In 2020, the Northwestern Alumni-Owned Small Business Directory made its debut, with Austin Harvey (Communication '04) leading the charge as its inaugural business registrant. Harvey, a proud Northwestern alumnus, stepped forward with his innovative beer cafe, Beermiscuous, which boasts vibrant locations in Highwood and Lakeview. The Northwestern University Alumni Association crafted this dynamic registry by reaching out to the alumni community, ultimately gathering submissions from 400 passionate entrepreneurs who were eager to showcase their business ventures. Harvey's early participation set the tone for what would become a robust platform celebrating Northwestern graduates' entrepreneurial spirit. As the directory began to take shape, it quickly became a testament to the diverse and innovative business landscape created by Northwestern alumni across various industries and regions. MORE...

In a thrilling semifinal showdown, Pike delivered a stunning knockout punch in the final three minutes, turning a closely contested match on its head. The second half was a pulse-pounding back-and-forth battle that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, with both teams trading blows and momentum. As the clock ticked down, Pike seized the moment with a decisive and electrifying finish. The team's late-game heroics proved to be the difference-maker, transforming what had been a nail-biting contest into a memorable victory. With nerves of steel and remarkable composure, Pike struck when it mattered most, delivering a knockout blow that will be remembered as a defining moment in the semifinal clash. The dramatic conclusion underscored Pike's resilience and ability to perform under pressure, securing their place in the next round with a performance that will be talked about long after the final whistle. MORE...

In a bizarre quest for fame that captured global attention, Richard and Mayumi Heene orchestrated an elaborate hoax involving their son Falcon in 2009. The desperate attempt to secure a reality television show spotlight backfired spectacularly, transforming what was meant to be a calculated media stunt into a nationwide spectacle of deception. The couple's audacious plan involved staging a dramatic balloon escape, creating a sensational story that momentarily gripped the entire country and made international headlines. Their calculated scheme ultimately unraveled, revealing the lengths some will go to in pursuit of fleeting television stardom. MORE...

Harvard Business School's MBA Class of 2026: Visionaries Shaping Tomorrow's Business Landscape

The Harvard Business School's Class of 2026 represents a remarkable cohort of ambitious, diverse, and innovative professionals poised to redefine the future of business leadership. These exceptional individuals bring a rich tapestry of experiences, backgrounds, and transformative aspirations that promise to reshape industries and drive meaningful global change.

A Mosaic of Global Talent

This year's MBA class is a testament to Harvard's commitment to cultivating extraordinary talent. From tech entrepreneurs and social impact innovators to corporate strategists and nonprofit leaders, these students embody the dynamic spirit of modern business leadership.

Diverse Backgrounds, Unified Vision

Each member of the Class of 2026 brings a unique narrative – stories of resilience, innovation, and passion. Whether they've navigated complex global markets, launched groundbreaking startups, or championed sustainable business practices, these students share a common goal: to create meaningful impact through strategic leadership and innovative thinking.

Beyond Traditional Boundaries

These emerging business leaders are not just pursuing traditional career paths. They are reimagining how businesses can solve complex global challenges, integrate sustainable practices, and drive positive social change. Their collective vision extends far beyond profit margins, focusing on creating holistic value for communities and the planet.

A Glimpse into the Future

As they embark on their MBA journey, the Harvard Business School's Class of 2026 represents more than just a group of students. They are future CEOs, social entrepreneurs, policy makers, and global change agents who will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the business world.

Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the inspiring stories and remarkable potential of these extraordinary individuals who are set to redefine business leadership in the 21st century.

In a bold endorsement of Elon Musk's administrative reforms, former President Donald Trump lauded the tech mogul's efforts to streamline government operations and challenged him to push even further in reducing federal bureaucratic bloat. Trump, known for his own critiques of government inefficiency, praised Musk's recent actions at Twitter (now X) as a model for cutting through red tape and eliminating unnecessary administrative layers. The former president suggested that Musk's approach to organizational restructuring could serve as a blueprint for broader government reform. "Musk is showing exactly how to trim down massive, inefficient organizations," Trump remarked, highlighting the tech entrepreneur's dramatic workforce reductions and operational streamlining at his social media platform. He called on Musk to continue his mission of cutting bureaucratic excess, not just in private enterprises but potentially across government institutions. The endorsement underscores a shared perspective between Trump and Musk on reducing administrative complexity and promoting leaner, more efficient organizational structures. By championing these principles, both figures continue to challenge traditional approaches to management and governance. MORE...

