Wharton Stories: Leadership

Graduating students in cap and gown approach a stage with Wharton logo on a blue backdrop.
“At Wharton, I gained skills in finance and leadership,” says Michael Greer, WG’21, CEO of ArtsFund. “But, just as importantly, I built a network of people across industries: tech, aerospace, venture capital, government.”

From Dancer to CEO: The Impact Journey of a Wharton MBA

A vintage ballroom with high ceilings, decorated with garlands and chandeliers. There's a central fountain and arched windows lining the walls.
“Strategy and finance matter, but alignment around a common goal is the secret sauce — especially for an organization that’s as dynamic as PHS,” says Matt Rader, WG’11, President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS).

Inside the Philadelphia Flower Show With a Wharton Alumnus

A small group of people dressed in formal attire posing on a staircase.
CarboWells is the recipient of this year’s Y-Prize competition, cosponsored by the Mack Institute for Innovation Management and Venture Lab in partnership with Penn Engineering and the Penn Center for Innovation. The team includes Wharton undergraduates Yash Iyer, W’29, and Bhuranyu Mahajan W’29.

CarboWells Wins 2026 Y-Prize

Penn athletics coaches sit and confer at tables in a busy classroom.
“Only at Penn can we combine the expertise of faculty from the nation’s top-rated business school with coaches at the forefront of Division I athletics,” says PAWLA Director Amy Coffey. “This collaboration allows our coaches to explore tangible research and practices that inspire stronger performance outcomes.”

Penn Athletics Wharton Leadership Academy (PAWLA) Hosts Annual Coaches Workshop

A hand holding four Peruvian banknotes of different denominations against a plain background.
“I realized that no matter your field of interest — whether you are passionate about STEM, arts, law, or literature — in a globalized economy, knowing how to manage your finances and monetize your skills is essential. That’s how FinWise was born.” – Chelsea Rojas

Expanding Financial Education in Latin America

Photo of the Lauder-Fischer Hall with benches and trees in front of it

Lauder Internship Funding Powers Student Impact in Startups and Emerging Markets

Rothbard and Nurmohamed with Wharton EMBA students enjoying cake after completing an electric car simulation (Credit: Serenity Lee)
“This course anchors Orientation Week — a critical period that sets expectations, builds momentum, and begins the process of transformation,” says Deputy Dean Nancy Rothbard.

Transforming Leadership and Teamwork: Strategic Success in Wharton’s Executive MBA

Julie Zhao, WG’25, and Clement Lee, WG’24, in Antarctica (Credit: Matthew Wellens)
“That wasn’t just a Wharton highlight—it was a life highlight. It was a leadership journey that made me see myself differently,” says Julie Zhao, WG’25, of her experience in Wharton’s Leadership Venture in Antarctica.

Conquering Motherhood, a Startup, and Seven Continents at Wharton

A group of people in colorful kayaks float on a calm river surrounded by leafless trees on an overcast day. The paddlers are wearing jackets and hats, suggesting cool weather, and are split into two groups facing each other near the riverbank.
A Legal Studies & Business Ethics course takes students into nature to test their leadership and teamwork skills.

Wharton in the Wild

A large group of people in matching Wharton School t-shirts posing in front of a building sign that reads
“Don’t wait to be chosen—lead where you are. Wharton is full of stages. Sometimes you choreograph the routine. Sometimes you run the show. Either way, the spotlight’s big enough for all of us.” – Kelsey Spencer WG25

Leadership Evolution: From Dance to Design Thinking