The best opportunities at work do not always go to the most qualified person.

Judd Kessler, Wharton professor of business economics and public policy, explores the hidden rules that determine who gets scarce workplace resources, from a manager’s attention to high-profile assignments and professional development. He explains how employees can better navigate these systems and how leaders can design rules that are more equitable and effective.

The conversation also highlights “Lucky by Design: How to Navigate Hidden Markets,” a Wharton Executive Education course taught by Kessler that applies these ideas to real workplace decisions.

Wharton Online Author Series: Lucky by Design, How to Navigate Hidden Markets, by Judd Kessler. Enroll now - Click to learn more.

Comments

New This Week

When AI Makes Financial Decisions
Podcast

When AI Makes Financial Decisions

October 13, 2026 • 14 min listen

Winston Dou, faculty director of the Wharton AI in Finance Lab, explains how AI agents could improve financial decisions while creating new risks for markets, competition, and regulation.

What Does It Mean to Be ‘Happy’ at Work?

What Does It Mean to Be ‘Happy’ at Work?

October 13, 2026 • 7 min read

In an excerpt from his new book, ‘The Insider Advantage,’ Wharton’s Matthew Bidwell examines what provides a fulfilling career, as well as which jobs have the highest and lowest job satisfaction.

How AI Planning Could Create Financial Market Fragility

How AI Planning Could Create Financial Market Fragility

October 13, 2026 • 11 min read

New Wharton research shows how informed AI speculators could coordinate to manipulate positive-feedback investors.