SME Profile: Quarterback

Quarterback, founded in 2012 by Brian Gloede, was setup with the intention to help MBAs get into social enterprise by helping those in remote parts of the world. They work closely with top US business schools such as Harvard and Chicago Booth and amit current MBA students and those going through the application process. They received over 70 applicants for their inaugural cohort and are hoping to expand next summer. Find out how the company was founded, and how you can get involved now!

 

 

As of September 2013, Quarterback only has one person dedicated full-time: it’s Founder Brian Gloede. During its inaugural cohort in Summer 2013, the company leveraged a wide network of outside experts, MBA students, and active professionals to execute its career-accelerating program. 

 

 

Quarterback operates lean, relying on a wide variety of skill sets. Because of our consultative model, in which we work closely with our social sector partners to develop engagements suitable for our selective program, a demonstrated track record of creative problem solving, a deep understanding of business challenges, and client management are key attributes. Exposure to and an understanding of innovative nonprofit models is a great bonus.

 

 

Quarterback received 75 applications for its inaugural cohort and accepted seven. Our inaugural participants (we call them “Quarterbacks”) are incredibly talented professionals pursuing MBAs at top schools including Harvard Business School, Chicago Booth, Kellogg (Northwestern), and Michigan Ross.

 

We’re looking forward to growing the program, so that impact is a bigger part of the MBA experience.

 

 

I was the first “Quarterback". When leaving investment banking, I evaluated several well-worn career paths such as private equity and venture capital. In the background of that whole evaluative process was my involvement with an international development nonprofit - something I thought of as separate from my career. In fact, it wasn’t until I had discussions with the organization’s leadership that I finally realized my skills could benefit the nonprofit.

 

Two weeks after my last day in the banking industry, I was on a flight to Zambia, my first destination on the continent, with the aim of developing stronger corporate relationships with multinationals operating in the Zambian economy.  

 

In the process, I gained valuable experience, expanded my worldview, and built confidence in how applicable my skills are in the impact sector. When I returned and started sharing my experience, my friends and colleagues, many of which were seeking or considering studying MBAs, expressed interest in doing the same: giving back full-time for a quarter.

 

Quarterback grew out of their needs to explore impact in a career-friendly and mutually beneficial format.

 

 

When I left banking, I gave myself three months to make an impact before heading back into a traditional career. The name Quarterback emerged as a play on the words: “Give a quarter back” led quickly to “Quarterback". In addition, the word conveys leadership, prestige and differentiation, thanks to its use in American football.

 

 

Quarterback provides a constant challenge. Because we provide support to our active Quarterbacks, as well as play a consultative role with our partners, we’re working closely with both stakeholders on their challenges and solving them. These challenges are even more rewarding given the end result: expanded impact for the organization. For example, in our inaugural program, we facilitated over $100,000 in value for our partners’ organizations. 

 

 

Quarterback’s MBA program relationships stem largely from our pool of applicants and alumni, as well as a handful of US-based schools who are early supporters. As our applicants and alumni expand to other regions and programs, you can expect Quarterback’s recognition and relationships to follow suit. If an MBA candidate at a top international school is interested in partnering, we’re certainly open to it!

 

 

Quarterback has worked with MBA candidates from India, Singapore, Mexico and Brazil. While we won’t have a physical presence internationally in the foreseeable future, professionals can apply for the Quarterback program from anywhere in the world.

 

 

We’re different from the ground up!

 

Quarterback is the only independent and comprehensive program. We’re also the only one designed from the ground up for MBA candidates. The difference starts at the core: our high-impact, intensive engagements. Each engagement is a strategic or operational priority at the Executive Director/CEO level, and developed in advance to ensuring appropriate scope and buy-in. While tackling these engagements full-time, our Quarterbacks receive comprehensive support. From professional training to systems and project management, Quarterbacks benefit from our vested interest in their success and impact.