Meet Stanford’s MBA Class of 2018

Kenny Diekroeger

Stanford Graduate School of Business

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: Former professional baseball player who’s passionate about helping others live happier and more meaningful lives.

Hometown: Woodside, CA

Fun Fact About Yourself: I love to surf, ski, hike, fish, camp and anything else related to the outdoors. I’ve meditated regularly for four years. And I’m definitely a “foodie” and care way too much about the quality of my coffee.

Undergraduate School and Major: Stanford University, Management Science and Engineering

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation:

Professional Baseball Player, Kansas City Royals (June 2012 – January 2016)

For four years I played professional baseball in the Kansas City Royals Minor League system. I played for five different teams across the United States in Nebraska, Arkansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Delaware. I was able to forge relationships with an international group of teammates from all walks of life. Competing at this level of baseball taught me the importance of hard work, discipline, and overcoming adversity, especially when results are affected by factors outside of one’s control.

Analyst Intern, Altamont Capital Partners (January 2016 – June 2016)

Investment Analyst Intern, Makena Capital Management (June 2016 – August 2016)

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Aside from my acceptance into Stanford GSB, I view my biggest accomplishment to be selected to play with the Kansas City Royals’ Major League team during Spring Training (preseason).

Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to future business school applicants? Focus your energy inward. Every person has a wealth of wisdom and intuition inside of them and it’s only a matter of becoming attuned to it. This is no different than business leaders repeatedly telling us to “go with your gut” when describing career decisions or decision-making at the executive level. Be aware of when you’re engaged, inspired, or impassioned and use these feelings as your north star.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? I was drawn to Stanford’s emphasis on leadership, interpersonal skills, and its relationship with the energy of Silicon Valley. This combination provides an abundance of opportunities both for self-growth and career development. Stanford is unique in that we seem to define success not in terms of money or fame but whether an individual is happy and fulfilled in their journey. It’s through this motivation that lasting societal change happens and this way of thinking resonated with me during the application process.

Tell us about your dream job or dream employer at this point in your life? My dream job is one that allows me to help as many people as possible to live happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? I hope others will view me as a leader of change within the GSB community, specifically on the wellness front. A positive outlook is contagious and I want others to benefit from this mindset!

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