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Employee Interview
24
Employee Interview
“Employee Interview” is a new section launched together by CEIBS’
President's Office and TheLINK with the aim of fostering a spirit of employee
involvement and engagement, promoting communication between
departments, and discovering the richness of the CEIBS spirit through
interviews and reports on employees who have contributed greatly to the
school during their years of service.
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Employee Interview
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Employee Interview
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Conscientiousness
is a Culture
By Lei Na
A
s the first class coordinator (CC) at the CEIBS an HR management course at the Hilton. Professor Keith
Beijing campus, Zhou Yi has remained in Goodall flew in from London and arrived in Beijing at 12
her post for more than 20 years. During her midnight to teach. That day, a heavy snow fell in Beijing.
interview with TheLINK, Zhou talked about Teaching assistant (TA) Zhou Yi and office manager Yang
her job interview at CEIBS when she couldn’t find the office Xiaoyan didn’t have the classroom arranged in accordance
building with the CEIBS logo on it and the many days with the professor’s requirements until after 1 a.m. Snow
she spent at the Hilton, Dayuan Hotel, Raycom Infotech lay thick on the roads. Zhou Yi was supposed to take a taxi
Park, and CEIBS’ new Beijing campus. Zhou’s memories back home, with the fare reimbursed by the school. Instead,
are simple, yet pleasant. The most remarkable is that she she made a decision to sleep in the classroom. It turned out
and her colleagues have always warmed up to each other, that it would take her an hour to get home. Fearing that she
moulded each other, and stuck together. As Huffington might fail to get back by 6 or 7 the following morning, she
Post founder Arianna Huffington once said, “Your first borrowed a blanket and quilt from the hotel and slept in the
100 employees define your company culture”. If the first classroom for four or five hours.”
100 employees each contributed to CEIBS’ culture in Subsequently, the author of the book went on to
different ways, Zhou has contributed conscientiousness and conclude that “CEIBS employees have invested far too much
faithfulness. of themselves in order to get courses in their best shape.”
An earlier book about the history of CEIBS includes the When we discussed the story more than 20 years later,
following story: Zhou confessed that this happened a lot during CEIBS’
“In the winter of 1997, the CEIBS Beijing office hosted start-up days. These days, she says she is accustomed to
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going to bed early and getting up early, but she will be What has your time at CEIBS been like?
online at midnight if there is work to be done. I first connected with CEIBS in 1997 after graduating
She also shared with me some common sayings among from Beijing Normal University. At that time, I attended
CCs. “One who doesn’t have nightmares is not a good TA,” an admissions event held by CEIBS at the Wangfu Hotel
Zhou says. “Many of the TAs are obsessive and can’t relax in Beijing, where I exchanged business cards with the head
until they’ve counted materials at least five times. The class of CEIBS’ Beijing office. She soon contacted me and asked
is like a play. As stage managers, we ensure that sound, if I was interested in a position there. The position was as
projection, and lighting equipment is well placed. CCs have to a TA for the EMBA class of ’96. Following the interview, I
be a jack-of-all-trades, from organising classes to distributing decided to take the job. That’s how I came to CEIBS.
materials. A myriad of details are handled in a standardised The class of ’96 was very special. Its members –
way with excellence and careful attention.” government leaders and top executives from various
Back in 1998, a Dutch colleague told Zhou, “What state-ow ned enterprises and foreign companies –
is professionalism? It’s when you wear a suit with light couldn’t fly to Shanghai to take courses every month. So
makeup, shake hands with students, and call them by name the school gave them special permission to take courses
on their first day here.” She has since kept up the tradition in Beijing. In June 1998, the class of ’96 graduated. The
and passed it on to more colleagues. I think that is probably teacher who hired me asked me if I wanted to stay at
what cultural integration looks like in an international CEIBS or join InterChina as a consultant. I was still
organisation. young and I said I wanted to stay here, but I hadn’t
Below is a transcript of our interview. given much thought to working at the school. At that
time, there were no plans for the school to offer EMBA
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programmes in Beijing. I worked as a CC in the Executive Dayuan was a place of charm and quiet beauty. We did,
Education (EE) department for more than six months. I however, discover a number of problems after moving in.
officially joined CEIBS in June 1998. Classes were offered in the hotel’s movie theatre. Before
At the end of 1998, after giving consideration to each class, we asked hotel staff to move the tables and chairs
the importance of the North China market, the school and we worked with them to arrange the classroom. Back
decided to offer EMBA programmes in Beijing. Soon, then it was not easy to communicate with state-owned
Mr Ma Yusheng (EMBA 1995) joined CEIBS as its chief hotels. We once took the staff to watch and study five-star
representative. Together we recruited students at the Hilton hotel services, such as handling coffee breaks and catering.
and then offered courses at the Dayuan Hotel. As a CC At times, when we encountered unexpected issues, we had
and TA, I began class management with the class of 1999. to offer courses elsewhere, which involved arranging other
Beginning in 2010, I worked as course manager responsible venues, equipment, dining services, and other things. That
for maintaining the high-quality operation of courses. My period was really challenging.
work included administering academic rules at the Beijing,
Shanghai and Shenzhen campuses, assigning TAs based on Xiao Bin, Director of Operations at the Beijing campus,
curriculum arrangements, sharing experience in curriculum once said that the campus “services were not up to
management, acting as a substitute teacher or class manager, standard despite having good facilities”. Was that when
and providing support for events such as commencement, you started focusing more on services?
graduation, and other student activities. The job was simple, Exactly. The lack of CEIBS standards-compliant
but no mistakes were allowed. teaching facilities had been a problem for us. At that time,
Mr Ma also called for staff to perform “multiple functions”
What kind of difficulties did you encounter prior to the and “multiple roles”. What we tried to do was to provide
construction of the Beijing campus? a better experience for students and professors through
At the time, we spent a lot of time discussing what considerate services while working to improve facilities.
kind of environment students needed in class. In terms With more than 60 faculty members, the Beijing
of facilities, as high-class as it was, the Hilton was not a campus has a warm atmosphere. In response to an
desirable venue as it lacked space for group discussions increased demand from students for more interaction,
or projectors. So, Mr Ma selected Dayuan in west Beijing, the faculty team put their heads together to create an
which he saw as the most culturally rich area in the city. executive forum, a campus newspaper, and to hold a New
Located deep in a maze of hutongs – or narrow alleys – Year’s concert. The activities and products have remained
We spent a lot of time discussing what kind of
environment students needed in class.
