Thursday, October 30, 2025
Monisha Toteja
Book Talk with Wharton Professor Judd Kessler
Thursday 10/30/25, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Event Overview
The Wharton SoCal Alumni Club will host Wharton economist Judd Kessler to discuss his new book, “Lucky by Design: The Hidden Economics You Need to Get More of What You Want.”
In Lucky by Design, Judd pulls back the curtain on the hidden markets that determine who gets what in everyday life. Unlike familiar markets, where what we get depends on how much we’re willing to pay, hidden markets do not rely on prices: you can’t buy your way into a better position. Instead, what you receive hinges on the rules by which the market operates, and the choices you make in them.
What are the tricks for getting reservations at the hottest restaurants, live-event tickets, job offers, and spots in elite preschools and selective colleges? What about finding a soulmate on a dating app or receiving a life-saving organ transplant? Judd has spent a career studying and designing these very markets. Now, he reveals insights about how they work, how to maneuver in them, and how to tip the scales in your favor.
Join us for an interactive discussion with Judd and stay for some mingling. A copy of the book is included in the ticket price!
When: Thursday, October 30, 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Santa Monica. Address will be provided by email before the event to registered ticket holders.
Food: Light refreshments will be served.
Cost: Ticket price is $25 for members or $35 for non-members. Members may bring 1 guest at member price. Ticket price includes a copy of the book. Tickets are non-refundable.
NO WALK-INS.
Hosts & Contact info: Monisha Toteja, [email protected], Sarah Chandler, [email protected]
About the Author / Speaker:
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Judd Kessler is the inaugural Howard Marks Endowed Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. For his work on organ allocation, Kessler was named one of the “30 under 30” in Law and Policy by Forbes. He is an award-winning teacher whose courses are popular among undergraduates, MBAs, PhD students, and executives, as well as a sought-after speaker. His research and writing have been featured in leading media, such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Scientific American, Harvard Business Review, Politico, NPR, Hidden Brain, and Freakonomics, among others. He received a bachelor’s degree, MA, and PhD from Harvard University and an MPhil from the University of Cambridge. At Harvard, Kessler trained with Nobel laureate Alvin E. Roth, one of the founders of market design, the area in which he has been conducting research for the past fifteen years.
About the Hosts:
Monisha Toteja G’09 WG09
Monisha Toteja is the CEO of Dynamic Speaking, where she advises, coaches, and speaks about communication challenges at work. She has over 20 years of professional experience, and focuses on empowering executives and rising stars to communicate effectively. She works across industries to assist leaders in improving their executive presence, confidence, and strategic communication, including navigating difficult situations, engaging key stakeholders, and creating a pitch for investors or clients. Monisha taught communication at The Wharton School for eight years and is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council. She holds an MBA in Management from The Wharton School, an MA in International Studies from The Joseph H. Lauder Institute of Management and International Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, and a BA in German Studies from Duke University. Monisha speaks German fluently, Hindi conversationally, and has a basic knowledge of Spanish.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/monisha-toteja/
Sarah Chandler WG10
Sarah is the founder and principal consultant of Purposeful Impact, a consulting organization supporting leaders to increase equity in education through strategic planning and implementation, talent management, and leadership development. She has served as a strategic advisor, consultant, board member, and executive team member with mission-driven organizations across public and private sectors over the past two decades. Sarah has an MBA from The Wharton School, and is an Aspen-Pahara Fellow and Coro Women in Leadership Fellow.
www.linkedin.com/in/sarahchandlerconsulting