same as a business professional. I learned that I need to appreciate that everything that happens in life is for a good reason.

I also learned that Harvard attracts so many diverse talents. My teammates are great table tennis athletes, and they are from different schools across Harvard. 

Plus, HBS professors sent me best wishes as I competed in the tournament even though I had to skip some classes. Everyone is so supportive.

How does it feel to be the only girl to represent Harvard and compete at a national level?

I feel very proud as the only female athlete in the co-ed team because my participation promotes inclusion and diversity. Competing against men is definitely tough but it is not impossible – as long as I give my best to every shot. Girls are no less than boys, even in sports. Everyone is created equal, we all have our own games.

Can you tell us about the team dynamic across schools and how you work together to achieve success?

The team is made up of students across Harvard schools – there is Kyle from the Medical School; Scott from the Law School; Tex, Alex, and Jeremy who are all undergrads at Harvard University; and myself at HBS. Everyone is so busy with school work, that as we are waiting for a match to start, many of us will use the time to do homework on our computers. When the match starts, we all cheer for each other. We celebrate victories but never blame anyone for a failure. It is such a great team! We have already become lifelong friends.

Our coach, Yutian Wang, used to be a professional table tennis player in China and now owns a table tennis club in New York. He went to Austin (where we competed) to coach us, which also contributed to our success.

As a team, we utilize both our own network to get support and donations among friends and school clubs to enable us to travel and be successful.

How has your experience in table tennis impacted your academic and personal life?

I am always a fighter, and have always been very competitive in work. In life, this experience makes me cherish relationships further. Winning or losing in a tournament is always temporary, but friendship and sportsmanship are forever.

I am an entrepreneur, and I’ve learned that many VCs actually like entrepreneurs who used to be athletes because we are persistent, never give up, and are mentally very tough.

What advice would you give to aspiring student-athletes who want to compete at a national level?

Every opportunity to participate in tournaments is an opportunity to shine and make friends. Stay very focused on each game and match, keep fighting, always give your best shot, and in no time you will make it to nationals! Even if you can’t make it to a national tournament, you are already a true warrior!

How does Harvard support its student-athletes and help them balance academics and athletics?

HBS professors are very supportive. They have offered office hours for me to make up the classes I missed. Harvard takes academics and attendance very seriously in order to provide the best learning experience for all students, but is also very supportive to athletic life and competitions. They definitely want students to grow in all areas.

What are your future goals as a table tennis team, and how do you plan to achieve them?

Some team members are graduating this summer. But we know Harvard is good at attracting top talent, so we are keeping eyes on new admits across schools to see if there are table tennis athletes who are passionate about the sport who we can recruit to the team. Our graduating team members will come back to help the team on planning practice sessions and competition trips. I will be graduating next year, but I plan to always come back to contribute what I can to my Harvard team. I think this is why Harvard is such an amazing place – we have a strong culture of coming back and giving back.

Sally Su is a current RC at HBS. She is a serial entrepreneur, focused on building businesses in senior care and real estate. Her dream is to find an innovative solution to tackle the worldwide senior care crisis.

Pallavi Chadha (MBA ’24) comes to HBS having spent the past few years understanding the Indian startup ecosystem as a consumer VC investor. What she enjoyed most about that life was getting to know people and truly listening and understanding the stories behind their journeys.

The post Cross-Harvard Team Places Sixth in National Table Tennis Championship first appeared on The Harbus.

Continuing with the housing option for HBS students’ series, we are now covering the top five reasons for living in apartments on campus. After securing spots through a housing lottery, students can opt to live in either Soldiers Field Park (SFP) or One Western Avenue (OWA). Both apartment complexes are located on campus just steps from main academic buildings such as Spangler and Aldrich.

We interviewed current residents to understand the following unique advantages over the residential halls:

1. Decoration:  Transforming an empty unit into a cozy and inviting space is not easy, but it is a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. Residents express their personal style and craft a space that reflects their personality, interests, and tastes. Decorating a unit is a fun and creative process that involves selecting colors and fabrics, choosing furniture and accessories, and arranging them in a way that creates a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing space called home. 
2. Sharing: Renting a unit with more than one bedroom not only offers a lower rent per resident and a person with whom to split household chores, it also offers the option to live with a family member, significant other, or friend. Companionship makes living in a shared unit a more enjoyable living experience because residents can foster long-lasting closer relationships.
3. Hosting: Organizing activities with section mates at home fosters a sense of community and friendship, especially for residents who are new in the city or country. Activities like dinner parties are a great way to know more about classmates and bond over shared interests and food. Additionally, hosting section mates at home can be a fun and relaxing way to unwind after a long 3-cases day. Whether for a dinner party, movie night, or game night, the ability to host can provide a much-needed break from case reading or recruitment. 
4. Pets: Offering unconditional love and loyalty, pets are welcome in both SFP and OWA. Pets provide residents companionship and emotional support. Living with a pet promotes physical activity such as walking, improves overall health, and requires responsibility and commitment, offering a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Pets have also facilitated residents’ social connections with other pet owners or animal lovers across campus and beyond.
5. Hospitality: Hosting guests for a few days in an apartment creates a sense of community and connection, making it a great experience for everyone involved. When friends or family members visit HBS, receiving them at home allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the life of an HBS student, giving them the advantage of the extra time to explore the area or engage in activities with their host. 

Stay tuned for our upcoming article about 5 reasons to live off campus.

Daniel Concha Zegarra (MBA ’24) is a Peruvian who spent 8 years in China before coming to HBS. He moved to Beijing to study a master’s degree as part of the Schwarzman Scholars Program at Tsinghua University. While in China, Daniel worked in technology, mainly mobile game development and publishing. 

The post Five Reasons to Live in SFP or OWA  first appeared on The Harbus.

The Class of 2023 arrived on campus in August 2021 at a crossroads. After a long haul managing Covid-19 protocols, the school was working hard to help the incoming RCs enjoy the HBS experience in-person.

Orientation kicks off each year with START week, which introduces students to the full range of what the MBA program has to offer, including their section. Knowing how important the section experience is to student life, great care is placed in setting a positive tone on Day 1.

Reciprocity Ring, an early START activity, helps establish a standard of generosity within each section. In the activity, students ask their section mates for one favor, from learning a new hobby to making an important connection. Each request is met with an earnest commitment to help.

On the fateful day, Section I student Collin Anderson (MBA ’23) offered a unique call to action with his Reciprocity Ring request: “Please cut my cat’s nails.” Given the unusual nature of the request, the room fell into an unsteady silence. 

While most Section I students were physically present in Aldrich to hear Collin’s plea, one student had to receive the request virtually. Alex Swick (MBA ’23), despite his Zoom constraint, stepped up to the plate and agreed to help Collin and Isaac the Cat. 

“Joining from the screen on Day 1 was tough, I had to make a real effort to make a connection. Even on my first day, I knew the section experience would be worth it. This was a house we were building together brick by brick, ring by ring—and I felt called to lay the first brick.”

As the months went by, Section I connected over memorable experiences and celebrations, however, there was something looming in the background. Something on the verge of growing out of control. Isaac’s nails.

During this time, Collin Anderson’s faith in the section bond wavered. “I started to think maybe it won’t happen. Maybe I was just kidding myself this whole time about how our section cared for each other. I thought maybe I went too far in a Skydeck roast and bungled it up”.   

The final stretch of the EC year inspired students to reflect on their experiences, including any remaining items on their bucket lists. For Alex Swick, there was only one outstanding item: “I was reflecting on my EC year and there was this pit in my stomach. I just couldn’t figure out why, but I felt as though my HBS experience wasn’t complete. Then it hit me – the Reciprocity Ring.”

On an uncommonly cold day in April, the sky opened. Alex dusted off a pair of clippers, messaged Collin with his intentions, and with one cut after another, made a difference in the world for his new feline friend.