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Conscientiousness – which is part of our culture – is like
an underlying design or an operating system.
in place. TAs also pick professors up at words “Welcome NCCU students!” on
the airport on their first trip to Beijing it for coffee breaks. There are many
and communicate with them about such stories. I think these careful and
the details of their courses. For older considerate details are a kind of soft
professors who come here for lectures, power.
we will even provide blankets if they Soft power is also reflected in
want to take an afternoon nap. When conscientiousness. CEIBS’ motto is
National Chengchi University (NCCU) “Conscientiousness, Innovation, and
students went to Beijing for the first Excellence”. From my experience,
time for classes last year, our back- “conscientiousness” is very important.
office colleagues prepared tanghulu – We t a k e g r e a t p a t i e n c e t o g e t
a traditional Chinese snack consisting repetitive work done well because
of candied fruit on a stick – with the “conscientiousness” – which is part
of our culture – is like an underlying
design or an operating system.
What kind of experience have you
had in serving students?
Professors are cer tainly the
most vital element for a good
course experience. But curriculum
management details and services are
also vital. At the Beijing campus, the
ayis – or cleaning staff – even know
which student likes iced Red Bull and
drinks two cans at a time. On one
occasion I saw dozens of board erasers
lined up in the sun on the second
floor terrace. It turned out that the
ayis regularly clean the board erasers
after class. Such good intentions are
certainly admirable.
For CEIBS Open Day events,
the admissions office staff will
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Employee Interview 30 We hope that with our hard work we will transform two years of school life into beautiful memories for students. theLINK Volume 3, 2018
Employee Interview
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prepare audio guides. They will show character are the same. hopes: 1) be happy at work, 2) learn
applicants around the campus and get and grow at work, and 3) contribute to
to know each of them. A student once What are the most important things the organisation. During my time with
told me that he was impressed with you’ve gained during your twenty- CEIBS in Beijing, I have developed
the guidance and reception he received year career? a deep appreciation for this caring
during his interview. We have also There are three: culture.
developed many activities, including First, self-improvement, self- Third is the expansion of
learning forums, corporate visits, class learning, and self-grow th. I have h o r i zo n s . It’s d i f f e re n t to wo r k
committee meeting sessions, project always kept an open mind and have at CEIBS compared with other
post-mortem meetings, and forums constantly tried to improve the way organisations. Students bring a lot
for the EMBA programme. In short, I work, which has benefited me a lot. of practical experience to class and
we hope that with our hard work we CEIBS is a leader in many areas. In the engage in discussions, analysis, and
will transform two years of school life beginning, there were no standards thought. We heard Prof Fang Yue talk
into beautiful memories for students, to reference and we had to constantly about big data even before people
so that they will recommend more improve our work in order to address knew what it was, Prof Chen Weiru
people to apply to CEIBS after they students’ needs and our pain points talked about platform strategies,
graduate. as we went along. Continuous and Prof Xu Xiaonian talked about
improvement is key to operations prospects for the service industry.
How do you v iew CEIBS’ EMBA management and it is a process of All of them have been very inspiring.
students? learning that goes on without end. CEIBS professors are very forward
We are not teachers in any real I’ve begun training new colleagues looking and their ideas are frequently
sense, although we possess some of in recent years. I’m very introverted. confirmed by market movements. In
the same qualities, like helping others Although I can do my job well, I also my view, CEIBS is unparalleled when
succeed. Bearing this in mind, I look encounter challenges when working it comes to expanding horizons.
at students with more appreciative with others. I have gradually improved Finally, I’d like to express my
eyes. CEIBS champions conscientious my communication skills and have g r at itude to CEIBS President Li
and rigorous scholarship, a value learned to look at problems in a more Mingjun. During last year’s New
s h a re d by m o s t o f t h e s t u d e n t s rational and scientific way. These Year’s concert in Beijing, President
recruited. CEIBS students are excellent things – from getting my own job Li suggested that TheLINK should
– they are middle and senior level done well to working well with others, interview me. I didn’t expect this to
managers from across a range of to sticking to principles in the face happen, as he is always busy with
business sectors. Earlier this year, I of conflict, to seeking out the best school affairs.
met with members of the class of ’96, solutions – are important to me. I’m just an ordinary member of
who, in my view, were among the first Second is friendship. Seven or the CEIBS team. I hope, through some
to embrace reform and opening up. eight of us have worked together at of the scattered thoughts I’ve shared,
They and the companies they work the Beijing campus for more than 15 to help others understand CEIBS in
for have made a huge contribution to years. We’ve worked together for so their own way.
