Eva Leung

Yale School of Management

“Multicultural. Empathetic. Inquisitive. Avid traveler. Terrible cook who loves to eat.”

Hometown: Hong Kong

Fun Fact About Yourself: When I was 13, I wrote a fantasy novel but did not have the courage to publish it…except anonymously online. Now that I am older and wiser, I would love to take another crack at writing a book – ideally becoming a published author before I turn 30!

Undergraduate School and Major: London School of Economics, Philosophy and Economics

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Standard Chartered Bank, Senior Associate Director (Real Estate Investment Banking – 4 years; Corporate Development – 2 years)

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: In my pre-MBA career, I had amazing exposure executing strategic transactions in various emerging markets, including selling a US$600m portfolio in the United Arab Emirates, negotiating terms for acquiring a banking business in Vietnam, and structuring the financing package for a landmark real estate acquisition in Greater China. However, I felt that my biggest accomplishment in my career so far was in my last role, when I stepped up to manage the staffing and recruiting of junior bankers in my team during a time of high turnover, tough transition, and uncertainty. The role was deeply rewarding, equipping me with invaluable people management skills early on in my career. At the same time, it gave me the opportunity to create a collaborative environment in which my juniors – many of whom have since become my good friends and mentees – can advance, develop competencies, and be the best versions of themselves.

What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Humility. Everyone I’ve met is accomplished and driven, at the same time disarmingly humble. This is a trait that I have found to be consistent among every Yale SOM student I have encountered. I feel truly privileged to have the opportunity to learn about diverse cultures, industries, and perspectives in a cohesive environment.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? As someone who has been out of school for seven years, I am genuinely excited to get back to the classroom and learn from world-class professors who are authorities in their respective fields. Hence, you have Yale SOM’s integration with the broader Yale University, complemented by small class size, is a key attraction for me. I value the flexibility to personalize my learning by taking any courses offered across Yale University.

What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? I am excited to get involved with the Technology Club and Net Impact Club. The Yale Philanthropy Conference is an event that I am looking forward to attending and even organizing. If I can add one more – the Food and Wine Club! Exploring new restaurants is one of my favorite hobbies; I am excited to get acquainted with the food scene in and around New Haven.

The Yale School of Management is regarded as a purpose-driven program. What is your mission? How will your MBA at Yale help you fulfill that mission? Yale SOM’s mission is to educate leaders for business and society. That is entirely aligned with my personal values and ambitions. I aspire to be a consequential leader who uses her influence to create a lasting positive impact in the world. I want to explore ways to leverage technology in scaling social impact, particularly in enabling upward social mobility for the underserved. Through my career in banking, I have built a good foundation of skills in corporate development strategy, deal execution, capital raising, and real estate investment. I intend to leverage the resources available to me at Yale to develop the leadership ability, managerial skills, and influential network necessary to advance. It will be fantastic to have the opportunity to direct the sum total of my experience towards fulfilling this mission.

What was the most challenging question you were asked during the admissions process? Funny enough, the most challenging question I was asked was not by the schools’ admissions officers, but by a few fellow bankers and friends who heavily questioned my choice to forsake a promotion, two years worth of income, and all of my savings in order to go back to school. I explained my choice with an analogy. A few years ago, I had an accident and tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in my left knee. The rehabilitation was time-consuming, a lot of hard work, and at times frustrating. Six months later, I came out on the other side stronger, wiser, and healthier. Similarly, it is true that an MBA will set me back financially in the short term. However, this investment will yield significant long-term benefits to me, both personally and professionally. I fully expect to come out on the other side stronger, wiser, and better!

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career?  I accumulated invaluable international experience from my time with Standard Chartered. However, after some introspection, I came to realize that I was at a point in my career where I wanted to move onto to the next challenge, which includes “following my passion” to explore the intersection of technology and social impact, as well as gaining experience in a new country (i.e. the US, for me). As a banker seeking to pivot into a new career, I view an MBA as an instrument that will open doors to new perspectives, connections, and career opportunities.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? HBS, Stanford GSB, Duke Fuqua, UW Foster

How did you determine your fit at various schools? There are three main factors I prioritized when doing my due diligence about business schools: culture, alumni network, and international brand equity. I know that I will thrive under a program with a small class size and tight-knit community, so that was important to me. During the application process, I spoke to as many alumni and current students as I could to get a sense of culture and fit. As I was working abroad in Hong Kong, I was not able to visit the various schools until campus interviews – but that was when I knew Yale SOM would be perfect for me. I highly encourage prospective students to visit campus, talk to students, and attend classes whenever possible.

What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? Accepting a scholarship to attend boarding school in England at age 13. It was my first time away from home. I didn’t speak much English and cried every day for almost three months due to homesickness and culture shock. I learned the hard way, but being propelled in an entirely foreign culture at such a young age shaped me into the independent, fearless woman that I am today. I have developed the courage to grasp every opportunity I have to step out of my comfort zone – and I don’t intend to stop anytime soon.

Where do you see yourself in ten years? I will be a leader in leveraging technology to enable upward social mobility for the underserved and in delivering affordable housing solutions to low-income families and individuals. I would have figured out the perfect balance between work and leisure, therefore I will have time to travel the world with my family, continue exploring new cuisines, and learn how to fly a plane!