Issac the Cat could not be reached for comment, but sources close to him say that he appreciated the thoughtfulness in Alex’s approach and is loving his new, appropriately shortened nails. 

Alex’s gesture didn’t go unnoticed by section leadership. Section I president Brianna Kim (MS/MBA ’23) had this to say: “I’m so proud of everything we’ve accomplished, especially because we did it together. Every section needs an Alex Swick. Trimming Issac’s nails was a thankless job: it wasn’t teaching a section mate a fancy new sport, or making a glamorous industry connection, it was responding to the real, everyday needs of a friend and section mate, and I think that is beautiful in its own way. Section I is lucky to have an individual like Alex.”

When we reached out to Collin Anderson to talk about what the experience meant to him he had this to say: “That’s the beauty of reciprocity. It’s a give and take, but together you grow. Alex did it for me and I wouldn’t hesitate to do the same for him, or his cat.” 

While Alex took an unconventional approach to Reciprocity Rings by taking nearly two years to close it, many students felt that this time added to the impact on that fateful day when Isaac’s nails were finally cut. Even late into EC year, Cherri Wang’s (MBA ’23) faith in her section never wavered. “I never had any doubt. In our

section, a promise made is a promise kept. The moment those words were uttered in START, that cat’s nails were good as clipped [sic].”  

As the section reflected on the final Reciprocity Ring being closed, it revealed some powerful lessons about the section experience and what the section means to them. A highly influential section member, David Grinberg (MBA ’23), offered his thoughts “I could have volunteered, I could have offered to cut Isaac’s nails, but I didn’t, I thought, I barely knew these people. Boy, was I wrong. The section bond becomes stronger than anything. My biggest regret of HBS was not volunteering to cut that cat’s nails. If I could go back to that first day of START week, I would have volunteered.” 

As we all know, section bonds only grow with time. Today, it is helping a section mate cut a beloved pet’s nails, tomorrow it is helping them restructure distressed assets.

With this last request fulfilled, Section I became the first section in the school’s history to close every ring. “This is an enviable distinction for section I,” says section mate Aka Akapelwa. When asked whether this would have an impact on Section I’s legacy, Akapelwa answered in the affirmative, stating: “I like to think of Section I’s Reciprocity Rings as our Class of 1959 Chapel.”

Keir Sullivan (MBA ’23) was raised in St John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador and studied Life Science and Commerce at Queen’s University. Prior to HBS, Keir worked at J&J.

River Ewing (MBA ’23) grew up on a farm outside of Toronto, Ontario and studied Philosophy and Business Administration at the University of Western Ontario. Prior to HBS, River worked at a family office.

The post A Promise Made is a Promise Kept first appeared on The Harbus.

“So, if you were Rick Cohen, what would you do?” Professor David Fubini (MBA ’80) asked the students at Aldrich 010. It was Fubini’s second time teaching the C&S Wholesale Grocers case this year, but unlike last semester’s LEAD class, his students this time were much more… mature. However, just like their children, they were filled with the same hand-raising energy, talking-out-of-turn enthusiasm, and apparent disregard for double-dipping norms that you would see in any RC classroom.

On April 22, Section I invited over three dozen parents, mentors, and partners to sit in their seats at Aldrich 010, name cards printed and mounted, and discuss one of the cases that their MBA students tackled last semester. They came from as far as France and California, and as close as Watertown, MA and Wayland, MA. 44 other parents who joined via Zoom from China, Colombia, Germany, Nigeria, the Philippines, and all across the United States, complete with their HBS virtual backgrounds. 

While the event was originally dubbed Parents’ Day, students took their liberties with that description, bringing in grandparents, uncles, aunts, in-laws, and siblings too. Both Safiya Walker (MBA ’24) and Matthew Glynn (MBA ’24) brought their parents and grandparents, while the event’s organizer, John Keyes (MBA ’24) brought his parents, wife, and eleven-month old daughter. Keyes was inspired by a friend from the Class of 2022 who had organized a similar event.

Fubini, Section I’s LEAD professor, moderated the discussion with the same rigor and expectations that he would with any other HBS class. Described by parents as “inquisitive, inclusive, and thoughtful,” he cold-called a few of them to set the stage for the case, cut off those who spoke too long, and even called out parents whose points he disagreed with. “That’s what we’d call presumptive thinking!” he told one parent. He even called on Travis Fox, partner of Meghana Bansal (MBA ’24) to roleplay as CEO Rick Cohen telling his staff about the organizational changes he was going to make. 

“A bit of a sidebar,” Fubini said after writing ‘Circle of Doom’ on the board as the class had finished diagnosing the problem. “You guys solved that problem so much faster than they did last semester!”

While the class could have passed for an MBA (or Executive Education) class, there were a few telltale signs that it was different. As Fubini was pressing Fox on how his changes would affect supervisors, Ravi Somayaji, father-in-law of Rohan Dasika (MBA ’24), raised his hand to speak for the fourth time. “Can I be the CFO?” Somayaji asked. His huge smile suggested that nobody had told him about the double (or quadruple) dipping section norm, or that he was too excited about the discussion to care otherwise. He jumped in with an announcement that everyone’s salaries would be increased in light of Fox’s proposed changes, which made the room erupt in laughter.

Fubini wrapped up the class, as he did last Fall, with a video showing the protagonist sharing what decision he made and what the aftermath looked like. He also gave the parents a sneak peek of what went into preparing for a case, including showing his discussion outline and a color-coded seating chart he used to ensure that every student was able to participate. 

“I had a great time at parents’ day,” shared Christy Chen, mother of Sandie Xu (MBA ’24). “As someone who never studied in the US, I loved seeing the classroom dynamic at HBS. It was great to get an inside look at my daughter’s experience at business school.”

“The experience of learning and interacting on this level with so many diverse, intelligent and cooperative friends and family most of whom we had never met was unique, intellectually stimulating and certainly memorable!” shared Alan and Melissa Matarasso, parents of Dana Matarasso (MBA ’24), in a joint statement. Mr. Matarasso, a surgeon, was one of the more electric participants in the class who frequently and articulately voiced his opinions. They added: “It was clearly evident why, if you’re not at HBS, you really are attending your second choice!”

The class wrapped up with a potluck brunch featuring options from different cuisines. The parents of Sophie Mannai (MBA ’24), who flew in from France, brought some homemade madeleines while Glynn’s 88-year old grandmother brought a large pot of Italian meatballs and sausages. Yoyo Chidchanogarth (MBA ’24) made a big pot of Thai chicken curry, which was a crowd favorite, while Matarasso’s parents brought a coffee cake that was wiped out.

“Bringing my mom to participate in a class was a great bonding experience for us, as she got to see what my day-to-day looked like as a student,” shared Erik Rasmussen (MBA ’24). 

“I’ve told my parents a lot about business school, but them sitting in our classroom and doing a case was such a unique way of showing them what we do every day,” shared Bansal. “My parents especially loved seeing all the flags of our section’s represented countries.”

As heartwarming as the event was, students could not help but make a few poignant observations. 

“My mom drops irrelevant case facts, just like I do,” joked Rasmussen. 

“I’m not sure if this was a good idea,” joked Marcus Stromeyer (MBA ’24). “People might realize that what we do is not actually that hard!”

Meanwhile, Bansal marveled: “I learned that our parents are way smarter than us!”

While Keyes was cleaning up after the event, a few international students approached him asking about the next time. He shared: “Those whose parents couldn’t make it are asking if we can do this again next Spring, when they’re here for graduation. I think it’s a great idea but maybe next time we’ll book out a restaurant instead.”

That might not be too far off, at least based on Fubini’s predictions. “I’d predict, based on other sections’ reactions when I told them about [Parents’ Day], that this will become a norm in the next year or two.” 

