Graduation Speech at Harvard Business School

Introduction

• Speaker's Background:
  • Arrived at HBS (Harvard Business School) after a series of challenging experiences:
    • Fired during internship at Lehman Brothers
    • Worked in Washington DC making copies and coffee
    • Failed campaign to help Democrat become governor of Texas
    • Survived startup life in NYC on limited resources
  • Previous education: Graduated from Yale

Promises Made

• Promises upon arriving at HBS:

  1. Do not work in another startup
  2. Do not work in another nonprofit

• Current Status: Heading a startup nonprofit, breaking both promises.

Transformational Moment

• Life-changing incident 7 years ago:
  • Break-in at home in Dallas, confronted by thieves
  • Felt immense fear followed by peace
  • Realized life's purpose: importance of giving over material gains

Fear as a Driving Force

• Prior Motivations:

  • Fear of not achieving enough to be loved
  • Fear of not earning enough to repay debts
  • Fear of proving doubters right

• Result: Fear pushed to strive harder for personal success

Refocusing Life Purpose

• Shift from personal success to causing greater impact
  • Experience at Yale Law School: Inspired by a speaker promoting business as a way to change the world
  • Applied to HBS to make a larger impact

Impact of Harvard Business School

• Lessons and reminders:

  • Actionable change doesn’t require being rich or powerful
  • Inspired by peers and faculty to contribute significantly

• Key Questions:

  • Gender equality: Immediate action by the Women's Student Association
  • Global Challenges: Classmates responded to calls for help globally (e.g., Detroit, Athens, Cairo)

• Memorable Experiences:

  • Participation of notable figures (e.g., LeBron James, Sir Alex Ferguson, Michael Douglas)
  • Adventure and teamwork within NBAs Across America

NBAs Across America Initiative

• Mission: Address the