30Frank

What do you think about "Thirty and Thriving"?

Grounded in Reality

Pursuing Excellence

Turning thirty was a new beginning for me, marking the culmination of years of preparation. That year, I graduated from the CEIBS MBA programme and joined Fosun Group. In ancient times, thirty was seen as a symbol of maturity, encouraging ambitious individuals to achieve significant milestones, such as establishing aspirations, building character, developing skills, and starting a family. However, in today's rapidly changing world, the development of society and our environment has enriched the meaning of "standing firm at thirty." From my perspective, at thirty, it is perhaps more important to embrace a mindset of continuous learning, staying grounded, and striving for excellence.

What motivated you to enter the financial industry after completing your MBA studies?

After successfully completing my MBA studies, I transitioned my career from the creative media industry to the rigorous and opportunity-rich financial sector. First and foremost, the MBA experience at CEIBS was undoubtedly a solid foundation for my transition. The CEIBS curriculum not only systematically enhanced my professional knowledge and skills in finance, the so-called "hard skills," but also broadened my understanding of the market through numerous company visits, the mentorship program, an international environment, and career development opportunities. These experiences deepened my understanding of the global financial ecosystem and laid a strong foundation for my career transition.

Frank

As for joining Fosun Group, I attribute the significance of this decision for my personal career development to three aspects:

The Power of Alumni Network: Fosun has many outstanding alumni from the CEIBS EMBA/MBA programs. This strong sense of alumni camaraderie has not only fostered communication and trust among us but has also provided me with invaluable guidance and support throughout my career.

Alignment with the Strategy of "China Depth, Global Breadth": As a global company rooted in China, Fosun's development strategy aligns perfectly with CEIBS’ philosophy of ‘China Depth, Global Breadth.’ Here, I can actively engage with opportunities in the Chinese market, while also leveraging global resources to seize market opportunities from various perspectives and create value.

Continuous Learning and Vast Opportunities: To succeed in a highly competitive business environment, Fosun focuses on fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and a corporate culture of being 0.01 seconds faster. This culture has provided me with unique opportunities to learn and grow. Faced with a steep learning curve, I am constantly challenged to step out of my comfort zone, motivating me to continually learn new business models and skills, and put them into practice.

As the Special Assistant to Chief Investment Officer of Fosun International & Assistant General Manager of Fosun Asset Management, what specific responsibilities do you have in your role?

At present, my primary role is to assist the Chief Investment Officer in driving the implementation of major investment and financing projects across the group, while also overseeing equity investments in the insurance sector within our ecosystem.

In my daily work, I encounter both challenges and motivation, which come from my active engagement in a variety of projects. When faced with new projects, I need to quickly understand key factors such as the industry background, development history, competitive landscape, and core advantages. At the same time, I collaborate with my team to efficiently gather and integrate information relevant to decision-making in investment, financing, management, and divestment, while also advancing content collaboration and external negotiations. Particularly in industries with high levels of professional expertise, such as aviation, semiconductors, and biopharmaceuticals, the challenges are especially demanding. Yet, it is precisely these challenges that make the work uniquely rewarding.

Frank

In the ongoing process of continuous learning and exploring new avenues, I feel as though I have returned to my days as a journalist, constantly pushing the boundaries of knowledge and engaging in thought-provoking exchanges with leaders from various industries. Indeed, this journey is filled with hardships and challenges. However, it is this relentless pursuit that makes it rewarding for those who are committed to it, much like my resolute decision to join the CEIBS MBA programme.

Which investment directions or industries do you believe will have significant growth potential in the coming years?

This is a very complex question, and I will attempt to analyse it by introducing the resource allocation theory from macroeconomics. Resource allocation, in simple terms, refers to the effective distribution and utilisation of limited resources to meet societal development and needs. In my understanding, this concept is at the core of the value of investment and financing activities.

Frank

Given the current societal development trends, we must proactively consider what core needs will emerge for the nation and the public in the future. These needs may encompass various dimensions, including healthcare, enhancing production efficiency, green energy, and supply chain stability and security. The clarification of these core needs will not only shape the blueprint for industry development but also stimulate new market opportunities and investment enthusiasm.

Of course, the realisation of these needs is closely linked to factors such as government policy direction and regional characteristics, which interact to form a complex and dynamic investment decision-making framework. Therefore, when exploring current and future investment directions, the weighted aggregation of all relevant factors may guide us in identifying the investment avenues we should be considering.

Are there any special stories from your days studying at CEIBS that you'd like to share?

During our class reunions, we often mention how "intense" the courses at CEIBS were. Those late nights spent diligently studying case studies, meticulously preparing PPTs, and rushing to meet deadlines until dawn were filled with challenges and fatigue. However, looking back, they have become an indispensable support in my career.

Especially memorable were some professors' unexpected post-class assignments—urgently assembling groups to produce research reports and randomly selecting a group member the next morning to present in class. At the time, I never imagined that such scenarios would become a regular part of my work life. After all, in the real investment world, most opportunities come with urgent time constraints, requiring us to conduct in-depth research and make quick decisions within a very short timeframe. Thus, those seemingly harsh course requirements carried profound meaning, just like the saying, "Everything has a cause."

Frank

At CEIBS, in addition to the incredible professors, my classmates were also exceptionally talented individuals from different industries. Through our interactions and exchanges, I gained insights into industries and career developments that I had not personally experienced. At the critical moment when I chose to transition in my career after graduation, these insights provided me with immense support and guidance.

Many of your colleagues are CEIBS alumni. What does this special connection mean to you?

Believe me, when you step through the doors of a new company with a mix of uncertainty and excitement for the unknown, the unexpected joy of finding familiar faces will instantly ease your worries—realising that this new workplace is filled with CEIBS alumni.

Everyone has their own reasons for joining the CEIBS programme, but the strong sense of connection among alumni is a true reflection of the unique CEIBS culture. Even during simple Coffee Chats, we not only strengthen our bonds but also help new alumni quickly adjust to their new environment and pace of work."

Frank

Do you have any advice and encouragement for younger students aspiring to build a career in the finance industry?

Working in the financial industry requires not only an understanding of the underlying business logic but also mastery of "soft skills" such as interpersonal communication. Especially in investment and financing roles, identifying good projects necessitates deep industry immersion over a long period. During the project execution process, it’s essential to be familiar with core aspects such as fundraising, investment management, and exits, which demands a high level of versatility.

For those interested in entering the financial industry, I recommend gaining as much internship experience as possible at different types of institutions during your MBA. This will help you assess whether the business types and work styles align with your personal characteristics and whether your future development direction matches your career plans. Once you've identified the right path, commit to it and contribute to the more optimal allocation of societal resources.

Frank

Greetings on CEIBS' 30th Anniversary

"Happy Birthday to our beloved alma mater! The academic philosophy of 'Diligence, Innovation, and Pursuit of Excellence' has not only shaped today's CEIBS but will also forge a lasting brilliance for the future. Global alumni will witness and accompany CEIBS on its exciting journey into the next thirty years!"