December 14, 2022, Shanghai – From academic achievements to successful professional transformation, 2022 was a memorable year for CEIBS students and alumni as they pushed themselves beyond their limits and grew stronger. As we wrap up the calendar year, we take a moment to revisit some of the most inspiring stories from around the CEIBS community.

We kicked off 2022 by talking with four CEIBS Global EMBA alumni about how their China experience helped to navigate their career development as top executives in different parts of the world. In the process, they highlighted China’s vast growth and commercial dynamism as amongst the biggest attractions for them to make the move.

In an interview with Global EMBA 2019’s Brandy Yu, the Allbirds China Managing Director spoke of her commitment in promoting sustainable lifestyles and how her time spent at CEIBS has affected her career path. Meanwhile, MBA 2016’s Asier Guevara revealed how COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world of sports marketing, and why he plans to continue his career in China.

Five years after graduating, five Global EMBA 2017 alums also took some time to reflect on their personal and professional journeys since their classroom days, and how the CEIBS experience has impacted their career.

One of our most inspirational African alums, The Hair Senta Founder and CEO Gwen Addo shared her personal story of entrepreneurship from door-to-door sales to a multinational enterprise in just 10 years.

Returning to Europe after more than 20 years in China, Polish-born Global EMBA alum Stan Zurkiewicz revealed how his China experience made him an unconventional choice for CEO of one of the world’s largest TIC (Testing, Inspection, Certification) companies and the value of the CEIBS Global EMBA; whilst Hernan Gazmuri discussed expanding the Chile-China cherry connection with his family firm.   

In a piece on three reasons why leading MNCs in China recruit MBAs, three CEIBS MBA alums reflected their global career path at multinationals AstraZeneca, Budweiser and Covestro, and why CEIBS graduates are favoured by global businesses as future leaders. Three students from the MBA Class of 2023 also shared their summer internship experience with world’s leading companies and institutions and how to get the most from it.

From an actor in Chicago to immersing himself in Shanghai, current MBA student Leo Zhu shared his story on turning life challenges into MBA application success, and admitted that vulnerability and authenticity are admired when people reveal their “beautiful mess.”

Following a long-awaited MBA 2022 graduation ceremony, some of our newest alums reflected on the highlights of their academic journey and how CEIBS continues to play a role in their lives. Meanwhile, MBAs also explored the five leadership defining locations of their learning journey that have prepared them for the leadership challenges of the future.

Click here to read more CEIBS student and alumni stories.

Writer：Effy He  Editor：Michael Thede