Micah Holmes

Harvard Business School

“Just a kid from Cleveland who dared to dream, and turned dreams into bigger realities.”

Hometown: Cleveland, OH

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’ve only ever applied to two schools in my life, Morehouse College and Harvard Business School. I was accepted to both on the first try. I wouldn’t recommend doing this loosely, but it is a testament to my faith, and the preparation I put into both applications.

Undergraduate School and Major: Morehouse College – Business Administration

Most Recent Employer and Job Title:

• Employer: KPMG
• Role: Sports Sponsorships – Growth & Strategy
• Also was employed at the NFL in their highly esteemed rotational program prior to working at KPMG.

Tell us your best Harvard Business School story so far. From the moment I received my acceptance to Harvard Business School, I was enveloped in an extraordinary community spirit that is truly the school’s hallmark. Within minutes, my phone became a testament to this camaraderie, lighting up with congratulatory calls and messages. Not just from friends and family, but from current students and distinguished alumni within the sports and entertainment industry. It was a privilege to receive words of welcome from leaders like Mark Tatum, deputy commissioner of the NBA, and Shannon Joyner, vice president of marketing for the Atlanta Falcons. This immediate embrace by the HBS community wasn’t just heartwarming; it was a clear indication of the lifelong network I had entered. It also showed me how the alumni in your industry make sure to lift as they climb, and have extended mentorship and guidance to me throughout my journey so far.

The culture of HBS is one of inclusion and engagement, where the lines between current students and alumni are beautifully blurred. The alumni’s exceptional responsiveness and eagerness to lend support is beyond encouraging. Their involvement goes beyond mere formalities; it is a deep-seated tradition of nurturing and contributing to the community’s growth. This dynamic, intergenerational network thrives on mutual assistance and shared wisdom, forging bonds that extend far beyond the physical confines of the campus.

As I integrated into the HBS community, I realized that this was not an isolated incident but rather a cornerstone of the HBS experience. The alumni network is not just a feature of the school; it’s a vibrant, active body that enriches the MBA journey. Time and again, whenever I’ve reached out to alumni for guidance or insight, the responses have been nothing short of extraordinary. Their readiness to help, to engage in meaningful conversations, and to offer valuable mentorship has deeply impacted my educational journey and professional outlook.

This has been my best HBS story so far—not a single event, but an ongoing experience of connection and community that continues to inspire and drive me.

What makes the case method so attractive as a means to learning how to become a better manager? The case method stands out as a uniquely rigorous and practical avenue for learning business management. It’s attractive because it places students in the shoes of decision-makers, confronting them with actual business dilemmas and compelling them to navigate complex decisions. This method hones the skills necessary for effective leadership and management.

Each case is a narrative, a slice of business life that demands analysis, strategy, and action. As we dissect these stories, we’re not just passive recipients of information, we’re active participants in a process of discovery. We learn to scrutinize data in exhibits, weigh options, consider diverse perspectives, and craft well-reasoned strategies. This mirrors the multifaceted nature of management, where decisions are seldom clear-cut and often require balancing competing priorities.

Moreover, the case method is dynamic, reflecting the fluidity of the business world. It fosters a classroom environment that buzzes with debate and discussion, closely simulating the boardroom dynamics where collaborative problem-solving and persuasive communication are key. It sharpens not just our intellect, but also our emotional intelligence by demanding empathy and understanding of human behavior.

My favorite part of the case study method is entering into a discussion with a certain mindset, and leaving with a completely different view of the topic thanks to the diverse perspectives of my section mates. With over 32 countries represented in my section alone, we all bring so much wisdom with us to the classroom each day.

Aside from your classmates and cases, what was the key part of Harvard Business School’s MBA Program that led you to choose this business school, and why was it so important to you? Beyond the unparalleled classroom experience, Harvard Business School’s FIELD (Field Immersion Experiences for Leadership Development) program was the definitive element that drew me to this program. FIELD is a distinctive part of the HBS MBA that embodies the school’s commitment to experiential learning, placing students in diverse global settings to tackle real-world problems.

For me, the importance of FIELD cannot be overstated. It offers a hands-on opportunity to apply classroom theories to tangible business challenges across the globe. This aligns perfectly with my aspiration to become a globally-minded leader who is not only a master of navigating cross-cultural complexities, but also committed to making a positive impact on a global scale. The prospect of engaging with different markets, consumer bases, and organizational challenges was an exhilarating one that promised a broadened perspective and a deepened understanding of international business.

In my view, leadership is as much about listening and adapting as it is about guiding and decision-making. FIELD’s emphasis on teamwork across borders hones those very skills. As we’ve recently learned of the markets around the globe for this year’s FIELD global emersion, I’m beyond excited to meet my team and get to work. Choosing HBS was, in no small part, a choice to embrace a kind of education that I knew would challenge and change me in the ways I needed most, and FIELD will push my limits this spring semester!

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at Harvard Business School? At Harvard Business School, the course that thrills me the most is the Business of Media, Entertainment, and Sports under the stewardship of Professor Anita Elberse. Unfortunately, I have to wait until my second year to take it. However, experiencing a glimpse of this course during HBS’s Summer Venture in Management Program made me fall in love with possibility of learning the pulsing world of entertainment, media, and sports industries, tailored for those of us with our sights set on the heights of these vibrant sectors.

What makes this course stand out is its dynamic fusion of theory and practice, aimed at equipping students with the strategic tools to navigate and succeed in the fun and often unpredictable entertainment environment. Professor Elberse has designed an experience that goes beyond conventional teaching, leveraging her extensive network to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry realities.

