A Fireside Chat with Ken Wilcox and Karl Ulrich: Lessons from Leading and L

Join us for a special joint event hosted by the Wharton Club of Northern California, the Chicago Booth San Francisco Bay Area Alumni Community, and theKellogg Alumni Club of San Francisco and Silicon Valley at the historic and beautiful private club - The Metropolitan Club.

This evening features a candid fireside chat between Ken Wilcox, former CEO of Silicon Valley Bank and author of The China Business Conundrum, and Professor Karl Ulrich, Wharton’s CIBC Professor of Entrepreneurship and e-Commerce.

Ken will share insights from his decades leading Silicon Valley Bank and building its China presence, while Karl — who has advised companies and taught extensively on innovation and entrepreneurship in both the U.S. and China — will offer his perspective as a scholar, innovator, and practitioner.

Together, they’ll explore:

• What it really takes for Western companies to succeed in China
• How innovation and entrepreneurship differ across cultures
• Lessons from two decades of U.S.–China business collaboration
• The evolving future of global leadership and innovation

Enjoy a lively discussion, network with fellow alumni from three top business schools, and connect over drinks and appetizers following the program.

Date: Thursday, November 20th, 2025

Time: 5:30-7:30pm PDT

Location: The Metropolitan Club, 640 Sutter Street, San Francisco

Tickets: $35, no refunds.

No. available tickets: 30

Drinks and appetizers will be provided

Venue Information

The Metropolitan Club in San Francisco has been a prominent institution since 1915, originally founded as the Woman’s Athletic Club of San Francisco. Located at 640 Sutter Street near Union Square, the Club is housed in a striking Italian Renaissance–inspired building designed by the architectural firm Bliss & Faville.

Over time, the Club evolved from its original athletic-and-social mission into a full-service private members’ club offering dining, lodging, wellness, and event facilities—all while preserving its historic character. Its listing on the National Register of Historic Places recognizes both its architectural significance and its role in the advancement of women’s social and athletic organization in the early 20th century.

Seats are limited — register early to join this unique cross-school conversation at the intersection of leadership, innovation, and global business.

Contact: Q2hhbmRlcmMyMDA4IHwgZ21haWwgISBjb20=

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