GSB Reflections

Judy MacLeod

Thanks to my amazing classmates for reaching out and organizing us. To Kien Pham, George and Lina Paidoussis, Lisa Erickson, and others, thanks for planning wonderful trips which I’ve appreciated as much for the reconnecting as for the amazing itineraries we’ve shared. And to David for encouraging me (2x? 3x?) to submit something for this book, which gave me a reason to stop and reflect on my GSB experience.

I had a great time at business school, loved our recent reunions, and the coursework has proven useful. Learnings from Marketing, Small Business, Negotiations, have been applicable in so many situations. I’ve had confidence tackling tricky issues I might not have without these skills.

For several years, I had a bit of a love-hate relationship with the degree. As an International Relations/Econ undergrad my Stanford classroom emphasis was on improving living conditions and food security, lessening conflicts, and saving us from nuclear destruction. In comparison, in the 80s and 90s the business world and business school itself seemed overly focused on maximizing shareholder wealth, nothing altruistic. Thankfully the MBA curriculum has finally changed hugely in recent years. I’d love to take the whole program again.

Also, I was married before starting the GSB and pregnant as we graduated, so as I left consulting and hunted for “family friendly” options, I wasn’t on the fastest track. I wasn’t sure I could live up to the MBA goal of running a great institution. Life was a question of what I could manage while running after toddlers. (Does anyone else remember when a pregnant Emily Liggett asked the gentleman from AmEx – who for some reason had implored all of us to go have lots of kids – how he was enabling his own female employees to do so? That was one of my favorite memories. He answered…crickets.)

Working for Disney in Paris was a dream job. French society was fully at peace with mothers working. Great social services meant I had confidence my boys were well cared for, and the work didn’t consume me 24/7 like it might have back home. I worked with peers from all over the world and we built a great project. Complicated financing and overconfidence on the part of some in leadership meant it didn’t initially live up to shareholder expectations. However, I felt good about the value I’d added, and the last project I initiated, the creation of an international school adjacent to our residential development, came to fruition just as I was leaving. Also, weekends were a work free zone and Sundays were for family. I’d have liked to stay in Paris forever.

When we moved back to California, the logistics of resettling our now three kids was a job in itself, and the Disney commute was too far. I took on volunteer work, we had a fourth child, and then suddenly we packed up for Chicago. Since then, apart from four to five years in a for-profit media startup, I’ve mainly done non-profit board leadership.

I’ve worked with amazing people, I’ve led strategic and operational planning efforts across the arts, sciences and community development. I’ve worked in a variety of industries, from real estate to tech, I’ve helped provide libraries and literacy programs in Africa and put on amazing summer dance festivals in Nantucket. I’ve worked in a myriad of places and contexts and cultures. I haven’t run a large institution; I haven’t brokered world peace; but I’ve had such rewarding experiences, and I don’t think it would have happened without the GSB.

I had another moment of reflection when the MeToo movement started. I recalled situations that exactly fit the narrative, and like many at that time, I didn’t see positive outcomes in raising the issues with management. I moved on, left the jobs and the companies. I wish I’d been more heroic. I’m glad our children have some agency now to call out bad behavior.

Seeing the impact of those who are rising up and demanding overdue racial equality is heartening, and I’d be interested in how our classmates of color recall their work and school experiences. A few days ago I listened to young scientists in our organization talk with conviction and idealism about what further steps we could take to promote equity. I’m glad I can help them. I’m grateful at 35 years out of school that I can put my energy into organizations with sound values and missions and passionate staff. There’s still plenty of ways to have impact.

I’m continually impressed and inspired by my fellow GSB ’85 classmates. Please keep up your incredible work, and (as I tell myself) hold on to your sense of humor, don’t take yourself too seriously, and find joy every day. Also, please don’t be a stranger if you’re in LA or Nantucket or Chicago, at least until we sell our house. I’d love to see you.