Lance Katigbak is the First Gentleman of Section I. He is originally from the Philippines, where he met his wife, Tricia Peralta (MBA ‘24). A graduate of the College across the river, he balances his time working at a fintech startup in New York City and cooking elaborate meals for the section.

The post Families Step in to Experience the Case Method at Section I Parents’ Day first appeared on The Harbus.

Can you briefly tell us about the journey that got you to where you are today?

The highs and lows of teaching and research were a frequent topic around my childhood dinner table (my father began his career as a psychology professor). I began seriously considering academia as a psychology major at Harvard, where I worked as a Research Assistant in several labs. But, after a master’s at the London School of Economics, I decided to make a foray into consulting. As I advised leaders and organizations confronting real-world challenges, I realized that I could apply my research skills to help explore and solve important organizational problems. As a consultant, I gained valuable experience and exposure to different industries and contexts; I also realized that I missed the academic environment and the rigor of research methods. This motivated me to return to Harvard for a doctorate in Strategy. After teaching at the London Business School and the University of Washington for some time, I came back to Harvard once more to join the Strategy Unit at HBS.    

How has your teaching experience been at HBS so far? What do you like most about the case method and classroom experience?

Being back in the HBS classroom is a delight. My favorite part of the case method is seeing those “lightbulb” moments on students’ faces as they learn from one another’s experiences and perspectives. I also enjoy the unpredictability and richness of the classroom discussion. I am currently teaching two sections and am continually struck by the different directions a case can take, depending on students’ interests and insights.

Your research focuses on the adaptation of leaders to environmental shifts and periods of change. Could you give us a summary of leaders’ identity and framing can affect their firms’ strategy and ability to change?

My research explores how leaders make sense of and communicate their purpose and strategy in changing contexts. I show that leaders’ flexibility and learning are crucial, especially during periods of change. For example, in one study, I found that entrepreneurs who saw themselves as pioneers of a new industry became stuck in their initial strategies and resisted change, even when the environment shifted. In another study, my co-authors and I showed how the FBI Director’s framing of the FBI’s transformation after 9/11 affected Congressional support. He was most successful when he framed changes not as a new set of goals (preventing terrorism), but as a new way of working (being threat-based and intelligence-led).

What recommendations would you give current and future HBS leaders when it comes to renewing a strategy?

Renewing a strategy is essential for leaders who want to thrive in a fast-changing and uncertain world. Be proactive and anticipatory: recognize that change is inevitable, look for emerging trends and opportunities, and act on them before they become obvious or urgent. Be collaborative and communicative: involve your team, partners, and other stakeholders in the process. And recognize that there’s often a trade-off between advocacy and learning. My research has shown that leaders who are committed to driving external success – attracting prestigious employees, partnering with well-known companies, and even building their entire industries – can also blind their organizations to the need to change and learn. While external success is important, renewal requires careful attention to building, reflecting on, and attending to new knowledge.

Throughout your journey, what is the greatest lesson that you believe you learned and what is one piece of advice you would give people reading this?

Expect and embrace change and learning! It is tempting to develop a fixed identity and stick to familiar ideas about “who I am” as a person and a leader. It is important to know yourself, but it is equally important to allow yourself to change, learn, and update your beliefs and views.

Loujaine AlMoallim (MBA ’24) is a Saudi Arabian who spent most of her formative years in Canada. After completing her undergraduate degree at McGill University majoring in International Management, she moved back to Saudi Arabia and worked in Consulting. She enjoys traveling and exploring new places, hosting people over for small gatherings, and baking and decorating cakes.

Tiona Zuzul (DBA ’14) is an Assistant Professor in the Strategy Unit. She teaches Strategy in the MBA required curriculum. Professor Zuzul studies how leaders and organizations learn and adapt in response to environmental shifts and periods of discontinuous change. Her in-depth, longitudinal field research shows that leaders’ identity and framing – how they see, interpret, and convey firm strategy – shape strategic renewal in settings from high-tech start-ups to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The post Female Professors at HBS Series: Tiona Zulzul first appeared on The Harbus.

HBS is an intense place, there’s no doubt about that. When you’re shelling out $200,000+ for an education that is built largely on the network of people around you, the need to capitalize on that investment by networking and constantly meeting people is real. For a place that can even be a bit much for extroverts, I came into HBS half expecting to be friendless and ready to bounce to my sister’s place in New York if things got lonely. Here were (and are) some of the thoughts running rampage in my head.

• “Small talk … Gah.”
• “Should I be speaking to my section mates in the 20 mins between BGIE and LCA?”
• “Damn, I barely get invited to stuff and I still missed that birthday dinner.”
• “Just smile and nod along – this too shall pass.”
• “Who decided that drinking at 8 am before a football game is fun

I suspected (and secretly hoped, really) that I was not the only one feeling this way. So I collected thoughts from fellow RCs at HBS on how they manage their energy.

Sam Perez (MBA ’24), the gentlest giant and product engineer from Microsoft:

Oh, I’m 100% an introvert and I can see that play up in my social life at HBS in both big and small ways. One time, I was having a great conversation with a section mate and a third person came in to say hi to my section mate, inadvertently interrupting the conversation. Feeling frustrated, I thought, ‘how do I pick up the conversation now?’

A few things have helped me over the past year. First is to not take such things personally. When 2000+ students are trying to network and make the most of their two years and $200,000, we’re bound to find ourselves in uncomfortable situations. The second is to constantly pace myself. Gigantic events like the RC Gala are not my thing. I prefer small group settings, partner-friendly events, and events that wrap up at a sane hour. My favorite event was the cultural potluck dinner! Each of us got dishes from our respective countries and shared stories about why we like the dishes and what they mean to us. And finally, know that there is always someone to spend time with. In a section of 90+ students and a broader class of 1000 people, finding your people can be a challenge. But know that that road will 100% lead to the right people for you.

Srishti Gupta (MBA ’24), the quiet VC/PE maestro (hello, TEM WSA session!):

I just do what feels natural and interesting to me. I’m a big badminton enthusiast. So I book the court and let people know that I am ready for a game. Different people come in to play and I don’t necessarily have big conversations with them. But sharing a smile with your doubles partner, apologizing for a poor serve, and learning a skill – all are beautiful ways to create special bonds. Overall, I do find that bonding over activities is a much better strategy for me than attending 3-way-section mixers or approaching strangers for coffee chats.

Shivani Jatia (MBA ’24), the budding entrepreneur revolutionizing bags for working women:

Being introverted is great. But sometimes I think my introversion keeps me in my comfort zone. It is a subtle, albeit important distinction that can enable you to simultaneously feel energized and experience the growth you want to see in yourself.

I’ve been journaling at night and when I do that, I put down mini goals for myself, doing one thing every week or month that takes me out of my comfort zone. So for March it was a MyTake and pitching my brand to my section. Another was meeting one new person I haven’t spoken to. Some of these experiences are big and immersive and cathartic, and some are, well, just experiences. If you

consistently feel unhappy doing something, then perhaps that activity is just not for you. And sometimes you surprise yourself by trying something new. So I’m constantly learning and growing bit by bit, while staying true to myself.

***

Having spoken to these wonderful and accomplished people, I also see the benefits of introversion. Focus. Prioritization. Self-awareness. And a love for your own company. In life, these traits are everything. So what if I’m not ‘fun’? Per my therapist, “Do you even need to be?” Our social interactions are not a barometer of our impact and there are many ways to make our presence felt. Folks sense good vibes, cherish thoughtful conversations, respect boundaries, and always always remember a kind touch.

Jigya Bhagat (MBA ’24) hails from New Delhi, India. She did her bachelor’s in Economics from Delhi University. She then spent 3 years at McKinsey & Company as a management consultant and then as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence responsible for setting up new businesses for a mid-stage tech venture, UrbanCompany. She loves to dance and watch Korean dramas.

