This is Episode 4. Today, I’m joined by Fran Sachs, a senior executive with over 25 years of experience growing service businesses and driving organisational change. Fran’s career includes roles in Fortune 500 companies, middle-market organisations, and start-ups. For the past 17 years, she and her husband have optimised supply chain and logistics for their clients through their business.
Joining us as well is Kate Kabat, a second-year dual-degree MBA-MS student in Stanford’s Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources (E-IPER). Kate has worked in management consulting at Bain & Company and on growth strategy for BioLite, a clean energy company in Nairobi. This summer, she is expanding access to clean energy as an Investments Fellow with the Nevada Clean Energy Fund while enjoying Reno’s hiking trails.
Fran and Kate bring diverse perspectives, reflecting on their journeys and the evolving business landscape. Fran shares leadership lessons from her career, including building and leading businesses in Florida, while Kate highlights Stanford’s focus on sustainability and her work with the Nevada Clean Energy Fund. Together, they explore adaptability, the power of human connection, and the enduring importance of leadership in a rapidly changing world.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Participants
06:05 Fran's Career Journey and Transition
07:54 Kate's Stanford Experience and Climate Initiatives
09:42 Evolution of Climate Discussions at Stanford
11:10 Leadership Development at Stanford
15:10 Impactful Classes and Learning Experiences
24:40 Leadership Lessons from Career Transitions
32:02 Key Takeaways for Future Entrepreneurs
35:01 Stanford's Support for Social Impact Initiatives
37:56 Internship Experiences and Career Paths
38:55 Diversity in the Current Stanford Class
40:02 Cultural Exchange and Learning Opportunities
42:00 Gender Dynamics in Business Education
43:51 Navigating Marriage and Career
45:55 The Impact of AI on Education and Work
53:56 Academic Focus and Personal Growth
56:53 Advice for Future Generations
01:07:59 For more insights , subscribe to this podcast series and visit katharinemclennan.com
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
More info: https://www.katharinemclennan.com/
Contact: kath@katharinemclennan.com
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