Stanford GSB: View From The Top S8E10: GSB at 100: "The Spirit"
Nov 5, 2025
Courtney Payne, Director of student support at Stanford GSB, shares her inspiring journey from receptionist to shaping graduation moments. Arthel Coleman, who manages student housing, recounts a touching story of supporting a student through a breakup by dancing in the rain. Nancy Gross, the go-to resource for students, highlights her 25 years of nurturing academic and personal inquiries. Marlon Wells reflects on his evolved role in IT since 1979, ensuring technology keeps pace with GSB's community spirit. Together, they celebrate the school's rich history and collective efforts for its future.
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Receptionist Improvisation Becomes Career Path
- Courtney Payne started at GSB as a front desk receptionist and improvised to update alumni records across many screens.
- She kept callers talking with a narrative while navigating 10 screens to find alumni information.
Education’s Value Matures Over Time
- Alumni reported that their GSB education deepened over time like fine wine, revealing value later in careers.
- Courtney found this long-term learning effect motivated her move into student experience work.
Tagline Born From A Donut-Fueled Lock-In
- Barbara Buell led a staff session with donuts and locked-in brainstorming to craft the tagline.
- The team landed on “change lives, change organizations, change the world” for its energy and action focus.