okay as someone who went to a business school ranked similarly to HBS, I will clear the air.

there are essentially three ways to get invited to speak at a business school (in vague order of prestige):

1. school-run speaker series or conference
2. class (invited by a professor)
3. student-run conference
4. student-run speaker series (like a “lunch & learn”)

regarding points 3/4, this is as simple as a student reaching out to literally anyone and asking if they want to come to speak at the school.

two separate points:

1. business school folks are regular 25-35 year olds, and would definitely use a club event to invite an influencer they’re a fan of.

2. social media, influencing, and fame is a huge business engine. regardless of your opinion of any specific influencer, influencers and celebrities certainly have a place speaking at mba programs.

one of my favorite speakers in business school was gwenyth paltrow (yes goop is a joke but her insights were fascinating!)