NYU Stern Faculty Tells 2024 MBAs Human Authenticity Beats AI

NYU Stern

Graduates will shape global transformation through human authenticity and emotional intelligence rather than artificial intelligence, faculty leaders tell the Class of 2024.

AI-assisted summary of A Message from the Faculty and Administration to the MBA and PhD Class of 2024 — original source. Check the original for full context.

Source published: 2026-09-22

Key ideas

Stern faculty and administrative leadership addressed the Class of 2024, highlighting the enduring value of human authenticity over artificial intelligence in driving global change. (0:04)
Professors translated technical business disciplines into personal philosophies, reinterpreting finance's DCF acronym into diversification, challenge, and fulfillment, alongside architectural models of creative ambition. (1:57)
Faculty and Alumni Council leaders framed graduation as an ongoing relationship rather than a conclusion, establishing an open-ended commitment of mutual support and global alumni connectivity. (3:57)

Detailed notes

## Background Published on YouTube by NYU Stern on September 22, 2026, this video captures a send-off address for the graduating MBA and PhD Class of 2024. According to the description, the video was originally presented during Stern's MBA and PhD Convocation ceremony on Friday, May 17, 2024.

## TL;DR Faculty members and administrators deliver heartfelt advice and congratulations to graduating MBA and PhD students, emphasizing the enduring importance of human authenticity, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Several professors translate specialized business concepts—such as discounted cash flows, architecture, and contractual agreements—into metaphorical guidance for personal fulfillment and career longevity. The presentation closes by assuring graduates that their bond with the faculty remains permanent as they transition into the global alumni network.

## Atmosphere & style The video carries an uplifting, affectionate, and collegiate tone, blending sincere mentorship with playful academic humor. Speakers move naturally between reflective encouragement and inside business-school jokes, such as repurposing financial acronyms and drafting legal contracts of mutual affection. Watching it feels like an intimate, heartwarming celebration that eases the transition from rigorous study into the broader professional world.

## Bulletin - [00:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=4s) Stern faculty and administrative leadership addressed the Class of 2024, highlighting the enduring value of human authenticity over artificial intelligence in driving global change. - [01:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=117s) Professors translated technical business disciplines into personal philosophies, reinterpreting finance's DCF acronym into diversification, challenge, and fulfillment, alongside architectural models of creative ambition. - [03:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=237s) Faculty and Alumni Council leaders framed graduation as an ongoing relationship rather than a conclusion, establishing an open-ended commitment of mutual support and global alumni connectivity.

## Key takeaways - [00:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=4s) Conor Brennan highlights that human authenticity remains irreplaceable and will shape the world far more than artificial intelligence. - [00:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=4s) Eliza Stanley recognizes the dedication of Langone part-time MBA graduates who completed their degrees while balancing full-time careers. - [00:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=4s) Brian Hanssen reinforces the lifelong relationship between students and faculty, noting that graduates remain Sternies for life. - [00:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=4s) Jennifer Wynn advises graduates to continually expand the shared pool of understanding in conversations and deliberately design the world they want to see. - [00:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=4s) Aaron Tenenbein cites Winston Churchill to emphasize resilience, noting that success is not final, failure is not fatal, and courage to continue is paramount. - [00:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=4s) Dan Gode distills his core life philosophy into three actionable rules: work hard, be kind, and prioritize enjoying life. - [01:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=117s) Anjolein Schmeits reinterprets the DCF acronym as Diversification, Challenge, and Fulfillment, alongside the literal instruction to discount cash flows. - [01:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=117s) Ian D'Souza recalls fundamental classroom principles, highlighting the dangers of excessive liquidity, money printing, and exceeding three donuts. - [01:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=117s) Thomaï Serdari draws upon architect Louis Kahn's philosophy to encourage graduates to pursue unmeasurable, transformative dreams through rigorous means. - [01:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=117s) Nate Pettit stresses the importance of conversational patience and active listening, remarking that truth comes after the pause. - [01:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=117s) Sarah Ryan emphasizes that exceptional business leadership requires a balanced integration of high IQ and EQ. - [03:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=237s) Rich Handler uses contract law doctrine to frame graduation as an open, indefinite agreement providing graduates continuous support in exchange for mutual affection. - [03:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=237s) Sonia Marciano encourages graduates to embrace professional risk and persist until they discover career paths they genuinely love. - [03:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=237s) Tony Watkins formally inducts the Class of 2024 into the global Stern alumni network, marking degree completion as the beginning of an ongoing alumni journey.