China’s economic development. Now long that we have shared values and
more and more start-ups and private can cooperate well. These workplace
entrepreneurs are joining the EMBA friendships are valuable to me. Each
programme, but their pursuit of time a new employee was added, Mr
excellence, studiousness, and rigorous Ma would express the following three
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Finding Joy on the Job
By Lei Na
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I
f you are a frequent visitor CEIBS Logistics Department. Out of
to CEIBS’ Shanghai Campus, curiosity, I recently paid a visit to their
yo u m i g h t s t a r t to s e n s e a office for an interview with Senior
certain rhythm: posters along Manager Cheng Fengxiang. When
the corridors are regularly updated, he first joined CEIBS nearly 20 years
like ever-changing musical notes; ago, everyone referred to him by his
when weekends approach, banners nickname, Xiao Cheng (Little Cheng).
announcing various forums hang Since then, he has grown from being
overhead like orderly piano keys; a junior staff member into a manager
and when crowds of people gather responsible for both the teaching
on campus and seat themselves in a support and engineering teams. And
classroom or a conference venue, a yet everyone continues to call him Xiao
feeling of peacefulness and comfort Cheng as it has now become both a
inexplicably surrounds them. But no term of endearment and well-earned
matter how busy it is on campus during respect. Whether you are preparing for
weekends, before Monday arrives courses or an activity at CEIBS, this is
everything is ‘magically’ restored to a the most reassuring name you can hear.
state of cleanliness and tidiness – ready During our interview, Xiao Cheng
for another busy week to begin. frequently spoke of the value of learning
The ‘magician’ behind it all is the new skills and strategic thinking. “We
were working on a project to upgrade
the school’s audio-visual facilities. I
couldn’t get it off my mind,” he recalls.
“Finally, one day, I got up at 2AM and
combed through every step in the
project before organising them on four
sheets of A4 paper.” As he speaks, it is
clear Xiao Cheng is recalling a happy
memory rather than complaining about
the arduousness of his job.
Working day by day, one can
develop a certain level of intuition,
accumulate experience and in the
process become stronger and more
confident. This mig ht be one of
the simplest ways of finding joy on
the job. Rather than being a purely
draining experience, this approach to
working can also facilitate a kind of
rejuvenation. A well-run department
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CEIBS has the best audio-
visual facilities in China
and is always being studied
and copied by other business
schools.
is able to recognise employees’ ideas lasting ways of self-improvement. to a shortage of team members, we had
and convert them into action, creating to do everything personally, including
a win-win for both the organisation Read on for more from the preparing classrooms and working
and the individual while at the same interview with Xiao Cheng: onsite at our conference venue.
time generating value. For Xiao Cheng,
the CEIBS Logistics Department is What were some of your earliest How different are the facilities
precisely this kind of platform. responsibilities at CEIBS? nowadays? Do you think they are
He also mentioned possessing a I joined CEIBS in June 2000 and sufficient?
“heart full of wonder”, a phrase used my job focused on logistics from the The audio-visual facilities at CEIBS
by almost every CEIBS interviewee very beginning, supporting the school’s only really took shape after a decade of
with whom I’ve spoken. One might curriculum management by taking experimenting and there is a world of
feel at ease at work after he/she has care of audio-visual equipment. At that difference between now and then. In
dealt with a magnitude of tasks and time, teaching activities mainly took the classroom, every piece of equipment
projects for a decade or two. But place in Academic Centre I and only you can think of – the air conditioner,
behind that confidence lies a special basic facilities were available. There curtains, lighting, as well as audio and
kind of fascination, especially at the was only one projector, one power video – can all be controlled by a phone
beginning of one’s career. Many CEIBS amplifier, and two microphones in or an iPad. CEIBS has the best audio-
staff members have transformed this each classroom. Things would often go visual facilities in China and is always
fascination into professional ethics, wrong and dealing with the issues was being studied and copied by other
which has allowed them to develop a daily responsibility. In addition, due business schools. But, equipment is just
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hardware. We are now thinking about particular device declines more than but they will feel how comfortable the
ways to improve things like integration 90%, the system will automatically send classroom is and get a sense of whether
and management – it is easy to copy an email to remind us to replace it. it matches the surroundings. To me,
high-end and expensive facilities, but Switching from passive maintenance to comfort means that when participants sit
what is harder to learn about is the active action in order to keep teaching in our classrooms, they can completely
management process, logic, and culture activities on track is what we have immerse themselves in their studies.
behind it. These “invisible” elements constantly been striving to do. Recently, the Asia-Pacific Director
are the things we are most proud of. of an office furniture manufacturer
Now, we pay more attention to the What do you think the ideal visited CEIBS Logistics Department
stability of our teaching facilities. We teaching space is like? in order to ask the question, “Why did
utilise excellent operational software to I think the arrangement of audio- CEIBS choose our chairs?” I told him
visualise the school’s overall operations. visual facilities always depends on the that we had compared 70-80 different
For example, when the connection actual activity and a sense of space kinds of chairs before we made our
between a laptop and a projector fails, and comfort are the main points of choice. CEIBS classrooms are relatively
a ‘backstage roadmap’ can be checked consideration. Even over the course of compact and finished with a lot of
on a mobile phone which enables us several days at the school, participants teakwood. If we used hard-seat chairs,
to more quickly assess the cause of a may not have a chance to see how they could scratch the furniture; but
problem. When the effectiveness of a powerful our backstage equipment is, soft-seat chairs provide the same level of
Comfort means they can completely
immerse themselves in their studies.
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My personal development is inseparable
from CEIBS’ development.
functionality, plus they pose no threat I then visited CEIBS alumni company photography and traveling. Over the
to the surroundings. The director was MoHen Design International and they past few years, I have developed a love
impressed by our explanation. We make were generous enough to design the of yachting. The sport requires an
many similar observations during the project at no cost to the school. extremely strong team spirit which
course of our work. The key is how inspires me to recreate that kind of
to make good use of these ideas and Working with CEIBS for almost spirit in the workplace. To balance work
provide classrooms that are comfortable 20 years, what are some of the and life isn’t difficult for me. My wife
for professors and students. most important things you’ve is a wise woman who is able to arrange
learned? everything at home in a way that allows
Was there ever a particular In serving CEIBS, the school has me to devote more time to my career
moment that gave you a strong also helped me to grow. My personal and to developing my own hobbies.
sense of achievement? development is inseparable from
Quite a few. For example, you CEIBS’ development. The trust I have What expectations do you have
know the CEIBS eLab is located on the received from leaders and colleagues has for the future?
