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Not long after my fifteenth birthday, my nation proclaimed I had no human rights. My home country’s Supreme Court upheld legislation mandating prison time for homosexuality, so I fled to the United States on political asylum to build a life for myself in a country that acknowledged my humanity, accepted my identity, and would allow me to become the best and fullest version of myself.
Though my new life had a sense of optimism and possibility in America, nothing came easily. I didn’t speak English, so every day at school, I felt isolated and alone. I refused to give in, though, and instead grabbed a seven–inch–thick Webster’s Dictionary and began the slow process of mastering a strange language. Every day thereafter, I tore out a page and memorized every word on it. On the same day I tore the last page from the dictionary, I also tore open the envelope containing news that would change my life again: I had been admitted to Stanford.
![Han Lee Inline](/~/media/mckinsey/careers%20redesign/meet%20our%20people/careers%20blog/han%20lee/han%20lee%20inline%201152%20x%20864.jpg?cq=50&mw=767&cpy=Center)
Even with support from my mentors and friends at Stanford, the path to asylum was long and arduous. Beyond the financial and time toll the process involved, I had to face an irrevocable reality: if my case was rejected I’d be deported and if I succeeded, I could never return home. In the end, I succeeded in gaining asylum, but I missed my father’s unexpected funeral.
Now, looking back, I value these hard times. They steeled me and tested my mettle. They made me a deeply impact–driven leader, because they taught me what it means to live on the margins of society.
Naturally, I was drawn to LGBTQ+ causes early in my life. During my sophomore year at Stanford, I teamed with friends to create one of the first LGBTQ+ undergraduate organizations in order to bring together business students, school administration, and leading corporations.
I came across McKinsey while planning various events for this group. I sent a cold–call email to McKinsey’s Equal at McKinsey organization without really hoping for a response. To my surprise, McKinsey replied very enthusiastically. A Equal at McKinsey consultant – who is now my coworker and close friend – brought me into the San Francisco office and explained what makes McKinsey a one–of–a–kind place to work.
After the coffee chat, I fell in love with McKinsey for three reasons:
- McKinsey’s strong values. I chatted with more than 30 consultants ranging from junior–tenured business analysts to senior partners. Everyone seemed to live and breathe the firm’s values. This really resonated with me.
- McKinsey remains nimble despite its size. Recent acquisitions LUNAR and Veryday are good examples of how and they piqued my interest. I was really interested to learn more about designing business solutions that emphasize the user experience and cultural relevance.
- McKinsey is not a strategy firm per se – it’s a leadership firm. While other organizations talk about strategy and analysis, McKinsey instead talks about leadership and impact.
I came to America out of a deep and profoundly personal need to embrace the fullness of my personality and humanity. At McKinsey, I can continue this process. Though I began with nothing, I never lost the belief that I could achieve anything. With McKinsey, I am thankful to be taking the next step in what has been a wonderful personal and professional journey.
Learn more about possibilities at McKinsey here.