shrink in the backward look And birds fly over a time shadows Where a private’s wish means as much as an orange Or a lazy dream in the summer air. My naïve thoughts float out to met A fantastic gleam of the gaudy sun, And a bayonet shines as I pass out the gate. Now I am outside the soldier’s hate. - Home is where I’ll hang my hat, Down the street to the little town Where the houses cater to angles And roofs swallow up race and family. Here is the place. Open the door and in. But the shine in your face is not as before. A war has come out of the war of your games And all you have left is only your name. - Up the stairs where the Indian drum hangs And into the room that was your own. Rugs on the floor glitter with color And paint on the walls has cracked And the windows add dust to your dreams. Here you slept one night and out of your face Stole the dream that would steal the world, Cities rising out of the cold sea To free an age that wants to be free. LETTER FROM THE EDITOR I feel the loneliness after death, Death that need not have been – I hear the screech of brakes, And see the muddy shoes removed, Lying beside the still form, The too-quick boy, Covered with hempen bags, Flies gathering. - It makes the heart sick, As an old moon upsets a morning sky; Or stills the heart As does the shriek of wind through chimneys, Through old cellars Through attics, Through windows, Ratting through insecure window. - I feel the loneliness after death, Death that need not have been – I hear the muffled cry of millions, The battle shriek in martial music; I hear the screen of bombs And see the small feet flying. Death That Need Not Have Been Flora Hendricks, 1939 Leave of Absence James Schevill, 1945 Be safe. Be well. Be Kind. Wear a Mask. Eric Pizzi A friend. And a fake editor for a faux newsletter, 2020 It is heartening to ‘see’ you again, en masse. Your thoughts, feelings, and humor are greatly missed by your classmates; nearly half of whom checked-in via this newsletter. A sign of camaraderie (ifn’t outright, abject loneliness & boredom). I have read all your notes. The pandemic looms large in your thoughts (duh). Its three-acts – tragic fear, isolation, and intervened conclusion – are woven throughout. While we are collectively optimistic about 2021, we recognize the work of a few – globally and among us. In our class, doctors and healthcare professionals held the line while the scientists and pharmaceutical leaders developed vaccines for longer-term safety. You are amazing. ‘Act three’ will be welcome; with renewed optimism. To the right are words about acts one and two – from another tumultuous time – to express them once collectively and embrace the better whence we meet again. Hopefully so very soon.
of pre and post COVID babies (awesome!) Most are thankful; many are happy; several are concerned Most of us miss one another Some of us saved lives in different ways Adriel had a manbun 3
Cutest animal Blondest family Most photos submitted Best PPE Worst shirt Best goofy family photo Best protest photo Best Mustache Most words Fewest words Big personal news First & Last to respond to survey Newest start-up founders 4 Moderna (Mel) & Pfizer (Steffi) Matt T Spencer David T Daniel & Andria Weiss & Jaleel Axel (to be fair, best jacket as well) Juan Karl Adriel (1) Julia @ >4k, (2) Amy H @ 1300 Karl at ~100 Ana E (momma to be!); Julia & Igor (intercontinental moves) Ben J (first) & Julia (last) ...almost everyone (seriously)!
TO ROBIN RUTH. HIRED A CEO FOR BUILDING TOGETHER, MISS YOU GUYS! The best thing I have going right now is...Health My present state of mind is... Optimistic Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out...Congratulations Ana for expecting new baby, congrats Riley for success with her co, and excited for Gigs by vaib and co, as well as Neki, excited for oppys co too! The toughest thing going on right now is... Not being able to see fam in Australia this year because of travel restrictions What I miss the most about the program is...You guys
& RESTRICTED TRAVEL; & REASON FOR OPTIMISM WITH THE VACCINE AND A BABY GIRL ON THE WAY The best thing I have going right now is...The prospects of being a father My present state of mind is...Optimistic Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out...There just isn’t enough space here for that . So many amazing people doing amazing things & supporting each other The toughest thing going on right now is...Uncertainty of when/where we will settle next year What I miss the most about the program is...Dinner with the greatest people on Friday nights A new thing I learned is...A deeper understanding of quantum physics Something I learned in class & use all the time is...3 lenses. Literally frames all my decisions at work Here's a great answer to a question you neglected to ask...Yes. I had an exceptional man bun this summer
have going right now is...No travel and not sleep deprived! Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... Mark Franciosa, Antoinette, Jack Tsai, Oliver, Ana Milicevic, Madhu, Ashu, Matt, Ron, Zach, Amar, Pavana, Monica + more...for staying in touch occasionally since graduation. Connecting gives energy! My thanks
