Christina Li

Could you share something unexpected or a fun fact about you?

I have always been interested in dancing, but due to a busy work schedule, I never had the time to start learning as a beginner. Three months before coming to INSEAD, I began taking dance lessons. Although I am still not particularly skilled, dancing daily helped me lose 10 kilograms in just two months. When I met some old friends again, they could hardly recognise me.

Tell us about yourself, and how you got to where you are today?

I was born and raised in the northernmost province of China, where winters are exceptionally harsh, with temperatures plummeting to minus 30 degrees Celsius. However, such climatic conditions have fostered a resilient and warm-hearted character in us.

I graduated from the Guanghua School of Management at Peking University. With a degree in accounting, I began my career as a Programme Finance Analyst at Huawei because I’m eager to see how finance solves business problems and creates value.

After becoming a top-down performer as an analyst, I started to challenge myself with more elements of value creation and customer engagement. In 2020, I became a GTM manager, leading a global team of six to develop and implement strategies for laptops in Dubai. 

After two years of seeking broader strategic experience, I joined Huawei's R&D centre and developed business evaluation methods to monetise patent technology, gaining insight into the company's innovation processes there.

While grateful for the opportunities at Huawei, I desired a true 'zero to one' experience – building an entire product journey from incubation to sales. That led me to my previous role as the youngest GTM Director at Anker Innovations.

What motivated you to choose the INSEAD MBA, and how do you envision it aligning with your future goals?

I am mostly attracted by INSEAD’s multicultural learning environment. With a diverse student body and multiple campuses across Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East, INSEAD can provide a unique opportunity for me to gain a global perspective on business practices and network with peers from around the world. 

I can develop cultural competence because of this multicultural learning environment. It can help me enhance my cultural intelligence and understanding. I believe that leveraging cultural diversity can lead to innovative solutions and business success.

INSEAD can provide lots of support in realising my career goals. Its rich global alumni network, especially the resources in the Middle East, can provide valuable connections in the consulting industry and within the region.

The Abu Dhabi campus can act as an important centre for research, learning, and the application of business practices, enhancing my comprehension of the region's culture and commerce.

What are your impressions of campus life so far, and how did you navigate accommodation, and sorting out all the admin? Any tips for incoming students?

Campus life is incredibly convenient, with the school providing various essential resources and guidance. When it comes to accommodation, I recommend joining relevant WhatsApp or Telegram groups, where you'll find a wealth of useful information. 

Additionally, I highly recommend the Intensive Language Programme. This programme will help you acclimate to MBA life while fostering strong friendships with classmates.

Could you share a little about your application process and securing financing?

I am highly efficient at writing essays because I take some time before I start to reflect on my personal growth experiences. I treat the essay writing process as a phase of reviewing my journey, allowing me to summarise and reflect on my past genuinely.

The interview experience was excellent; rather than feeling like a typical interview, it resembled an inspiring conversation. Both of my alumni interviewers were genuinely interested in my personal experiences, actively listening to my stories and thoughts while also sharing many of their own insights and experiences.

You are starting your INSEAD MBA in France. Are you planning any campus exchanges?

Since I plan to work in the Middle East or return to Asia in the future, I am considering participating in an exchange programme at the Abu Dhabi campus. Additionally, I would like to spend a period back at the CEIBS in Shanghai.

In your first few weeks, what aspects of the INSEAD MBA have stood out to you as unique or particularly appealing?

The PLDP during launch week left a deep impression on me. We were required to complete various exercises as a team in an outdoor forest setting, but the goal was not merely to finish them; rather, what mattered most was gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves through these experiences. 

At the same time, we were able to quickly build connections within our learning groups through collaboration and communication.

Although it was extremely cold that day and rained continuously, leaving everyone soaked and muddy, we all felt a great sense of achievement amid the fatigue. During the evening, when we reviewed the recordings and conducted a debrief, our group discussions sparked many meaningful reflections—such as the impact of cultural differences on behaviour and the differences in leadership performance in authorised versus unauthorised situations. We discussed until 11pm that night, still eager for more. Throughout this process, I gained far more than I had expected.

Aside from your academic pursuits, what extracurricular interests or activities are you exploring at INSEAD, and how do you see them enhancing your overall MBA experience?

Professionally, I joined the consulting club, which offers activities that are incredibly beneficial for those aspiring to pursue a career in consulting. In addition to providing essential resources and sessions, the club also organises case practice opportunities, allowing me to improve alongside like-minded individuals.

Furthermore, I joined several sports clubs, and what surprised me the most was touch rugby. This is a sport I had heard about but never had the chance to try. The club's activities are beginner-friendly, starting with basic moves and rules. After just one session, I was completely hooked on this fast-paced and exhilarating sport.

Any parting words of wisdom, and are you willing to be contacted for more information by prospective students?

My advice is to take advantage of the many outstanding individuals here, each with their own unique experiences and insights.  It's important to maintain an open mind and a sense of curiosity—be sure to listen actively and absorb what others have to share.   

I hope everyone can embark on a precious, fulfilling, and joyful MBA journey, and I am more than happy to provide additional information to incoming students.