## Detailed walkthrough ### [00:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=4s) Authenticity, Resilience, and Life Lessons for the Class of 2024

Faculty and administrative leaders open their commencement addresses by offering heartfelt congratulations and grounding wisdom to the MBA and PhD graduates. Conor Brennan addresses the anxiety and hype surrounding modern technological disruption, reassuring the class that while artificial intelligence appears to be taking over the world, their distinct humanity remains irreplaceable: "stay authentic, stay true to yourself, because ultimately it is not AI that's going to change the world, it is all of you." Eliza Stanley follows with recognition from the Working Professionals team, highlighting the remarkable dedication of the Langone part-time MBA cohort, who balanced grueling full-time careers while pursuing their degrees. Reinforcing the enduring bond between the university and its students, Brian Hanssen emphasizes that graduation does not sever academic relationships, reminding the class that they are "professors for life and you're Sternies for life."

The advice turns toward interpersonal communication and emotional resilience. Jennifer Wynn urges the future leaders to carry a fundamental principle into their careers: always work to "grow the shared pool of understanding in all of your conversations," charging them to actively design and build the world they wish to inhabit. Taking a long-term view of professional trajectories, Aaron Tenenbein reflects on the inevitability of facing both triumphs and setbacks, invoking Winston Churchill’s famous maxim: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts." Celebrating community spirit, Olivia Cannarozzi reflects on shared initiatives throughout the academic year, giving special praise to graduating club leaders, organizers of community staples like Stern Socials and Passport Day, and participants of the DBi (Doing Business in) New Zealand program. Bringing the segment to a close with characteristic brevity, Dan Gode provides three direct rules for a fulfilling life: "work hard, be kind, and enjoy life, especially the last one."

- Conor Brennan reminds students that human authenticity matters far more in shaping the world than artificial intelligence. - Eliza Stanley commends the Langone MBA graduates for completing their degree requirements while working full-time. - Brian Hanssen reminds the room that their relationship with faculty persists indefinitely. - Aaron Tenenbein quotes Winston Churchill on resilience in the face of career peaks and valleys. - Olivia Cannarozzi highlights community touchpoints including Stern Socials, Passport Day, club leadership, and DBi New Zealand. - Dan Gode summarizes his ethos into working hard, being kind, and prioritizing the enjoyment of life.

[01:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=117s) Technical Principles as Life Metaphors: From DCF to Architecture

Academic concepts take on philosophical weight as professors translate specialized business disciplines into life advice. Anjolein Schmeits playfully repurposes the fundamental finance acronym "DCF" into a framework for holistic living: graduates should diversify their pursuits to strike an equilibrium between work and personal life, continuously challenge themselves to acquire new competencies, and strive to find fulfillment in whatever they choose to pursue—before adding the humorous deadpan reminder, "Oh, and remember to discount the cash flows." Ian D'Souza brings the room back to key classroom takeaways, noting that bridging theory with real-world practice involves three distinct rules: limit yourself to "no more than three donuts," beware "the dangers of liquidity," and understand "the impact of too much money printing."

The conversation expands into creative vision and emotional intelligence. Thomaï Serdari draws inspiration from renowned architect Louis Kahn, reciting his passage on the creative process: "A great building must begin with the unmeasurable, must go through measurable means when it is designed, and in the end must be unmeasurable." She challenges the graduating class to emulate this design philosophy by pursuing unmeasurable dreams. Maher Said reminds graduates that leaving Stern marks only the starting line of their broader journey, advising them to pair their acquired skills with relentless excellence. Management professor Nate Pettit encourages active listening, observing that when engaging in meaningful dialogue, "truth comes after the pause." Sarah Ryan reflects on the essential balance required of modern business leaders, emphasizing that a truly exceptional MBA possesses a winning blend of both IQ and EQ, while fondly recalling the energy brought by the Tech MBA students and the Langone students who joined her for Monday evening classes.

- Anjolein Schmeits reinterprets the DCF acronym as Diversification, Challenge, and Fulfillment, alongside the literal instruction to discount cash flows. - Ian D'Souza recaps classroom memories with warnings about donut limits, liquidity hazards, and excessive money creation. - Thomaï Serdari cites architect Louis Kahn to urge students to hold dreams that surpass measurable metrics. - Nate Pettit stresses conversational patience, advising that genuine truth emerges only after pausing. - Sarah Ryan underlines the equal importance of cognitive ability (IQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ).

