Podcast Ep. 25 Stanford MBA '95 Katharine McLennan meets MBA '25 Carmen Gordon

Podcast Ep. 26 FInal Episode Summary Stanford MBA '95 Katharine McLennan Untitled Episode

Episode 26 – A Farewell and a Future: Closing the Stanford MBA ’95 Meets ’25 Series In this final episode, host Katharine McLennan reflects on the full arc of the Stanford MBA ’95 meets MBA ’25 podcast series—25 episodes bridging two generations, born 30 years apart, at two pivotal moments in history: the dawn of the internet and the rise of artificial intelligence. With gratitude and insight, Katharine revisits the major themes explored throughout the series: leadership in times of disruption, the evolving role of AI, and the enduring importance of human connection across age, industry, and culture. She shares: Her top three takeaways from this intergenerational experiment A new leadership framework called VISTA: Vision, Intuition, Synergy, Trust, Authenticity What’s next: a new book, solo podcast reflections, and a new series with the Stanford MBA Class of 2026 This is more than a goodbye—it’s an invitation to continue choosing ingenuity over isolation, wisdom over noise, and intergenerational dialogue over division. 🎓 Congratulations to the Stanford MBA Class of 2025.  🎉 See you in October, MBA Class of 1995.  And thank you to all listeners for being part of this journey.   CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast Series 02:21 Generational Perspectives and Milestones 03:23 Exploring Leadership Choices 04:37 The VISTA Framework 05:34 Key Insights from the Series 06:40 Future Plans and Reflections 07:29 Closing Thoughts and Farewell   Join the Podcast Series Stanford MBA: From Baby Boomer to Gen Z |  Class of ‘95 Meets Class of ‘25   Each of these episodes will feature a different pair of Stanford MBA people -- one from the class of 1995, and one from the class of 2025.   Remember to rate, review, and subscribe to stay connected with future episodes! 📺 Also available on YouTube: Entire series playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSaVisoF0D_GKxVmHmakNxdpAJCb5_VTP [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSaVisoF0D_GKxVmHmakNxdpAJCb5_VTP] More info: https://www.katharinemclennan.com/ [https://www.katharinemclennan.com/] Contact: kath@katharinemclennan.com [kath@katharinemclennan.com] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharinemclennan/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharinemclennan/]

Podcast Ep. 25 Stanford MBA '95 Katharine McLennan meets MBA '25 Carmen Gordon

Today, I’m joined by Carmen Gordon from the Stanford MBA Class of 2025. Carmen is a second-year MBA student originally from Spain, who previously worked in strategy consulting at McKinsey. She’s driven by a passion for social impact and has worked in the Philippines, Malawi, and Colombia, focusing on socioeconomic empowerment. During her time at Stanford, Carmen co-founded a startup exploring how AI can support freelance fashion designers and spent the summer in India and Europe, working with artisans and luxury brands to bridge cultures and commerce. This episode is bittersweet—it’s the last one I’ll record with a member of the Class of 2025 before I do a final wrap-up episode reflecting on all 25 conversations. I hope to continue the podcast in October with guests from the Class of 2026, and between now and Octobert, I’ll be sharing weekly solo reflections on the research behind my upcoming book, The Leader’s Choice in the AI World: Sinking into Inertia OR Catalysing Ingenuity. In this conversation, Carmen and I reflect on the differences—and surprising similarities—between our MBA journeys, 30 years apart. Carmen shares how technology is shaping the future of fashion and supply chains, and how her work is driven by a deep personal mission to foster meaningful livelihoods for artisans. We explore what it means to define success on your own terms, the courage it takes to walk your own path, and why reconnecting to your roots can be the most powerful leadership choice of all. Chapters 00:00 Graduation Reflections and the Final Episode 03:11 Carmen’s Graduation Week and Pre-Graduation Rituals 04:26 Carmen’s Background and McKinsey Experience 05:53 The Differences in Entrepreneurial Culture 07:24 Comparing Paths: Consulting, Startups, and Career Ladders 11:00 The Social Impact Startup Journey 14:09 Carmen’s Malawi Inspiration and Volunteering 15:57 Launching the Startup with Classmates 17:38 Challenges with Emerging Markets and Luxury Brands 20:44 Rethinking the Design Process with AI 23:43 Generational Shifts: Big Picture vs. Implementation 28:29 Focusing on Designers: The AI Agent Project 31:32 AI as a Tool for Designers, Not a Threat 35:37 Generational Mindsets and Meaning in Work 38:47 Carmen’s Decision to Return to Spain 41:47 Balancing Career, Spirituality, and Roots 43:23 The Impact of Political Climate on International Students 45:33 Reunion Stories and Evolving Definitions of Success 47:27 The Bigger Picture of Technology and Meaning 49:49 Carmen’s International Adventures and Final Reflections 52:00 The Essence of Stanford and Redefining Success 54:26 Final Words and Emerson’s Quote on Success Join the Podcast Series Stanford MBA: From Baby Boomer to Gen Z |  Class of ‘95 Meets Class of ‘25   Each of these episodes will feature a different pair of Stanford MBA people -- one from the class of 1995, and one from the class of 2025.   Remember to rate, review, and subscribe to stay connected with future episodes! 📺 Also available on YouTube: Entire series playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSaVisoF0D_GKxVmHmakNxdpAJCb5_VTP [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSaVisoF0D_GKxVmHmakNxdpAJCb5_VTP] More info: https://www.katharinemclennan.com/ [https://www.katharinemclennan.com/] Contact: kath@katharinemclennan.com [kath@katharinemclennan.com] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharinemclennan/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharinemclennan/]