In the wake of recent social and political tensions, a significant shift is occurring across corporate America. Numerous companies are carefully reassessing and revising their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, responding to mounting pressure and changing workplace dynamics. Major corporations are taking a measured approach, scaling back or strategically reframing their DEI initiatives. This trend reflects a complex landscape of legal challenges, political scrutiny, and evolving workplace expectations. From tech giants to financial institutions, organizations are navigating a delicate balance between maintaining inclusive practices and addressing concerns about overly prescriptive diversity programs. The movement goes beyond simple policy adjustments. Companies are conducting deep internal reviews, seeking to create more nuanced approaches to workplace diversity that can withstand legal and public scrutiny. Some firms are reimagining their DEI strategies, focusing on merit-based approaches while still valuing diverse perspectives and inclusive work environments. This corporate recalibration signals a significant moment of transformation in how businesses approach diversity and inclusion. While the ultimate impact remains to be seen, it's clear that companies are carefully reconsidering their strategies in an increasingly complex social and professional landscape. MORE...

Localtopia 2025: A Vibrant Celebration of St. Petersburg's Local Business Community

St. Petersburg's annual Localtopia event transformed the city into a bustling hub of local entrepreneurship and community spirit in 2025. Hundreds of passionate local businesses from diverse sectors came together to showcase their unique offerings, creating an electrifying atmosphere of creativity and collaboration.

The event highlighted the incredible diversity and innovation of St. Petersburg's local business landscape, with entrepreneurs from restaurants, artisan shops, craft breweries, and creative services displaying their products and connecting with enthusiastic community members. Visitors wandered through vibrant booths, experiencing the rich tapestry of local talent and entrepreneurial energy.

Localtopia 2025 not only celebrated local commerce but also reinforced the city's commitment to supporting small businesses and fostering a strong, interconnected community. The event served as a powerful reminder of the economic and cultural significance of local enterprises in driving St. Petersburg's continued growth and vitality.

In a surprising move that has caught the attention of government watchers, newly confirmed SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler offered a candid glimpse into the current state of her agency through a video tour that revealed largely unoccupied office spaces. The walkthrough, released on Friday, highlighted the stark emptiness of the Small Business Administration's workplace, raising questions about the agency's current operational status. Loeffler's video tour provides an unusual and transparent look behind the scenes of a federal agency, showcasing rows of vacant desks and quiet corridors that stand in stark contrast to the typically bustling government workplace. The imagery suggests potential challenges in staffing and workplace engagement at the SBA during a critical time for small business support. The video release comes at a moment when small businesses across the United States continue to seek support and resources in a challenging economic landscape, making the visual of empty offices particularly striking. As the new administrator, Loeffler's unconventional approach to introducing herself and the agency has already sparked conversation about the SBA's current operations and future direction. MORE...

Navigating the AI Landscape: Key Business Trends Shaping 2025 As artificial intelligence continues to revolutionize the business world, 2025 promises to be a landmark year for technological innovation and strategic transformation. Companies across industries are discovering unprecedented opportunities to leverage AI's potential, driving efficiency, creativity, and competitive advantage. One of the most significant trends emerging is the democratization of AI technologies. No longer confined to tech giants, AI tools are becoming increasingly accessible to businesses of all sizes. Small and medium enterprises are now empowered to implement sophisticated AI solutions that were once out of reach, leveling the playing field and sparking innovation. Ethical AI is also taking center stage, with organizations prioritizing responsible development and deployment of artificial intelligence. Companies are implementing robust frameworks to ensure AI systems are transparent, unbiased, and aligned with human values. This shift reflects a growing understanding that technological progress must be balanced with social responsibility. Generative AI is transforming creative and strategic processes, enabling businesses to generate content, design products, and develop strategies with remarkable speed and precision. From marketing materials to complex problem-solving, AI is becoming an indispensable collaborative partner for human professionals. Moreover, AI-driven personalization is reaching new heights, allowing businesses to create hyper-targeted experiences that anticipate customer needs with unprecedented accuracy. Machine learning algorithms are becoming more sophisticated, enabling companies to deliver truly individualized interactions across various touchpoints. As we move through 2025, it's clear that AI is not just a technological tool, but a fundamental reimagining of how businesses operate, innovate, and connect with their stakeholders. MORE...

In a bold strategic move, Warren Buffett signaled Berkshire Hathaway's growing commitment to Japanese markets on Saturday, hinting at potential increased stakes in the five major Japanese trading houses currently in its investment portfolio. The legendary investor's latest comments suggest a deepening interest in these strategic Japanese corporations, potentially expanding Berkshire's footprint in one of the world's most sophisticated economic landscapes. Buffett, known for his long-term investment approach and keen eye for valuable assets, appears to be doubling down on his Japanese trading house investments. This potential expansion underscores his confidence in the companies' strategic value and their potential for future growth. The move aligns with Berkshire Hathaway's traditional investment philosophy of identifying and supporting robust, well-positioned businesses with strong market potential. The announcement comes as a significant signal to global investors, highlighting Buffett's continued belief in the strength and resilience of Japanese corporate entities. By considering an increased ownership stake, Berkshire Hathaway demonstrates its ongoing commitment to international diversification and strategic long-term investments. MORE...