[03:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=237s) The Open Contract of Community and the Alumni Journey Ahead

The final set of messages frames graduation not as a departure, but as an induction into a lifelong network. Victor Mullins extends warm wishes for future success, offering the uplifting reminder that "the best is yet to come." Approaching commencement through the lens of legal doctrine, Business Law professor Rich Handler constructs a clever analogy around contract formation. Recalling that an enforceable contract requires an offer, acceptance, and consideration, Handler extends a binding Stern offer: graduates are forever welcomed back into the university's halls as dear friends and alumni for whatever support they need. The legal consideration in return is mutual love and goodwill. He reassures the audience that this contractual offer will remain open indefinitely, concluding his remarks with "big Stern hugs."

Sonia Marciano admits that while the faculty is sad to see the class depart, she eagerly encourages students to reach out whenever she can assist them. She implores the graduating cohort to be courageous in their professional searches, urging them to take risks and refuse to settle until they discover work they genuinely love. Tony Watkins concludes the address on behalf of the Alumni Council, formally welcoming the Class of 2024 into the global alumni network. He stresses that the conclusion of their academic degree merely marks the beginning of their lifelong alumni experience, inviting the new graduates to stay actively connected at upcoming alumni events and celebrate their hard-won milestone.

- Victor Mullins reminds the graduating class that their greatest achievements still lie ahead. - Rich Handler frames the alumni relationship as a legally binding contract consisting of an open door (the offer), mutual affection (the consideration), and indefinite validity. - Sonia Marciano encourages the class to take bold career chances and keep searching until they uncover their true passion. - Tony Watkins welcomes the MBA and PhD graduates into the global Stern Alumni Council community.

## Notable quotes > [00:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=4s) stay authentic, stay true to yourself, because ultimately it is not AI that's going to change the world, it is all of you. — Conor Brennan

> [00:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=4s) professors for life and you're Sternies for life. — Brian Hanssen

> [00:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=4s) grow the shared pool of understanding in all of your conversations — Jennifer Wynn

> [00:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=4s) Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts. — Aaron Tenenbein

> [00:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=4s) work hard, be kind, and enjoy life, especially the last one. — Dan Gode

> [01:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=117s) Oh, and remember to discount the cash flows. — Anjolein Schmeits

> [01:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=117s) no more than three donuts — Ian D'Souza

> [01:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=117s) the dangers of liquidity — Ian D'Souza

> [01:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=117s) the impact of too much money printing. — Ian D'Souza

> [01:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=117s) A great building must begin with the unmeasurable, must go through measurable means when it is designed, and in the end must be unmeasurable. — Thomaï Serdari

> [01:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=117s) truth comes after the pause. — Nate Pettit

> [03:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=237s) the best is yet to come. — Victor Mullins

> [03:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA&t=237s) big Stern hugs. — Rich Handler

## Mentioned Aaron Tenenbein, Alumni Council, Anjolein Schmeits, Brian Hanssen, Conor Brennan, Dan Gode, DBi New Zealand, Eliza Stanley, Ian D'Souza, Jennifer Wynn, Langone Part-time MBA, Louis Kahn, Maher Said, Nate Pettit, NYU Stern, Olivia Cannarozzi, Passport Day, Rich Handler, Sarah Ryan, Sonia Marciano, Stern Socials, Tech MBA, Thomaï Serdari, Tony Watkins, Victor Mullins, Winston Churchill

## Video description This video was presented at Stern's MBA and PhD Convocation on Friday, May 17, 2024. See additional features here: https://www.stern.nyu.edu/graduation/archive

[Source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnuPFHloVFA)

中文简报

NYU Stern教职人员寄语2024届MBA：人类真实性胜过AI 学院领导层向2024届毕业生表示，毕业生将通过人类真实性与情商而非人工智能来引领全球变革。教职员工与管理人员向即将毕业的MBA和博士生表达了由衷的建议与祝贺，强调了人类真实性、韧性和情商的持久重要性。多位教授将贴现现金流、建筑设计及合同协议等专业商科概念转化为隐喻，为个人追求自我实现与职业生涯长青提供指引。活动最后向毕业生保证，在他们融入全球校友网络之际，他们与学院教职人员之间的纽带将始终保持紧密。 Stern教职人员及管理领导层向2024届毕业生致辞，强调在推动全球变革的过程中，人类真实性相比人工智能具有更为持久的价值。 (0:04) 教授们将专业商科学科转化为人生哲学，把金融学中的DCF首字母缩写重新诠释为多元化（diversification）、挑战（challenge）与成就感（fulfillment），并结合建筑模型阐述创造性抱负。 (1:57) 教职人员与校友会领导层将毕业视为一段持续关系的开端而非终点，确立了相互支持与全球校友互联的长期承诺。 (3:57)