Podcast Ep. 24 Stanford MBA ’95 Laura Zung meerts '25 Shelly Ngo

🌟 “In healthcare, technology can optimize systems—but it’s the human connection that truly heals.” 💡 “Leadership in crisis isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up, staying real, and caring for people first.” 🌱 “AI may reshape healthcare’s back office, but compassion will always be at its heart.”   🎙️ Episode 24 is live for the Stanford MBA ’95 meets MBA ’25 podcast, “From Baby Boomer to Gen Z.”   This time, I’m joined by:   ✨ Laura Zung (MBA ’94) – CEO of Lancaster Health Group, who led her family’s skilled nursing and Alzheimer’s care facilities through COVID’s darkest days. Laura’s reflections on technology, leadership, and human-centered care are raw and deeply moving.   🚀 Shelly Ngo (MBA ’25) – A second-year MBA student driven to expand healthcare access and affordability. Her journey—from growing up in East LA to shaping Gen AI solutions for hospitals—shows how personal loss can fuel purposeful change.   🎧 Together, we explore what it means to lead in an industry facing both crisis and transformation. From navigating generational divides to bridging the human-technology gap, this conversation is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the power of sharing real stories.   👉 Listen now and join us as we bridge 31 years of healthcare evolution and leadership lessons 00:00 Graduation Reflections and Celebrations 03:37 The Power of Storytelling in Education 05:36 Transitioning to the Professional World 07:33 Generative AI in Healthcare 09:10 The Evolution of Healthcare Technology 11:35 The Future of Healthcare and AI 21:28 The Evolution of Patient Care and AI Integration 25:00 Leadership Challenges During COVID-19 31:04 Personal Journeys in Healthcare 35:58 Skepticism Towards Technology in Healthcare 42:07 Life Lessons and Personal Reflections 47:53 New Chapter Join the Podcast Series Stanford MBA: From Baby Boomer to Gen Z |  Class of ‘95 Meets Class of ‘25   Each of these episodes will feature a different pair of Stanford MBA people -- one from the class of 1995, and one from the class of 2025.   Remember to rate, review, and subscribe to stay connected with future episodes! 📺 Also available on YouTube: Entire series playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSaVisoF0D_GKxVmHmakNxdpAJCb5_VTP [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSaVisoF0D_GKxVmHmakNxdpAJCb5_VTP] More info: https://www.katharinemclennan.com/ [https://www.katharinemclennan.com/] Contact: kath@katharinemclennan.com [kath@katharinemclennan.com] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharinemclennan/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharinemclennan/]

