Wharton Stories: Leadership

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

A stylized

Y-Prize 2024-25 Finalists Announced

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 

A person smiling while holding a bottle of
“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

A group portrait of six individuals posing together, all dressed in a variety of stylish outfits. The image features a logo reading
“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