Jiamiao LI
HEC Paris
Age: 40
“Global business leader passionate about transformation, bridging strategy and execution in a fast-changing world.”
Hometown: Shanghai, China
Family Members: Parents, husband, one son, one daughter.
Fun fact about yourself: I believe I can live anywhere in the world.
Undergraduate School and Degree:
- HEC Paris – Executive MBA
- Shanghai Jiaotong University – Bachelor of Engineering(B.Eng)
Where are you currently working? Stellantis – Strategy Consultant for AI-Enhanced Engineering
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles:
- HEC Paris EMBA Ambassador & Class Delegate
- Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) Consultant
- Theatre Actress
- Volunteer for Charity Associations
Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? At the start of my EMBA, I wasn’t sure if entrepreneurship was for me. However, working as a consultant for a deep-tech startup in the Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) gave me hands-on experience and confidence in the startup world. Seeing how ideas transform into real ventures changed my mindset – I no longer fear entrepreneurship but embrace it as a real possibility.
What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I take pride in continuously evolving my career, embracing change every 3-5 years to stay at the forefront of industry trends. Each transition has allowed me to contribute to major transformations, from electrification to digitalization. Now, with the AI specialization from my EMBA, I am taking the next step – transitioning into AI-driven engineering to shape the future of the industry.
Who was your favorite MBA professor? Sebastian Becker, our professor of Business Performance Management, is my favorite MBA professor. He embodies a rare combination of rigor and creativity – maintaining high academic standards while fostering open-minded discussions. His ability to break down complex concepts with clarity, challenge conventional thinking, and engage students in thought-provoking debates has been truly inspiring.
Why did you choose this school’s executive MBA program? HEC Paris had been my dream school for over a decade. Its EMBA program offers a truly global perspective, strong industry connections, and a hands-on approach to leadership development. What attracted me most was its deep entrepreneurial spirit and the wealth of resources supporting innovation and new ventures.
What is the biggest lesson you gained during your MBA and how did you apply it at work? Through the leadership journey, I completely changed my perspective on leadership. I realized that a great leader doesn’t need to be at the center of everything – true leadership means empowering others. My new approach is to delegate more, coach my team, and create an environment where they thrive without needing me constantly. This shift has allowed me to focus on higher-value strategic initiatives.
Give us a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family and education? Balancing work, study, and family – especially as a mother of two young children – was a constant challenge. During my AI specialization in Toronto, my days were packed: I woke up at 4 AM for work meetings, took a midday video call with my children to show them the Nobel Prize exhibit on insulin, and squeezed in city walks or workouts after class. In the end, it’s all about prioritization and making the most of every moment.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an executive MBA program? The best time is NOW – dare to learn, dare to experiment, and dare to change.
What was your biggest regret in business school? I regret not taking full advantage of the mobility programs and traveling more to expand my network beyond my cohort.
Which MBA classmate do you most admire? Moumen (Abdelmoumen DEROUICHE) is the classmate I admire the most. His kindness, open-mindedness, and exceptional intuition in business strategy and transformation are truly inspiring.
What was the main reason you chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives? I wanted an immersive experience with global professionals, where in-person interactions foster deeper learning and collaboration. The part-time format allowed me to build a strong professional network, apply my learning directly in real time at work, and maintain balance with my family responsibilities.
How did you finance your EMBA and what did you do to make tuition and associated costs more affordable? I structured a diverse portfolio to finance my tuition:
- Government funding (Transition Pro)
- Student loans
- Scholarships
- Love money (support from family & friends)
- Personal savings
I strongly recommend researching available funding options for professional transitions and anticipating the loan application process. Corporate sponsorship is also a valuable option for those who can negotiate company support.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? I aspire to launch my own startup, driving large-scale business transformations that bridge innovation and operational excellence on a global scale.
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