Life of Work

This course explores the larger story of business, the ‘why’, not just the ‘how’ of commercial life. As Socrates chided, “the unexamined life is not worth living.” In an age where reflection is rare and information overload the norm, we will probe the ‘meaning’ dimension of life and business in hopes of avoiding the dangerous compartmentalization which can separate business success/failure from the core of who we are as humans. When business becomes only a pragmatic enterprise with success sought at any price, bad things happen. Our humanness can be a casualty. Perspective is essential but difficult to find in the throes of work and obligations, yet perspective is precisely what is required to stay grounded. This course will examine the important questions which must be answered to sustain a life of meaning and contribution. We will explore how such a life happens. We will draw upon a variety of sources including exposure to extraordinary leaders who will discuss how they practically navigated their own challenging journeys. We will invite their candor and learn their life lessons. Many thought leaders and pundits understand and lament the crisis of leadership today, but can we identify the often illusive principles that undergird the life of a business leader who actually thrives. Such will be our task.

"Life of Work has been one of the highlights of my MBA at Georgetown." - Chris Blank, M17, Consortium Fellow

Life of Work

MSB ILE with Doug Holladay