People I (Mostly) Admire 149. Stanford’s President Knows He Can’t Make Everyone Happy
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Jan 18, 2025 
Jonathan Levin, President of Stanford University and a noted academic economist, shares insights from his remarkable career. He reveals how he saved Comcast a billion dollars through innovative auction strategies. Levin discusses the challenges of leading a prestigious institution, emphasizing the need for balance between innovation and inclusivity. He also navigates the tricky terrain of free speech on campus amid rising tensions, highlighting the complexities faced by leaders in today's educational landscape.
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MIT's Star-Studded Class
- Jonathan Levin reflects on his time at MIT in 1996, highlighting the exceptional cohort he was a part of.
- This group included future Nobel laureates and Clark Medal winners, creating a stimulating, albeit intimidating, academic environment.
The Chicago Offer
- Steve Levitt recalls aggressively recruiting Levin, Saez, and Duflo to the University of Chicago, but none accepted.
- Levitt describes a unique offer made to Levin, including a bonus for leaving within two years, designed to signal Chicago's confidence in its environment.
The Comcast Consulting Project
- Jonathan Levin recounts a consulting project for Comcast involving a spectrum auction with a budget of around $2.5 billion.
- The goal was to acquire national coverage through a combination of large and small spectrum licenses.