If you had told me two years ago that I’d end my Wharton journey as Co-President of the Innovation & Design Club and Co-Chair of Operations for the Whitney M. Young Conference, I would’ve laughed—probably mid-choreographing an eight-count in my kitchen. But here I am, closing out this chapter not only with new skills and stories but with a new sense of self as a leader.

Let me rewind a bit.

The Audacity to Step Up

My leadership journey at Wharton started not in a boardroom or a classroom, but in a rehearsal room. It was the Talent Show for incoming first years, and Cluster 4 needed a choreographer. I had dance experience, and—let’s be honest—I also had opinions. So I stepped up. What began as a “sure, why not?” turned into my first real lesson in collaborative leadership.

I vividly remember one night in rehearsal my cohort mate and a U.S. veteran looked me square in the eye and said, “You’re leading this—own it.” No pressure, right?

But he was right. I was holding back, trying to make everyone happy, when what the group needed was someone to lead with clarity, energy, and just enough Beyoncé to keep it fun. That moment was a shift: I learned that leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about showing up, setting the tone, and sometimes yelling “One more time from the top!”

That dance performance didn’t just win us applause—it unlocked something in me.

Leading Where You Are 

After the talent show, I leaned in. I became the VP of Student Life for Cluster 4, making sure our group not only had a social calendar, but also a sense of community. I joined AAMBAA, where I found space to lead and serve alongside Black peers who inspired me daily. I got involved in the Innovation & Design Club, where the visionaries felt like home.

Over the next two years, I was a Teaching Assistant, Admissions Fellow, Teaching Fellow, RISE Fellow, and even the Choreographer for Follies, our annual comedy show. Balancing all these roles taught me the less glamorous (but very real) side of leadership: time management, setting boundaries, and asking for help when your calendar looks like a Sudoku puzzle gone wrong.

I learned that leadership isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s quietly editing someone’s pitch deck at midnight. It’s holding space for a classmate to vent after a tough interview. It’s knowing when to say “yes,” but also when to say, “Not this time—I need rest.”

Stretching Myself 

While Wharton gave me opportunities to lead inside the classroom and on campus, some of the biggest growth came when I pushed myself beyond my comfort zone. I traveled to Peru—not only for vacation, but also to test my endurance and resilience. I expanded my global footprint and cultural awareness in places like Turkey and Japan, gaining a fresh perspective on collaboration, creativity, and humility.

I also completed the Leadership Intensive with the Fire Department of New York City. Yes, I ran drills with actual firefighters. It was exhausting, humbling, and unforgettable. There’s nothing quite like pulling a hose in full gear to teach you about grit, trust, and leading when your tank feels empty.

From Creative Chaos to Strategic Calm

My second year brought bigger leadership roles—and bigger growth. I became Co-President of the Innovation & Design Club, one of the few clubs that bridges the MBA world with graduate students from engineering and design. Leading this club meant thinking beyond our own echo chamber. How do you bring business students and design thinkers into the same room—and actually get them to listen to each other?

Spoiler: Snacks help. But more importantly, so does curiosity and creative event planning.

I also had the honor of serving as Co-Chair of Operations for Whitney M. Young Jr. Memorial Conference, Wharton’s premier conference celebrating Black excellence in business. Coordinating logistics, managing teams, and seeing the vision come to life—it was a full-circle moment. The girl who started as a choreographer now had a seat at the table, and I didn’t take it lightly.

Being a leader here didn’t mean always being the loudest in the room. It meant asking the right questions, empowering others to shine, and building systems that would last beyond me. 

Lessons from the Dance Floor

So, what did I learn about leadership at Wharton?

1. Clarity beats charisma. Sure, a well-timed joke or Beyoncé reference goes a long way—but nothing beats clearly communicating a vision and next steps.
2. Collaboration isn’t always clean. People bring different styles, skills, and energy levels. Leadership means finding rhythm in the chaos—and not being afraid to switch the tempo.
3. You don’t have to do it alone. Some of my best ideas came from people who saw things I didn’t. Leading with vulnerability and openness made all the difference.
4. Your voice matters. Whether in a meeting, a rehearsal, or a casual chat over Pret, I found that people remember how you made them feel—and how you made them feel seen.
5. Joy is a strategy. Leading with joy isn’t frivolous—it’s powerful. It builds trust, encourages participation, and makes the hard days a little lighter.

A Final Bow

As I reflect on this whirlwind of an MBA experience, I’m still surprised by how much I’ve grown. Wharton didn’t hand me a leadership manual—it handed me opportunities, challenges, late-night emails, last-minute pivots, and brilliant peers who made me better. And through it all, I found my voice—not just as someone who can lead a dance number, but as someone who can lead people.

One of the most meaningful honors I received during my time here was being awarded the Whitney M. Young Fellowship—a recognition that affirmed the impact of my leadership and the values I strive to carry with me. It reminded me that leadership isn’t just about titles or tasks; it’s about legacy, intention, and lifting as you climb.

If you’re reading this as a prospective or incoming student, here’s my advice: raise your hand. Say yes (then figure it out). 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

Posted: June 3, 2025