Kenna Baudin W'98
What did you study at Penn and when did you graduate?
I graduated in 1998 with a concentration in Management from Wharton.
What were you involved with as an undergraduate?
In addition to Wharton Women, I was part of Black Wharton, Christian Fellowship, and Penn Gospel Choir. I was also a BFS Scholar, and I tutored in statistics, Spanish, and math. One of my favorite experiences was studying abroad for a semester in Spain.
What was your favorite part about Penn/Wharton?
I think my favorite part was having the chance to really learn about yourself and grow into who you are. I actually met my husband at Penn when I was a sophomore! Also, the Penn network is truly amazing. Building relationships with the people you meet is so important as an undergrad to create more options for yourself in the future, and Penn alum have definitely played a big role in my career journey.
What has your career journey looked like?
I started out in management consulting with the BCG, and then I leveraged what I learned from consulting when I shifted into private equity at Solera Capital. I got my MBA from Harvard Business School, and funny enough, the person I was assigned to sit next to was someone who I knew from Penn! I went back into private equity, and I ended up getting a call from a Penn alum to join Egon Zehnder, a leading talent advisory and senior-level executive search firm. Now, I am Partner at Egon Zehnder and serve as Head of US Private Equity.
What has been your proudest accomplishment of your career?
My proudest professional accomplishment is being the first Black female partner at Egon Zehnder. But I’m even more proud of my personal accomplishments, which include being married to my husband for 20 years and having 2 beautiful children.
How has being a woman has affected your career?
I would say that there are definitely times that I’ve been the only woman in the room, but I think the biggest thing I learned was to show up as an owner, not a renter. You were put there for a reason, so when you show up, act like you belong because you do.
What is the best/worst career advice you have received?
The best career advice I received was that especially in undergrad, look to do things that give you many options, and set a solid foundation for whatever you want to pursue in the future. In terms of the worst advice, I think it would be listening to someone else if they tell you that something is not for you. You should make the decision for you, don’t let what someone else says stop you from doing something you enjoy.
How do you balance your personal life with your professional development?
I like to think of it as work-life integration, not work-life balance. Especially as you take on more higher-level positions, integrating work into your personal life helps make the work portion less of a burden.
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
I love to do yoga – I’ve done it everyday for the past 20 years. It’s my favorite form of stress-relief, meditation, and simply taking time for myself, which is so important.
Do you have any final advice for our members?
Make sure you enjoy your time at Penn, because it doesn’t last forever. Make good memories, lasting friendships, and make the most of your college experience. Also, don’t get intimidated by other people – you got into Penn because you deserve to be here, so take advantage of everything that Penn has to offer.
Questions for Kenna? Feel free to contact her at kenna.wyllie.wh98@wharton.upenn.edu.