IN NOV AND EXPECTING A BABY BOY IN MAY. The best thing I have going right now is...Sweatpants every day! My present state of mind is...Healthy and happy Here's a great answer to a question you neglected to ask...OP. All day, every day. OP
FROM EMPTY OFFICE OR MY BASEMENT AND VOTED AT THE LAST HOUR. The best thing I have going right now is...Startup and consulting My present state of mind is...Confused Special thanks and shout out: Alice Ann, Dan Palchak, Hari Kumar, John Fitzgibbon, Jaleel Durani, Vaibhav Kharat and Vince Lubsey. They helped, heard me, connected me and believed in me. Toughest thing going right now...Cannot meet friends & extended family. We had to let a lot of loyal people go in our hotel business. What I miss most about the program is...Regularly meeting our classmates A new thing that I learned is...Music and concerts industry Something I learned in class & use all the time...Scott Sterns entrepreneurial strategy framework, 4 boxes comp strategy & valuations
best thing I have going right now is...I'm now working for Blue Origin (building a road to space!) and get to live in the beautiful state of Washington. It's also super awesome being able to work with Ali Solehdin on our side-hustle startup! My present state of mind is...Very weary, but still hopeful for the future The toughest thing going on right now is...Being away from my family, especially during a pandemic. I'm in WA while they are still in OK. What I miss the most about the program is...Everything. A new thing that I learned is...I'm an amazing TikTok dancer...just ask my two teenage daughters... Something I learned & use all the time...NOT Marketing
they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... • Ali S for putting up with me as we change the world! • Axel R just for being a rock-solid friend during good times and tough life decisions. • Jack for knowing exactly when to jump in, give me a load of crap, make me laugh, and lift my spirits • Monica for being there and just being so awesome! • JB = FIRE! The world would be such a better place if we just had more JB’s! • Craig S for his amazing ability to build people up and make them feel like mountains. • Amy K for our deep, open conversations and her ability to tell me how it is in the kindest yet thought-provoking way • Jen Carter for her contagious enthusiasm for life and her guidance. • Vince Lubsey for always carving time from his busy life to engage and share his sage wisdom.
I SAID THAT). The best thing I have going right now is...Getting to spend a ton of time with my 6 year old. Normally the job requires a lot of travel, so lockdown has been a bit of a blessing that way. Also, I’ve convinced my husband that the dishes are 100% his responsibility, so now I can make big meals and destroy the kitchen without any remorse. Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out...Caitlin, Lisa and Nazem for being my last contact with civilization before the apocalypse and also Wicki, just because he’s Wicki. What I miss the most about the program is...The people, obviously. And the free pass to be out partying all weekend.
OFFICER, LAUNCHED A SOUTH AFRICAN LUXURY DECOR STARTUP WITH MY BF, MOVED TO A NEW NEIGHBORHOOD AND DID SOME DECORATING The best thing I have going right now is...My health (always) My present state of mind is...Hugely positive! Bring it! Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out...Jeanne Fama and her fiancé for bringing me into their company and treating me like family. Cannot wait to take it to the next level. So much fun and so much to do. The toughest thing going on right now is...Getting through this pandemic and north eastern winter unscathed What I miss the most about the program is...Hanging out with you guys! The hugs and the laughs! A new thing that I learned is...The more gratitude you practice, the less you want. Something I learned in class & use all the time is...It’s about the people, not the theory! Here's a great answer to a question you neglected to ask...Trust yourself. What’s the worst that can happen?
VANTAGE POINT ON THE PANDEMIC FROM MODELING GLOBAL COVID INCIDENCE/PREVALENCE CURVES TO ADVISE MEDICAL DEVICE COMPANIES ON PRODUCTION SCHEDULES, TO WORKING WITH HEALTH SYSTEMS NAVIGATING THE PANDEMIC'S IMPACTS ON STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS, TO SPENDING WEEKENDS TREATING ICU PATIENTS. IT'S BEEN AN AMAZING, MULTIFACETED VANTAGE POINT ON THIS CATACLYSMIC HISTORICAL EVENT THAT HAS SHADED MY UNDERSTANDING OF EVERY LEVEL OF OUR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM AND GLOBAL MEDICAL SUPPLY CHAIN. The best thing I have going right now is...More time with my wonderful family and lots of opportunities to cook dinner. My present state of mind is...Balanced between gratitude for how fortunate my family and I are, anger at how callously and incompetently the pandemic has been managed, dread for all the death and destruction this winter will bring, and green shoots of optimism about the future. Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out...Everyone working their hearts out in healthcare, biopharma, and related fields to get us through this. The toughest thing going on right now is...Seeing so many people behave without regard for the safety and wellbeing of others. What I miss the most about the program is...Being together in person.
