The shade of Locust Walk provides some relief from the record high temperatures in Philadelphia this July afternoon as the thermometer crosses 100° F.Financing the Future: Market-Based Innovations for Growth
written by Glenn Yago and Wharton faculty Franklin Allen
Financial innovation can drive social, economic, and environmental change, transforming ideas into new technologies, industries, and jobs. But when it is misunderstood or mismanaged, the consequences can be severe. In this practical, accessible book, two leading experts explain how sophisticated capital structures can enable companies and individuals to raise funding in larger amounts for longer terms and at lower cost—accomplishing tasks that would otherwise be impossible.
Financing the Future presents clear, thorough discussions of the current role of financial innovation in capitalizing businesses, industries, breakthrough technologies, housing solutions, medical treatments, and environmental projects. It also presents a full chapter of lessons learned: essential insights for stabilizing the economy and avoiding pitfalls.
Dr. Karen E. Meador, WG’02
Member, Alumni Executive Board
In every industry, the ability to draw connections between fields, translate ideas into action, and spur practically-minded innovation is crucial to lasting success. Happily, our alma mater has long been a leader in helping talented and diverse students to develop these qualities.
As students in Wharton’s Health Care Management MBA program, my classmates and I were exposed to the full spectrum of the health care system from the perspective of providers, suppliers, consumers, and payers. Within the context of health care, we learned and developed career-building skills in finance, economics, operations, decision analysis, marketing, law, policy, and ethics. Characterized by game-changing innovations in science and technology, along with evolving economic forces, human demand, and governmental and social policy, health care is a more exciting industry than ever before. Wharton prepared us not only to face the challenges presented by these changes, but also to seize the unique opportunities offered by this dynamic time. Today, as graduates, we are taking the lead to create value for the many different stakeholders across the field.
Given the School’s unparalleled depth and breadth—with 18 recognized majors and nearly 200 elective courses—Wharton graduates in every industry can share a similar story. Of course, our connection with the School doesn’t end with graduation, and one of the most valuable aspects of joining the Wharton community is the opportunity to remain engaged with the School throughout our careers.
Both on campus and through an international network of regional and affinity alumni clubs, the School offers a broad array of educational, networking, and social events for alumni throughout the year. As a member of the Alumni Executive Board, and as past president of the Wharton Club of Dallas Fort Worth, I encourage you to reengage with the School. Doing so is a wonderful way to connect with some of the most talented, interesting, and innovative leaders in your field—and to leverage the lifelong value of your Wharton education.
Sincerely,
Dr. Karen E. Meador, WG’02
Member, Alumni Executive Board
Learn about Wharton's $550 million campaign and the many
opportunities to get involved.
Learn and support
For Wharton MBA alumni who are seeking career counseling to navigate job transitions, improve networking, and further professional development, the MBA Career Management office has compiled a referral listing of external career coaches and has negotiated a discounted rate for coaching services. To view coach bios and other information go to the “Career Coach Referral List” link on the MBA Alumni Career Management website at mbacareers.wharton.upenn.edu/alumni/coach.cfm
Resume Review Service for Wharton Undergraduate Alumni
Has it been awhile since you’ve updated your resume? Are you contemplating starting a new job search? If so, career advisors Barbara Hewitt and David Ross in Penn Career Services are available to provide resume reviews for Wharton undergraduate alumni. This service is free of charge. If interested, please email Barbara Hewitt at hewittb@upenn.edu.
South Korean Prime Minister Speaks at Wharton Global Alumni Forum in Seoul The first of Wharton’s two 2010 Global Alumni Forums drew more than 300 alumni, faculty, and guests, including many noted business leaders and South Korean Prime Minister Chung Un-chan.
Read more.
Dean Thomas Robertson and BlackRock President and Director Robert Kapito, W’79, address the MBA Class of 2010.
Watch.
Wharton Executive Education Partners with World Economic Forum
To prepare some of the world’s most promising young professionals for the challenges of global leadership, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has partnered with Wharton Executive Education in a three-year program that that includes sessions at Columbia University, INSEAD, and the London Business School. Two cohorts of Global Leadership Fellows will participate in two separate programs this July on the Wharton campus: “Personal Power and Influence” and “Globalization.” WEF Fellows have already achieved a Master’s, MBA, or Ph.D., are fluent in several languages, and have an average of seven years of work experience. They work full time at the forum while participating in the three-year program.
Frontiers of Collaboration: The Evolution of Social Networking
Social networking tools are taking businesses to the frontiers of real-time communication and collaboration. The technology has the potential to make it easier to discover and share information. But the key word is "potential." During a panel at the last Supernova technology strategy conference, experts talked about what makes the current crop of services so promising—and the obstacles to further progress.
Read article.
Supernova Forum 2010: Perestroika, will be held July 29-30, 2010, on campus at Wharton in Philadelphia. This technology conference for the Network Age, hosted by Prof. Kevin Werbach, will bring together top executives, entrepreneurs, investors, academics, and policy-makers for highly interactive, ideas-driven discussions. Register at www.supernovahub.com.
Global Connections
Dean Thomas Robertson writes about connecting with alumni at Wharton’s 2010 Global Alumni Forums in Seoul and Madrid.
Read more.
Future Flights
In early June, PayPal co-founder and Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk’s other company, SpaceX, successfully sent its Falcon 9 rocket into orbit. Read coverage of the launch and its implications for the future of space travel from
Wharton Magazine and the New York Times.
Bain & Company Flexible Work Model Survey
Bain & Company recently approached Wharton and its peer business schools to see if alumni would participate in a study the company is doing on the topic of flexible work models. An email from Bain and a link to the survey appear below:
From Julie Coffman, Director, Bain & Company
Bain & Company is conducting a global study of flexible work models (e.g. part-time, leaves of absence) to better understand what employees are looking for within these models. Our goal is to help companies better understand the needs of their employees and how to implement successful programs that make a long term career sustainable. We are targeting graduates of top business programs and are inviting Wharton alumni to participate.
- The survey will take between 8-15 minutes, and will need to be taken in one sitting. We recognize it is a bit long, but encourage you to complete the full survey to ensure we get comprehensive data.
- Note that we are looking for perspectives from both men and women.
Thank you in advance for your time and contribution to our research. We look forward to publishing and sharing our findings with you! If you have any questions or comments about this research, please contact us at flexsurvey@bain.com
Austin Business Journal announces Frank Coppersmith, WG’05, as CFO of the Year (for small, private companies). (Jun 17, 2010)
Forbes.com features a column by David Collier, M’96, WG’97, on challenges facing the biotechnology industry. (Jun 16, 2010)
Pacific Business News profiles John Leong, W’00, as the 2010 Bank of Hawaii Community Leader of the Year. (Jun 18, 2010)
Wharton MBA Admissions Update
