(Community Matters) Steven and I feel in love over conversations about community. In 1999, this included mostly students, church & the arts for Steven. For me, it was mostly about friends, nonprofit organizations, politics and work. By 2001 when I started teaching at UT, one of the most satisfying communities for both of us were our students.
Last night we had dinner with two of our former MBA students – Rachel & Michael Feferman. We first met Michael when he came to interview UT, determining if it might be the right place to obtain his MBA. Michael was/is a hot property – significant credentials, ambition and accomplishment. I remember Steven and I both being very impressed and spending quite a bit of time helping Michael understand the uniqueness of UT MBA. Rachel (then Hull) was in my Doing Business in Asia class, traveled to Vietnam, Malysia, Singapore and Hong Kong with our class, studied Mandrian and Chinese cooking at my house several Fridays – in additon to the class. And, I’m thinking she worked on the Lab Now consulting project in collaboration with our sister students at Jiao Tong University in Shanghai. She was equally a star and a favorite.
Last night had a glorious dinner at their new digs, out in their screened in porch overlooking Bouldin Creek. Rachel an exquisite cook – truly gifted. Terrific conversation including discussion of social media, its impact on: bands and their work, brands, friends/family, advertising and commerce. Steven referenced two important books to read: Here Comes Everybody and Groundswell. Michael talked about the commercial value of commanding “attention.”
We also talked about ACL this year. I think Michael’s convinced us to attend at least one day this year; it’s about time.
Community Matters 