How our electoral system works in excruciating detail. Something I learned in class & use all the time is... The three lenses and how to say "it depends". Here's a great answer to a question you neglected to ask... Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis
BUSINESS The best thing I have going right now is...Not all of my hair has fallen out. (yet) My present state of mind is...Is it rude to ask Melanie directly for a vaccine ? Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out...Well, Devo has been my light in a sea of darkness. The toughest thing going on right now is...My daughter is three and kinda running the house right now What I miss the most about the program... your lovely faces and sitting in the front left of the classroom while eating food I should not. Also, I miss each & everyone of you. A new thing that I learned is...Despite your models, formulas, plans and education, sometimes you just have to do work to get things moving. I learned in class & use all the time is...I use negotiation weekly. OP is a hammer and everything is a nail right now. Here's a great answer to a question you neglected to ask...Should we all trade Peloton usernames and schedule regular rides? Yes. Mine is lifehug. :)
PANDEMIC... The best thing I have going right now is...Love my team and the progress - excited for our 2021 Launch My present state of mind is...Optimistic Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out...There are so many that have been amazing this last year investing time, money energy, and all for being great friends! Love my bi-weekly calls and catch up meetings. Even our random zoom meetings! The toughest thing going on right now is...External entities you can’t control. What I miss the most about the program is...Consistently being with a group of amazing people. Learning new models/frameworks and being challenged to think differently. Dedicated time to learn, read, and dinners with friends. A new thing that I learned is...Daniel Norton is super smart and I lean on him a lot.
I have going right now is... 2020 is almost over My present state of mind is... Dumpster fire Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... Team Blackberry (Oliver, Jack, Doug.. for organizing zoom calls. The toughest thing going on right now is... Finally gave up my BlackBerry. Trying to figure out iPhone 12. It's like living in a fluffy prison. What I miss the most about the program is... Obviously just seeing everyone.
OF TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCT AT HYPERSPECTRALAAPD The best thing I have going right now is... Working on bringing a ML powered rapid pathogen detection solution to market. Takes 15 seconds or so to generate the results. Trying to get the economy moving again. My present state of mind is... Super excited and motivated. Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... Ana M. and Ashu N. for their work on AdFabric, a dynamic ad placement technology. Vince for taking on the role of CTO of Lemongrass. Justin Schorn for his work on Chirp. The toughest thing going on right now is... Working on bringing an ML power rapid pathogen detection solution to market. :-) More importantly, keeping my 94 and 93 year old in-laws safe and health. Dealing with the loss of my father last fall from complications associated with PSP. What I miss the most about the program... time with my friends/ classmates Something I learned in class & use all the time is... The 3 lenses and proper incentives to engender the desired behavior. Here's a great answer to a question you neglected to ask... I got my pilot's license and an IFR rating. I've become a volunteer pilot for Angel Flight. It gives me a chance to give back and fulfill a desire to fly.
GREW (WHAT'S LEFT OF) MY HAIR OUT The best thing I have going right now is... Working with classmates has been fun. I am grateful to stay in daily contact with some of you. My present state of mind is... Eager to see you all at electives and even more eager to see you all in person next year!! Because they are awesome, shout outs to... Isaac, David, Alice Ann, Vince, Jaleel, Juan, Eric, and Mitch for your help and guidance with Neural Payments The toughest thing going on right now is... Startups aren't all sunshine and roses. We'd like to be further along than we are. I miss the most about the program... YOU!!! If you are reading this, I miss YOU! A new thing that I learned is... I got an MBA because I thought my coding days were over. I have written a ton of code this year. Something I learned in class & use all the time is... I use math and stats from DMD & Operations Management quite frequently. Here's a great answer to a question you neglected to ask... Special thank you to classmates who are working on the frontlines and pushed the vaccine to success with blinding speed. You are all miracle workers. When do we get to hear your amazing stories?
thing I have going right now is... my family and being able to work from home and stay safe and healthy My present state of mind is... concerned, but hopeful Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... all of you who have begun or continued endeavors to improve social equity despite the added difficulties of a global pandemic. The toughest thing going on right now is... Not sure where to begin, many very concerning social phenomena playing out in the US. What I miss the most about the program is... You all and the great debates and conversations we have had! A new thing that I learned is... My love for learning new things may be pathological... Something I learned in class & use all the time is... Worse before Better! Here's a great answer to a question you neglected to ask... Follow your Bliss!
TO GET A REAL JOB The best thing I have going right now is... A happy and healthy family Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... Ben for trying to save Texas with a delivery of N95 masks (and almost getting arrested while doing it) Something I learned in class & use all the time is... It really is all about having the right team My present state of mind is... Hopeful that the world will start to open back up and thankful that I was able to make a successful career transition A new thing that I learned is... Having a nanny is life- changing. I should have had one before kids Here's a great answer to a question you neglected to ask...42
A ROLE AS HEAD OF SALES! The best thing I have going right now is... My first baby! It's a boy and due in April (initially thought it would be 5 de Mayo, LOL) My present state of mind is... Busy and happily hormonal! Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... So many people! Those who have been the most in touch and supportive have been Pelema, Kathryn Corzo, Axel, Zach (+Dana!), Ben and the rest of my Go-Lab gang, Inji, Devang and Eric. The toughest thing going on right now is... Going crazy from not seeing people (COVID + preggo), but happy to enjoy my growing belly with my hubby. What I miss the most about the program is... SEEING YOU GUYS!!!! (and maybe the snacks from the first year...) A new thing that I learned is... How to make geometric wall art ;) Something I learned in class & use all the time is... OP...still the winner after all this time! Here's a great answer to a question you neglected to ask... If you didn't do a fireside during the program, would you be interested in doing one on Zoom? (we should do this!!!)
