FanNa Fan
UCLA, Anderson School of Management
Age: 42
“Lifelong learner, curious explorer, global citizen.”
Hometown: Tianjin, China
Family Members: Mom, Dad, Husband Dan, our dog Pinto
Fun fact about yourself: I fly from Shanghai to L.A. to attend the EMBA program. Over 22 months, I’ve flown more than 400,000 kilometers, the equivalent of circling Earth 10 times (or one trip to the moon).
Undergraduate School and Degree: MSc in International Travel and Tourism Management, Oxford Brookes University (United Kingdom); B.A. in Business Economics, China Agricultural University (China)
Where are you currently working? I currently work at Sesame Workshop as Director of Business Development.
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles: I serve as my class’s student representative for inclusive excellence. I take a leadership role in shaping a more inclusive and globally-minded community. I organize events that introduce diverse perspectives and encourage cross-cultural dialogue within the cohort. In addition, I actively participate in global immersion programs, connecting classroom learning with real-world market insights. I also contribute informally by facilitating peer connections across industries and geographies, helping strengthen the collaborative nature of the cohort.
Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you proudest of during business school? During business school, I am proudest of supporting the EMBA program’s International Business Residential program in Shanghai, where I coordinated company visits and served as a teaching assistant. This experience allowed me to bridge academic frameworks with real-world business insights, creating a meaningful and immersive learning experience for my classmates while showcasing the complexity and dynamism of the China market.
What achievement are you proudest of in your professional career? I am proud of building a career defined by continuous reinvention across industries and markets. I started my career in the travel industry, worked with multiple world-class travel companies, becoming the youngest country manager at Abercrombie & Kent, and later launching a new market as country director for National Geographic Expeditions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I made a deliberate pivot into media and entertainment, expanding my scope across content distribution, consumer products licensing, and location-based entertainment. Across each transition, I have consistently taken on unfamiliar challenges and turned them into growth opportunities. That ability to adapt and create value in new environments is what I value most.
Who was your favorite MBA professor? It is difficult to choose just one, as every professor brought a unique perspective that enabled me to apply learnings immediately at work. If I have to choose one, Professor Terry Kramer had the greatest impact on me. His Technology Management class was the most challenging one during the program, as it consistently pushed me beyond my comfort zone. It introduced technologies and trends I would not naturally gravitate toward, and the depth of reading significantly expanded my knowledge and perspective. His problem-solving framework is distinctive, and his open-minded perspective makes the process engaging. Most important, his teaching helped build my confidence in navigating technology-driven topics and fundamentally shifted my mindset.
Why did you choose this school’s executive MBA program? I chose UCLA Anderson for three main reasons. First, the diversity of the cohort creates a unique, rich learning environment across industries, functions and cultures. Second, I chose it for the breadth and depth of the programs, from AI to global immersion to entrepreneurship. It is a playground for us to explore new areas of interest or double down on an area of expertise. Finally, the admission experience stood out. It took me two years of research to apply for the program. UCLA Anderson is the one that made me feel a genuine sense of belonging throughout the process.
What is the biggest lesson you gained during your MBA and how did you apply it at work? “The central fact of our existence is that time is the ultimate finite resource.” (Daniel Kahneman) The biggest lesson I gained during my MBA is prioritization. Throughout the program, we constantly had to juggle competing demands across school, work, and personal life. With limited time, I learned to be intentional about where I focus my energy and to prioritize what truly matters. This mindset has directly shaped how I approach my work. Instead of trying to do everything, I focus on the tasks that drive the most meaningful results and impact. I have become more disciplined in how I allocate my time and ensure that my efforts align with strategic priorities.
Give us a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family and education? I live and work in Shanghai and travel to Los Angeles for school. When in L.A., I also need to work remotely on Shanghai time (Pacific time 6:00 p.m. to midnight or later), and I often start my morning meetings with New York at 6:00 a.m. At the same time, I take multiple electives in addition to core courses. To manage this, I learned how to optimize every time window, especially long-haul flights where I complete readings and assignments without interruption. I also developed systems to manage jet lag and sustain performance.
My husband also travels a lot for work, so our time together is very limited. When we are in the same city, we make it a priority to have a “date night,” regardless of where we are in the world. When we are home, we host home parties to stay connected with friends and family.
I am grateful to have my family, friends, class cohorts, and work colleagues to support me during the program. Without the support of all the people, this journey simply would not be possible. I used to think this was a journey of myself, but in reality, this is a collective effort, supported by an entire team around me.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an executive MBA program? I have run a few marathons. The EMBA program is just like running a marathon. You will “hit the wall,” often around two-thirds of the way through, so pacing yourself is critical. At the same time, the program goes by very quickly: Be intentional about what you want to achieve. Most important, take care of yourself. Good sleep and exercise are essential to keep your body and mind strong.
What was your biggest regret in business school? I love learning, and I wish I had more time to take additional classes and expand my horizons.
What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? UCLA Anderson has integrated AI into the program by embedding it directly into both coursework and the broader learning ecosystem. Anderson offers many AI-dedicated classes; for example, AI Agents for Managers was introduced early in the development of AI agents. There are also school exchange programs that featured this topic. I took AI Strategy in Business during my exchange program at Waseda University in Tokyo. Beyond the classroom, the school regularly hosts conferences and workshops featuring leading practitioners, ensuring that students are exposed to real-world applications and evolving industry perspectives. Equally important, AI is not treated as a theoretical topic, but as a practical tool. Its use is actively encouraged in coursework, pushing students to incorporate AI into research, analysis and problem-solving.
Through this experience, my key insight is that AI should be positioned as a “thought partner” rather than just a productivity tool. It enhances how we frame problems, test ideas, and iterate quickly. At the same time, it requires human judgement to guide inputs, interpret outputs and ensure strategic relevance. In that sense, learning how to work with AI effectively is becoming a foundational skill. Those who continuously adapt and integrate AI into their workflows will be best positioned to navigate and lead in an increasingly AI-driven business landscape.
What was the main reason you chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives? The primary reason I chose an executive MBA was the opportunity to learn alongside and engage with a highly-experienced cohort. Being surrounded by professionals and executives significantly elevates the learning experience. The value of the program goes beyond the degree; it’s about the people, the perspectives they bring, and the strong network you build. The in-person format enables deeper connections, meaningful conversations, and long-term friendships that are difficult to replicate in online programs.
How did you finance your EMBA and what did you do to make tuition and associated costs more affordable? I self-funded through personal saving and family support, and I also received a scholarship from the school.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My long-term goal is to lead global business development and build strategic partnerships that connect markets and drive sustainable growth. I aim to leverage technology as a core enabler to create innovative solutions, solve complex problems, and deliver meaningful value across industries.
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