Lessons from Losing an Election to Serve My Alma Mater

Despite the support of so many colleagues from around the world and the endorsement of the Harvard Alumni Association, I failed to earn a spot as a member of the Board of Overseers for Harvard.

I am disappointed—as I know I could have made a difference—and I’ve let down so many friends who spent countless hours supporting me.

But in all elections, you don’t win silver. You lose gold. And coming close doesn’t count.

So I wanted to share a few thoughts this episode has taught me.

First: Congratulations: I wish all the best for those elected! We have high hopes for you to deliver on your campaign platforms in a most constructive way as you join the Board. The University needs your volunteerism to ensure Harvard remains the gold standard as an excellent educational institution in this unprecedented time in history, including leadership on the issues of climate and the racial divide. Our students need you even more and immediately—especially those who can’t even get to campus due to international restrictions on student visas. I was the only candidate out of 13 living abroad, and the Board now only has two who are non-US based. I do hope that the Board agenda keeps international students and the 20% of non-US-based alumni in mind at a time when no single country or institution can deal with the issues the world is confronting today.

Second: I am overwhelmed with the kindness of old friends and new. While my campaign “team” was me, my laptop and late-night coffee or wine from my living room after my day job, I am so very touched by so many who unconditionally supported me to do the same. The silver lining from winning silver is the rekindling of gold-standard friendships—and new connections from the incredible alumni network. Thank you. I am eternally grateful for this and hope I can, in turn, reciprocate that kindness.

Third: Although I lost, I am so grateful for the opportunity to have given it a good college try. While I have been active in the alumni network since graduating from Harvard College and HBS, I am truly impressed with the amazing work that the University and the alumni volunteer leaders do (and appreciate the many facets of the large and growing Asian American alumni community) to keep us all connected. The hours and hours they spend to lead us in local and global alumni programs is truly impressive. The next time you get an email from one of these groups, I hope you read and engage.

Lastly: This whole chapter has reinforced my belief that all of us, as busy as our lives are, need to make time for greater causes. Universities define and shape who we are as we grow up. Harvard has shaped so much of who I am today—and I feel more than ever a need to ensure that I give back to the institution and the next generation with the time and resources available to me. Our voter turnout that has historically been hovering at the 10%+ level grew significantly this election from among the 300,000 alumni eligible to vote. This is good—but hardly sufficient. Borrowing the purpose statement of my firm and the words that guide me each day, I think we can all work harder to “unlock the potential of those who advance the world.”