BACK TOGETHER IN ONE STATE! WE BOUGHT OUR BEAUTIFUL CONDO IN PORTLAND, MAINE IN JULY AND HAVE MADE IT OUR HOME. WE COULDN’T BE HAPPIER. WE’VE RENTED OUT OUR BOSTON PLACE AND I CONTINUE TO LEAD BVARI REMO TELY, SO I STILL HAVE PLENTY OF TIES TO BOSTON TO RESUME SEEING YOU ALL POST-PANDEMIC. MARC IS HALFWAY THROUGH HIS ADDICTION MED FELLOWSHIP AND HAS SIGNED FOR HIS PERMANENT PRIMARY CARE (& SOME ADDICTION) JOB TO START IN AUGUST HERE IN MAINE! The best thing I have going right now is... Portland and togetherness with Marc! My present state of mind is... Balanced, calm, grateful, relaxed, appreciative of nature, family, friends, and health. Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... Ron & Euan for starting Neki! Has been a beautiful and collaborative journey. So many others doing such great things too - too many to name. The toughest thing going on right now is... Just had surgery to remove my right submandibular gland and a large stone that had built up over the years. Home, recovering, and happy. I feel great, considering. Thankful for my ENT’s careful work and no complications.
program is... All of you!!! Also, I feel like I’m losing all the learning fast. A new thing that I learned is... Starting to go deeper in climate change discussions and learning. Something I learned in class & use all the time is... Authentic leadership (Debra Ancona); O-lab process improvement Here's a great answer to a question you neglected to ask... I have some irons in the fire professionally in Portland. Stand by! I have completed BVARI’s turnaround and we’re in such better, more sustainable shape. Very proud of the team and culture we’ve built and coming out stronger from a troubled inherited past.
FOUND PEACE. The best thing I have going right now is…Do you remember that personality test in Negotiation where somebody scored very high for neuroticism? Yeah. That was me. I'd like to take that test again, because 2020 has taught me to worry a lot less about myself. At the beginning of the pandemic, I was pretty sure it would be disastrous for our family: we'd hate being constantly trapped in our condo, the kids' brains would rot, the pressures of remote work and homeschool would cause me to lose my brand-new job (I was five weeks in). Instead, cooped up together, we re-discovered what we love about each other. We bought a house in the suburbs so the kids could climb trees and roam freely on bikes. I got to know my co-workers by Zoom, and -- freed from office politics -- had more time to focus on doing good work. I decided to change where I was putting my nervous energy: Less impression management, more listening. Less alcohol, more tea. Less shopping, more volunteering. I stopped wearing makeup. I started being present. And I realized how silly I had been for thinking I had anything serious to worry about, because even as the rest of the world was going to shit, we were... fine? More than fine: enormously privileged. I just hadn't been able to see it. Now that I do, the only thing I'm really worried about is all the things in the world that really did go to shit this year, and the fact that I still haven't figured out my role in fixing them. I'm seeking ideas -- please send them my way.
FOUND PEACE. My present state of mind is...grateful Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... Our LIM group still talks every month or so, and it's always a treat. Also, shout-out to Team Neki.io! What a brilliant idea. What I miss the most about the program is... Spending whole weekends learning from you all. God, you are so interesting. Something I learned in class & use all the time is... I have told almost everyone I know about crucible moments. It's gotten some friends through tough times.
AND HOW GRATEFUL HE IS TO BE LUCKY. The best thing I have going right now is... although i choose to wear pants, i could almost certainly do my job 100% effectively without them and no one would be the wiser. My present state of mind is... hopeful and tired, in equal measure The toughest thing going on right now is... trying to eliminate twelve million disposable kits worth of plastic per annum from our supply chain What I miss the most about the program is... learning something new every day. Something I learned in class & use all the time is...OP is everything
The best thing I have going right now is... I started a new relationship with a producer who has done shows like Celebrity Ghost stories and Ghost Hunters My present state of mind is... Missing hugs and in person things Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... Mel for being a bad ass at Moderna ... she is literally the best
I have going right now is...Time with family My present state of mind is...Accepting Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... All of you. This year is manageable because of the amazing two years we spent together. The toughest thing going on right now is...Isolation What I miss the most about the program is...Class weekends A new thing that I learned is...That you can hurt yourself sleeping Something I learned in class & use all the time is...WACC
PURPOSE. The best thing I have going right now is...Spiritual My present state of mind is...Great! Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... My Airbnb room mates and classmates who helped me while transitioning from old job to the new! What I miss the most about the program is... Classmates! A new thing that I learned is... Spiritual inner learning related! Something I learned in class & use all the time is... Negotiation! Here's a great answer to a question you neglected to ask...Is there a way to figure CO2 levels by zip code? Can’t remember if this was mentioned in John Sterman class?
