Harvard Business School Alumni Tackle Climate Change in Chicago: Building Community Through Networking and Discussion

Are you an HBS alumni interested in connecting with others who are using their careers to combat climate change? Look no further than the BEI Alumni in Climate Networking Series. This series offers a unique opportunity to connect with local alumni and discuss ideas, trends, opportunities, and challenges at the intersection of business and the environment. To learn more about upcoming events, email bei@hbs.edu.

Recently, on April 2nd, BEI collaborated with the HBS Club of Chicago to host an event that brought together alumni from various backgrounds who are passionate about making a positive impact on climate change through their careers. Hosted by Brent Gledhill (MBA 1997) at the William Blair office in downtown Chicago, the event saw around 40 alumni in attendance. The gathering began with a talk by HBS faculty members Forest Reinhardt and David Bell. They delved into how businesses and governments are adapting their strategies and operations in response to the global climate crisis. The discussion covered various agricultural approaches and the potential impact of solutions like regenerative agriculture on climate change.

Following the talk, attendees had the chance to network with each other and forge connections. This networking session allowed me to meet alumni working on initiatives such as electrifying transportation systems, developing software platforms for ESG reporting, advising farmers on sustainable practices, and entrepreneurs focusing on social issues through marketing firms. The ultimate goal of this series is to establish a climate-focused community in key locations