first floor of Building 5. Previously, provided me with a huge space where I I hope CEIBS will continue to have
that space was designed to house the can perform at my best. I often attend a brighter future, which will also lead
Logistics Department, but after hearing industry salons. Through talking with to my own growth. I hope my team can
that eLab needed an office, I proposed peers, I have learned that it isn’t easy better serve the school. I personally enjoy
that we give it to them. This is because to do renovation work at universities. challenges; overcoming them involves
the buildings on the Shanghai Campus However, CEIBS is an exception. a process of self-reflection, adjustment,
are very precise in their design, and so We have an excellent operational and improvement. The key for the
they differed from the style of the eLab mechanism, adequate funds, and smooth logistics team is to have a strong sense
space I had imagined and the Logistics communication, all of which enable us to of responsibility and an enterprising
Department space was the only suitable accomplish our intended plans. spirit along with the courage to engage
one we could find. I also found a in self-reflection. “Conscientiousness,
designer for the eLab through one of How do you maintain a healthy Innovation, and Excellence” is the CEIBS
our class coordinators. The Director of work-life balance? motto and it is also at the core of what
the eLab Professor Vincent Chang and I h ave m a ny h o b b i e s . I l ove our logistics team does.
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Savouring Each
Victory
By Lei Na
I
t seems perfect for me to write about Charmaine, since communications, she has to be both bold and detail-
I am on her team, and my desk is only a few steps oriented, innovative and precise, as well as keep inner peace
away from her office. We spend almost every weekday while tackling complex issues. She compares her situation to
together. However, when I get down to writing this “trying to avoid raindrops as I walk on egg shells”. Most of
piece, I have no idea where to begin. CEIBS’ International the time, we can only be the on-lookers of her busy life as she
Media Team is one of “tranquillity” with each member completes a succession of heavy tasks on her own. Until this
focused on his or her own responsibilities while contributing interview, I was ignorant of her life story or the source of her
to the success of the overall team. If there is any exchange courage. Now I know a bit more about her curiosity about
of ideas, instead of engaging in small talk, it will be direct, the world around her, her unremitted quest for the breadth
to the point and efficient. Meanwhile, team members are of life, as well as a series of magical coincidences that brought
on good terms with each other. Although foreigners make her to China, to CEIBS. While introducing CEIBS to the
up half the team, it embodies the ideal esteemed by ancient world, she also gives us a better impression of the world.
Chinese people: “Friendships between gentlemen should be Read on for Charmaine’s story at CEIBS:
as fresh as water” – whenever a team member is in need of
help, others willingly give a hand. The one who sets the tone Can you briefly tell us about your life before you came to
is Charmaine Clarke, Assistant Director of CEIBS Marketing China? How long have you lived in China? What’s your
and Communications Department. overall impression of the country?
I still remember that it was three in the morning when In my former life I was a journalist in my home country,
I received her first email, attached with a document I had Jamaica. I covered everything from violent street protests to a
requested for my job interview. That was beyond my wildest state visit – full of pomp and ceremony – by Queen Elizabeth;
expectation. After joining the team, I heard the legend: from local government meetings to the G15 Summit of
Charmaine replies to emails at any time she is available regional leaders. I travelled to Wales, Germany, China, The
– during work hours, midnight or the small hours of the Bahamas and more, on assignment.
morning. It seems she is online 24/7. Fortunately, even I began as a cub reporter in the Jamaica Observer
though she spends so much time on work herself, she has Newspaper’s Western Bureau and by the time I resigned in
never asked us to follow suit, and has never uttered a word of 2005 to do my Master’s degree in China I was part of the
self-praise. editorial department’s core management team, working from
In charge of the school’s international media the HQ in Kingston. I was in charge of the Sunday paper,
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38
bureaus and correspondents.
It was a great career, though very stressful towards the end.
I would wake up at 5am every Sunday morning to listen to the
radio to see if there were any big stories I had missed.
Overall I enjoyed being a journalist, I just got bored after the
majority of the job became editing other people’s work. I like the
thrill of being out in the field. But my mom used to get nervous
when she occasionally saw me on TV, trying to do my job while
caught up in the crowd running away from tear gas during a street
protest. Of course by the time the news aired on TV, I would be
safely back in office or even at home in my apartment.
As I mentioned before, I came to China to study. I
On the border of Germany
successfully applied for a Chinese government scholarship and another European
to do a Master’s Degree in International Finance at Shanghai country, during a press visit.
University of Finance & Economics. I had been to China once
before, for work, and I had absolutely loved that visit – except
the food. I was among a group of about 15 journalists from the
Caribbean. We met all these government officials and they served
us very fancy food – sea cucumbers and bird’s nest, even snake
at one point – but we were not used to this type of cuisine. I
would push the food around on my plate, pretending to eat, then
find the nearest western fast food place that evening after I had
written and filed my stories.
I’ve been here for the past 13 years and I still don’t eat those
things – but I consider China my second home. Nothing can
replace Jamaica, of course, but China comes pretty close. What
I like most about China is the way they harness tech to make
life convenient – the plethora of car hailing apps, being able to
order something online today and receive it tomorrow. These far
outweigh whatever negatives come with being here.
What circumstances led to you joining CEIBS, do you still
remember your first impression of the school?
A fellow founding member of the Caribbean Association
in China (CAC) was hired as English Editor in the Marketing &
Communications Department at CEIBS but he got a better job
with a big bank, a job more in his field. He didn’t want to leave
CEIBS in the lurch so he recommended me as his replacement.
At the time I was in my last semester at school, and apart from
writing my thesis and doing volunteer PR work for the CAC, I had
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the time. So I applied for the part-time job and was successful.
My first day on the job was June 25, 2007. It was also the day
the King and Queen of Spain came to visit. What a start!
