The Power of Storytelling

Telling your story has become an integral part of business and leadership. Whether you are pitching to investors, managing a team, or looking for a new job, people want to know who you are and understand your perspective. Being able to clearly and succinctly communicate your thoughts can help you influence others and become a more effective and efficient leader.

Join us for an hour-long session with Wharton alumnae, Monisha Toteja and Alissa Finerman (moderator), to discuss the goals of storytelling, the key elements of story, and how to adapt your story to your audience to better influence and improve outcomes.  

Monisha Toteja G09 WG09 has nearly 20 years of professional experience and focuses on empowering executives, managers, and rising stars to communicate effectively. She works across industries to assist leaders in improving their executive presence, engaging key stakeholders, communicating through difficult situations, creating a pitch for potential clients or investors, and boosting their overall communication skills.

Monisha possesses a solid background in strategic thinking, audience analysis, and structured communication. She taught Communication at The Wharton School for eight years and is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council. Monisha holds an MBA from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, an MA in International Studies from The Lauder Institute, University of Pennsylvania, and a BA in German Studies from Duke University. She speaks German fluently, Hindi conversationally and has a basic knowledge of Spanish.

Alissa Finerman WG98 is an Executive Coach, Gallup Certified Strengths® Coach, facilitator, speaker and author of the book, “Living in Your Top 1%.”​ She works with teams, executives, managers and entrepreneurs to help them leverage their strengths, uncover blind spots, increase team engagement levels and build partnerships to achieve their goals. Alissa holds an MBA from the Wharton School and a BA from the University of California, Berkeley. She received her coach training from New York University, Results Coaching and Gallup Strengths Coaching Program.

Alissa’s business background includes ten years in finance at Credit Suisse, a top-tier global investment bank; IPC, a former Goldman Sachs portfolio company serving the financial industry; Guggenheim Capital, a boutique investment management firm and five years in commercial real estate.

Alissa was an All-American tennis player at the University of California, Berkeley and competed on the Women’s Professional Tennis Circuit, achieving a doubles world ranking of No. 202. She has been ranked No. 1 in the USTA National Women’s Doubles in various age groups. In 2014, she represented the USA and won the ITF World Team Championships Women’s 45.

Alissa develops coaching programs and works with individuals, teams and companies to motivate people to think bigger and redefine their potential by leveraging strengths. To learn more please visit www.AlissaFinerman.com