The post Thriving at HBS as an Introvert first appeared on The Harbus.

As RC students prepare for FIELD classes, the Harbus Editor Loujaine AlMoallim (MBA ’24) gathered information about students’ experiences in years past. We bring the findings to you here in print to help you avoid the mistakes of your HBS forebears. 

Unsurprisingly, most of the incidents cited were about food. Can readers guess what the following have in common?

• Ceviche from a famous, high-end Peruvian restaurant
• Local fruit from a street vendor in Thailand
• San-nakji, a Korean octopus dish where the tentacles move on the plate (the horror)

No, the answer was not “looks great on my feed.” The answer was the students who ate these foods spent a long time in the bathroom. They got sick. Corresponding to each of these foods is a rule for stomach safety: 

• Be very careful with uncooked foods
• Be careful with produce, especially fresh fruit that may be washed with water unsafe for you to drink
• Be very careful with uncooked foods 

Additionally, students should understand cultural norms in their FIELD location. In some cultures, it is customary to keep feeding guests. And if guests don’t eat, that may be considered an insult to the host. It is suggested that “guests should learn how to be gracious and say no,” but I think there are other skills to be learned. In my personal experience*, the following techniques may help you: 

• Take incredibly small bites 
• Distract your host with compliments on the food 
• Eat so slowly your host doesn’t have time to refill your plate 

Beyond food, there are plenty of other things to remember for your FIELD trip. A few recommendations: 

• Check with your client on the level of clothing formality you’ll need – you may want to bring one business formal outfit 
• Bring all your necessary medications with back-ups, but do not store them in the same place 
• Be extra aware of your alcohol tolerance, especially when jet-lagged 
• Take advantage of the opportunity to build strong relationships with the guides and drivers assigned to you – some students remembered great friendships here 
• Check with a local before exploring new areas
• And, of course, speak up if you see someone in trouble 

Finally, in addition to all the reminders, cautions, and bottles of pepto-bismol to pack, know what a special opportunity you’ll have. Enjoy your FIELD, RC students! 

*Brynne served an 18-month mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Most nights she ate at members’ homes. She ate cow’s heart, pig’s foot, and intestines, among other things. In addition to spending some rough nights in the bathroom, she once had to take her companion (teammate) to the hospital for dehydration caused by food poisoning. 

Loujaine (MBA ’24) is a Saudi Arabian who spent most of her formative years in Canada. After completing her undergraduate degree at McGill University majoring in International Management, she moved back to Saudi Arabia and worked in Consulting. She enjoys traveling and exploring new places, hosting people over for small gatherings and baking and decorating cakes.

Brynne Gosch is an MBA RC partner. She has a Master’s in Public Health from University of California – Los Angeles and most recently worked in infectious disease diagnostics.

The post FIELD Prep En Brief first appeared on The Harbus.

The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the most famous road racing events. This year marked the 10-year anniversary since the marathon bombing took place. It was a race of remembrance and a race that continued to build awareness to prevent tragedies like this one from happening again. 

The 2023 marathon brought about 500,000 spectators together to cheer on the 30,000 runners who competed in it – amongst them, many of our HBS classmates. I reached out to two runners, Paul d’Hyver de las Deses de Juilla (MBA ’24) and Faith Robertson (MBA ’24), to learn more about their running journeys.

What gets you to run and inspired you to start running marathons? 

Paul d’Hyver: I usually run shorter distances, but I watched the Boston Marathon last year and was inspired by the electric environment and energy, so I made it one of my goals to run it the following year.

Faith Robertson: In high school, running became an outlet for me while my mom was going through chemotherapy. She survived, and I became one of the fastest runners on the cross country team and the team captain as a junior. So, I have always viewed running as a positive tool for mental and physical health, and a place to go for life lessons. I was inspired to run my first marathon in college when my research mentor – who had run the Boston Marathon before having a heart transplant in his 40s – said he would love to run a marathon (or at least a half) with his new heart. We completed a half marathon together in 2014, which was a truly special and emotional moment. He did another 13.1 while I did the 26.2 at Raleigh in 2015. He passed away in 2020, but I think of him with each marathon I do (this was my 8th).

How do you prepare for a marathon, both mentally and physically? 

Paul d’Hyver: Physically, I prepared by following a 16-week plan I created, which was inspired by a famous running coach. Mentally, I got energy from the support of all the people who came to cheer at the race.

Faith Robertson: To be honest, this varies according to life circumstances. My first and second marathon, I was nervous about the unknowns so I was much more strict in sticking to my training plan, limiting alcohol, etc. For this race, it has been a balance with school, social events, and the fact that I often have a 24-30 hour shift at the hospital on the weekends – which wrecks my sleep schedule and long-run day. But mentally, you know that you are going to run the marathon no matter what, so every training run you get in will help you on race day, and you do the best you can. Physically – trying to do a midweek speed run, weekend long run, cross training with cycling and yoga/stretching, and another shorter weekday run. Nutrition is huge too – dial in the protein bars, vitamins, creatine. Track your miles and VO2 max going up, and your resting heart rate (HR) going down (I love my Garmin for this).

How do you keep yourself motivated during the race? 

Paul d’Hyver: I knew that a lot of friends would be cheering around mile 23 so I was very excited and motivated to have energy when I reached them. I for sure had lost all my energy, but at least I pretended for the moment I ran past them.

Faith Robertson: Boston is unique. I am definitely a music listener – blaring reggaeton and super fast paced dance remixes to keep me going. However, there were many stretches during the Boston Marathon when I turned off my music to listen to the crowds and just take in the moment. Seeing the fans’ signs, reading the shirts with charities and missions, and feeling the energy and emotion of the spirit in the air…it moves you. 

How has running marathons impacted other areas of your life? 

Paul d’Hyver: It generally keeps me healthy, but it is also great in two different ways. As HBS students, we travel a lot and I have loved doing long runs in places like Japan and Colombia because it was an amazing way to explore a new place. I run almost every day and usually in the morning, so running is also a benefit because it adds a sense of discipline and routine to my life, which is nice to have in this very unstructured environment.

Faith Robertson: Running shapes how I view most things in life. It has taught me how to set goals and pursue them with patience and persistence, to acknowledge that some days will be better than others, and that pain is often temporary. It has also taught me that much of the outcome is a reflection on my individual preparation, but the power of a team can propel you further than you could have gone on your own.

 I try to incorporate those lessons into my roles as a leader and within neurosurgery.

What advice would you give to anyone that is interested in running their first marathon?

Paul d’Hyver: It all depends on the runner. If you are new to running, start with shorter races to get your body used to running. If you are already a runner, then go for it – just be careful how much you increase mileage to avoid injury. And regardless, find out what you love about running, whether it is to spend time in nature, socialize with people, or have time to yourself.

Faith Robertson: The biggest thing is to tell yourself that it is possible and believe in yourself. Then, pick a marathon that is 4-5 months away and sign up. For me, paying the deposit and registering is when I know I am committed! Next, pick out a 16-20 week beginner training plan online. They may seem intimidating at first, but have a marathon veteran friend help you tailor it to your needs. Finally, stick to the plan as much as possible, and trust the process. Joining the 26.2 club is an incredible life goal and accomplishment, and it is a journey. Enjoy the process!

***

Congratulations to both Paul and Faith! The many of us who made it to the marathon sidelines to show our support can attest that a marathon is not all about sweat and stamina, it is highly emotional even for the spectators. It’s absolutely amazing to see humanity get together to cheer for each other – hopefully we will have more HBS runners next year!

Jimena Gutierrez (MBA ’24) is originally from Monterrey, Mexico. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Finance. Prior to HBS, she worked in an industrial automation company in Monterrey. 

