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S2 E3 | Skipping Corporate for CEO: Bob Boniface’s ETA Journey (HBS)
Keywords
MBA, entrepreneurship, career progression, application process, HBS, business school, leadership, search fund, COVID-19, networking
Summary
In this conversation, Bob Boniface shares his journey from working at General Motors to pursuing an MBA at Harvard Business School and eventually transitioning into entrepreneurship through acquisition. He discusses the value of an MBA, the application process, the impact of COVID-19 on his business school experience, and the lessons learned while running a business post-MBA. Bob emphasizes the importance of networking, being open to new opportunities, and the skills gained from an MBA that have helped him in his entrepreneurial journey.
Takeaways
Bob's background in finance and operations at GM set a strong foundation for his MBA journey.
The decision to pursue an MBA was influenced by observing successful leaders in his field.
Crafting a compelling application requires time and thoughtful preparation.
Networking is crucial in the MBA application process and beyond.
COVID-19 impacted the MBA experience, but Bob found value in the relationships formed.
The search fund model allows for entrepreneurship without starting from scratch.
Running a business post-MBA requires a diverse skill set and adaptability.
The HBS brand can open doors, but credibility is built through actions and decisions.
Bob's future aspirations include returning to the auto industry in a leadership role.
Keeping an open mind about career paths can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Bob Boniface
01:00 Bob's Pre-MBA Career
03:30 The Decision to Pursue an MBA
07:34 Crafting a Compelling Application
11:47 The HBS Interview
12:54 Essay Writing and LORs
14:43 Application Process Challenges
15:33 Original HBS Essay Prompt
15:55 LOR Wisdom
17:40 Deciding to Attend HBS During COVID
19:38 HBS Highlights
21:20 Transitioning from GM to Entrepreneurship
23:04 Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition
25:45 ETA with a Co-Founder/Co-CEO
27:22 Bob's Business Partner
28:15 Owning and Operating a Small Business
31:19 HBS Brand Considerations and Reflections
33:13 Medium- and Long-Term Career Plans
34:58 Advice for Prospective MBA Applicants
36:41 Evaluating Bob's Applicant Profile
38:26 Bob's Application Process and Preparation
40:21 Insights from Bob's MBA Experience
View all episodes
By Julia Sulzer, Alex (Neuber) ToczylowskiKeywords
MBA, entrepreneurship, career progression, application process, HBS, business school, leadership, search fund, COVID-19, networking
Summary
In this conversation, Bob Boniface shares his journey from working at General Motors to pursuing an MBA at Harvard Business School and eventually transitioning into entrepreneurship through acquisition. He discusses the value of an MBA, the application process, the impact of COVID-19 on his business school experience, and the lessons learned while running a business post-MBA. Bob emphasizes the importance of networking, being open to new opportunities, and the skills gained from an MBA that have helped him in his entrepreneurial journey.
Takeaways
Bob's background in finance and operations at GM set a strong foundation for his MBA journey.
The decision to pursue an MBA was influenced by observing successful leaders in his field.
Crafting a compelling application requires time and thoughtful preparation.
Networking is crucial in the MBA application process and beyond.
COVID-19 impacted the MBA experience, but Bob found value in the relationships formed.
The search fund model allows for entrepreneurship without starting from scratch.
Running a business post-MBA requires a diverse skill set and adaptability.
The HBS brand can open doors, but credibility is built through actions and decisions.
Bob's future aspirations include returning to the auto industry in a leadership role.
Keeping an open mind about career paths can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Bob Boniface
01:00 Bob's Pre-MBA Career
03:30 The Decision to Pursue an MBA
07:34 Crafting a Compelling Application
11:47 The HBS Interview
12:54 Essay Writing and LORs
14:43 Application Process Challenges
15:33 Original HBS Essay Prompt
15:55 LOR Wisdom
17:40 Deciding to Attend HBS During COVID
19:38 HBS Highlights
21:20 Transitioning from GM to Entrepreneurship
23:04 Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition
25:45 ETA with a Co-Founder/Co-CEO
27:22 Bob's Business Partner
28:15 Owning and Operating a Small Business
31:19 HBS Brand Considerations and Reflections
33:13 Medium- and Long-Term Career Plans
34:58 Advice for Prospective MBA Applicants
36:41 Evaluating Bob's Applicant Profile
38:26 Bob's Application Process and Preparation
40:21 Insights from Bob's MBA Experience