Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership 2023

Share

Link copied!

Students from the Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership at Babson College (Blank School) recently visited Atlanta for a week filled with fun and learning. This was the third annual Blank School visit hosted by the Arthur M. Blank Family Office, and the students had the unique opportunity to meet Arthur Blank (Babson ’63, H’98.) and leaders from across the Blank Family of Businesses (BFOB).

One of the week’s many activities was a panel discussion featuring leaders from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, AMB Sports and Entertainment, AMB West and the PGA TOUR Superstore. Each leader spoke about their career and how their work is centered around the BFOB Core Values.

While on their visit, the students also experienced an Atlanta Falcons pre-season game, visited the Atlanta United training grounds and took a tour of Atlanta’s Westside neighborhood, where the Blank Family Foundation is investing in community development.

Made possible by a $50 million grant from the Blank Family Foundation, the Blank School builds entrepreneurial leaders with empathy, morality, compassion and drive to produce scalable solutions that can benefit individuals, communities and the world. The Blank School is the home to the world’s largest dedicated entrepreneurship faculty and the hub for programming and support for Babson entrepreneurs.

The Blank School is an action lab that convenes and amplifies thought leaders around the globe and fosters the mindset needed to lead change, solve global problems and create sustainable value across business and society. The Blank School offers workshops, mentorship, funding opportunities and scholarships, academic research, accelerators and incubators and more to accomplished and aspiring entrepreneurial leaders.

The Atlanta visit is conducted through a course called “Good Company, Good Game: Law, Ethics and Leadership in Sports Businesses.” The course was created by Leslie Garbarino, Associate Professor of Practice at Babson College. 

Some of the students who participated were gracious enough to share the insights gained through their experiences:

“The visit completely changed my ideology on business. I had always thought there was an endpoint in business and had only seen the ladder that must be climbed in the industry. However, there is much more. Companies do not only have to create value for themselves but also for the community. They need to make the world a much better place, which always starts with the communities they are based in.” – Rajkaran Padda ‘26

“Before this experience, I imagined success as building something and generating profit. This visit added a third layer to that definition, which is giving back to others and making a difference. I’m not sure exactly what career I’d like to pursue, but I know that I want to create a positive impact.” – Greta Ferguson ‘23

“Put People First was the Core Value that stood out to me the most. I saw this Core Value greatly represented in the leadership positions and in the leadership system as well. It adds an element of humanity to the business world.” – Jonathan Dieujuste ‘25

“Arthur Blank’s words hit home: ‘It’s all about the relationships you build.’ Those words of wisdom struck a chord. Throughout his discussion, a clear theme emerged – the company we keep shapes our journey. It’s a reminder to be intentional, choosing those who inspire and elevate my life.” – Chloe Samaha ’25

“As a whole, this trip truly opened my mind and shifted my perspective of what a successful business can look like. After learning more about Mr. Blank’s core values, I have looked at ways to incorporate them into my approach towards education and work, as well as my personal life.” – Mia Torres ‘25 

“This was the opportunity of a lifetime! We had the chance to meet so many successful individuals who wanted to share their journeys with us.” – Daniela France ‘25

“I plan on integrating these Core Values into my everyday life, and in teams, businesses and organizations that I am a part of.” –  Vansh Parikh ‘26