The post Boston Strong first appeared on The Harbus.

Fashion has long been associated with glitz and glamor, but it is not just about the clothes. In recent years, the fashion industry has become a powerhouse of economic growth and innovation. The Retail and Luxury Goods Club (RLGC) explores this intersection between business and fashion. This year the co-presidents Alex Hough and Hiba Elbuluk brought back the HBS Fashion Show after a two-year hiatus.

The HBS Fashion Show, which first took place in 2018, is a student-run event that brings together the school’s diverse student body for a glamorous event that rivals New York Fashion Week. With a high supply of good looks and modeling skills (and not just the Excel type) throughout the community, the RLGC team was able to recruit a line-up of 70 models across all RC and EC sections. 

Student models were dressed by a portfolio of designers including Todd Snyder, Ministry of Supply, Under Armour, Alo, Anine Bing, COS, Alice + Olivia, Bonobos, Free People, State and Liberty and GIADA. The designers showcased outfits for every occasion, giving students a cheatsheet to get a “1” in fashion. Under Armour and Alo served looks to keep students stylish in Shad, COS and Free People provided the Aldrich aesthetic, and Alice + Olivia and Todd Snyder delivered the glamorous gala look we all search for! The evening gave attendees the

opportunity to practice their best stern Anna Wintour impression in the front row whilst the models lived out their runway dreams. 

We spoke to RC model Ayushi Sinha (MBA ’24) who shared more about her experience. “In high school, my friends and I would watch the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show every year and dream of being a model. Being a part of the fashion show at HBS gave me a chance to live my angel moment.” 

As well as being a night of glitz and glamor, the event also served to support a greater cause, partnering with the charity Dress for Success which empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support and professional attire. The event was also used as an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of the student body, upholding the club’s commitment to making a positive impact through fashion and business, beyond the runway. 

Neelam Khan (MBA ’24) is originally from the UK and graduated from LSE in 2016. Prior to HBS, she was a finance girlie and worked in the Global Liquidity team at J.P Morgan Asset Management to fund her shopping addiction.

The post The HBS Fashion Show: A Runway of Success first appeared on The Harbus.

Trying to emulate the inimitable Matt Weinzierl can be a burden for many, but for Rishi Razdan (MBA ’24), the job proved almost lethal. Razdan starred in the HBS show as the beloved MBA chair, a character whose real-life counterpart, Weinzierl himself, also made a cameo in the three-day presentation. However, during the third and final performance, Razdan experienced a slipped disk in the first 20 minutes of the show, which left him in debilitating pain for the rest of it.

For those who may not know, a slipped disk occurs when one of the disks that cushion the vertebrae in the spine ruptures or herniates, causing pain, numbness, weakness, and other unpleasant symptoms. For Razdan, it was a painful reminder of a previous injury he sustained in 2022, mere months before his wedding. Choosing to forego surgery in favor of marital bliss, he relied on bed rest and physiotherapy to recover. However, his back never fully healed.

An ill-timed jump during scene three led to a muscle spasm that reactivated his injury. Despite the pain, Razdan channeled his energy and pushed through the performance, drawing on his acting skills to deliver a believable performance. The pain you saw in scene six? It was real. 

Of course, as soon as the final curtain fell, it was off to the ER for some much-needed medical attention. We can only hope that Razdan received some good painkillers or at least some ice packs to help ease his aching back.

While it is impressive that Razdan was able to power through such intense pain to finish the show, it is important to remember that performers experience immense pressure to deliver a flawless performance. Razdan shared that the fear of letting down his castmates, crew, and audience was overwhelming and made him continue despite the pain. 

In the end, Razdan’s slipped disk is just another reminder that performers truly are willing to suffer for their art. Whether it is a broken leg, a sore throat, or a slipped disk, they’ll keep on trucking through the show, pushing through the pain to deliver the best performance they can. And who knows, maybe they’ll even get a few extra sympathy-laughs from the audience along the way!

Pallavi Chadha (MBA ’24) comes to HBS having spent the past few years understanding the Indian startup ecosystem as a consumer VC investor. What she enjoyed most about that life was getting to know people and truly listening and understanding the stories behind their journeys.

The post Mid-show ‘Slip-up’ Lands HBS Show Star in the ER first appeared on The Harbus.

Every year, a dedicated group of MBA students work together to put on the HBS Show, a musical comedy that satirizes the experience of being a student at HBS. With a combination of surprise, delight, and unbelievable talent on display, sentiment was near unanimous from the 1500+ attendees: the 70+ members of the HBS Show’s cast and crew took the concept to new heights, raising the quality bar for what was achievable in this time-honored tradition.

The 50th HBS Show this year was no ordinary student production. The hidden talent and creative expression of MBA students was on full display. The script was created from scratch and song lyrics custom written to the tunes of popular songs, performed by a live band. An exceptionally talented cast of actors, singers, and dancers brought this story to life on stage in Klarman Hall over three nights. This year’s musical, titled “The HBS Factory: A World of Pure Degeneration” was loosely based on the plot of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and featured parody covers of songs from the film such as “Pure Imagination”, as well as songs from other popular musicals (e.g. “My Shot” from Hamilton), and well-known pop numbers like “Welcome to the Black Parade”. It told the story of a group of students who received a ‘crimson ticket’ for the opportunity to join HBS as MBA students, and came together to save the school after discovering a secret plot by a disgruntled ex-admissions officer to bring it down.

While the self-deprecating, biting, and piercing humor often shocked audience members – due to both the writing’s honesty and impropriety – the tongue-in-cheek humor was happily embraced. “I didn’t think it was too racy at all,” says Eva Boal (MBA ’24), who attended the Show. “I think it’s really important for us to laugh at ourselves.” Even well-known faculty and administrators loved the production; one claimed that it was the most cogent show they’d seen in 10+ years, another felt they could have pushed the already border-bending humor even further to the line. MBA Chair Matt Weinzierl, who sang a short musical number each night to open the second act, agreed.

The HBS Show has evolved considerably in the 50 years since debuting in 1974. Originally a series of sketches and musical numbers strung together into a single show (similar to the HBS Show club’s Cabaret event, held each Fall), the event today is a full-blown two-act musical. Yet, the Show has remained a constant within the HBS community over this half-century, even as its form has evolved. “If you think about it, the HBS Show might be the only event where every stakeholder of this community is brought together,” says Sathvik Sudireddy (MBA ’23), a co-president of the HBS Show. “RCs, ECs, professors, alumni, staff, and their family members all attend the Show each year. Aside from commencement, what other events are there at HBS that bring people together for a common experience like this?” 

The Show was a collaborative effort over nearly eight months. Many of the members of the Show’s leadership team, including Sathvik Sudireddy (MBA ’23), Diana Ivanov (MBA ’23), Will Jaroscewicz (HBS partner), and Rachel Orol (MBA ’23) were returning first-years who loved being a part of the cast and crew their first time

around, and wanted to recreate the magic of the Show the next. They were also excited to rejoin the highly spirited Show club community, who have historically called themselves the ‘Koalas’ (since Show club members tend to be so close, a number of years back they dubbed themselves the original ‘Section K’). “This has by far been my most rewarding experience at HBS,” says Sudireddy.

After writing for the Show in her RC year, Ivanov returned to the team as head writer, excited to tell a fresh story. “When we started thinking of initial ideas, we wanted to put on a Show with a tight plot, an ensemble cast, and a theme that would be timely and resonate with the audience.” Leading a team of eight student writers, each pitched a few big ideas, but the team quickly converged on the idea of parodying Willy Wonka. “As we thought about characters, we wanted to do something different from the typical character tropes…we thought they should better represent the shifting intellectual, socio-economic, and experiential diversity that exists at HBS. But we could also use casting to subvert audience expectations – placing international students, genders, and orientations in roles we wouldn’t typically expect,” Ivanov continued. Throughout our interview, she mentioned on multiple occasions that the writing was all done by her team; her job was only to ‘set the stage’ for creativity to be unleashed. “The main thing we wanted to be mindful of was that the satire never punched down on anyone – only across… it was going to be savage, but inclusively savage.” But the ‘savageness’ clearly had an impact. “I heard multiple times from people who attended, ‘the Show made me think’…as a writer, there is no better compliment you can get.” 

