The Spirit | GSB at 100 Podcast Ep 2

Quick Overview

The Stanford GSB at 100 podcast celebrates the school's centennial by sharing stories from alumni and faculty who embody the core values of innovation, growth, and community that have defined the institution for a century.

Key Points: The Stanford GSB at 100 podcast features interviews with people like Courtney Hama, Director of Student Support, and Arthell Coleman, an alumnus and systems administrator. Courtney Hama started her first job at GSB as a front desk receptionist about 30 years ago and deeply values the enduring relationships formed with classmates. Arthell Coleman, an MBA alumnus from 1986 and current Senior Associate Dean for PhD Programs, was inspired by the school's commitment to innovation and impact. Coleman recalls the intense, emotionally charged environment at GSB, noting that the school's core values drive its continuous strive for excellence and transformation. Susan Elliott, Director of Faculty Support Services, started in the mailroom in 1979 and emphasizes the strong community bond, noting that the faculty's dedication to students is palpable. The shared sentiment among interviewees is that GSB provides a unique learning environment that enables students and faculty to profoundly change lives, organizations, and the world. The podcast series aims to capture the enduring spirit and values that have guided the GSB through its first 100 years.

Context: This audio segment is from the 'GSB at 100 Podcast Ep 2,' which focuses on celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB). The episode features conversations with key staff and alumni, like Courtney Hama and Arthell Coleman, reflecting on their long-standing connections to the school and how its core ethos has shaped their careers and the institution itself.

Detailed Analysis

The interview segment features Courtney Hama, Director of Student Support, who began at GSB 30 years ago as a front desk receptionist. She reflects on the deep bonds formed with classmates and how the school's environment, even back in the late 1980s, fostered an eagerness to learn and grow, which she now sees reflected in the current student body. She mentions the strong support she received from mentors like Dean Derek Bolton and PhD Program alumni like Arthell Coleman, who instilled in her the importance of leadership and making a meaningful impact. Coleman, an alumnus from 1986, emphasizes that GSB's essence—its culture, community, and spirit—is built on striving for excellence and innovation, values that are still evident today, especially in how faculty mentor students. Susan Elliott, Director of Faculty Support Services since 1979, shares a personal anecdote about the emotional impact of witnessing graduates go on to achieve great things, highlighting that the commitment to 'change lives, change organizations, change the world' is deeply embedded. The overall message from these long-tenured staff members is that GSB’s success is rooted in its people and its consistent focus on fostering transformative leaders.