Michael A. Persaud (W '90)
Michael A. Persaud is a Portfolio Manager and Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley in Beverly Hills, CA.
Before joining Morgan Stanley, Michael served as President at MUSE Communications, a Hollywood-based advertising agency. Additionally, Michael co-founded the brand marketing agency, Persaud Brothers, where he also served as president and advised C-suite executives of several Fortune 500 companies and brands. Michael earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and a B.S. in Finance from the Wharton School of Business at Penn. He resides in California with his two daughters.
Q: What is your favorite memory from Penn?
While Penn is known for its academic excellence, my favorite memories are more on the social front. Some of the greatest hits:
HEY DAY: the energy, the chaos, the class unity — unforgettable.
WALNUT WALK DURING SENIOR WEEK: do they still do that? It was a legendary send-off.
PENN RELAYS: the excitement and pride around campus during that weekend was next-level.
MY FRATERNITY’S PARTIES AT BODEK LOUNGE AND OUR HOUSE: some truly epic nights.
CASTLE PARTIES: IYKYK.
Q: What was your favorite place to hang out while at Penn?
The lounge at DuBois College House. It was a place to unwind, catch up and feel grounded. A real sense of community lived there.
Q: What is one lesson from your time at Penn that you would share with Annenberg students?
Make Penn work for you. There’s no single path here — so explore, ask questions, build relationships across schools and communities. The more you stretch, the more you’ll grow — not just academically, but personally and professionally.
Q: What has inspired you to connect with Annenberg?
Although I currently work in finance, the bulk of my career has been rooted in media and communications. I’ve built a strong network and gained insights that I believe can help propel the next generation of leaders. I want to share that and contribute to Annenberg’s growth and future impact.
Q: Is there anything else you would share with the Annenberg community?
As a Wharton grad, I’d say this: never underestimate the power of communication. Strategy and numbers matter, but being able to connect, persuade and lead with clarity is what sets top performers apart. Annenberg gives you that edge. Lean into it, and you’ll be ahead of the curve no matter what field you pursue.
For more information about how you can contribute to Annenberg’s advancement efforts, please contact director of development Eliza Walmsley, esw1@upenn.edu.