The Show also relied heavily on business savvy to make it more accessible and run ‘in the black.’ Sudireddy mentioned that the Show introduced sponsorships from businesses for the first time this year, and leveraged the surplus from Cabaret to minimize ticket prices for the Show later on in the year. “The sentiment from last year was that the ticket prices were too high, and we felt it was critical to lower it”.

After the script was completed in late Fall, the work of bringing it to life began. “There is so much unbelievable talent at this school. We auditioned between 50-60 people over a 3-day period, looking for folks who could both sing and act in the core set of leads,” says the Show’s director, Will Jaroscewicz. “But the sense that an actor or dancer was committed was also very critical, considering we’d be rehearsing 2-3 times per week.” He spent a great deal of our conversation highlighting the collaborative effort the Show truly was. “I said to everyone upfront: this is not a dictatorship. When we’re here, let’s respect each other’s time and take the work seriously. But most importantly, let’s create something and really enjoy doing it. I constantly reminded the team that it’s a low-stakes environment – if we put on a great Show, but no one enjoys doing it, what’s the point.” 

After the run of the Show completed, team members had different perspectives on what they felt the Show was trying to say. “Satire accomplishes something very important,” says Rachel Orol (MBA ’23), who played the Anna Delvey character and was the Show’s vocal director. “It gives people a sense of perspective. It allows us to step out of our bubble, and see it reflected back at us with a humorous slant. As an MBA student, we sort of think that because our whole world is HBS, that the whole world is HBS. But it’s a lot weirder, funnier, and niche than we remember because we get so wrapped up in it. In a way, it solidifies this shared memory together.” 

Ivanov also saw a somewhat deeper meaning in the Show’s story. “It was a social commentary of sorts. The plot centers on whether the ‘leadership factory is broken’ and needs a fundamental change… it asks whether HBS is living up to its promise as an institution that truly creates leaders who make a difference in the world.” But despite all the overt critiques the Show makes – whether of the school’s elitism, trauma-lympics, or the eccentricities of the

case method, the general sentiment was that ultimately the Show reaffirms its mission. “We get tested by the things that happen at HBS, make the best of ourselves, and are transformed in the process. It’s not a perfect institution, but we’re all trying to do the right thing and learn about ourselves in the process.” 

It is unsurprising that this set of core ideas came from a team so clearly dedicated to leading with inclusivity, integrity, and hard work, while also building a community of people with a shared sense of purpose to create something that brings joy to those around them. While the Show’s story may question if the HBS ‘leadership factory’ is broken, just a few minutes backstage with the cast and crew reaffirms that it’s alive and well – perhaps in the best shape it’s ever been. 

Shayne Gelbard (MBA ‘24) was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. Prior to HBS, he founded a venture-backed software startup and worked in brand management at a global healthcare CPG company, and will be working in consulting this summer in New York.

The post Leadership on Stage at the 50th Annual HBS Show first appeared on The Harbus.

In the famous Pixar movie Inside Out, glowing colored orbs represent memories. If you haven’t seen the movie, let us paint a quick picture. First, imagine giant marbles swirling with colors that correspond with emotions – yellow for joy, blue for sadness, red for anger, and so on. Next, picture floor to ceiling shelves full of these orbs as far as the eye can see (because 25 or so years since we started remembering things, we have too many memories to count). Some are fading, as they get replaced by new memories, others burn bright as ever. This is one way – Pixar’s way – of imagining what goes on inside our heads.

Just as in real life, a few of these memories stand out, colored brighter than the rest: known in Inside Out as core memories, they influence our behaviors, emotions, and how we approach the world. These are the ones that have shaped us.

In reflecting on the end of the academic year at HBS, you might imagine that your arms are full of giant colored marbles – too many new memories made in what feels like too little time. That’s how it is here, and how it has always been. From weekend trips to dinner parties to skydeck roasts to only-at-HBS-experiences like a schoolwide gala, student life is ripe with opportunities for memory-making. Some of us will even leave with core memories, experiences so pivotal they have changed the directions of our lives.

In this issue, we spotlight some of the most memorable moments of the last few weeks – from the Boston Marathon and the 50th Annual HBS Show, to Section I’s inaugural “Parents’ Day” and the return of RLGC’s Fashion Show. This edition also covers reflections on broader HBS experiences, notably from ECs – including a heartfelt thank you from one student to his community in PRIDE and an account of a recently fulfilled Reciprocity Ring promise. You will also find stories from the less visible members of the HBS community, such as a profile on the amazing Spangler staff and reflections on being an introvert at HBS. Find all of this, and more, in our final edition of the 2022-2023 academic year.

To the Class of 2023 – congratulations! We hope you leave this place with more memories than you can count (mostly happy, of course, but acknowledging that a rich experience includes emotions of all colors). To the Class of 2024 – have a great summer, don’t miss the classroom too much, and remember, the best memories are yet to come. See you next year!

Rory Finnegan (MBA ’24) is originally from New Jersey. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in poetry writing in 2018. Prior to HBS, she worked in consulting and CEO communications in New York. 

Edgard Mejico (MBA ’24) is originally from Lima, Peru. He graduated from Universidad del Pacifico, Peru with a degree in Business Engineering in 2016. Prior to the HBS MBA, he worked for six years in Brand Management and Sales in Colgate-Palmolive Latin America.

The post From the Editors’ Desk first appeared on The Harbus.

Every morning, after my 15 minute walk from home to campus, my mind buzzing with cases still left to read, networking events to attend, and text responses to send to family and friends back home, I walk into the Spangler cafeteria with a mission. There is only one thing that can help me survive the day. One precious, caffeinated liquid that will bring order to my mind and allow me to

fulfill whatever cheesy phrase I wrote to the big question we answered early in the semester: “what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

Each morning as I prepare my coffee, I bump into Cesar, the barista in charge of running Spangler’s operations as smoothly as the winning team of the Shad exercise. He asks me about how my day is going and we chat for a while. I am always happy to speak Spanish to a fellow Latin American. As I walk towards the seating area, I see Carlos, in charge of the cashier desk. He also asks me how I am doing and wishes me good luck. 

With the semester coming to a close, I realized how much I’ve shared about myself and my daily life with both of these men and the many other collaborators working in Spangler’s various dining and coffee stations. I decided to turn the tables and ask them the questions. What follows is a candid conversation about their own lives and experiences, and their advice to HBS students.

Tell me more about yourself. What drove you to the Boston area and working at HBS?

Cesar Yepez: I was born in Medellin, Colombia. I moved to the US in 1999, to Rhode Island, where my uncle lived with some cousins. Years later, a friend referred me to an open position to work on the team organizing HBS reunions and graduations, so I decided to apply and moved to Boston. Years later, I applied for a full time job and have been working in the cafe department for the past 12 years. I started in the Chao cafeteria on the PM schedule and then switched to Spangler as a barista for the past 5 years.

Carlos Arboleda: I’m from Colombia. I’ve been working at HBS for 7 years. Back home, I studied business administration with a finance specialization and I used to work in the banking industry for 10 years. I always wanted to meet students from Harvard because I admired their work ethic.

What do you think of the students and faculty of HBS?

