Jim Austin: Celebrating A Career
In July 2006, James E. Austin became an emeriti faculty member, after more than three decades of teaching at Harvard Business School. The milestone provided the opportunity to celebrate Jim's career and contributions to the Social Enterprise Initiative, to the School, and to the larger community. From serving as special advisor to the White House on food policy, to cofounding and fostering the Social Enterprise Initiative at HBS, to building a social enterprise network in Latin America and Spain, Jim's accomplishments are many. Perhaps his legacy is best told through some of the people whose lives he has touched.
Jim Austin and family at an April event celebrating his career.
Jim Austin (center) and SEI Director Laura Moon (far right) are joined by former directors (L-R) Robert Burakoff, Steven Nelson, and Stacey Childress.
Jim Austin and grandson with HBS collegues (L-R) Robert Kaplan, Robert Burakoff, and Dutch Leonard.
Jim Austin with Linda A. Hill Wallace Brett Donham Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School
"You had the guts and the courage all those years to keep doing what you wanted to do. And that is, of course, one of the keys to your success. If you don't do what you want to do, you're really not likely to get anywhere."
John H. McArthur
Dean, Emeritus, Harvard Business School
"Jim Austin: Dream Creator, Student Teacher, People Leader, Life Changer, and—Friend! Thank you for your many gifts."
Thomas J. Tierney (MBA '80)
Chairman and Cofounder, The Bridgespan Group
"To watch you in action is truly an inspiration. You move quietly, carefully, and powerfully. Your work has fed my mind, my heart, and my soul. You have built bridges for us across the world-bridges we promise to nurture in preparing this institution to meet the societal challenges of the 21st century."
Linda A. Hill
Wallace Brett Donham Professor of Business Administration,
Harvard Business School
"You have earned our respect and admiration over the years as a teacher, researcher, innovator, and true friend."
Roberto Artavia Loria (DBA '92)
Rector, INCAE Business School, Costa Rica
"The Social Enterprise Initiative has been built on teamwork, partnership, humility, and listening to what others have to say. Jim, thank you very much for getting us this far."
V. Kasturi ("Kash") Rangan
Malcolm P. McNair Professor of Marketing,
Harvard Business School and cofounder/cochair
of the Social Enterprise Initiative
