I'm assuming Amazon values something that happens in grad school or they would not be at the meetings. They are probabably looking for someone to work in a different position than what they hire for at MBA programs.
I think HR guy is right too. If you can be a team member, make good arguments AND bring the analysis then you will do well. In the PhD program we focus mostly on the analysis so I guess its fair for Amazon to try to evaluate the other aspects.
I hope they don't go for the HRM lemons though.
Obviously...
