Stephen Greyser, a Business and Marketing Educator, Gets the Star Treatment

Summary

In this insightful interview, Professor Stephen Gracer, a renowned educator and expert in marketing, branding, and sports business, shares his remarkable career journey. With over 50 years of teaching at Harvard Business School and an unparalleled dedication to education, he discusses his passion for brand building, sports, and public service. From creating influential MBA electives to advising global brands and broadcasting major sports events, his story highlights the intersection of academic expertise and professional achievement. Gracer's reflections on his mentors, family values, and contributions to education offer an inspiring look into a life committed to lifelong learning and innovation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Professor Stephen Gracer has been a professor at Harvard Business School for over 50 years and has never missed a class, earning him the nickname 'the Cal Ripken of Harvard Business School.'
• 😀 Gracer’s academic journey includes degrees from the Boston Latin School, Harvard College, and the Harvard Business School, where he also earned a doctorate.
• 😀 He is a pioneer in branding research, co-creating the concept of 'Heritage Brands,' which studies how brands exist across three time zones: past, present, and future.
• 😀 Gracer has a deep passion for sports, having been a season ticket holder for both the Red Sox and Celtics for several decades.
• 😀 He has broadcasted major sports, including football, basketball, and baseball, and even produced a pre-game radio show for the Red Sox.
• 😀 Gracer’s expertise in sports business led him to create and teach two MBA electives at Harvard Business School: one in corporate communications and another in sports business.
• 😀 He was asked by CCTV in China to participate in commentary for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games' opening ceremonies, where he discussed branding implications for China.
• 😀 Gracer has served in numerous leadership roles, including as the longest-serving executive director of the Marketing Science Institute and a board member for various organizations, including PBS.
• 😀 His research in marketing, particularly the branding of monarchies, has made significant contributions to the practice of marketing and earned him a spot in the Market Research Council Hall of Fame in 2022.
• 😀 Throughout his career, Gracer has been mentored by legendary figures in academia and broadcasting, including Raymond A. Bauer, Edward Berk, and Bob Wolf.
• 😀 Gracer’s family has a strong tradition of education, with his father being a teacher and artist, and his wife and daughter both holding multiple degrees and contributing to the educational field.

Q & A

How did Professor Stephen Gracer earn the nickname 'the Cal Ripken of Harvard Business School'?

Professor Stephen Gracer earned the nickname 'the Cal Ripken of Harvard Business School' because, over his 50-year teaching career, he has never missed a class, showcasing an unparalleled dedication to his profession.

What is Professor Gracer's educational background?

Professor Gracer attended some of the most prestigious institutions, including Boston Latin School, Harvard College, and Harvard Business School, where he earned both his MBA and doctorate.

What is the concept of 'Heritage Brands' that Professor Gracer helped develop?

The concept of 'Heritage Brands' refers to brands that exist in three time zones—past, present, and future. Examples include Patek Philippe, which promotes the idea of passing down watches across generations, and Nike, symbolized by its iconic Swoosh.

How has Professor Gracer incorporated sports into his professional life?

Professor Gracer's passion for sports, particularly baseball and basketball, has played a significant role in his professional life. He is a season ticket holder for the Red Sox and Celtics and has been involved in broadcasting and producing radio shows related to sports.

What unique role did Professor Gracer have during the Beijing Olympics in 2008?

Professor Gracer contributed to the Beijing Olympics' opening ceremonies by providing commentary on branding and sports for CCTV in China, offering insights into the implications of branding for China on a global stage.

Can you explain Professor Gracer's contributions to public service?

Professor Gracer has served in various public service roles, including being the executive director of the Marketing Science Institute, a member of the National Advertising Review Board, and holding positions on corporate boards like Tonka and PBS.

What was Professor Gracer's proudest educational contribution?

Professor Gracer takes pride in his research that bridges the gap between theory and practice, particularly his work on branding, which has helped improve marketing practices. His contributions were recognized with his induction into the Market Research Council Hall of Fame.

How has Professor Gracer’s family influenced his educational journey?

Education is a core value in Professor Gracer's family, with his father being a teacher and artist. Gracer's wife, daughter, and son-in-law have all achieved significant academic success, further strengthening the family's commitment to lifelong learning.

What is the significance of Professor Gracer’s involvement with the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston?

Professor Gracer's deep appreciation for the arts began as a child, and he later became the founding chair of the trustees' marketing committee for the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, reflecting his ongoing commitment to education and culture.

How many books has Professor Gracer written, and what topics do they cover?

Professor Gracer has written or co-authored 17 books, with a focus on marketing, branding, and corporate identity. One notable example is 'Revealing the Corporation,' which explores topics like identity and reputation.