“The degree of authenticity and openness I’ve experienced has exceeded all my expectations.”
Tucker Kocher, MBA ’19, is one of five 2019 Siebel Scholars at Stanford GSB. | Photo by Stacy Geiken
One of five Siebel Scholars in the Stanford GSB Class of 2019, Tucker Kocher is a San Francisco native and holds a BA in economics from Yale University, where he graduated summa cum laude and with distinction in the major, was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and played on the university’s soccer team. Kocher has worked as a member of the Blackstone Group’s New York Private Equity investing team, where he was involved in the evaluation of new investment opportunities as well as oversight of the portfolio. This summer he interned in the impact investing space at RSF Social Finance.
Which Stanford GSB class did you find the most challenging?
Leadership Labs. That type of experiential learning and opportunity for deep personal growth is one of the primary reasons I came to Stanford GSB. However, the course’s substantial reflection and continuous giving and receiving of feedback make it very challenging.
What most surprised you about Stanford GSB?
I’ve been amazed by my classmates’ humility and thoughtfulness and impressed by how naturally they’ve come together to create a space in which being vulnerable is encouraged. The degree of authenticity and openness I’ve experienced has exceeded all my expectations.
What was your first job?
All of the jobs I’ve held have been instrumental in allowing me to build my professional “toolkit,” but my most recent experience in impact investing was the most influential. I learned from an incredible group of colleagues and was able to devote meaningful time to analyzing industries, asset classes, and social enterprises through the lens of social and environmental impact. It solidified my belief in the ability of business, both nonprofit and for-profit, to drive positive change in the world.
— Jenny Luna
About Siebel Scholars
Established in 2000 by the Thomas and Stacey Siebel Foundation, the Siebel Scholars program awards grants to leading universities in the United States, China, France, Italy, and Japan. Following a competitive review process by the deans of their respective schools on the basis of outstanding academic achievement and demonstrated leadership, the top graduate students from 27 partner programs are selected each year as Siebel Scholars. On average, Siebel Scholars rank in the top 5% of their class, many within the top 1%.
About the Siebel Foundation
The Thomas and Stacey Siebel Foundation, a nonprofit, public benefit corporation, was established as a private foundation in 1996. Its mission is to foster programs and organizations that improve the quality of life, environment, and education of its community members. The Siebel Foundation funds projects to support the homeless and underprivileged, education and research, public health, and alternative energy solutions.
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