Service in New Orleans (video) For the fourth year in a row, HBS students helped to rebuild and revitalize New Orleans as part of a January immersion program, reports Louisiana's WWL-TV. One of nine MBA immersions, the program provides students with an experiential learning opportunity to undertake strategic consulting projects with New Orleans–based education, housing, healthcare, and community development organizations.
 

Social Entrepreneurship Fellowship A new fellowship will help recent graduates launching social enterprises—nonprofit, for-profit, or hybrid organizations with a focus on creating social value. This pilot program aims to award one $25,000 fellowship each year with priority given to alumni within five years of graduation. The deadline for application is February 1; visit the Social Enterprise Initiative to learn more.

Inspiring Leadership What do great leaders have in common? HBS's Leadership Initiative chronicles the lives and impact of great business leaders on society. On its new website, the Initiative presents an interactive timeline and database, a personalized leadership skills test, and links to resources on leadership and leadership development.
 

Careers

Career Strategies for Turbulent Times–Workshop Series On February 5, Alumni Career Services will present "Planning Your Professional Future when that Future is in Turmoil" at the University Club of Chicago. The workshop will be led by career expert Wendy Alfus-Rothman. Learn how to manage your career in today's market and explore resources available through HBS. For more information, visit http://www.alumni.hbs.edu/careers/strategies.html.
 

A New Path: Setting New Professional Directions Are you looking to reenter the workforce after time off or simply reenergize your career? Many professional women share similar goals. On March 8–14, this program will not only help you redefine your career vision, but also facilitate personal and professional growth. Visit http://www.exed.hbs.edu/redirects/path_wn/ for details.

Alumni Community

Virtual Learning Series In this Alumni Club teleconference series, HBS professors share insights on topics of current interest. On January 28, join Professor Nancy Koehn for "Leading in Turbulent Times: Lessons from Abraham Lincoln." On February 17, Professor Chris Malloy will discuss "Social Networks and Stock Returns: Examining Links between Investment Professionals and the Corporate Boardroom." Contact your local club today to register.

Doctoral Reunion Save the date: May 28–31, 2009! HBS welcomes doctoral alumni, both DBAs and alumni of joint HBS–GSAS programs, back to campus this spring for a reunion program highlighting strong academic content and engaging social activities. For more information, contact Jane Turner Michael, Alumni Relations, at jturnermichael@hbs.edu.

Executive Education

The Global Economic Crisis: Diagnosis, Analysis, and Action This new program, to be held March 4–7, will examine the breakdown of the financial system, leadership during the recession, and methods to position your organization for future success. Offered to HBS and Harvard alumni, the program is nearing capacity, but inquiries are being accepted for the waitlist. For more information, visit http://www.exed.hbs.edu/redirects/gec_wn/.

Changing the Game—India: Negotiation and Competitive Decision Making In response to growing global demand, HBS is offering Changing the Game in Mumbai for the first time on March 22–27, 2009. Drawing on the latest research, this program helps you prepare for complex negotiations, anticipate and resolve obstacles, and manage rapid response when needed. Visit http://www.exed.hbs.edu/redirects/dmi_wn/ to learn more.

Blockbuster or Bust Even as the economy falls, publishers continue to place big bets on a select few new titles. In a Wall Street Journal op-ed, Associate Professor Anita Elberse explains why it makes sense for the industry to focus on potential blockbusters, whatever the price. Both readers and publishers look for similarities to past bestsellers, making "the next Tipping Point" or "a hipper Harry Potter" a smart investment. 

The Power of Technology (flash video) On PBS's Charlie Rose show, Associate Professor Andrew McAfee discusses the impact of technology during the economic crisis. Strategic investment in IT can provide significant competitive advantage, says McAfee. When asked to look ahead, he cites changes in process management, cloud computing, and application "mash-ups" as ideas to watch.

The Value of a 'Portable' Career Can you predict whether star performers will replicate their success in a new environment? Associate Professor Boris Groysberg and colleagues ask this question of professional football teams, and the results offer valuable lessons for star performers and hiring executives of business firms, too. Offering an advance look at the work of HBS faculty, HBS Working Knowledge presents a Q&A with co-authors Groysberg, Lex Sant, and Robin Abrahams.