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From the lens Clay Hebert's Alternate MBA Application.

  • Sensei Dec 17, 2008 @ 11:54 am | delete
    Thank you Clay, for passing on passion. In the 14 years since you left my classroom, indeed you have "taught it forward". As a high school freshman you chose to do "different". You chose to accept "different" rather than labeling differences as "rights"or "wrongs". Teaching you 4 years of Japanese and taking you to Japan was an honor and a priviledge. You taught me in return, by sharing your days, your family, your dreams, and especially your trust. Now you have shared pieces of your life, your career, and your next bold step. Who gets to teach you next? Who gets to learn from you? Blessed they will be, with your experience, your skills, your creativity, and the genuine man that you are. Ganbatte. Nama mugi, nama gome, nama tamago!
  • AllanYoung Dec 14, 2008 @ 10:45 pm | delete
    Clay - congratulations on the invite! Good work on the application. NYC with Seth will be such a fantastic experience. I'm eager to see what you'll create after the program. Cheers!
  • istmir Dec 13, 2008 @ 3:17 pm | delete
    The passion just oozes from my screen.
    This is the guy that can both absorb and challenge.
    Nice stuff.
    -Mike Vaughn
  • BJ Cook Dec 12, 2008 @ 8:36 pm | delete
    In the current times, any marketer can pull ideas out of a book, slap them into a proposal and be off on their way. Clay has and leverages ideas to execute and to learn throughout the process. I'd say not only will Clay benefit from working under Seth, but I bet Seth might learn a thing or two from Clay. It's always great to see passion in a young marketer, but the persistence is something you can't teach.
  • APG Dec 12, 2008 @ 7:52 pm | delete
    Clay is not easily defined, and anyone who knows him will agree. But if you had to, it would start with integrity and the uncommon drive to help those around him. It would end with evident but humble wit, and almost-scary work ethic. And in the middle? Well, the ticker says I only have 707 characters left. Wait! 678! Anyway, I don't have enough room, but read the above for a good start. If, in your early-30s, you already serve as a benchmark to dozens of other high-caliber, sound-jugement friends and colleagues, you're starting to separate yourself as something special. That's Clay.
  • SaraWalshFNPMPH Dec 12, 2008 @ 5:40 pm | delete
    I have known Clay personally for 4 years. In that time, he has not only been a considerate and generous friend but he has also provided me with countless beneficial advice over the years. As a grad student in a dual masters program at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing and School of Public Health, Clay routinely offered advice about where to invest my sparse grad student dollars in technology and applications that I might find useful. Not only was he always right, he was always ahead of the curve and I in turn was able to share his ideas with fellow classmates. As a Family Nurse Practitioner and Public Health professional, he has continued to be a highly educated and informed adviser to me as I transfer into my new role as a health care professional. Best of luck to you, Clay!
    Sara Walsh FNP, MPH
  • Barb Hébert Dec 12, 2008 @ 2:36 pm | delete
    Being Clay's mother, I have known him since the day he was born. (On that day he had a bit of a pointed head, somewhat like an SNL character.) Since then he has morphed into a most incredible young man. He has sent me cards that had me laughing and crying at the same time. He has taken the time to send notes of appreciation to everyone from his favorite high school teachers to our (now) 99-year-old Canadian fishing guide on his birthday. He is one of the funniest, most fearless, and kindest men I know. Having done my best to raise him well, I now hope to turn him over to you, Seth. Objectively yours, Barb
  • Sesha Dec 12, 2008 @ 2:34 pm | delete
    I have had the pleasure of getting to know Clay over the past 5 years.

    Throughout my journey of different business endeavours, any questions I needed answered, to guide me in the right direction, always were directed to Clay. Whenever I had a question about my "next step," Clay was always first in my mind. He is like my personal 411. He has a wealth of amazing knowledge because of his impressive personal experiences. He has helped me and continues to help me with my exploding mess of questions about business and life as I continue with my journey.

    Clay has tremendous leadership skills and has been a respectable mentor in my life. His passion is very contagious.

    He is one of the most loyal, driven, and hard working people I have ever met! Anyone would be lucky to have him.

    Good luck Clay! You truly deserve it!

    -Sesha Seemungal
  • Dan Moore Dec 12, 2008 @ 1:49 pm | delete
    As a close friend of Clay's and fellow cabinetarian, it is without hesitation that I can recommend him for this opportunity.

    In my own career, I've been highly successful hiring people who have what I call the four "unteachables": intelligence, work ethic, empathy, and charisma. I find individuals strong in at least three of these traits outperform (by an order of magnitude) peers that lack them, but have accumulated knowledge and experience. Clay pegs the needle in all four categories; enough said.
  • AllanYoung Dec 12, 2008 @ 1:34 pm | delete
    Clay - nice application. Your experience at Accenture is super valuable and maybe even super relevant. I love the story of being able to work at the bottom of the totem during the night and working with Fortune 500 clients on multi-million dollar projects during the day. It illustrates a determination for success rather than ego.
  • Schenk Dec 12, 2008 @ 1:16 pm | delete
    Clay is a rare, but genuine, complete package. Some work hard and some work smart; Clay does both with great intensity!

