Wharton Stories: Leadership

Sailboats with several people navigating on a body of water during a cloudy day. The boats have white sails and visible identification numbers.
An immersive look inside Team Sailing, a Wharton Leadership Venture designed to foster team cohesion in a high-pressure environment.

Trimming the Jib and Other Ways to Think About Business 

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“Keep sacred space for family connection… that’s really important for anyone who’s going to pursue business with their family,” Hannah Diop, WG’09.

How a Wharton Family is Disrupting the Beauty Industry

A group of hikers posing for a photo on a trail, surrounded by a lush green landscape and mountains in the background. They are wearing outdoor gear and backpacks.
“Many of my Wharton professors come from backgrounds rooted in real-world business experiences and thus they teach from real-world examples. The Leadership Venture was an opportunity to expand on Wharton’s other real-world opportunities.” – Jacob Pollack, W’25

A Wharton Undergraduate Leadership Odyssey in Patagonia

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“So much of being an entrepreneur is being scrappy, learning off the cuff, and making it work, which is hard to teach in a classroom. But at Wharton, I became fluent in the language of business.” – Abby Greensfelder, WG’02

From Creative to CEO: How Wharton Unlocks the Business of Entertainment

A person in a flight suit stands on an airport tarmac, smiling with hands on hips, in front of a large aircraft.
“I hope my story inspires others to navigate their life challenges successfully, pursue their passions, and recognize that an MBA education is within reach.” – Sheila Xu, WG’24

In Honor of Deaf Awareness Month, Meet the Pioneering Sheila Xu

The image shows a construction site with a multi-story building partially covered with tarps and scaffolding. A crane is visible, and multiple nearby buildings are also shown under a cloudy sky.
“The faculty are not just experts in their fields; they’re also mentors who want to see their students succeed.” – Brandon Cohen, WG’18

How Two Wharton EMBA Alums Constructed New Business

A firefighter in full gear stands outdoors, giving a thumbs-up. They''re in front of a brick building with yellow barriers and equipment nearby.
“This is the kind of program you would never get to do on your own. I learned about leadership and teamwork from some of the most courageous people in the world.” – Siddhant Jain Jaiswal, WG’24

EMBA Student Shares His FDNY Wharton Leadership Venture Experience

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“The value in Professor Phillips’ course and Resilience Education: Wharton WORKS is just as much in the act of empowering these justice-impacted individuals as it is changing our own views and preconceived notions about prison in this country.” – Alec Shah, WG’24

Unlocking Potential Through Resilience Education | Wharton WORKS

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“While this program is a challenge, it’s also a once in a lifetime opportunity. You’ll make lifelong friends, join the world’s largest business school alumni network, and learn more than you thought possible.” – Maria Devassy, WG’23

How This Tech Industry Expert Found Value in Wharton’s MBA Program for Executives

A person wearing a cycling jersey and helmet walking on a sandy path towards a beach, surrounded by beach grass and dunes. The ocean is visible in the background.
“Penn is a shockingly supportive place for an adventure like this. The plethora of resources for the whole community is staggering. If they can’t get something directly, the second-degree connections will take care of it. It surprised me in the best way possible.” – Ryan Torres W’25

Undergraduate to Cycle World’s Highest Volcano to Raise Funds for Cycling Access