Podcast Ep. 23 Bruce McNamer Stanford MBA '95 meets MBA '25 Batu Demir

Today, I’m joined by Bruce McNamer from the Stanford MBA Class of 1995 and Batu Demir from the Class of 2025. Bruce is a philanthropic leader who has spent his life weaving together business, government, and global development. He’s currently President of the Builders Initiative, part of Lucas Walton’s Builders Vision, where he steers capital and grants toward environmental and social change. Before that, he led TechnoServe, drove strategy at JPMorgan Chase and McKinsey, served as a White House Fellow, and even worked as a Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay. Bruce brings a rare mix of heart, systems thinking, and real-world impact to the conversation. Batu is a second-year MBA student who was born blind and is now charting new territory in both AI and accessibility. Originally from Izmir, Turkey, he’s worked at McKinsey, Google, and startups like WeWALK, while also competing as a professional blind soccer player. At Stanford, he co-founded the school’s Disability Club and has been a vocal advocate for designing tech with inclusion in mind from the start. Bruce and Batu explore how leadership, opportunity, and systems change intersect across three decades. We talk about building markets for good, AI as a tool for empowerment, and how each generation—Gen X and Gen Z—views risk, meaning, and purpose. It’s a deeply moving and often funny conversation across space, time, and values.   00:00 Introduction to Philanthropy and Accessibility 08:09 Personal Journeys: Overcoming Challenges and Innovating Solutions 13:41 Career Paths: From Consulting to Philanthropy 17:44 Navigating Career Decisions in a Changing Landscape 20:33 The Impact of AI on Accessibility and Education 25:00 AI for Good: Exploring Opportunities and Ethical Considerations 25:50 Creating a Bubble: The GSB Experience 28:32 AI and Accessibility: Designing for All 31:40 The Evolution of Business Models in Tech 33:53 Government and Business: A Complex Relationship 37:53 Economic Challenges: Lessons from Turkey 41:43 Empowering Communities: The Role of Development 44:02 Reflections on Relationships and Learning 48:43 Finding Purpose: Advice for the Next Generation Join the Podcast Series Stanford MBA: From Baby Boomer to Gen Z |  Class of ‘95 Meets Class of ‘25   Each of these episodes will feature a different pair of Stanford MBA people -- one from the class of 1995, and one from the class of 2025.   Remember to rate, review, and subscribe to stay connected with future episodes! 📺 Also available on YouTube: Entire series playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSaVisoF0D_GKxVmHmakNxdpAJCb5_VTP [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSaVisoF0D_GKxVmHmakNxdpAJCb5_VTP] More info: https://www.katharinemclennan.com/ [https://www.katharinemclennan.com/] Contact: kath@katharinemclennan.com [kath@katharinemclennan.com] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharinemclennan/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharinemclennan/]

Podcast Ep. 22 David Farlow Stanford MBA '95 meets Khalid Alajlan '25

Today I’m joined by David Farlow from the Stanford MBA Class of 1995 and Khalid Alajlan from the Class of 2025. David is a transformation leader whose career spans global banking, fintech, and operational turnarounds across Europe and the U.S. From senior roles at Capital One and Wells Fargo to leading large-scale transformations in fintechs and UK utilities, he brings deep expertise in productivity, regulation, and customer experience. These days, he splits his time between London and rural Ireland—working remotely from a village that boasts neither a pub nor a post office, but, he assures us, has both a chapel and a chocolate factory. Khalid is a second-year MBA student at Stanford GSB and one of the lead organizers of the recent student trek to Saudi Arabia. A former product manager in the satellite tech sector, he’s passionate about how technology bridges people and potential. He grew up in the UK and now plans to return home to Riyadh, drawn by the energy and opportunity of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 transformation. In this episode, David and Khalid reflect on the evolution of global tech—David tracing a path from Mosaic to AI chatbots, and Khalid describing the rise of a startup culture in the Gulf. They discuss intergenerational shifts in leadership, education, and innovation, and what it means to bring wisdom, curiosity, and creativity to building the next economy—whether from a farm in Kerry or a high-rise in Riyadh 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 04:25 Future Aspirations and Career Paths 05:20 Cultural Exchange: Saudi Arabia and the West 07:27 The Evolution of Technology and Its Impact 14:00 Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and Youth Engagement 19:20 Government's Role in Economic Growth 23:31 Comparing Experiences: UK vs. Saudi Arabia 28:30 The Quest for a Silicon Valley in Saudi Arabia 31:05 Cultural Perspectives and Education 33:23 Attracting Talent to Saudi Arabia 35:35 The Power of Alumni Networks 37:47 Generational Perspectives on Change 39:56 Funding Startups in Saudi Arabia 41:51 The Shift in Career Choices 43:45 Navigating Uncertainty in Business 44:51 The Role of Natural Resources 45:57 Education and Learning at Stanford 49:09 AI in Education 51:43 The Future of AI in Work 53:38 The Evolution of Information Search 55:43 Integrating Old and New Ideas 57:40 Creativity in Business 59:15 Connecting History with Modernity 01:01:44 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations Join the Podcast Series Stanford MBA: From Baby Boomer to Gen Z |  Class of ‘95 Meets Class of ‘25   Each of these episodes will feature a different pair of Stanford MBA people -- one from the class of 1995, and one from the class of 2025.   Remember to rate, review, and subscribe to stay connected with future episodes! 📺 Also available on YouTube: Entire series playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSaVisoF0D_GKxVmHmakNxdpAJCb5_VTP [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSaVisoF0D_GKxVmHmakNxdpAJCb5_VTP] More info: https://www.katharinemclennan.com/ [https://www.katharinemclennan.com/] Contact: kath@katharinemclennan.com [kath@katharinemclennan.com] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharinemclennan/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharinemclennan/]