    Mr. Godin could find no person better positioned or better qualified for this opportunity. Period.
  • Mihir Dec 12, 2008 @ 11:04 am | delete
    Hi Seth,

    I was fresh out of the traditional MBA program at Northwestern when I first met Clay. He is a natural leader and immediately develops long lasting relationships with his colleagues. One of the characteristics I admire most about Clay is his natural curiosity and eagerness to learn, not because of what it can do for his career or personal gain but simply his desire to know a thing and fully understand it. This allows him to approach a subject without any preconceptions and prejudices so be prepared to be challenged on occasion!

    I strongly believe Clay will add a tremendous amount of value to you and your team, the number of advocates and accolades on this website are a testament to his personality, professionalism, and persistence. Good luck on the program (and to you, Clay!)

    -Mihir Kothari
    mkothari2001@kellogg.northwestern.edu
  • Cisco64 Dec 12, 2008 @ 10:50 am | delete
    Disclaimer first: Clay is my second born son ( with whom I share a birthday ) in whom I am well pleased.

    I am very proud of Clay and the way he is pursuing this opportunity.

    There is no doubt in my mind that, if he is afforded this opportunity, he will make the most of it.

    Timing is everything and at this tiime, Clay is ready.

    He understands that he can have anything in life if he just helps enough other people get what they want.

    Thank you for this forum to submit my thoughts.

    Walt Hebert
  • asudarshan Dec 11, 2008 @ 11:07 pm | delete
    I must say after reading this application that it only hints at the levels of Clay's intensity and interest in making a positive difference in the world. While some would say that Clay can be restless, I would argue (STRONGLY) that his passion and capability are looking for the right avenue to deploy.

    Clay is an idea man as exemplified in the myriad situations he mentions above or in the numerous stories he does not tell here but I have watched him live.

    Clay does not shy away from a challenge whether career, starry night on a bedroom ceiling, or the beauty mixed with complexity of Kanji script. He was the original Karate Kid.

    And, Clay cares about people. He is far more motivated to do what is right and strive for quantum change in all he does.

    Clay will be a difference maker in this world. The real question to me is if he will get this opportunity to do it under the capable tutelage of Mr. Godin or will his talents need to await someone else to hone them ?
  • acschneid Dec 11, 2008 @ 11:06 pm | delete
    Very well done, Clay!
  • ODM Dec 11, 2008 @ 10:37 pm | delete
    Brave, Clear-headed, charismatic leader. This is Clay.

    What also strikes me about Clay is the intelligence, humor, and sincerity with which he presents himself- in person or in Bloggley form. Whether the task is a business proposal or playing the underdog in a game of 500 (card game-not Rummy 500) to perfection, he is able to approach a task with an palatable earnestness and yet a refreshing sense of play.

    He plays for keeps but sees how lucky he is to be in the position to act in the first place. He takes nothing for granted but doesn't limit himself with stress or worry.

    Clay is a tribesman among tribes'boys. He is a deserving choice for this opportunity.

    -from a Cabinetarian tribesman
  • sethgodin Dec 11, 2008 @ 9:48 pm | delete
    great stuff. Thanks Clay.
  • prpetten Dec 11, 2008 @ 9:10 pm | delete
    Seth,

    You will not find a person who is more committed to helping people improve their lives than Clay Hebert. As much as I want this opportunity for myself, I may want it more for Clay. He is your number one evangelist, even if he doesn't agree with everything you have to say. Having worked with Clay for the past couple of years, I must tell you that I know of nobody who will be better for this program. He will add so much knowledge, insight, humor, and so much else that you will definitely be better off for having him in your program. Clay has drive that inspires me to do more all the time. Clay has no ego and will never take criticism personally; he's constantly looking at it as an opportunity to improve. He will make everyone in the program better, and that includes you, and I hope for your sake and for the sake of the amazing team you're creating that you'll get the same privilege I've had for the past two years.
    -Paul Pettengill
    (267) 879-7371
    prpetten@gmail.com
  • pjstraw Dec 11, 2008 @ 2:08 pm | delete
    Great post! We haven't know each other that long but you've managed to impress the heck out of me.
  • jsloss Dec 11, 2008 @ 11:12 am | delete
    Great application Clay! Well done and best of luck. See my application here http://www.squidoo.com/Jess-Sloss-Alternate-MBA-application

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hebert33

Taking a leave of absence from the real world to work with Seth Godin and nine other amazing people for six months in NY.

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