The Stanford Dynamic
The Stanford Graduate School of Business does not set out to make MBAs. Instead, we create an environment that transforms the brightest and most passionate people in the world.
At Stanford, we launch you into a career with impact and a life of meaning.
Here's how we do it...
Critical, Analytical Thinking
We help you understand what makes a strong, logical argument. Here, you practice different ways of thinking and hone your oral and written communication of analysis. You learn persuasion and criticism.
Every MBA student takes the Critical Analytical Thinking (CAT) seminar, which focuses exclusively on building these skills. CAT transcends any discipline or function of management. CAT enhances your ability to identify critical questions when exploring a new business issue, to parse issues, to develop reasoned positions, and to make compelling arguments.
Personal Leadership Development
If you can’t lead people, you limit your impact.
Since 1966, we’ve taught a course called Interpersonal Dynamics—known as Touchy Feely at the GSB—that builds awareness of how you affect others.
You learn how you function in small groups and how you relate to others from frequent, candid feedback and reactions of class members. Most alumni describe it as one of the most valuable courses they take at Stanford.
Building on our deep experience with the human side of business, we have integrated leadership experiences into the curriculum. All first-year MBAs participate in weekly Leadership Labs that culminate in the Executive Challenge. The Executive Challenge is a full-day event at which over 150 alumni return to campus to simulate situations that demand true leadership qualities.
Creativity and Innovative Spirit
Stanford is a center of innovation and a leader in trying to solve the world’s challenges. We create the conditions for innovation to flourish; it’s no accident that Silicon Valley surrounds Stanford.
You can take pioneering courses such as Biodesign Innovation, which brings together business, engineering, and medical students to create medical devices.
Design for Extreme Affordability challenges students to develop comprehensive solutions to challenges facing residents of developing countries. We embrace design thinking, an empathetic, user-focused thought process that incorporates humanity into every decision.
Stanford GSB Voices
"At Stanford, I have learned valuable lessons in interpersonal dynamics, team effectiveness, and leadership.
The experiential nature of the Leadership Labs makes the learning tangible, meaningful, and memorable.
My experience as an Arbuckle Leadership Fellow has empowered me to become a more active and effective leader at the Stanford GSB and in my professional life."
Kate Jackson, MBA 2009
Ohio, USA
Federico says that Stanford's curriculum exceeded expectations. "I’m seeing incredible integration among subjects that I would never have thought were related. You see similar themes in areas as different as strategy and finance."
Educated in Spain and France, Federico was initially concerned that any business school program in this country would be too oriented to US topics.
The GSB's global emphasis has allayed any apprehensions. "The program is full of global elements and pertinent examples. The focus is not only international, it emphasizes the third world and emerging economies." Special concentration on the rapidly growing infrastructure of the BRIC countries—Brazil, Russia, India, and China—adds extra dimension to an already abundant menu of globally oriented offerings.
What would he advise new students? "Come with the most open mind possible. At the GSB, you experience the human and historical sides of business as well as the technical," says Federico with a smile.
"It's been a full immersion in the social, philosophical, and cultural elements of business."
Federico Lozano Fernandez, MBA 2009
Mexico City, Mexico
