Introduction of Muddy Talk

"Muddy Talk" is A long-standing tradition at MIT Sloan Fellows MBA. Students give a personal presentation about themselves — their life journey, values, experiences, and lessons learned. The name comes from the Muddy Charles Pub, a historic MIT pub where students originally gathered informally to share stories and ideas. Over time, those conversations evolved into structured talks delivered to classmates in the Sloan program.

Typical characteristics of a Muddy Talk:

• Lasts up to 20 minutes.
• Focuses on the person behind the résumé, not professional achievements alone.
• Often covers family background, key life events, struggles, successes, failures, and personal values.
• Aims to build trust, psychological safety, and deeper connections within the cohort.
• Encourages self-reflection and helps classmates understand each other's diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

For the audience

1. Sloan Fellows Only

Muddy Talk is open to Sloan Fellows only. You may not bring guests from outside the SFMBA program. You also may not upload any photos or recordings to social media unless the speaker has given permission.

2. Show up for our community

All Sloan Fellows are highly encouraged to attend, as this is a traditional Fellows activity.

3. Be fully present

Please don't use your phone or laptop during the talk.

4. Respect the speaker's privacy

No recording or photos unless the speaker has given permission; protect the psychological safety of the speaker.

5. Be curious

Speakers are kept secret until the talk. Come curious about who it will be!

For the speaker

• Your talk must be 20 minutes or less.
• Keep in mind this is reflective storytelling, not a business presentation — a business pitch is not appropriate here.
• If you need to cancel or reschedule, please let us know at least three weeks before your talk so we can reopen the spot for someone else.
• Speakers may bring SO(s) to their talk. However, the guest may only attend that speaker's talk and must leave before the next speaker begins.

Schedule shows every upcoming Muddy Talk date, how many of the 3 speaker slots are filled, and lets you apply directly from an open date.

Introduction (this page) covers what Muddy Talk is, the ground rules, and who runs it.

Backlog will hold past talks and archives once we start populating it.

How to Apply for your speech: go to the Further Schedule page and apply from an open date, or email the Muddy Talk Committee at muddytalk2027@mit.edu.

Once you apply and a committee member confirms and secures your seat, you will receive an email from muddytalk2027@mit.edu.

The Muddy Talk Committee is the student team behind Muddy Talk.

Dolgorjav Jigmedsenge djmit@mit.edu

Taiki Tazoe taiki021@mit.edu

Tomoya Kotake tomoya@mit.edu

Yoonchan Park yoonchan@mit.edu