Carlos Arboleda: I’m very happy to have interacted with students who are “geniuses” in their fields. All of them are really nice students, always willing to say hi. At this time of the year, I find myself feeling nostalgia for the EC students who are leaving. As a cashier, I interacted with them since they got here as RCs and over the years, got to know them better. I hope that their years at HBS were productive for their careers. I also get the opportunity to interact with professors. What I really appreciate about the culture here at HBS is that everyone is very respectful to us. Nobody is less or more than anyone else; it’s a culture of equality. 
Cesar Yepez: My experience with the HBS students has been magnificent. Everyone is friendly, very respectful. Personally, I enjoy exercising and running. And when I run into students at Shad or at the steps of the Stadium, they will always say hi. My favorite moment of the year with students is the graduation event. I’m part of the team that works on the events. Watching the students I’ve met for the past 2 years wearing their robes and holding their diplomas makes me so happy for them, and I

wish them the best on their new challenges ahead. And when they come back afterwards to visit or for reunions, I’m always so happy to see them back. 

You’re both from Colombia, where many RC students visit for spring break. What are your opinions on this trip?

Cesar Yepez:  Makes me very happy that the Colombia trek is so popular and especially that students are visiting my hometown, Medellin. There are opportunities everywhere, and it’s very exciting that HBS students get to experience Colombian culture while learning about the country. 

Carlos Arboleda: I’m impressed with the publicity the trip has. My recognition goes to the Colombian students who have worked hard over the years promoting and organizing the trip and putting Colombia on the map to HBS students. 

What is your advice for HBS students?

Cesar Yepez:  Thank you for sharing these spaces with us. We are very grateful that you keep coming to the Spangler cafeteria and enjoy our offerings. And in a personal sense, thank you for always taking the time to say “hi” to us and befriend us. It speaks volumes of HBS students as people. Keep driving your entrepreneurship skills and keep strengthening your wings to fly even higher. 

Carlos Arboleda: To the EC students, cherish your memories here and always continue to be “human”. Be always grateful. And to the incoming students, make the most of your 2 years, it will feel like 5 minutes. This is an amazing place.

Edgard Mejico (MBA ’24) is originally from Lima, Peru. He graduated from Universidad del Pacifico, Peru with a degree in Business Engineering in 2016. Prior to the HBS MBA, he worked for six years in Brand Management and Sales in Colgate-Palmolive Latin America.

The post The Spangler Cafeteria’s Secret Weapon? Its Staff Members first appeared on The Harbus.

I recently met Stever Robbins (MBA ’91), a serial entrepreneur, executive coach, and productivity expert. He was potentially the only openly gay student in his class at HBS. While serving as the editor of the Harbus, he wrote a series of anonymous articles detailing his experience of being gay at what was a far more conservative school at the time. He signed off the last article in this series with his name, essentially coming out to the whole school. Robbins was a one-person PRIDE club and paved the way for other queer people to find community when they first entered the school. Jonathan Rotenberg (MBA ’92) relayed as much while speaking at the ‘Evolution of Pride at HBS’ panel on campus in early April. This panel consisted of six HBS alumni, all queer, who outlined their journeys through the two years of HBS and shone light on an era in not-so-distant history when queer rights—my rights—were not as matter-of-fact as they are now, even though there is still a long way to go.

While we no longer run the risk of being fired by our employers for our sexual orientation or even contracting a fatal disease with our lifestyles, it was essential that HBS PRIDE had the opportunity to listen to these accounts of people who were in our shoes not long ago. Most of the people on this panel were also administrators of the PRIDE club during their time at HBS. They were the beacon for people in my community to find solidarity. They locked horns with the school for the recognition and protection of queer people on campus, facing an overwhelming tide of ignorance and resistance. It is thanks to their struggles that HBS PRIDE is what it is today, and people like me can find a vibrant community of queerfolk.

I arrived at HBS having spent all 27 years of my life in India without ever meeting a queer person who was out and proud. While I was acquainted with a gay student in my undergrad, and I made friends with other gay men online, I never had queer friends. I did not see a thriving queer life up close and never had the comfort of knowing that such a life was possible for me. The lack of role models and community drove me so far into the closet that I did not recognize I was in one. I never identified as anything but straight, and it was only at 25 years of age that I began to question my sexual identity. Even then, I privately identified as bisexual, but I could never confide in anyone to admit this. HBS PRIDE opened up a whole new world for me. Not only was I among queer people, but I could also see them living full, happy lives. I saw queer people being confident and thriving in their careers and personal lives. Even though I was private about my own identity, I felt a sense of belonging that I had never experienced before. So much so that I had a peculiar imposter syndrome, feeling like I was enjoying the benefits reserved for the queer community while not having faced any of the public trials and tribulations. However, it didn’t last long.

Towards the end of the RC year, I came out, first to myself and then to the world. Even though I fell short of the elegance with which Robbins owned his truth, I raised many eyebrows with my MyTake. This past year has been a whirlwind of emotions, both challenging and exhilarating. I was met with nothing but love from my friends, colleagues, and the HBS community. PRIDE re-welcomed me with open arms, and I quickly found myself engaging with everything PRIDE to the best of my capacity. However, I also felt crippled with anxiety before coming out to my family. Fortunately, I’m happy to report that all is well.

As I write this final piece for The Harbus, I feel compelled to express my deep appreciation to HBS, PRIDE, and the individuals who fought tirelessly for my rights not only at this school but also around the world. The progress made by queer individuals in some parts of the world gives me hope and fills me with gratitude. It is thanks to the bravery and perseverance of those who stood up against oppression that I am able to live my life fully and authentically today. In particular, trans and gender-non-conforming individuals have led the charge for queer rights in both the US and India, and continue to do so.

Despite the progress made by queer individuals in some parts of the world, there are still many places where equality is a distant dream. In these places, countless individuals do not recognize their own queerness because they do not see it reflected in the world around them. While I have been fortunate to come to a country where my rights are recognized and respected, I know there is still much work to be done, particularly in the country I call home.

As I prepare to leave HBS, I am filled with a sense of purpose and a desire to make life easier for queer people everywhere. I am excited to take what I have learned here and apply it to my future endeavors, working towards a world where everyone is able to live their truth without fear of discrimination or persecution. For nobody’s free until everybody’s free.

Sapan Shah (MBA ’23) hails from India. Before HBS, he worked in consumer goods and non-profit healthcare, and during the latter had been vital in the implementation of India’s HIV/AIDS control strategy.

The post So Long and Thanks for All the Pride! first appeared on The Harbus.

Professors, administrators, and students share advice and recommendations for EC course selection.

Students arrive at Harvard Business School with little say in how their first year will look academically. It is called “Required Curriculum (RC)” for good reason: all students face the same three-case days, seek help from finance-savvy peers across sections or in their discussion group, and hear from the same impressive guest speakers in the exact same classes.

For some, this lack of optionality is refreshing thanks to the shared experience it creates. However, not everyone enjoys the rigidity of the first year. Those who miss choice look forward to the second year at school – known as the Elective Curriculum (EC) – which affords the freedom to craft individual schedules from a course catalog boasting 100+ options. That is before taking into account the classes HBS students can cross-register in, across Harvard graduate and undergraduate schools and universities such as MIT, and the option to pursue independent studies. Yet after a year of requirements, the idea of choosing everything can seem daunting. We chatted with professors, current EC students, and the MBA registrar team to help demystify the course selection process and learn about favorite classes.

Course Selection

“The registration process for EC year has a number of components,” Nicole Margalit, who works on the MBA registrar team, shared. “It all starts with a pre-registration period, which opens on April 4 – we recommend students rank 40 courses.” The point of this period, and the importance of ranking upwards of 40 courses, is to generate demand data, which the registrar collects and shares back with students to give them a better sense of which classes are generating the most interest. After that, a follow-up window enables students to adjust their rankings based on the data. These rankings are then used to determine initial seatings in classes, and shared with students in mid-August. “You have the chance to go back and adjust over the summer if you want, too,” Nicole reassured me. There is one more opportunity to adjust after the initial class placements in August; students can participate in two rounds of add/drop with the final round occurring at the beginning of the Fall term. Both Nicole and the dozens of EC students I polled emphasized the importance of using the add/drop period. “It’s the best way to get a feel for what classes you like,” Kate Kleinsman (MBA ’23) shared.

