Home: Minnesota. Age: Seasoned professional. Profession: Professor of Law and Finance; entrepreneur. Organization: University of Minnesota Law School. Title: Howard E. Buhse Professor of Finance and Law. Alma mater: University of Chicago Law School (JD); Carlson School (MBA); Knox College (BA).
Current project: Writing "Naked Power" (Cambridge Publishing, 2026). Recent recognition: Over forty published books and dozens of articles in prestigious law reviews. Recent professional development: Author of book on the future of legal education and practice. Latest accomplishment: Co-founded an applied materials company valued at $250+ million. Latest contribution to others: Founded free legal services projects in multiple communities. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Building an investment banking firm. Hobbies: Alpine skiing, mountain climbing, hang gliding, sprint triathlons, golf.
Personality profile: Bold, disciplined, results-driven, authentic. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Relentless. How do you define a perfect friendship? Mutual respect, shared values, genuine support. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Clear expectations, mutual benefit, no toxic behavior. What is your greatest joy? Helping others achieve their potential. What is your greatest fear? Wasting time on meaningless pursuits. What is your go-to workout? Morning three-mile walk, followed by a gym session.
What was your first paying job? Cutting grass for neighbors. What was your favorite college course? Constitutional Law. What book have you repeatedly read? The Bible. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Great leaders make even poor ideas succeed. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? AI as a productivity-enhancement tool. What is your go-to source of news and information? Wall Street Journal. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Overcoming childhood adversity, including a life-altering automobile accident.
What is your big idea?
Democratizing legal education and business knowledge through technology.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Making legal services more accessible to underserved communities. What change would you like to see in the world? Empowering first-generation students to achieve their potential. What message do you want to send out into the world? You mostly regret what you don't do, not what you do. What mega-trend most excites you? AI revolutionizing professional productivity.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? From Adversity to Achievement: An Academic Journey. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My parents, to thank them for their devotion. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Family photos and my first published article. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Teaching one final class, then dinner with family. What advice would you give your younger self? You mostly regret the things you don't do.
Personal mission: Empowering others through education and removing barriers to success. Personal motto: Play hard, work harder. Also, fortune favors the bold.