On the job as a journalist in Jamaica,
interviewing my boss’ boss.
Can you describe your career path during the last ten years at
CEIBS?
When I graduated in 2008, I was hired full time and given
additional duties. Media relations were added to the list, I was
responsible for the special BMT page on the website and I was
to negotiate media partnerships, among other things. I was
eventually promoted to Senior Associate Editor and the list
of tasks just kept growing! But I liked that there were always
opportunities to learn. I had to learn how to write an ad for TV,
for example, by doing a Google search for the topic then through
trial and error. I had no option but to learn… I had negotiated
millions of RMB in free TV ads and the media partner needed
me to provide the copy!
Receiving my certificate
for completing a media
course in Wales.
Being “interviewed” by former
Prime Minister of France and
CEIBS Distinguished Professor
Jean-Pierre Raffarin.
On the job at CEIBS, taking
notes during one of the many
events at the Shanghai Campus.
I liked that there were always
opportunities to learn.
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Then in 2011 my then boss left and interview requests, providing media tips stand out. We need to tell stories that
I was promoted to Assistant Director and training to faculty, students and evoke emotional responses and we need
of Marketing & Communications. I alumni, and contributing to the crafting to take advantage of the technology
immediately began the task of establishing and implementation of the school’s out there (without abusing data or
CEIBS’ presence on international social overall communications strategy. invading people’s privacy) to do targeted
media. I realised it could be an efficient I savour each victory, no matter campaigns. For at least 5 years. Then we
way of telling our story directly to the how small. I get a thrill when I pitch an may see improved recognition of the
outside world, of showing potential interview topic to a reporter and he/she CEIBS brand outside of China.
students, and even potential faculty, accepts it. I get a thrill when a professor
what CEIBS is all about. Because of its accepts an interview request. I get a How do you balance work and life?
entrepreneurial DNA, and the fact that thrill when I write a story and all the What do you do in your free time,
it’s still a relatively young b-school, CEIBS words fall into place just right. I get a what are your hobbies?
provides a lot of leeway to try new things. thrill when I see a team member master Well, I’m replying to your questions
Today we have a strong presence on all a new task. I must savour all these wins, at 9:30pm on a Monday night, so that’s
the major international social media no matter how small, because there are a an indicator of the level of my work-
sites. It does help that now even the lot of challenges. life balance. But seriously, a few years
Chinese government has seen the value ago I made a decision that I would leave
of communicating its message on these One part of your work is communi- work at 6pm every day, no matter what.
international social media platforms. cating with the international media It helps that I need to walk my dog Ruff
I also made a big push, when I and leveraging those resources to at 6:30pm. Of course I still reply to
got to director level, to integrate video help build the CEIBS brand. What are emails when I am home because that’s
into our communications effort as it some of the channels typically used the nature of the job. I get a lot of emails
was obviously the next wave back then. to introduce CEIBS to the rest of the from media outside of China’s time
Now video is the norm, and we work world? And what kind of image of zone and I like to respond to their needs
to find even more innovative ways to CEIBS do you want to deliver to the when they are at work.
communicate our message. whole world? I love reading but don’t do enough
I mentioned social media before – reading just for pleasure, I spend most
Can you tell us a bit about what you do Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, of the time reading the news as I need to
at CEIBS? What’s your favourite part? iTunesU. We also use traditional media be up to date for work. I love long walks,
I do a bit of everything at CEIBS. I – TV, radio, newspaper, magazines. Over as it gives me time to think. I also enjoy
have edited a fire drill, written or edited the last 10 years I have seen the media simple things like hanging out with my
speeches for the school leadership, I have landscape evolve and these changes have friends in a teashop. I’m not into bars. I
cleaned the mini studio when I needed had an impact on how we craft content also spend a lot of time talking with my
it urgently for a TV interview. [The and the channels we use. For example, family and friends – all over the world –
cleaning crew eventually came and they we have moved away from print ads on the various social media apps.
were very puzzled because there was no and more towards digital. I would love I need to do more volunteer activities
dust on the furniture]. But my official to see us increase our ad spend in the like the one I did with the CAC during
role is leading the team that is in charge international market but that has to summer break. We took a group of kids
of non-Chinese language external be done in a strategic and sustained to the Shanghai Aquarium. I had done it
communications. This covers everything way for it to be effective. Now everyone a few years back but this time was even
from the website and the alumni is focused on digital ads, we need to better! Nothing compares to the joy you
magazine, TheLINK, to handling media strengthen our ad content in order to get from making someone else happy!
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CEIBS Around the World
Highlights from our 5 locations
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China’s Service Sector Will be Major Focus of Reform & Opening-up
On Sept 12, CEIBS Professor of Economics and Finance, Sheng Songcheng, who is also former Director
General of the Financial Survey and Statistics Department at the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) and
Counsellor to Shanghai Municipal Government, told members of the European Union’s diplomatic
community in Shanghai and business executives that China’s service industry will be a major focus as
the country pushes ahead with reform and opening up. In fact, he said, China had itself taken initial
steps, before the current trade war with the US, to open up the increasingly important service sector;
but the results will take time to become evident.
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Executive Forums in Beijing
On July 3, as part of a series of events paying tribute to the 40th anniversary of China’s Reform and Opening-up, President of
Sinochem Group Co, Ltd Ning Gaoning (above) gave a keynote speech on “Four Decades of SOE Reform”, before an in-depth
discussion with CEIBS Associate Dean and Essilor Chair in Accounting Professor Xu Dingbo. Then on August 23, Director
General of China Entrepreneur Club and Former President of China Merchants Bank Ma Weihua argued that impact investment
and public welfare finance are important approaches to solving social problems and achieving quality economic growth.