best thing I have going right now is... new product, it’s cool to help build a new market segment for the company! My present state of mind is...Happy! Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out...Too many to list! The toughest thing going on right now is...Not able to travel What I miss the most about the program is... Spending time with classmates! A new thing that I learned is... Making croissants Something I learned in class & use all the time is... Best practices on influencing people to get things done Here's a great answer to a question you neglected to ask... Thought I’d hate it but WFH is not so bad!
thing I have going right now is... My family and friends are all healthy and safe........AND the fact that Trump lost the election My present state of mind is... Relaxed, happy and cautiously optimistic Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... Amol, Mick, Vince, Norton, Qasim, Shafaat, Saleema, Jeanne Fama, Amar, Vaibhav, Ron, Juan, Jose, Caitlin, Mark Franciosa The toughest thing going on right now is... Not being able to travel overseas to see my mom Something I learned in class & use all the time is... The role of culture in the success of an organization
I have going right now is... I love being at home and spending so much time with my family. I traveled upwards of 200 days last year and it was really wearing me out. The quarantine has showed me that I don’t ever have to live that life again. I expanded my responsibility at work and was given another turn around RIGHT when COVID struck. I am so proud that our team was very successful this year given all the change and restraints. On the personal front, my kids turned 14 and 16 this year. They still don’t think I’m cool, but I try (see shared photo). My daughter is driving - watch out my fellow CT drivers (Steffi and Karl!). My husband is recording his first solo album. We got a second dog - (I must have had too much to drink when I agreed to that one! Lol). We spent a lot of time this summer kayaking and boating. I love the water! And as many of you know, I love playing the piano and was so happy to get back to it after graduation. I am entering the college search process with my oldest and can use all the advice anyone wants to give me. It’s so overwhelming! The toughest thing going on for me has been the death of my father, Tom (one week after my sister-in-law also passed). It was a tough October. He had cancer but developed pneumonia and couldn’t overcome it. He was amazing and I was so blessed to have him for so long. Right after he died and I went back to work, it was so hard for me - life just went on like normal. At one point on a conference call, I remember wanting to stand up and scream “Don’t you know that my father has died?” At our age, people expect us to just move on. Especially at work. But it’s hard no matter your age. To anyone else that has suffered great loss recently, I share your pain. XXOO
of mind is... Cautiously optimistic Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... Ling for always inspiring me in the Women’s WhatsApp with thoughtful posts, webinars, events and her positive outlook to life! And Eric P for getting this update together! What I miss the most about the program is... Of course the people! Beyond that I miss the readings and new cases to ponder. I would love to do a book club if anyone is interested! Or we could just read articles too. Something I learned in class & use all the time is... I have reread the Firefighting article like 5 times . I love our visual roadmap for new product development. And like every single thing from OP.
BACK TO EUROPE WITH AN IDEA TO TAKE 1 YEAR FREE AND SPEND WITH A FAMILY. UNFORTUNATELY, FOUND AND INTERESTING JOB IN BERLIN AND WILL BE STARTING ON 1ST JANUARY. The best thing I have going right now is... Developing a protocol for moving to Berlin. First 6 months I will be alone and family will join in June once schools are done and I am settled in my new job. My present state of mind is... Happy and excited! Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... Timo, Denys and Sree have been an amazing help while I was developing my CV. Received great input and improved a lot. Andrea is always doing the extra mile to keep most of us updated about herself and other’s people whereabouts. The toughest thing going on right now is... Ich bin ein Berliner... What I miss the most about the program is... You!!The people!!! My tribe!! A new thing that I learned is... 6 months brake from corporate life is an amazing blessing!
EVER. THANK GOODNESS FOR DISNEY+ ;) The best thing I have going right now is... My niece. She is the best and lives just around the corner! My present state of mind is...Mush Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... Mel - your long days and strong leadership are changing the world! Thank you! Katie - thanks for visiting me from a ‘social distance’ and keeping me (relatively) sane! The toughest thing going on right now is... Quarantine and so eon sooo much working. What I miss the most about the program is... Seeing everyone! At this point I also miss traveling to Boston but I think 2020 is to blame for that... A new thing that I learned...Cyber security response, ouch! Something I learned in class & use all the time is... Change Management skills! Here's a great answer to a question you neglected to ask... I can’t possibly bring myself to extend my time on zoom for electives... hopefully see you all in 2022!
