Business school is bursting with unique forums in which students have access to some of the greatest and brightest minds in modern industry. These standout moments can be pivotal points in shaping the next generation of business creativity and innovation. Prior to Spring Break, 20 Owen students were treated to just such an opportunity—the rare chance to sit down for a Q&A with one of the world’s greatest investors, philanthropists, and public figures, Mr. Warren Buffett.  The lucky group traveled to Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska, arriving in tact despite a major snowstorm that threatened the event (and precluded other chosen schools from making the journey).

The trip was a brainchild of Owen finance professor Philip Woodlief, who had reached out to Buffett through a personal connection to convey Vanderbilt’s interest in visiting the investor. With the meeting arranged, preparations began months in advance, with students doing their research by reading up on Buffett’s philosophies on investing, politics, and life. The group convened on multiple occasions to formulate a list of poignant questions to pose to the “Oracle of Omaha”, trying to focus on themes that had not been addressed in the litany of Buffett materials already available.