TEACHIN
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Shenzhen Campus Hosts Annual HR Forum
On September 1, CEIBS Shenzhen Campus held the 2018 CEIBS HR Management Practice Alliance
forum. CEIBS Professor of Accounting Hwang Yuhchang as well as Vice President of Better Life Group
and General Manager of Supermarket Business Division Wang Xiangjie (CEIBS EMBA 2017) attended the
event and shared their experiences.
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苏黎世
RSLM: Vital to CEIBS Excellence Exchange Programmes
By Lukas Tonetto
CEIBS’ Excellence Exchange Programmes (EEP) are much more than your typical b-school study tour.
They are specifically designed for Chinese executives and provide a link between East and West through
teaching, research, and business practice. With EEPs CEIBS strives to establish mutually beneficial
partnerships between the school and European companies, generate unique insights across industries,
and engage in constructive and open dialogue among senior executives from both Europe and China.
EEPs are a key element of the CEIBS EMBA programme. Following the principle of learning from the
best, the CEIBS Zurich Campus offers several study tours in Switzerland, Germany, France, and Italy.
“We conduct these high-end study tours for Chinese executives on topics such as Smart Manufacturing,
Service Excellence, Innovation, and also Family Business,” says Philipp Boksberger, CEO & President of
CEIBS Zurich Campus.
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EEPs are composed of input sessions o n a t o u r o f t h e c o m p a ny ’s the Elsener family. “Modesty,” says
by academics, panel discussions manufacturing facilities. the company’s CEO, “means family
with industry experts, and visits to m em b ers s h o u l d ke ep t h ei r fe e t
innovative companies, combined with The case discussion, one of the on the ground and realise that the
case studies – all of which collectively core elements of the RSLM, posed success of the company is attributable
make up the CEIBS Real Situation the question of who or what not only to key employees, but also to
Learning Method (RSLM). has contributed to the success the entire team.”
of Victorinox. The company
One of the companies visited during has transitioned into a family Over the past three years, CEIBS’
a recent study tour was Victorinox, firm under full control of the Zurich Campus has offered more
in Ibach in the Swiss administrative Vi c t o r i n ox F o u n d a t i o n a n d n o than 20 such EEPs and will continue
division of Schwyz. Here, participants longer conforms to public company to expand on this offer. So far, the
had the opportunity to meet with listing requirements. The Victorinox demand for study tours to Europe
Carl Elsener Jr, the President, CEO, Foundation regulates that 90% of its has far outstripped supply. Demand
and Chairman of the world-famous annual profits are retained earnings is expected to remain robust as these
Swiss penknife manufacturer, and to a n d 1 0 % a r e s p e n t o n c h a r i t y, programmes might also appeal to
discuss the risks and opportunities env ironmental, and e ducat ional CEIBS AMP students or even the
associated with his business. projects in Switzerland. school’s alumni.
Victorinox is a notable example of a Ca r l E l s e n e r J r s ay s t h a t f a m i l y During these high-end study
built-to-last family business. Dating members usually press for tours, students can participate in a
back to 1884, when founder Karl considerable dividends once they have flexible format alternating between
Elsener opened a knife manufacturer’s passed the baton to their successors experimentation, evaluation, and
workshop, the company became the as their interest in corporate affairs feedback. They have the opportunity
sole supplier of knives to the Swiss begins to wane. However, he cautions to explore an unparalleled branding
Ar my after acquir ing its biggest that “this would make the company channel throug h the CEIBS Real
rival in 2005. The brand has literally financially weak and impact its long- Situation Learning Method (RSLM)
become a symbol of Switzerland. The term development.” and the opportunity to gain deeper
company bears the Swiss coat of arms insights into innovative European
in its logo and even U.S. presidents R e m a r k a b l y, i n o v e r a c e n t u r y companies.
have g iven Victor inox knives Victorinox has never applied for a
embossed with their presidential bank loan. All its investment funds
signature as souvenirs. are drawn from its surplus reserve.
What is more, the company has never
Carl Elsener Jr personally welcomed had to lay off employees – not even
the CEIBS group on their recent during the two world wars in the 20th
visit. The day started with CEIBS century, nor after the acquisition of
Vice President & Dean Professor its competitor in 2005.
Ding Yuan opening the programme.
EEP participants then analysed the Much of this can be attributed to
Victorinox case before embarking modesty, one of the core values of
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阿克拉
Connectivity and Beyond
~ Stories from CEIBS Africa
AMP/ODP Shanghai Module
By Kate Jiang
Fourteen students, a mixture of senior and industries. The module included opening visit to the Bund.
executives from Ghana, Nigeria and Benin, classes on China’s unique business
travelled to Shanghai in late September, env i ron m en t w h ere t h e y s o u g h t Read on and meet two of the students,
the first ever CEIBS Africa participants in answers to questions such as how both successful businessmen who have
the Owner Director (ODP) and Advanced to e n g a g e co n s u m e r s t h ro u g h a a keen interest in the China market.
Management (AMP) programmes. This we l l-g rounded customer ser v ice
was the Shanghai module of a journey and marketing strategy and how to Kofi Owusu-Nhyira
that began seven months ago with classes navigate and upgrade the surging Nationality: Ghana
in Accra, Lagos and Casablanca and will collaboration between China and Company: Nsano
culminate with a graduation ceremony in Africa. It also looked at managing Position: Chief Executive Officer
Accra in January, 2019. skills across cultures and developing
flexible perspectives to rethink the
The five-day Shanghai module that key challenges they are facing and lay
ended on September 30 was a mixture a solid foundation for scaling their
o f cl a s s ro o m l e c t u re s , co m p a ny business growth in a dynamic business
visits, and excursions tailored to their landscape. There were visits to industry
quest for a more comprehensive giants Sany and Fosun, a panel on how
understanding of the China market to do business in China, and an eye-
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“[Our company’s name, Nsano] is my perspective of doing business,” he This makes service either unavailable
a word in the twi dialect in Ghana says. “The case studies offer concrete or very expensive. Carl decided to
which means ‘fingertips’. We want our scenarios, both positive and negative, of do something about it. “My team
service to be on everyone’s fingertips directing the company, and it helps in and I decided to build cross country
and used with ease,” explains Chief anticipating the first wave of the fintech connectivity by land from Nigeria to
Executive Officer Kofi Owusu-Nhyira industry before being swallowed by the Benin down to Togo, using terrestrial
who founded Nsano in 2013. As a fully swirl.” radio links, and this proved to be a
Ghanaian owned start-up providing great and rather interesting experience,”
custom applications and telecoms Prior to starting Nsano, Kofi consulted he said. Now he has even bigger plans.
