Stanford GSB: View From The Top S8E9: GSB at 100: “The Magic”
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Sep 24, 2025 Explore the intriguing journey of a prestigious institution as it celebrates a century of innovations. Dive into Herbert Hoover's vision for a West Coast business school and the urgent need for leadership amidst a brain drain. Professors discuss the powerful blend of environment and talent that drives productivity. Discover groundbreaking research in market design and machine learning, alongside a commitment to societal challenges. The conversation offers a reflective look at tradition while boldly anticipating the future of education and impact.
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Discovering The School's Origins
- Archivist Philip Lee and faculty sift through telegrams and photos that date the school's founding back to 1925.
- Jeffrey Pfeffer likens the archive work to solving a cold case that reveals the school's origin story.
Founding Mission Mirrors Today's Motto
- Early mission statements emphasized training students to work effectively, serve communities, and live rich, happy lives.
- That founding purpose directly echoes the modern motto: change lives, change organizations, change the world.
Environment Multiplies Productivity
- Productivity depends on ability, motivation, and the environment, especially the talent around you.
- Jeffrey Pfeffer argues that being surrounded by talented people amplifies performance and makes everyone better.