Dean Jon Levin’s Welcome, Fall Reunion 2022

TL;DR

Stanford GSB dean expresses gratitude for the resilience shown by faculty, students, staff, and alumni during the challenging 32 months of the pandemic, and highlights the opportunities for innovation and change in business education.

Transcript

[MUSIC] First of all welcome, it's really great to have all you here. It's it feels so good to be doing reunions again in person and getting to several people on campus. And it's really wonderful to have y'all back here to see each other and celebrate your reunions. I think what I'd like to do with this session is actually most of the time just hea... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🎓 The pandemic period tested the adaptability and resilience of faculty, students, and staff at Stanford GSB.
• 🧑 The in-person interactions and the vibrant campus environment are integral to the unique experience and magic of Stanford GSB.
• 👨‍💼 The changing world presents opportunities in areas such as sustainability, technology, and the intersection of business and society.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did faculty at Stanford GSB show adaptability during the pandemic?

Faculty members had to completely rethink their teaching methods and adapt to online instruction after years or decades of teaching in person. They showed incredible effort in embracing new approaches and technologies.

Q: How did the pandemic affect the interactions and vibrant environment at Stanford GSB?

The pandemic disrupted the in-person interactions among students, faculty, and staff, which is a crucial aspect of the unique and vibrant environment at Stanford GSB. The absence of physical interactions highlighted the special nature of the campus and the potential energy that comes from these interactions.

Q: What are the key areas of opportunity in the changing world for Stanford GSB?

The dean highlights sustainability and the response to climate change as a major area of opportunity, as well as the intersection of business and technology. The rapid changes in technology, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence and data, present immense possibilities for innovation and impact.

Q: How has recruiting and career support changed at Stanford GSB?

Stanford GSB had already transitioned to a decentralized network job search model, where students proactively seek opportunities through alumni networks and online platforms. The pandemic accelerated the use of virtual platforms for recruiting and interviews, but the school's emphasis on networking and proactive searching has remained unchanged.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The dean expresses gratitude for the adaptability and resilience demonstrated by faculty, students, and staff during the challenging period of the pandemic.

• The dean emphasizes the unique and vibrant environment at Stanford GSB, with brilliant faculty and ambitious students, and highlights the importance of in-person interactions and the alchemy that happens on campus.

• The dean discusses the opportunities for innovation and change at Stanford GSB, particularly in the areas of sustainability and technology, and the role of business in addressing societal challenges.