software, Nsano now leads in the for several international electronic
provision of mobile financial services in payments organisations, building on “Thanks to CEIBS, I’m growing the
the country and surrounding regions. several years of practicing law. He is a vision bigger. Before, I was just looking
Kofi and his team of entrepreneurs with member of the Ghana Bar Association. into connectivity, but the real picture
significant years of experience in mobile “I think I’m a risk-averse person; is connectivity for something else.
financial services walked the company probably a ‘misfit’ in the fintech field,” So my idea is to use connectivity as a
through hard times in its early stages he says with a chuckle. “But one of the rallying point for solutions to various
of development to its position today: a keys of my business is how to harness needs. We are providing software as
fully-fledged, diversified industry leader risk and translate it into value for our a service-based solution to multiple
in the fintech field. “We have some of customers.” other segments such as hospitality and
Africa’s finest experts in this field, who transportation with a completely new
through a unique vision of the financial Carl Aniambossou business model,” he explains. Faced
technology landscape, have given the Nationality: Benin with intense competition for what
company an edge over its competitors,” Company: TRINET SA can be a very lucrative market, Carl
Kofi says. “We differentiated ourselves Position: Founder & CEO credits his inspiration to classes taken
as an early beginner in the provision of during the CEIBS ODP. “It helped me
B2B solutions and have, over the years, think outside of the box. I realised that
created customised payment services instead of selling just internet services,
for merchants, institutions, and mobile we should provide services adapted
financial operators in Ghana, Cote to diverse needs,” he says. He has now
d’Ivoire, Zambia, and Rwanda.” positioned himself as a bridge between
multiple stakeholders, an interface for
Given Africa’s relatively immature French West Africa. “My multilingual
industrial and legal framework for C a r l A n i a m b o s s o u’s j o u r n e y a s and multicultural background gives
financial technology, the company has co-founder of TRINET SA, a me a privilege to connect people on
no shortage of challenges – but there telecommunications provider in Benin, both sides, and close the demand-
are also opportunities. Kofi positions Togo, Burkina Faso and Nigeria began supply loop,” he explains. But what gets
Nsano as the converging point between as many entrepreneurial ventures do him most excited is the idea of doing
business experimentation and legal – by offering a solution to a problem. business in China. “It keeps me awake
regulation, between Africa and China. “There are connectivity gaps and severe at night,” he says.
He sees the CEIBS AMP as a way to downtimes on French West African
stay ahead of the competition. “The coast countries that could even last
programme substantially broadens for over two weeks,” he explained.
theLINK Volume 3, 2018Feature 48 Raffarin: Similarities and differences between Chinese, French, and US leadership Former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin, who is “The history of leadership can be In modern society, leadership is Distinguished Professor and traced back to 1700 BC to the Code of not just a matter of politics, but also a Charles de Gaulle Chair in Hammurabi, a solemn, fundamental matter of business management. Global Leadership at CEIBS code of law of Mesopotamia (now In a business context, leaders visited the school’s Shanghai Iraq) which states that the powerful need to inspire team spirit in order Campus for a series of must abide by the law and that leaders to encourage team members to grow academic exchanges from must be respected. and act. As an aspect of business July 6-10. As part of the Historically, a lot of thought has management, leadership is one of “CEIBS Insights 2018 Master been given to leadership. Confucius CEIBS’ core responsibilities. Many of Class” series of lectures, proposed many great ideas on state the professors at CEIBS are engaged Raffarin analysed and governance in the 5th century BC in in-depth research on leadership. In compared Chinese, French, in China. Also, philosophers such as addition, the French-based Charles De and US leadership from the Cicero diligently studied leadership Gaulle Foundation has entered into a perspective of a politician and and people management in ancient partnership with CEIBS to examine a scholar. Below are excerpts Greece. leadership together. from his speech. theLINK Volume 3, 2018
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For Americans, leadership
starts with learning.
A cross-cultural comparison will T h e s e co n d t y p e i s p a t e r n a l wealth of literature about leadership –
uncover different types of leadership. leadership. If you are willing to work for example, on how to get the attention
However, we are not going to draw with me, I will care for you like a of an audience and quiet a noisy
conclusions about which is better or father-figure, providing care and help auditorium during public speaking.
which is worse; instead, we are going for you. That is, as a leader, I offer you When stepping up to the podium
to highlight some of the differences love and respect, and in return, you and greeting an audience, former US
as a way to provide inspiration and work for me. President Barack Obama often used
encourage improvement. The third t y pe is democratic the words “Hello, everyone”, instead of
As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the leadership. According to this approach, just “Hello”, as a way to communicate
French writer and author of The Little we work together equally and directly with the audience.
Prince, put it, “Love does not consist democratically, with work organised in For Americans, leadership starts
of gazing at each other, but in looking a collective fashion, but still with only with learning. Everyone can be a good
outward in the same direction.” The one leader. leader. The US way of thinking is that
purpose of cultural comparison is The four th t y p e is col lective everything can be organised as long
not convergence, but idea sharing. At leadership. Here, within the group, as they learn to work, speak, write,
CEIBS, we can help define leadership there are no leaders, but instead only arrange meetings, make decisions,
by learning about both Chinese and individuals. The group is led by a team. manage, and control things.
