Omar Maadarani

China Europe International Business School

Fun Fact about Yourself: I sleep very early, around 7 PM, and wake up very early, around 3 AM. I have tried several methods to change my sleeping habits, but I have not succeeded.

Undergraduate School and Major: American University of Beirut, Major: Economics, Minor: Political Science

 Most Recent Employer and Job Title: CEO at Liban Fresh s.a.r.l, a global trader of commodities.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you?

As an entrepreneur planning to expand his business to China, the thriving network of over 28,000 CEIBS alumni and the available resources were one of the main factors in my decision to choose this MBA program. Fortunately, I met my business partner at a networking event between alumni and current students, and we ended up starting a company together.

What course, club or activity excites you the most?

I am the president of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Club. During my tenure as club leader, we organized numerous workshops on design thinking and product development, as well as several company visits to local Chinese start-ups. I believe that CEIBS has a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem that provides the right training and network to grow as an entrepreneur.

 Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:

My biggest achievement has been starting and expanding my company with low capital to several countries. Currently, we operate in around 13 countries across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, and we are planning to expand further in the future.

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to prospective MBAs? 

I am currently reading a book by Paul Volcker titled Keeping At It. The book, recommended by our macroeconomics professor, details his life and personal experiences as Federal Reserve Chairman during a critical time in its history.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into CEIBS’s MBA program?

I recommend focusing on your essays and clarifying your motives for coming to China. Discuss how your varied experience will enhance your ability to engage in the MBA program and how you will contribute to the learning experiences of your potential cohort of peers.