The course isn’t just about absorbing knowledge, it’s about applying it in the context of real challenges faced by icons and organizations that shape cultural conversations. From dissecting the strategies of Walt Disney Studios, to examining the digital transformation of Spotify, to analyzing the branding prowess behind superstars like LeBron James and Beyoncé, the course is a masterclass in the strategic intricacies of high-profile industries. This semester I even saw David Beckham walking to class.

Coming from the sports industry, you rarely find opportunities to study the industry in the classroom directly, so this was something that drew me to HBS from the very start. I’m beyond excited to dive into this class during my EC year!

When you think of Harvard Business School, what is the first word that comes to mind? Why?

The first word that comes to mind when I think of Harvard Business School is “transformational.” The reason is straightforward. HBS is not just an institution; it sets the stage for profound personal and professional growth. Every aspect of HBS, from the case method to the diverse cohort, from the faculty’s expertise to the global alumni network, is engineered to not only impart knowledge, but also to fundamentally reshape the way we think, lead, and impact the world.

At HBS, transformation is continuous. You’re relearning how to approach problems, how to interact with people from all walks of life, and how to envision and enact meaningful change. The school doesn’t just add to your skillset, it alters your mindset. We may leave here with a prestigious degree, but also with a renewed vision of what’s possible for yourself and for the communities you will serve. I’m already feeling growth within myself I couldn’t image before coming here, and I can’t wait to see who I become after May 2025.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Working on multiple Super Bowls was like a dream unfolding in real-time, but it’s the recognition from my peers that really marks the high points of my career. Being honored with the Front Office Sports Rising 25 Class of 2025 and the Black Sports Business Symposium Rising Talent Award means more than I can easily express. It’s not just about the accolades themselves, but about what they represent: affirmation from the titans of the sports industry who I look up to, signaling that they see in me the future of this industry. It’s humbling and it fires me up all at once. These aren’t just pats on the back, they’re rocket fuel for my drive to forge ahead, to innovate, and to lead.

Harvard Business School is the next chapter in this journey. Here I’m gaining the strategic foresight and leadership prowess needed to elevate my game. At HBS, surrounded by the brightest minds and under the guidance of visionary mentors, I’m sculpting my potential to become a leader who doesn’t just navigate the future of sports but shapes it. The school’s emphasis on creating impact aligns with my ambition to leave a lasting legacy in the sports world. HBS is the bridge to that future, where my accomplishments to date are the foundation for the greater feats to come.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far. My time at HBS has been eye-opening, and honestly, the personal evolution I’ve experienced tops the list as my proudest achievement. It’s the daily interactions with my classmates, each a window into a different culture, mindset, or language, that have enriched me the most. These diverse perspectives have been a masterclass in empathy and global business etiquette, taught in real-time within the classroom walls.

A standout has been the LEAD class, which isn’t just shaping me into a shrewd businessman, it’s molding me into the kind of man I aspire to be for my family, and one day, my spouse and children. It’s prompted me to grapple with questions of balance and intentionality, to think deeply about how I’ll juggle the high stakes of my career with the personal treasures of life. Here at HBS, it’s not just about the relentless pursuit of professional goals but also about learning to give weight to the personal, to be generous in spirit, and to lead a life that measures up to the lessons of the heart as well as the mind.

What will you do after graduation? After I toss my cap at graduation, my compass is set back to the sports industry. It’s not just about landing a job; it’s about landing an opportunity to revolutionize the game. I’m talking about pioneering change, leveraging innovation, and fostering collaboration to reshape how we experience sports.

Sure, I haven’t pinned down the ‘where’ or the ‘what’ just yet, but that’s the exciting part. I’m on the lookout for a role that aligns with my passion for impact, a place where I can channel everything I’ve absorbed at HBS into making waves in the sports world. Whether it’s enhancing fan engagement, defining long-term strategy, or redefining sports marketing, I’m geared up to join a team that’s as stoked about pushing boundaries as I am.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Harvard Business School’s MBA Program? You are the author of your entire life; no one can describe it better than you. Many times, when applying to prestigious programs, jobs, or fellowships, we try to tailor our applications to what we think the ideal candidate would provide. Harvard’s admissions process blew me away with the fact that the main thing they cared about what my story, my journey to HBS, and the difference I personally want to make in the world. The “world” is different to everyone. Does your change want to be more global, or is impacting your home community a huge goal for you?

Applying to HBS is about showcasing your unique story. My biggest piece of advice? Be authentic. The admissions team is looking for genuine personalities, not just impressive resumes. They want to know who you are, what drives you, and how your experiences have shaped your perspective and ambitions.

Reflect deeply on what you’ve accomplished and where you want your MBA journey to take you. HBS values leadership potential, impact, and a collaborative spirit—so highlight experiences that demonstrate these qualities. Whether it’s leading a team, launching an initiative, or overcoming a personal challenge, make sure your application narratives resonate with these themes.

Don’t just tell them what you think they want to hear. Be bold in your aspirations, show your willingness to learn and grow, and illustrate how you plan to contribute to the HBS community. And remember, it’s not just about what HBS can do for you, but also what you can do for HBS. They’re investing in your potential to make a difference.

Lastly, reach out to alumni and current students, attend events, and really get to know the school’s culture. This will not only inform your application but also confirm that HBS is the right fit for you. When you write that essay or sit down for your interview, let your enthusiasm for the program shine through. Good luck!

DON’T MISS: MEET HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL’S MBA CLASS OF 2025