AND GAINING INVESTMENT FROM THE BOARD DURING THE HEIGHT OF COVID. The best thing I have going right now is... The ability to spend more time with family and loved ones. My present state of mind is... Having fun and grateful for our health and current state in life. Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... Eric for always being my listening ear, Steve for making a huge career jump (into space! ), Inji for being herself and always being there, Mitch for becoming a new dad, Ana Escandón for being the strong woman she is and soon to become a new mom. The toughest thing going on right now is...Product and launch What I miss the most about the program is...The camaraderie A new thing that I learned is...Cooking, birdwatching, and hiking Something I learned in class & use all the time is... 1) Dynamic Work Design 2) Accounting and Finance. 3) You get what you measure. 4) Also, gradient boosted trees. Here's a great answer to a question you neglected to ask... I’ve stayed sane by making every moment count, being present, and lots of exercise even if it means long walks with my S.O. Like old people ☺️.
ON A PLANE ROCKS! The best thing I have going right now is... Spending time with my wife and kids My present state of mind is...hopeful Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... Ben for pushing forward his Israel/ Palestine initiative The toughest thing going on right now is... anxiety and stress of practicing medicine in covid era What I miss the most about the program is... daydreaming during class (imagination) and losing focus. Something I learned in class & use all the time is... system dynamics and data driven decisions
The best thing I have going right now is... ) Our son 2) Going to Barcelona in January 3) Starting a company My present state of mind is... Positive for 2021! Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... Ashu, Vaibhav and Vince for starting Gigs.liv / Ron & Euan for starting Neki... The toughest thing going on right now is...Sleep What I miss the most about the program is... Everyone + constant learning A new thing that I learned is... Patience... Something I learned in class & use all the time is... System Dynamics - Works for everything...
thing I have going right now is... Staying connected -- I have the good fortune to work with several of my fellow EMBAs while also teaching a bit at Sloan My present state of mind is... hopeful and grateful Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... I am so appreciative and proud of all of the principled leaders contributing to the fight against COVID The toughest thing going on right now is... knowing so many are suffering What I miss the most about the program is... seeing everyone regularly
OCTOBER! AND WE'RE MOVING TO BOSTON IN 2021!! The best thing I have going right now is... All of the newborn snuggles with our baby girl (Vivienne is our first girl after two boys!) My present state of mind is... Sleepy. Newborn snuggles do equal a lack of sleep for me Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... Mel and Steffi and their companies for saving lives and hopefully bringing us back to some normalcy next year The toughest thing going on right now is... My kids, who miss seeing and hugging family and friends. And trying to explain the reasoning in 4-year-old and 2-year-old terms. What I miss the most about the program is... Seeing all of you! And the awesome food spreads. They fed us SO well! A new thing that I learned is... how to be more present in my parenting and to really enjoy all of the little moments we have at home together.
thing I have going right now is... spending time at home with family. Both kids are home from school and safe. My present state of mind is... Optimistic. Only 4-6 more months to go. Thank you Mel, Steffi, JB and everyone else at Moderna and Pfizer. Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... Ash and Vaibhav for working on two startups (one with Ana)! Ron and Euan for having a positive impact with Neki! The toughest thing going on right now is... Creating a product for a market that doesnt exist yet What I miss the most about the program is... Conversations with classmates Something I learned in class & use all the time is... Three lenses Here's a great answer to a question you neglected to ask... Of course Roberto still misses Ben!
FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAN EVER. MISSING MIT TIMES A LOT ! My present state of mind is... I want to do more !!!!!! No time for all my projects! The toughest thing going on right now is... You mean apart from the pandemic???? Lots of professional challenges but nothing it can’t be tacked with my EMBA family ;) What I miss the most about the program is... Enjoying conversations about random subject with my friends and classmates !
thing I have going right now is... Lots more time with my wife & kids. Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out...Ron & Euan for Neki! The toughest thing going on right now is... Work (sigh). What I miss the most about the program is... Chinese potatoes. And Amtrak.
SERIOUSNESS, EVERYONE AROUND ME IS HEALTHY, WHICH IS ALL THAT I CAN REALLY ASK FOR GIVEN THIS YEAR. My present state of mind is...Optimistic The toughest thing going on right now is...Is this a serious question? What I miss the most about the program is...The social gatherings
have going right now is... Ski season kicking off My present state of mind is... Gratitude for my family and friends good health Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... Denys and Vince for their AWS tutorial! The toughest thing going on right now is... No travel for the holidays! What I miss the most about the program is... Fun times with classmates A new thing that I learned is... The Patriots suck without Brady Something I learned in class & use all the time is... Never be afraid to ask questions
A CHANCE TO SLOW DOWN AND NOT TRAVEL. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FOCUS ON MY STARTUP WITH MARC, ADRIEL, AND RANJITH, START A NEW JOB AS A GM FOR A COMPANY BASED IN CHARLOTTE, AND SPEND TIME WITH MY WI FE AND KIDS. I MOVED MY FAMILY TO THE BEACH FOR 4 MONTHS WHICH WAS ONE OF THE B EST DECISIONS OF MY LIFE. THOUGH 2020 HAS PRESENTED MANY CHALLENGES, I CHOOSE TO MAKE IT A YEAR OF REFLECTION AND FOCUS ON THE PEOPLE THAT MATTER MOST TO ME. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO RECONNECTING TO MY MIT FAMILY IN 2021. I MISS YOU GUYS! The best thing I have going right now is... Playing with my kids My present state of mind is...Peace Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... Adriel for not cutting his hair, Thomas Nittman for getting over his fear of hugs, and Ranjith learning how to use BCC. The toughest thing going on right now is... Eric making me complete this survey What I miss the most about the program is... Trying to determine if I am talking to Juan or Jose A new thing that I learned is... Tyler Hawes can grow a beard Something I learned in class & use all the time is... Area under the curve Here's a great answer to a question you neglected to ask...I don’t disagree
PAST, AND SUPPORTING FAMILY AND PATIENTS The best thing I have going right now is... Rescuing my pianist me My present state of mind is... Peaceful and hopeful of a better 2021 Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... Maria, Steff P, Salima and Ling for being close. The toughest thing going on right now is... To keep patients and staff safe while awaiting for a regional and global response to the covid vaccine. What I miss the most about the program is... Meeting my dear colleagues and the thoughtful discussions with amazing people. A new thing that I learned is... Resilience to things we cannot change. Something I learned in class & use all the time is... Psychological frameworks from OP and lessons from D. Ancona.
