Brenda Bence (MBA 1991)

Harvard Business School was the only business school to which Brenda Bence (MBA 1991) applied for admission. “I wanted a learning process that was practical and pragmatic,” explains Bence. She liked that HBS used the case study method along with its emphasis on the importance of analyzing issues, listening to others, exercising judgment, and making difficult decisions. 

For Bence, arriving at HBS was a unique experience. “I was from the Midwest in a class dominated by students from both coasts,” remembers Bence. “It felt a bit awkward at first, but eventually we all connected through shared experiences.” 

After scoring high on an aptitude test, Bence was urged by coaches from the School’s Career & Professional Development team to pursue marketing and then to apply for a brand management position at Procter & Gamble. Meeting with P&G’s then–Vice President A.G. Lafley (MBA 1977) convinced her to join the firm. “He saw something in me and encouraged me,” says Bence. “He became my mentor, and I never would have made that connection without HBS. The School changed everything for me.” 

She went on to manage billion-dollar brands for companies across 50 countries and four continents, including South America and Asia. Then, on April 1, 2002, she launched her own firm. “I always joked that if it didn’t work out, I would tell everyone it was an April Fool’s prank,” recalls Bence. “But the business took off, and it has been an amazing ride ever since.” 

Bence began giving annually to HBS the year after her graduation and furthered her commitment by naming the School as a beneficiary in her will. “When I was putting together my estate plans, I reflected on the people and institutions that supported and shaped me,” says Bence. “I will be forever grateful to HBS for what it enabled me to achieve. I want to help assure HBS continues to nurture the next generation of business leaders in their professional journeys.” (June 2016)

Learn how you, too, can create a lasting legacy by remembering HBS in your will.