HBS vs. GSB: Decades Later, Alums Reflect

Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business

WHAT THEY WISH THEY KNEW THEN THAT THEY KNOW NOW

“When I attended HBS, I believe the culture for women was more difficult than it is now,” says Kissane. “It would have been nice to be more aware of this going in. Today, under Dean Nohria, HBS has dramatically improved its culture and its priorities. I like the direction in which HBS is moving.”

“I still think I focused too much on the academics,” admits Grist. “At the end of the day, spending time with my classmates was the most useful thing. It was not about building a “network,” but about building meaningful and lasting relationships.”

How would life have been different if you had chosen the other program? “I think many of the core outcomes would have been the same,” says Grist. “I would be commercially successful. But I wonder if I would have been as happy? I think maybe not.”

GEOGRAPHY IS A REALITY OF SCHOOL CHOICE

“Geography is a reality of school choice,” continues Grist. “If I had gone to Wharton Lauder, I would likely have ended up on the East Coast or in Brazil. Business school does give you a certain geographical gravity. If you have a geographical preference post MBA, then think carefully about where to base yourself for your MBA.”

Kissane’s track record allows her to enjoy strong professional networks on both coasts. “Having both Stanford and HBS on my CV, I have a calling card to speak with at least one General Partner at almost any firm,” she says. “Most importantly, my current role, which I’ve enjoyed for almost 13 years, came directly as

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