Wharton Stories: Entrepreneurship

Bo Zhao walking with her toddler daughter in a stroller on a stone path through greenery. Credit: Cham Zhao
“Wharton doesn’t just provide you with knowledge for two years—it gives you a lifetime of resources and connections that continue to support you long after graduation,” says Bo Zhao, WG’18.

Wharton MBA Exec Mom is Revolutionizing the Baby Gear Industry

Sarela Herrada, WG'25, and her cofounder/husband Matt Cohen in a farmer’s field in Peru. Credit: SIMPLi
“Wharton has broadened my perspective, strengthened my knowledge, and challenged me to think differently,” says Sarela Herrada, WG’25.

Balancing Entrepreneurship, School, and Parenthood While Scaling a Global Business

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“Somehow, over the generations, everyone has young kids, and somehow, everybody comes out just fine.” – Clement Pappas, WG’09

A Brand Built by Fathers and Sons

A diverse group of people smiling on a sailing boat holding a flag. The ocean is visible in the background, suggesting a group adventure or expedition at sea.
“Most people on the venture had never been onboard a tall ship, much less navigated one. I wanted to challenge myself to work with a new group of people under conditions I have never encountered before.” – Claudia Olsson, WG’24

Navigating Tall Ships, Entrepreneurship in Wharton’s EMBA Program

Four people posing together on an urban street with trees and buildings in the background.
“My advice for prospective EMBA students is to focus on relationship-building as opposed to grades. When you go to your ten-year Wharton reunion, people remember the time you spent together and what you gave back to your network.” – Anand Raghavan, WG’13

From Engineer to Entrepreneur: Wharton’s Powerful Career Impact 

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

Two people sitting at a table in an office setting with a digital tablet in front of them. One person is wearing a Wharton shirt.
“My investors have told me that after I joined Wharton, they saw a difference in my confidence and ability to communicate the business plan.” – Qing Wang, PhD, WG’23

Wharton Empowering Entrepreneurs

A Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania sign is displayed prominently, with palm trees and a bridge in the background.
“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

Five dogs of various breeds joyfully running across a grassy field with green trees in the background.
“Being surrounded by people that I considered highly successful and ambitious motivated me. When I entered that environment, I realized it was something I had been searching for all along.” -CJ Gottuso, WG’21

Different Needs for Different Breeds: How These Wharton Alumni are Disrupting the Dog Food Industry

Paul sitting in a bar with sake
“I left Wharton a CEO, and I’m not the only one. We’ve been brought into these positions because we now have the confidence to embrace our identities as leaders.”

MD & CEO: How the Wharton EMBA Program Helped This ER Doctor Launch an Award-Winning Luxury Sake Brand