The Business of The Harbus

A love letter to The Harbus and the peerless team behind it.

Edouard Lyndt, CEO and Editor

“Student-run publications like The Harbus may be the only media companies in the world whose entire leadership team changes once each year”, said HBS’s media expert, Professor Henry W. McGee. This remark, shared with our Editor-in-Chief Tim Ford (MBA ’25) and I several months ago, underscored one of the greatest challenges we face as an organisation.

While Professor McGee’s assessment rightly highlights a significant pain point for our leadership team, I would like to offer a perspective that – while not entirely in opposition – casts a more optimistic light on the situation.

The Harbus is a business shaped by nearly 90 generations of Harvard Business School students – each striving to leave their mark and pass it to the next generation, in better shape than they inherited it. There’s something undeniably endearing about that, isn’t there?

We hold the privileged position of being the world’s first MBA publication, led by students from the world’s first MBA program. We also stand as one of the few student-run publications that have remained operational, a testament to our enduring legacy.

It has been an incredible privilege to serve in the 88th generation of leadership of The Harbus. As Ford (MBA ’25) and I prepare to transition The Harbus to Michelle Yu (MBA ’26) and its next generation of leaders, I want to reflect on the work we have done during our tenures as Editor-in-Chief and CEO, respectively.

Looking back on some of our proudest accomplishments over the past twelve months:

• We returned the business to profitability, a first for us since 2021.

• We launched a new edition of the Harbus Admissions Guide, complete with a new Shopify store and six paid media campaigns.

• We introduced new regular series in our publications, including Between Two Classes, the MitaliPOV advice column, The Crossword, and The Pause poetry corner.

• We co-hosted and organised major on-campus events, including the HBS Student Debate (attended by a crowd of ~250!), and the Election Night Watch Party.

• We strengthened The Harbus’ position within the cultural fabric of HBS, growing both our physical and social media presence.

Of course, none of this would have been possible through our efforts alone. A cynic might even suggest that Ford (MBA ’25) and I are merely taking credit for the tireless work of our incredible team – and such a cynic would be correct.

For whatever consolation it is worth, I offer a few words of thanks and appreciation to everyone who made this year what it was.

First, to our EC Editorial Team: Abhi, Chuck, Danielle, Delaney, Jay, Maya, Mazz, Regina, and Sam. Thank you for your never-ending contributions to the team – you are collectively the backbone of this entire operation.

Second, to our RC Editorial team: Jake, John, Meredith, Michelle, Nikole, Peter, Ramya, Santi, and Tyler. Thank you for all the energy you bring to the table – we are incredibly excited to see where you take The Harbus next.

Third, to the ‘grown-ups’ who sit behind The Harbus: Garrett, Natasha, and Vaughn. We are forever grateful for your continued support and guidance. Where would we be without you? (Answer: lost.)

Finally, to those who support The Harbus: The students, partners, members of faculty, alumni, and community. I hope you all continue to enjoy the stories, thoughts, and musings shared by the humble HBS student.

If there is one thing everyone should take away from this – pick up your copy of The Harbus every month!

Much Love

Edouard Lyndt (MBA ’25)

Edouard Lyndt (MBA ’25) is from Australia. An example of someone who took the ‘jack-of-all-trades’ thing too far, he has explored a range of career paths spanning M&A, strategy, product management, and even (very briefly) professional fighting. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, cooking, and exercise.