I was born in Shanghai and grew up in China’s Anhui province. I have spent most of my adult life in Beijing, so I consider myself a real “Beijing ren” nowadays. After a few years studying and working in the U.S., it’s great to be back at home in a familiar setting!
Having unique impact
We recently helped a Chinese municipal government to plan the development of a large piece of land in its new economic zone. Over the course of the project, we discussed and debated with government officials about the city’s future and tried to answer questions like, “What will it take to become the next financial centre in North Asia? What can be done to make the city more attractive for educated talent? How can the city differentiate itself from other leading providers of outsourcing services?” The scope of these questions is pretty unique to the work we do in many developing countries to shape their future.
Connecting with exceptional people
One of the best parts of my time at McKinsey has been making friends with exceptional people, which include both colleagues and clients. In my first year, I worked on three different projects. During each of them, I got to know one or two clients extremely well, in addition to the McKinsey colleagues on the team. The work we did together was rewarding, but it’s also been great to see the relationships formed on the team last far beyond the end of each project.
Moving around the world
I am truly grateful to the mobility that McKinsey offers. I had to transfer from Asia to the U.S. and back in less than 2 years for personal reasons, and my colleagues were incredibly supportive in each situation. I was particularly moved when the Seattle office manager, a partner whom I had never worked with directly, offered to set up my transfer as a temporary move so that I could return easily if things didn’t work out in Beijing. I doubt that there are many other organizations in the world that can offer the same level of mobility with such support and encouragement.
Why I stay at McKinsey
The supportive culture I’ve found at McKinsey has amazed me since the first day. This is a truly caring, non-hierarchical place where I am appreciated for being myself, saying what I feel, and changing things I don’t think are right.
What I do in my free time
As the chair of the Beijing office social committee, I often find myself interacting with my colleagues outside the office through a variety of events and clubs. In the past year alone, we’ve enjoyed a McKinsey Idol karaoke competition, an “Under the Sea”-themed children’s party, and outings to attend the theatre, plant trees, and compete in an Office Olympics sporting event. I also enjoy painting, singing, and cooking in my free time.
Offices
Education
| Chicago Booth |
MBA |
2005 |
| Beijing Foreign Studies University |
BA, English and International Business |
2000 |