TO BE HEALTHY, CHANGED JOBS, AND GOT MORE ACTIVE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY The best thing I have going right now is... The ability to see my parents My present state of mind is...grateful Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... All of you for being for being a supportive community The toughest thing going on right now is... Balancing work and other things in life What I miss the most about the program is... The conversations A new thing that I learned is... Don't make decisions that transcend transient emotions Something I learned in class & use all the time is... Too many to mention (Mentals models, operations management, system dynamics, etc.)
best thing I have going right now is... My family is healthy and happy My present state of mind is...Hopeful! Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... All of our friends at Moderna and Pfizer for bringing us a vaccine The toughest thing going on right now is... Sadly hoping people don’t gather in large groups during the holidays I most miss... Chats with friends A new thing that I learned is... Beverly Cleary (Ramona Quimby books) is alive at 103 years old; My 9-year-old asked Alexa. Something I learned in class & use all the time is... Try and surround yourself with people smarter than you
WISHING YOU HEALTH AND HAPPINESS! The best thing I have going right now is... A few business expansion opportunities Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... Melanie and all the healthcare and pharma workers in our group for doing their part to help fight COVID. THANK YOU! The toughest thing going on right now is... Keeping business going in a tough environment What I miss the most about the program is... Seeing everyone Something I learned in class & use all the time is... “What problem are we trying to solve?”
going right now is...Daily yoga with Little Bit (a strangely dedicated feline yogi who prefers to get started 30m before dawn) My present state of mind is...Hopeful and oddly patient Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... Stacey for indulging me in socially distanced walks Mitch for bringing an adorable baby into the world Hooman for rocking four monitors (maybe six?) and rolling with it Jenny for helping me suss out more than one work conundrum Monica for learning how to make an egg and take over NASA Eric for reading system dynamics books at the mechanic and texting his findings Mel for saving the world 1519s for the random text or ping to say hi! Much love for that! What I miss the most about the program is...Perspective, discussions & dinners A new thing that I learned is...How to disassemble my washing machine (because why not?) Something I learned in class & use all the time is...It depends.
TIME WITH FAMILY The best thing I have going right now is...Having my friends and family safe and alive.. My present state of mind is...Thankful to the almighty for helping my 88+year old dad and elder sister recover from COVID19 Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... Colleagues at Pfizer and Moderna for saving the world The toughest thing going on right now is...Not able to meet you all What I miss the most about the program is... The candid feedback and unflinching support A new thing that I learned is...True appreciation for the work that my pharma classmates lead.. Something I learned in class & use all the time is...Decision making when outcomes are uncertain.. Here's a great answer to a question you neglected to ask...When can we see each other again
ACHIEVE ONE YEAR OLD AND WITNESS HER HITTING ALL HER MILESTONES... The best thing I have going right now is... Enjoying life as always. Yes including indoor safe soccer:) My present state of mind is...Very thankful and optimistic. The toughest thing going on right now is... Can't travel to see family and friends. Luckily we have zoom:) What I miss the most about the program is...Really Eric???? Ice cream & Soccer. All kidding a side. The classmates A new thing that I learned is... How to stay motivated and positive with whatever life throws at us... Something I learned in class & use all the time is..."Which problem you are trying to solve“
AND LOVING IT. The best thing I have going right now is... Happy, healthy family My present state of mind is...Great! Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out... The list is so long I can't begin to list them all. I have probably met with 2/3 of the class over the last 6-months! The toughest thing going on right now is...My twin 9-year-olds are starting to have a tough time with wearing masks all day and no playtime at school. What I miss the most about the program is...All my classmates, stimulating discussions, after class get togethers (in person!) A new thing that I learned is...I really disliked my previous job, patience is a virtue, not in a rush to get a new one unless it is just right! Here's a great answer to a question you neglected to ask...Yes, I’ll take the COVID vaccine when opportune
FRIENDS, HEALTH, TRAVEL, AND MANY OTHER ASPECTS OF MY LIFE I MAY HAVE TAKEN FOR GRANTED!!! The best thing I have going right now is...waking up Christmas morning to see Leonardo (3) and Ruby Rose (1) open their gifts from Santa! My present state of mind is...stressed but optimistic Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out...Shout out to Everyone - whether my closest friends or just acquaintances, the EMBA 19 bond is so special and deep with an unbridled willingness to help each other! The toughest thing going on right now is...my career is the busiest it’s ever been …while still trying to be a great husband, Dad, and friend. What I miss the most about the program is...fair and intelligent debate of all topics, especially uncomfortable ones, in and out of the classroom that finished with a "I see and understand your perspective" as opposed to the polarizing world we live in day to day outside of our MIT ecosystem. Anyone else over politics! A new thing that I learned is...even the strongest people on the surface have vulnerabilities just like the rest of us! Something I learned in class & use all the time is...probably OP - understanding why decisions are made. Here's a great answer to a question you neglected to ask...I lost my Freshman (aka MIT) 15. In the best health I have been in years!
