Stanford GSB: View From The Top

Orlando Bravo, founder of Thoma Bravo and Stanford JD/MBA alum, shares his inspiring journey from setbacks in private equity to leading one of the industry's giants. He discusses pivotal moments, such as a near-career-ending dot-com bust and his transition to software buyouts. Orlando emphasizes the value of mentorship, hinting at the importance of persistence and humility in achieving success. He also explores the impact of generative AI on software investments and advocates for focus and authenticity in fundraising. A compelling blend of lessons and insights!

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.

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.

Luis von Ahn, co-founder and CEO of Duolingo and former Carnegie Mellon professor, dives into his vision of making screen time beneficial for all. He reflects on the power of technology in education, sharing insights from his entrepreneurial journey. Von Ahn discusses innovative approaches to language learning, the importance of AI in education, and Duolingo's expansion into subjects beyond languages. With humor, he talks about his quirky marketing strategies and the significance of maintaining a positive company culture while integrating AI.

Ken Griffin, Founder and CEO of Citadel, shares insights from his journey as the head of the most profitable hedge fund ever, starting from his Harvard dorm room. He emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship and sales skills, asserting that true growth requires a continuous learning mindset. Griffin discusses the evolution of finance with AI and high-frequency trading, while advocating for resilience and teamwork in volatile markets. He delves into the transformative nature of mentorship, highlighting its critical role in personal and professional development.

Aravind Srinivas, CEO and co-founder of Perplexity, an AI search engine aiming to democratize knowledge, shares his insights on navigating a late-stage startup. He discusses the importance of ethical AI, innovative monetization strategies, and maintaining unbiased answers despite advertising. Srinivas emphasizes his vision for technology that enhances productivity and transforms lives. He also reflects on cultural influences from his background in Chennai, the significance of team diversity, and the evolution of leadership in the fast-paced tech landscape.

Lisa Su, Chair and CEO of AMD, discusses her journey from a Taiwanese immigrant to a tech industry leader. She emphasizes lifelong learning as key to her success. Su explores AMD's shift to an industry powerhouse and the importance of fostering a collaborative culture. The conversation covers the revolutionary impact of AI, contrasting AMD's open-source strategy with competitors. She also addresses the resilience needed in the semiconductor supply chain and reflects on the balance between startups and established corporations in shaping future careers.

Doug McMillon, President and CEO of Walmart, whose journey began unloading trucks, shares his insights on leading one of the world's largest companies. He emphasizes the importance of trust, speed, and culture in today's retail landscape. McMillon reflects on a career-defining product launch mishap and lessons learned during the COVID pandemic. He discusses Walmart's commitment to sustainability and innovation, including integrating technology for enhanced customer experience and preparing the company for the future.

For more than a decade, Darren Walker has led the Ford Foundation — and has been singularly focused on inequality. Why? “Because I want little boys and girls, wherever they are, if they're living in housing projects in the Bronx and they're Black or brown or they're living in rural towns that have been ravaged by opioids, I want them to be able to dream, and to feel as I did, that America wants you to succeed,” he says.  On this episode of View From The Top: The Podcast, Walker joins Kailash Sundaram, MBA ’25, to discuss his approach to grantmaking, why character trumps credentials, and what philanthropy can do — and what it can’t.From actionable insights — “start with a clear vision, mission, and strategy” — to the how of making big career pivots before the golden handcuffs tighten, Walker shares what he’s learned about identifying your purpose, leading without losing yourself, and carrying humility into every room you enter.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Leena Nair doesn’t just talk about leadership — she redefines it. In a wide-ranging conversation with Ayesha Karnik, MBA ’25, Nair reflects on her journey from a factory floor in India to the corporate office in London, and ultimately, to Chanel’s C-suite.  With humor and heart, Nair describes how she approaches leading a global luxury brand, shares insights about risk and resilience, and explains what it means to “lift as you climb.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.