Reading summary

In their commencement addresses to the MBA and PhD Class of 2024, NYU Stern faculty and administrators urge graduates to anchor their leadership in human authenticity, emotional intelligence, and resilience. Rather than treating technical skills and academic ties as temporary milestones, speakers frame business principles and the university community as enduring life guides. Prioritizing Human Authenticity and Emotional Intelligence (0:04) Addressing widespread anxiety surrounding technological advancement, Conor Brennan argues that genuine human authenticity remains irreplaceable, asserting that individual people rather than artificial intelligence will ultimately shape the world. This emphasis on human dynamics extends directly into professional communication: management professor Nate Pettit stresses the importance of conversational patience, observing that substantive truth emerges only after a pause, while Jennifer Wynn urges future leaders to actively expand the shared pool of understanding across all interactions. Translating Technical Disciplines into Personal Philosophy (1:57) Faculty members also repurpose classroom frameworks into life guidance. Finance professor Anjolein Schmeits converts the discounted cash flow (DCF) model into a personal formula urging graduates to diversify pursuits between personal life and work, continuously challenge themselves to build new competencies, and seek fulfillment—while deadpanning a reminder to still discount actual cash flows. Similarly, Ian D'Souza offers practical rules drawn from course concepts, advising students to mind liquidity hazards and the macroeconomic fallout of excessive money creation, alongside a personal rule to limit donut intake to three. From a creative standpoint, Thomaï Serdari draws on architect Louis Kahn's philosophy that great design originates in the unmeasurable, moves through measurable design methods, and ultimately returns to the unmeasurable. Serdari challenges the graduating cohort to follow this blueprint by dedicating their careers to unmeasurable aspirations. Sarah Ryan echoes this synthesis of quantitative and qualitative strength, stating that top business leaders must balance cognitive intelligence (IQ) with emotional intelligence (EQ). Navigating Careers Through Resilience and Purpose (0:04) In framing professional trajectories, faculty caution that graduation is merely a starting line rather than a culmination. Maher Said advises students to pair their newly acquired degrees with relentless excellence, while Aaron Tenenbein emphasizes durability amid inevitable workplace volatility by quoting Winston Churchill’s observation that success is never final and failure is never fatal, leaving courage as the deciding metric. Sonia Marciano encourages the class to take calculated career risks, advising them not to settle until they identify work they genuinely love. Summarizing his own guidance with brevity, Dan Gode outlines three straightforward rules for life: work hard, practice kindness, and make enjoying life an explicit priority. The Lifelong Contract of the Stern Community (3:57) Multiple speakers emphasize that commencement does not conclude the relationship between graduates and the institution. Business Law professor Rich Handler constructs a legal analogy around contract formation, extending an open-door institutional offer of lifelong support in exchange for the consideration of mutual goodwill, promising that this agreement remains open indefinitely. Brian Hanssen reinforces this sentiment, noting that faculty and alumni relationships persist permanently. Administrators also reflect on the collective efforts that defined the cohort's tenure, including Eliza Stanley’s commendation of Langone part-time students who balanced full-time careers with academic demands, and Olivia Cannarozzi’s recognition of community pillars such as Stern Socials, Passport Day, and the DBi New Zealand program. Victor Mullins assures the class that their greatest achievements are still ahead, as Alumni Council representative Tony Watkins formally welcomes the graduates into Stern's global alumni network. The addresses collectively present business education not as an isolated credential, but as a dual foundation of technical competence and long-term ethical responsibility. While faculty express broad optimism regarding the graduates' future impact, they place the onus on the alumni to actively maintain their community bonds, practice conversational empathy, and pursue meaningful work.

Source quotes

[0:04] Conor Brennan: stay authentic, stay true to yourself, because ultimately it is not AI that's going to change the world, it is all of you. [0:04] Brian Hanssen: professors for life and you're Sternies for life. [0:04] Jennifer Wynn: grow the shared pool of understanding in all of your conversations [0:04] Aaron Tenenbein: Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts. [0:04] Dan Gode: work hard, be kind, and enjoy life, especially the last one. [1:57] Anjolein Schmeits: Oh, and remember to discount the cash flows. [1:57] Ian D'Souza: no more than three donuts [1:57] Ian D'Souza: the dangers of liquidity [1:57] Ian D'Souza: the impact of too much money printing. [1:57] Thomaï Serdari: A great building must begin with the unmeasurable, must go through measurable means when it is designed, and in the end must be unmeasurable. [1:57] Nate Pettit: truth comes after the pause. [3:57] Victor Mullins: the best is yet to come. [3:57] Rich Handler: big Stern hugs.