European cultures. No one stands in front of, or hides In the US, leadership is, in reality,
behind, the team. a game of success. Plenty of research
Five types of leadership The fifth ty pe is laissez-faire has been conducted into this area,
leadership. In this case, there are no especially research centred on Obama.
In general, there are five types of leaders and team members can just do As the first Africa American President
leadership, or five ways for leaders to what they want to do. of the United States, Obama attained
use power. the status of both a winner and a
The first type is autocratic The US: Leadership is a game pioneer in leadership.
leadership. I’m your leader and you do of success with an emphasis on Obama's principles of leadership
what I say. This is how the military is rules and techniques include the following:
run – subordinates act on the orders of (1) Believe you are unique.
their superiors. At American universities there is a Uniqueness is not a barrier, but an
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advantage. Obama, for instance, was always conceal your intentions, always qualities:
able to use his ancestry as a trump card say less than is necessary, always pay (1) A leader should be a man of
in order to win the US presidential attention to your enemies, always make character. He is action-oriented with
election. yourself indispensable, master the art aspirations and a passion for taking
(2) Credibility. Show you are of timing, and always be unpredictable. action. He is not willing to just sit on
capable of leading the country and In t h i s w ay, Am e r i c a n s h ave the side-lines. In addition, he cares
prove to voters that you can do it. established a set of ideas, rules, and about decision making – if he becomes
(3) Third, considering that most practices for leadership. a leader, he won’t let others make
young Americans prefer to look ahead decisions. A leader welcomes challenges
to the future, as a leader you must France: Leadership is heroism – for only by overcoming difficulties
constantly express your vision for the can he realise his full potential.
future. T h ro u g h o u t Fr e n c h h i s t o r y, Instead of passing the buck to others
In the US, leadership is about many leaders have relied on personal or to his subordinates, a leader takes
creation and reform – two ideas which char isma as a means to defining responsibility for failures.
have often been incorporated into leadership. General Charles de Gaulle, (2) Leadership needs to be suited to
campaign slogans. American leaders are for example, exemplified French actual conditions. The environment is
willing to promise changes. They want leadership through his actions. essential to the execution of leadership.
to grow and improve their leadership in Charles de Gaulle believed that France is a country full of ideologies
order to help everyone grow together. leadership is impor tant and that where people like to think. However, a
Another interpretation of nothing great could ever be achieved leader cannot be limited to one type of
American leadership can be found in without great men. Besides possessing thought. He needs to observe the real
The 48 Laws of Power, an international innate talent, leaders have the ability to environment and base the direction of
best-seller published in the US. Some of learn from their experiences. decision-making on that environment.
the principles mentioned in this book According to Charles de Gaulle, (3) A leader is aware of his fate and
include: never outshine the master, a leader needs to have the following knows clearly if he is a leader or not. A
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good leader is enterprising, daring, and time of both Confucius and Ancient however, I often don’t know who the
non-complacent. Greece. At that time, both East Asians most important person is because he
Furthermore, Charles de Gaulle and Westerners were interested in doesn’t always walk in front.
emphasised authority. He believed the organisation of politics and the In France, leaders are always among
that silence is where the authority and distribution of power. the first to rush to the forefront to hold
reputation of leaders lay. He saw the Confucius’ primary responsibility the banner high. In China, however,
need to be brief when communicating was to act as a consultant for rulers. In they often work behind-the-scenes to
w i t h o t h ers . He a dv i s e d a g a i n s t the process of doing so, he developed develop strategies and are responsible
remaining close to others, since a sense a set of ideas about power, which for coordinating people in order to get
of detachment could help enhance continue to inspire leaders around the things running.
prestige. He also believed moral power world today. For instance, Confucius When it comes to exercising
is important, as it could prevent one’s believed that without integrity one power, Han Feizi believed everything
status and reputation from coming into could not be a leader. should be done according to laws,
question. Similar to Charles de Gaulle, w h i ch , u n l i ke w h a t we n ow c a l l
In his view, being led is a basic need Confucius advocated the need for l aw s , we re s i m p l y a s e t o f r u l e s
for French people, similar to eating or rituals. Leaders require rituals in guiding people’s actions based on
sleeping. A person becomes a leader order to make it easier to lead people. co l l e c t ive re a s o n i n g . Acco rd i n g
not because he imposes leadership on A military parade, for example, is a to this approach, leaders execute
others, but because others want to be reflection of a culture that governs a projects which serve as platforms
led. Great leadership is needed in this particular country. In France, we also for communication and the
kind of scenario. award medals to people for various implementation of collective ideas.
contributions to society. Such rituals On such platforms, leaders merely
China: Leadership is the wisdom are important. represent sets of rules.
to take stock of the situation There is a wise saying about power
in the Analects of Confucius: “Lack of 12 keywords on leadership
T h e 5 t h ce n t u r y B C w a s t h e forbearance in small matters upsets
great plans.” Lastly, I would like to say that
Wisdom is the pursuit of Chinese anyone can be a leader, whether it is in
thought. Laozi, an ancient Chinese his family, the workplace, or on a sports
philosopher, had many sayings about team.
leadership. In saying that he should “not Regarding leadership, I have 12
dare to be ahead in the world”, Laozi keywords to share with you.
Many French leaders
meant one should remain neutral. First, there are four major features
have relied on personal According to Chinese philosopher of leadership: courage, creativity,
charisma. Han Feizi, “the ruler must not reveal trust, and emotion. Second, there
his desires”. Han Feizi also argued that are four areas in which leadership
a monarch’s real power could not be can be applied: strategy, influence,
shared. relationship, and execution.
When welcoming delegations from Finally, there are four things which
most countries, I find that the most subordinates or teams expect to receive
important person always walks in front. from leaders: respect, belief, stability,
When welcoming Chinese delegations, and hope.”
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