Nicole also shared with me more about how students are placed into various courses. “Each student will rank individual preferences in our course selection tool, called EC Toolkit. Placements are done via a lottery that uses a snake draft. Each student is randomly assigned a number, and then the system goes through rankings, starting from the student assigned number one. It then goes back in the opposite direction, starting from whomever had the last number.” 

There have already been rumblings among RCs seeking ways to land the perfect EC schedule. In reality, there is no way to game it, no matter how carefully you consider your rankings. There are always going to be some courses that are more popular than others, and there are only so many seats in a classroom or hours in a day. As Nicole put it, “You will get some of what you want, but not all of what you want. Our aim as a program is to provide a portfolio of offerings that is broad, has a lot of variety, and is innovative.”

Her single most important piece of advice was to put in the time now – both to understand how the ranking tool works, and also to have a clear sense of which courses you would most like to take. “The research part of it and the introspection is really important,” Nicole said. “Use all the inputs available to you. Right now, you still have EC students around to talk to. Attend the events put on by SA and our team to hear from those ECs. Talk to faculty – both your current RC professors and EC professors you want to get to know. Take a look at the course catalog, and read both the descriptions and the course evaluations to better understand how your predecessors experienced it.”

Current EC students shared similar advice about how to prioritize courses based on what they have most enjoyed. “Take classes that other students are excited about because it makes for much better classroom discussion,” one shared. Another had a contrary perspective: “Don’t just sign up for what’s popular. Sign up for what you are interested in.” Most of the ECs I polled agreed that it is useful to consider how courses might fit together. “Take a mix of classes for capstone knowledge and pure enjoyment,” said one. Several suggested that talking to current ECs was the most useful thing – and that RCs shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions, even of ECs they don’t know as well. Another common piece of advice was to think about the skill gaps you want to address. Jose Sarmiento (MBA ’23) suggested “choosing based on future skills that you’ll need in 10 years instead of right now.” Finally, EC students encouraged exploring outside of traditional courses. “Try to take some classes that are not case-based – especially in the second semester, when you may be getting tired of cases,” Sebastian Cisterna (MBA ’23) offered. Bill Leigh (MBA ’23) recommended “cross-registering for at least one class. I loved my time at MIT, where I expanded my professional skills and network in meaningful ways.”

Four Favorite Courses

Leveraging recommendations from current students and data on how quickly courses filled during the 2022-2023 academic year, we’ve selected four much-loved classes to share here, plus a non-comprehensive list of additional favorite courses to consider. 

Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports (BEMS)

Designed for students pursuing a career in film, TV, music, publishing sports, or other sectors associated with entertainment, this class draws from far beyond that pool – perhaps due to the celebrity case protagonists who sometimes show up on campus, or Anita Elberse’s charismatic teaching style. It might also be the “great discussions we have about the ever-evolving worlds of media, entertainment, and sports.” If nothing else, this class serves as a reminder that you can learn about business and have fun at the same time. And also, as Professor Elberse told me, “that there are great careers beyond banking and consulting for Harvard students. Or just that there are great courses to take about topics other than banking and consulting, before you opt for a career in banking or consulting. I have nothing but love for the future bankers and consultants out there, though!”

Crafting Your Life (CYL)

When asked what draws students to her class, Professor Leslie Perlow referenced an article by an HBS alum, Charles Duhigg (MBA ’03), published in The New York Times shortly after attending his 15th reunion. It was titled “Wealthy, Successful and Miserable.” It is a desire to avoid that last part – “miserable – that has made Professor Perlow’s class popular year after year. “HBS students, especially post-pandemic, want to live their best lives. And they are motivated to figure out what that means for them,” she told me. The course doesn’t promise answers, but it does provide tools and tactics to help ECs navigate what lies ahead. Students especially enjoy hearing from frequent alumni visitors, who come to class to share what they have learned since graduating. “The class connects you with a community of alumni that are willing to share their experiences related to career paths, life with a partner, the role of money, and more,” Sebastian Cisterna (MBA ’23) shared. Plus, classmates stay in touch long after graduation – “once the class is done, you become part of the LIFEr community.”

Launching Tech Ventures (LTV)

As the title suggests, this is a course for aspiring founders, joiners, or VC investors. Jeffrey Bussgang, a professor for the course, noted that while the enrolled student base tends to be a pretty sophisticated group of startup types, “tourists are also welcome.” LTV is popular for a number of reasons, including its recently-written cases that allow students to dive into the current startup landscape and the way “founders leap out from the pages and attend in almost every session to share what they did and why,” according to Professor Bussgang. One of his students described the “great mix of cases and workshops” as a reason why they enjoyed it so much. Another major reason to take the course? Relationships. “Students have met their cofounders, lead investors, mentors, and managers in the class,” Professor Bussgang shared, mentioning also the faculty, LTV alumni, and case protagonists who engage in students’ career journeys. The class provides a network that could turn out to be priceless.

Negotiation

With 11 to 13 sections of 60 students each, almost all ECs will take “Negotiation” at some point during their second year. One current EC described the class as “maybe the most useful of all HBS courses, while still fun and a light lift.” As Professor Kevin Mohan, who teaches one section of the class, shared, “We all negotiate all the time in our business and personal lives.” The course covers the basics of negotiation as developed by “giants of the profession” over the last 30 years, but the reason most students love it is because of the way it prepares them for the real world. “We put students in the driver’s seat and let them negotiate, so each student is their own ‘case protagonist’ most days,” Professor Mohan said.

Other classes that come highly recommended from current students are listed below. As a note, course offerings vary from year-to-year, and not all classes listed may be available next year.

• Business and Geopolitics
• Business Analysis and Valuation Using Financial Statements and Big Data (BAV) – “BAV is the single most important class you can take at HBS. It’s not a cakewalk, but the skills learned and the concepts are so important to general management.”
• Capitalism and the State
• The Coming of Managerial Capitalism
• Corporate Financial Operations (CFO)
• Creating Brand Value – “It provided a new lens to the economic value of building a brand.”
• Elections and Campaigns (ECME) – “ECME was the most engaging class I took at HBS. My classmates were passionate, the guests were amazing, and the professor inspired an incredible tone for the classroom. Applying our business knowledge to a new context was also rewarding, and showed the versatility of our education.”
• Entrepreneurship and Global Capitalism – “It was the most interesting way to look at history that I have ever experienced. The class has a little bit of everything: history, geopolitics, macroeconomics, leadership, ethics, and even personal life drama.”
• Leadership and Happiness – “This is not a case-based class which is refreshing. Arthur Brooks is a great speaker and the topics in class will help you to navigate your next steps in your life and in your organizations.”
• Managing Human Capital – “The Professor was incredible, the content was very interesting and universally relevant, and the speakers were great.”
• Managing International Trade and Investment (MITI) – “Led to some of the best quality discussions at HBS.”
• Private Equity Finance (PEF)
• Strategies for Value Creation (SVC) – “An RC class everyone should be asking for.”
• Transforming Education Through Social Enterprise (TESE)
• Venture Capital and Private Equity (VCPE)
• War and Peace

As this list illustrates, dozens of courses across diverse fields are dubbed “favorites” by HBS students. So while you may not get every single class on your top ten list, it is easy to understand why students look forward to the academic adventure of EC year.

Rory Finnegan (MBA ’24) is originally from New Jersey. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in poetry writing in 2018. Prior to HBS, she worked in consulting and CEO communications in New York.

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