Original transcript

[0:04] Conor Brennan: Class of 2024, it has been such a joy getting to know all of you this year, and yes, AI is taking [0:12] over the world. But just remember: stay authentic, stay true to yourself, because ultimately it is [0:19] not AI that's going to change the world, it is all of you. Eliza Stanley: Congratulations to the Class of 2024 and [0:26] a special shout out to the Langone students who I know have accomplish this amazing milestone even [0:32] while working full-time. The entire Working Professionals team joins me in saying what [0:38] a pleasure it has been to work with you during this time and how much we look forward to your [0:43] continued success in your career. Brian Hansen: Congratulations graduates! One final piece of advice: we're [0:50] professors for life and you're Sternies for life. Never forget that. You did it! Jennifer Wynn: Hey graduates remember one [0:57] thing if you remember anything at all: grow the shared pool of understanding in all of your [1:03] conversations. We're excited for the leaders you're going to be, create the world you want to live in, [1:09] and congratulations! Aaron Tenenbein: Congratulations graduates! I wish you continued success in your career and [1:15] in your personal life. As you go through life you will experience some successes and some failures. [1:20] I'm reminded of the quote by Winston Churchill in this regard: "Success is not final, failure is [1:28] not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts." Congratulations! [1:34] Olivia Cannarozzi: Congratulations Class of 2024, it's been wonderful to partner with you on a number of community initiatives, from Stern [1:39] Socials to Passport Day and everything in between. Special shout out to all of the graduating club [1:44] leaders and DBi New Zealand. You've made this last year so enjoyable. Dan Gode: Congrats guys! I have [1:49] three pieces of advice for you: work hard, be kind, and enjoy life, especially the last one. [1:57] Anjolein Schmeits: My advice to you can be summarized as DCF. In the future, I hope that you will be able to diversify and [2:03] find a good balance between your professional and personal lives, that you will continue to [2:07] challenge yourselves and learn new skills and competencies, and most importantly, that you'll [2:11] be able to find fulfillment in everything that you do. Oh, and remember to discount the cash flows. Best [2:17] of luck and congratulations. Ian D'Souza: Congratulations everyone. Today is a big day and you're going [2:22] to combine what you learned in the classroom with the real world, and here are some of the [2:26] lessons we learned together. No more than three donuts, the dangers of liquidity, and the impact [2:34] of too much money printing. Guys, good luck out there. I'm really excited to see what you can [2:39] do. Stay in touch. Thomaï Serdari: I want to read to you a quote by my favorite American architect Lou Kahn: "A great [2:48] building must begin with the unmeasurable, must go through measurable means when it is designed, [2:57] and in the end must be unmeasurable." And that is what I want from you: dreams that are unmeasurable. [3:06] Congratulations. Maher Said: As you graduate today, remember that this is just the beginning of your journey. [3:11] Embrace the challenges ahead, draw on all the knowledge and skills that you've acquired and [3:15] strive for excellence. Congratulations. Nate Pettit: If you take nothing else from my class take with you: listen [3:22] to one another, listen to yourselves, and above all else in conversation, truth comes after the pause. [3:30] Good luck, don't be strangers. Sarah Ryan: You learned so much in business school but one of my biggest takeaways [3:35] is that a great MBA has a winning combination of IQ and EQ. Thank you so much for being part of this [3:41] vibrant community and really making it what it is. From great Tech MBA classmates to fantastic [3:47] Langone classmates that kicked off the week with me during Monday evening classes, you've really made [3:52] this community so vibrant and it's been a joy to learn alongside you over the past few years. [3:57] Victor Mullins: Congratulations to the graduates. I wish each one of you my very best and much success and remember, [4:04] the best is yet to come. Rich Handler: Congratulations in all of the languages spoken here in our hallways. As [4:11] your Business Law professor I am super excited to share with you my last true illustration of a core [4:18] principle. As you may remember, an enforceable contract is an offer plus acceptance plus [4:24] consideration. I offer to you on behalf of Stern the following: you are forever welcomed [4:32] here as dear friends and alumni for whatever you need. The consideration exchange is our love for [4:39] each other. I hope you will accept this offer, but don't worry, the offer remains open indefinitely. [4:46] Congratulations again, and big Stern hugs from me to you. Sonia Marciano: Congratulations, you did it! I'm sad [4:55] to see you go, so please reach out anytime you think I can be helpful. I'll be so happy to hear [5:01] from you. And when you're out there, take chances. Don't stop looking till you find something you [5:06] love. Congratulations again. Tony Watkins: Congratulations Class of 2024! On behalf of the Alumni Council, welcome. [5:15] Your Stern Journey does not end today and your alumni journey is just beginning. We look forward [5:20] to seeing you at upcoming events, and until then, take care, enjoy the big day, and congratulations.