This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Leadership in the Business World (LBW), a three-week program hosted by the Wharton Global Youth Program at the University of Pennsylvania. LBW brings together future leaders from around the globe to explore business, entrepreneurship, leadership, and communication in one of the world’s top undergraduate business environments. I feel honored to have spent my summer alongside such a talented and diverse cohort. This was a great experience that deepened my understanding of leadership, challenged me intellectually, and connected me with peers and mentors who I know will remain a valued part of my network.
Wharton’s Legacy and the LBW Program
Founded in 1881, Wharton was the world’s first collegiate business school and continues to set the standard for undergraduate business education. Its mission — to generate economic and social value through rigorous business training — is deeply woven into the LBW experience. Since 1999, LBW has brought students from six continents and nearly every state to the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. It is built to introduce rising high school seniors to Wharton’s academic approach and entrepreneurial spirit. Each year, LBW admits around 120 students out of a highly competitive pool from around the world for each session, creating a dynamic learning environment filled with ambitious and intellectually curious students.
Leadership, Teamwork, and Top-Tier Instruction
LBW placed a strong emphasis on leadership development, communication, and teamwork, with daily activities built around case studies, group projects, and dynamic discussion. Each of the teams for our group project worked under the guidance of a Wharton undergraduate mentor who challenged us to lead from different positions — sometimes as organizers, other times as facilitators or critical thinkers. Our days were filled with lectures from Wharton professors and guest speakers. These sessions gave us an inside look at the core disciplines of business, including strategy, finance, marketing, and operations. But just as importantly, they taught us how effective teams function and how strong leadership is built on clarity, empathy, and purpose.
Beyond the Classroom: Unforgettable Experiences
LBW wasn’t just about lectures and group work. Our cohort also had the chance to bond through some great extracurricular activities — including a weekend trip to Washington, D.C., a day at Hershey Park, and cheering on the Philadelphia Phillies during a home game. After class, evening on-campus enrichment events like karaoke, craft projects, and performers, created space for more relaxed interactions. These experiences helped solidify friendships, and the memories we made together became just as important as the coursework itself.
Our Final Project: A Case Study in M&A
The culmination of the program was a team case competition where each group analyzed a real-world merger or acquisition. My team chose to examine e.l.f. Beauty’s acquisition of Rhode, the skincare brand founded by Hailey Bieber. We conducted a detailed analysis of the strategic reasoning behind the acquisition, the brand equity at play, and the financial implications. After winning first place in our group round, we moved on to the finals, where we presented our findings to a panel of judges including Wharton faculty and industry professionals. I’m proud to share that we finished 2nd overall out of 24 teams — a rewarding recognition of our hard work and collaboration.
The People and the Takeaways
What made LBW truly unforgettable were the people. I had the privilege of learning alongside students from every corner of the U.S. and the around the world, each bringing unique perspectives and passions to the program. Whether we were debating a business case or simply walking to grab a bite to eat, I was constantly learning — not just about business, but about culture, motivation, and what drives people to innovate. LBW sharpened my communication skills, boosted my confidence, and reinforced my belief in the value of surrounding yourself with people who challenge and inspire you.
Building Toward This Moment
Looking back, I can see how my previous summer experiences helped prepare me for LBW. From my entrepreneurship internship at Timber Age Systems to the BOLD@Olin program at WashU, and the launch of my own startup and book, each step pushed me further into the world of business and leadership. These experiences didn’t just make my application stronger — they gave me the mindset and tools to make the most of every moment at Wharton.
I left LBW with deeper insight into business, a clearer sense of who I want to be as a leader, and a network of peers who share a common drive to build, solve, and lead. I’m excited to keep building on what I’ve learned — and to keep sharing my journey with my communities.
Read my reflections on the Notre Dame Leadership Seminar “Business: What is it Good For”, here.
Read my reflections on the “Business of Leadership Development” program I attended last summer at WashU St Louis’ Olin Business School, here.