Debora Spar

Jaime and Josefina Chua Tiampo Professor of Business Administration; Senior Associate Dean, Business in Global Society Unit Head – Harvard Business School

Our guest today is Debora Spar professor and Business In Global Society Unit Head at Harvard Business School. She is here to discuss a course called The Social Purpose of The Firm that is required in the first year curriculum of the MBA program.

In our conversation we discussed the origin of this course, why it’s important that all students go through it, and what the objective of the class are. We also talked about “purpose driven businesses” – company that aim to tackle large societal problems while also generating a profit. Deb delved into some of the unique characteristics of some of this businesses and the people who start them and join them.

Finally, since she is seeing first hand some of the brightest members of Gen Z who are about to enter the work force, we talked about what makes that Generation Unique and wonderful and gives her great hope for the future.

Key Moments

[4:37] The Social Purpose of the Firm – origin and goal of the course

[13:06] Generation Z – observations on the students and what makes the generation unique

[17:08] Purpose driven businesses that try to tackle large societal issues at scale and what makes them unique

Deb Spar Episode 18

Websites

authenticleadershipforeverydaypeople.com or al4ep.com

Debora’s Website – deboraspar.com

Other Debora Spar Links

Debora’s Twitter – @deboraspar

Linkedin – linkedin.com/in/deboraspar

Debora’s Books (also available on her website)