I had been dreaming about Stanford University Graduate School of Business for a long time. It's overwhelming to prepare so hard for something you want, and then it goes by so fast. As I embark on my next big chapter, I want to reflect on one of my most meaningful, intense, and unexpected years. Attending business school in mid-career with a family has sharpened my priorities and purpose. I figured I'd share a few of my highlights: Oct 7. As Israeli/Jewish students, we found ourselves becoming ambassadors, defending our identity in front of strangers and friends while conflicted about being away from our families. I learned about the strength of communities, ignorance, social media, and activism. Two key moments were when I moderated a panel about the horrible gender-based violence on Oct 7 and walked at graduation wearing the stoles we customized to bring back our hostages. Meeting extraordinary people. They say to surround yourself with talented people. Creating memories with classmates, faculty, and alumni made this year so special. This is Stanford's most unique value; at the heart of Silicon Valley, I had the opportunity to personally meet and hear from leaders I'd not easily get access to. The friendships I made are for life. Leadership classes. From the famous touchy-feely class, to Path to Power, MGE, and more - Imagine exchanging weekly feedback in a group setting, role-playing in class, building effective power. As an Israeli, it took me time to connect. But this has changed how I connect with others, coach, listen with curiosity, and share my thoughts and feelings with candor, empathy, and strategy. I hope to bring all this to real life and continue improving. AI x Productivity research. I re-educated myself on how #AI will impact the way we work. I've found it most interesting how AI changes our interaction with technology. I learned how industries and functions evolve and where AI startups should focus to succeed. We launched a research blog and co-organized the inaugural GSB AI forum with industry leaders. GSB Show. We put on a school musical in a real theater! It was so fun dancing on stage again and rehearsing together. I was reminded that playfulness and social time are so important for creativity and deepening relationships. Learning to learn again, and not in my native language. I learn best from people. While I hope I'm done with exams for life, I hope to keep using my new learning habits. I've had so much support from my family in this journey: Or Ron, my incredible husband; my mom and siblings Yaron Bloch and Gali Bloch Liran, who came from Israel and Europe to my graduation despite the war. A big thank you to my mentors and professors Scott Brady, Allison Kluger, Burt Alper, Dikla Carmel-Hurwitz, CPCC, PCC, Jeffrey Pfeffer, Inbal Demri Shaham, PhD, John Lilly, Amy Wilkinson, Dave Dodson, Jonathan Daves, Jonah Larkin, Erik Brynjolfsson, Rachel Konrad, Debbie Wolter, Brendan Boyle, Anneka Gupta
Congratulations dear, you are an amazing person who knows exactly what she wants in life and you do it in a remarkable way. Do not hold your dreams..continue to think big and enjoy the path. You have your own support team, your family, who gives lot of energy and strength to keep moving. Wish you all the best, we miss you a lot and so happy for you. Hugs and kisses from all of us.
So proud of you sis, you aim and you achieve. You stood strong, resilient & focused despite of this horrible year for us all as Jews & Israelis, and also in light of. Leadership begins in the toughest moments and you definitely showed one. Keep growing. I love you🫶
Thank you for always being you and contributing to the class and the community in so many ways. It was a pleasure getting to know you.
I'm so happy I got to meet you, Or, and the boys. Grateful for our time together — much to be continued.
I am so grateful you decided to take this step in your career. I have learned so much from you about determination, being bold and challenging the status quo! You are such an inspiration my friend!
What a journey! So inspiring to see you setting up goals and going way and beyond to making them happen. I am sure all the learnings and memories will keep empowering you along the way. Keep rocking 🤘🏻
Michal, what a year! So grateful to be by your side and learn from you the power of determination! Can’t wait to see what’s next!🩵
Existed for you my dear!! keep dreaming, and fulfilling all your dreams. You are a rock star 😍
Michal...really really great to connect with you over the last year. And really a well deserved congratulations for stepping out of your comfort zone, taking risks and enjoying the process. You've got big things ahead of you!
Product Leader | Microsoft Teams Messaging and AI
1mo“You are simply the best” 😎