HKUST Business Review

49 HKUST Business Review practice, or her own “three R’s”, for self-improvement and advancement. The first of those is to reflect on the specific lessons from each role. The second is to reframe them for the new context, carefully assessing what will still apply and what should change. The third is to reapply the transferable aspects such as leadership skills and critical thinking, with a few tweaks where necessary. “Past experience should be a strength, not a constraint,” Mao says. “It should inform you, but never box you in.” Emphasis on Openness As a leader, her day-to-day approach is further defined by a complementary trio of imperatives: clear direction, trust, and empowerment. This puts everyone on the front foot, while also encouraging open discussion and a positive outlook. “People perform best when they understand where the organization is going, why their work matters, and how they contribute,” Mao says. “Therefore, we place a strong emphasis on communication by holding regular town halls and engagement activities at different levels. In this way, our teams stay aligned, informed and connected to the company’s overall strategy and purpose.” If venturing into unfamiliar territory or facing decisions with long- term implications, Mao always values the perspectives of peers and mentors. She also seeks out people with relevant domain expertise and first-hand experience, and believes that building diverse teams adds to the company’s collective wisdom. “I don’t need to be an expert in every area,” she says. “Instead, my role is to create an environment where people can speak up, challenge ideas, and experiment without fear of failure.” The University’s respect for such ideals was one reason she opted to study at HKUST back in 1998. Coming from Shanghai as one of the first batch of undergraduates from Chinese Mainland, she soon saw the benefits of resetting her aims and ambitions. Giving back to the University by sharing management insights at a Business School forum. Meeting former HKUST President Professor Paul CHU at a ceremony honoring outstanding students. Arriving in Hong Kong after a 26‑hour train journey from Shanghai — long before budget flights and high‑speed rail — for a transformative HKUST experience. “Pursuing an MSc at HKUST allowed me to broaden my perspective and become more well- rounded. It was also a conscious decision to challenge myself again—balancing work and study while learning from classmates with diverse professional backgrounds. The opportunity to sharpen my financial skills and analytical judgment, combined with the thoughtful discussions and lasting friendships, made the learning experience deeply meaningful,” she reflects. “HKUST didn’t just educate me academically; it reshaped how I think,” Mao says. “It taught me to question assumptions, embrace diversity, and stay curious. Those formative years laid the foundation, helping me become a lifelong learner and leader.”