WEEKEND, OUR FAMILY EXPANDED TO THREE. WE WELCOMED A BABY GIRL, ARABELLA REESE MACDONALD, ON JAN 10, 2020! The best thing I have going right now is... Enjoying life’s simple pleasures with my family such as walks along the beach in the winter, morning strolls, and hearing my daughter say ‘mama’ for the first time. My present state of mind is... Excited for new experiences and opportunities personally and professionally in 2021!! Remaining optimistic that I’ll be able to reunite with my MIT classmates this calendar year as well :-) What I miss the most about the program is... First and foremost the people in our cohort, but also the opportunity to have the space and time to explore and collaborate with classmates and professors. The train rides back to NYC were also pretty epic and memorable.
shout out... Where to start... geez, it’s hard to call out one or two people when most of our class has gone above and beyond to answer the bell, whatever that looked like given the set of circumstances. 2020 has been a year when we individually and collectively needed camaraderie, empathy, support and personal connection more than ever! Melanie Ivarsson took a day trip to visit with me in February ‘20, a month after I gave birth, to make sure I was doing alright as a new mum without any family nearby!! Alex Khalessi jumped into action to help my newborn get the best neuro care in NYC after a health scare. Doug McConnell came over while in town for a work seminar, ditching a conference session to hold my daughter and of course, tell me stories for two hours - the baby slept the entire time with a smile!! Hooman, Mitch, Tyler, Stephen, and Adriel have been my permanent nyc support group - whether it’s talking about the best frozen pizza, baby101 questions, markets, or funny memes, they’ve been my go to crew. Sanjeev Aggarwal and I still talk about coding in R on a weekly basis. Victoria, José, Ants, and Juan are there for me no matter the hour of day or the subject. They even came into town to meet my daughter and take me out for too many cocktails! Hari frequently checks on me over WhatsApp from Florida while Steph and I laugh about logistics class curriculum that seems to show up in daily work life and pump each other up about professional and personal opportunities and roadblocks. Last but not least, I can’t say enough about all the women in our program. Whether they’ve reached out to me or vice versa - they have been pillars of strength in difficult times, sources of advice and inspiration, trusted confidants, drinking partners and everything in between. Thanks JB for creating such a strong foundation for our women’s network to be successful in years to come.
you neglected to ask... My family is relocating to Switzerland for the next 3-5 years, but maybe longer! Work and our respective careers were the catalysts for both my husband and I, but we’re also excited about the opportunity for our daughter to grow up speaking multiple languages and being exposed to different cultures and perspectives. Please look us up if you’re traveling to Europe! Everything is a short drive, train or flight away. We will make it happen :-) A new thing that I learned is... While I very much enjoy my career in tech, I learned that I miss working in finance! Earlier this year, I was asked to take on an additional role at LinkedIn, specifically, as the Global Treasurer of LinkedIn’s Women’s ERG. Stepping into that position has made me realize how much I miss finance! Something I learned in class & use all the time is... Demand and Capacity Constraint Analysis and Optimization. (Logistics with the dream team: Seth and Steph!!)
& ME AS MUCH TODAY AS I EVER HAVE The best thing I have going right now is...my core family is together, healthy, (re)connected, & happy My present state of mind is...unclouded Because they are awesome, I wanted to shout out...#AssHoleSlack, a safe place to blow off steam & self-challenge. Axel, Katie, Daniel, Mary, Stacey, Sree & David, the occasional Hooman text, #Catholics, #Corteva! What I miss the most about the program is...the few dozen times that we – collectively – laughed, applauded, cried together in unison (e pluribus unum). Something I learned in class & use all the time is...measure the inputs Here's a great answer to a question you neglected to ask...minus 40
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