After 11 years as chair of the Wharton Graduate Emeritus Society, Tom Hadlock WG66 stepped down this summer — a decision that was only a surprise in the sense that Hadlock, who worked well into his 70s, isn’t one to prioritize slowing down. With a career spent in the fast-paced world of advertising — specifically account management at agencies including BBDO, Grey, and DDB — Hadlock still applies his work ethic and people-focused philosophy to everything from hobbies to connecting with fellow alumni. The 83-year-old paused to share his thoughts on a career epiphany, a meaningful mentor, and the challenges of adjusting to retirement.
You can’t do everything alone. You have to delegate and collaborate — not because you can’t do it all, but because it builds the team better.
It’s important to listen more than talk.
A mentor isn’t someone who says, “You’re doing fine.” A mentor challenges you.
I went into the Army right out of Wharton. I learned discipline, the importance of hierarchy, and how to lead people from all kinds of backgrounds.
When I was young, I assumed you would get promoted by doing what’s expected of you. I saw people around me moving up, and I was sort of treading water. I was naive until I realized: You’ve got to take initiative and act in a way that gets results.
My mentor was a client who was very difficult. He believed in tough love. If you didn’t do something right, he would tell you and say, “You have to learn from that.” He made me a better person. I learned how to manage a challenging personality.
To build relationships with clients, I anticipated their needs. I worked with a high-end cosmetics client. I went to Saks and talked to women who were customers and competitors. She appreciated that I did my research.
I’m taking up the game of bridge. I wanted to learn a tough game, and that comes from my career, which was challenging and also had a social aspect to it.
When I retired, I wanted to stay active. I joined organizations, I’m involved with Wharton, I’m in a book club, I do a lot of Zoom calls. I heard too many stories of people who got bored, and I think their lives were a little shortened by that. Their days were not filled with interesting activities and intellectual pursuits.
The words “I’m sorry” should be in your vocabulary.
I find pleasure in helping people. If someone says they need a volunteer, I raise my hand.
Wharton opened doors for me early on, but I think in the second half of my career and my life, it’s meant even more.
The Emeritus Society has been meaningful — having a tangible impact on creating programs, bringing people together, and promoting learning. I also appreciate the camaraderie.
I’ve gotten into ChatGPT a lot. I don’t use Google very much anymore.
My biggest decision now is that I’ve got to dial back. It’s a little hard for me, because my trajectory in retirement has been forward movement. I ought to probably smell the roses a little bit more.
I want to spend more time with my wife, who says sometimes that she can’t find me or I’m on the phone or writing emails.
Take risks. Playing it safe won’t get you where you want to go.
My philosophy is to reach out. Make life more fulfilling, not just for yourself but for others.
Published as “Tom Hadlock WG66” in the Fall/Winter 2025 issue of Wharton Magazine.
