Leadership Weekend

Leadership Weekend, held in Chapel Hill on February 16 & 17, 2024, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and community of UNC Kenan-Flagler through a series of engaging and interactive activities.

This in-person event allows you to delve into the UNC Kenan-Flagler experience, forging connections with fellow future MBA candidates, participating in small-group sessions and workshops, and enjoying social events designed to showcase the warmth and inclusivity of our community. Throughout Leadership Weekend, you will gain valuable insights into the UNC Kenan-Flagler experience, connect with current students, and network with our esteemed faculty and staff. Take advantage of the chance to explore Chapel Hill, and discover what makes UNC Kenan-Flagler a hub of leadership and collaboration within the realm of business education.

Registration for Leadership Weekend is now closed.

2024 Keynote Speaker: Matt Pirrello, MBA ’21

Matt Pirrello stands wearing a blue suit. He is smiling and has his arms crossed. Matt Pirrello, MBA ’21, is a Senior Brand Manager at Procter & Gamble, where he guides brand strategy and collaborates with cross-functional teams to achieve collective success. His inspiring journey encapsulates resilience and unwavering dedication. As an Air Force ROTC cadet, Matt faced adversity when a 2009 parachuting accident resulted in the loss of his right leg. However, his determination propelled him through a yearlong recovery, ultimately returning to service.

More about Matt

Despite the challenges of pursuing his dream of becoming a pilot, Matt excelled as the team captain of the 2011 Air Force Warrior Games Team, winning gold, silver, and bronze medals. Transitioning to civilian life, he contributed to counterterrorism efforts in Afghanistan before embarking on a successful business career. Pursuing an MBA at UNC Kenan-Flagler, Matt’s leadership extended to roles as vice president and president of various clubs, emphasizing mentorship and community service.

Matt’s resilience, commitment to service, and embrace of diverse experiences continue to define his extraordinary journey. Currently, Matt resides in Cincinnati, OH, with his wife, Emily, and their one-year-old son, Theodore.

2024 Leadership Weekend Agenda

Friday, February 16

12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.	Check-in
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.	Welcome Lunch and Keynote address Keynote speaker: Matthew Pirrello (MBA '21), Senior Brand Manager, Proctor & Gamble Matt Pirrello, MBA '21, is a Senior Brand Manager at Procter & Gamble, where he guides brand strategy and collaborates with cross-functional teams to achieve collective success. His inspiring journey encapsulates resilience and unwavering dedication. As an Air Force ROTC cadet, Matt faced adversity when a 2009 parachuting accident resulted in the loss of his right leg. However, his determination propelled him through a yearlong recovery, ultimately returning to service.
2:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.	Breakout sessions Event attendees will be divided into two teams for a more personalized experience during these interactive workshops. Each session will be 60 minutes in length with a 15-minute refreshment break from 3:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Applied Imrpov Workshop Facilitator: Greg Hohn, Clinical Assistant Professor of Management & Corporate Communication At its basic level, applied improv is taking concepts, ideas, and techniques from the world of improvisation and applying them to business and beyond. You'll have the chance to learn key skills from one of the most popular MBA elective courses, including communication, collaboration, innovation, problem-solving, and leadership. Solving Real Business Challenges for Real Companies Facilitators: Professor Karin Cochran, Executive Director of STAR Program and Dr. Julia Kruse, Director of STAR Program Student Teams Achieving Results (STAR) is an experiential learning course for first year MBA students who address complex business challenges for corporate partners. Students develop leadership, problem solving, and teamwork skills while developing recommendations in the semester long course. Join the STAR leadership in an interactive session as they bring some examples of STAR projects to life.
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.	Welcome Happy Hour at B-Side Lounge Location: 200 N Greensboro St., Carrboro 27510 Join us for a happy hour at B-Side Lounge to connect with fellow attendees, as well as MBA staff and students to wrap up day one. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Saturday, February 17

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.	Breakfast and networking Connect with fellow admitted or prospective students over breakfast.
10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.	Mock Class Session
11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.	MBA Student Leaders Panel Moderator: Tyler Vonderhaar (MBA ’24), MBA Student Association President Panelists: (MBA ’25) MBA Student Association President-Elect, Brett Brewster (MBA ’24), Consulting Club President Hear from current student leaders about their MBA experience and how they have sharpened their leadership skills throughout the program. Bring your questions – our panelists are ready to discuss why they chose UNC Kenan-Flagler, the Full-Time MBA experience, or anything else on your mind.
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.	Lunch with Staff and Current MBA Students
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.	Optional Post-Event Networking: UNC Men's Basketball Game Watch Party After Leadership Weekend wraps up, join the MBA Admissions team and current Full-Time MBA students to watch the UNC Men's Basketball team take on Virginia Tech at an on-campus viewing party.

Registration for Leadership Weekend is now closed.

In other news: March 2024

Faculty awards, celebrating Thomas Kenan III, and more highlights from the UNC Kenan-Flagler community

Turning tassels toward the future

Undergraduate, MBA and PhD members of UNC Kenan-Flagler’s Class of 2023 look back — and look forward to what comes next.

On her own terms

Moving from Nigeria to the U.S. wasn't easy for Awele Asianah (BSBA '23), but she quickly found her personal and professional footing at UNC Kenan-Flagler.