James Lam

ESMT Berlin

“Internationally-experienced business professional specializing in strategic analysis, stakeholder engagement and project management.”

Hometown: Hong Kong, China.

Fun fact about yourself: I think I look and act 10 years younger than my actual age.

Undergraduate School and Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration (Global Business Studies), the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Where did you intern during the summer of 2023? Deutsche Bank in Singapore.

Where will you be working after graduation? To be decided.

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School: President of Consulting Club, Vice-President of Investment Club, MBA Student Ambassador

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? One of my proudest achievements during business school was participating in the Global Network Week by the Global Network For Advanced Management (GNAM), involving a sustainability expedition into the Amazon rainforest. This experience was a profound journey of experiential learning, where we engaged with local communities and environmental experts. It offered invaluable insights into sustainability and ethical leadership, emphasizing the importance of living in harmony with nature. This transformative experience not only deepened my understanding of environmental stewardship, but also reinforced my commitment to advocating for sustainable practices in my professional life.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? My most significant professional achievement was during the COVID-19 pandemic, when I was redeployed to lead a critical anti-epidemic initiative as an Administrative Officer in the Hong Kong Government. I played a pivotal role in planning and executing the first large-scale lockdown in a densely populated neighborhood. This operation not only helped control the spread of the virus, but also set a benchmark for future public health interventions. This experience has taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, resilience, and the power of collaborative effort in the face of adversity. The impact I had on the community during this crisis was also profoundly fulfilling.

Why did you choose this business school? I was particularly drawn to ESMT Berlin for its intimate class size, rich diversity, and flexible program structure. The small cohort of 37 students, representing over 20 nationalities, created a unique learning environment where cultural exchange and personal attention from faculty were the norms. This close-knit community fostered a supportive and open atmosphere, enhancing my educational experience. Additionally, the program’s flexibility, offering options like internships, German language courses, and social impact projects – along with the opportunity to join the Responsible Leadership Fellows program post-graduation – allowed me to tailor my MBA experience to my personal and professional goals.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? Prof. Per Olsson, my Financial Accounting professor, stands out for his exceptional teaching and mentorship. His comprehensive notes and detailed explanations, especially his use of real-world annual reports, made complex concepts accessible and engaging. His inclusion of sustainability accounting in the curriculum was particularly forward-thinking. Beyond academics, Prof. Olsson’s willingness to offer guidance and support has been invaluable in my personal and professional growth.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? The Machine Learning class taught by Jan Nimczik was a highlight for me. It skillfully combined theoretical learning with practical application, enabling us to construct and evaluate models within a month. The course was not only intellectually stimulating, but also highly relevant in today’s tech-driven business landscape. Jan’s ability to make complex topics easily understandable was especially commendable.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? (The annual ESMT Soccer Tournament is my favorite event. It epitomizes the spirit of our school – bringing together students and staff in a celebration of community, sportsmanship, and the arrival of summer. The excitement of students going head-to-head with their professors and administrators in a friendly yet competitive environment is unparalleled!

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? Looking back, I would have invested more time in building deeper connections with my classmates during the first half of the program. My semester exchange in Singapore, though enriching, meant missing out on valuable time with my peers in Berlin.

What is the biggest myth about your school? The myth about our school building, a former state council building of the German Democratic Republic, is quite intriguing. There are tales of night-time sounds in the garden, which are actually just the harmless activities of local foxes and squirrels!

What did you love most about your business school’s town? Berlin’s vibrant and international character is what I love the most. The city offers a dynamic mix of history, culture, and modernity, ensuring that every day is unique and full of possibilities for those passionate about exploring new experiences.

What surprised you the most about business school? The most surprising aspect was the collaborative rather than competitive nature of the environment. While my classmates are all exceptionally bright and accomplished, there’s a shared understanding and appreciation of our diverse strengths, fostering a supportive rather than competitive atmosphere.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? Alessio Jukka Lora. He is half Italian and half Finnish, with a good mix of academic rigor and humor. We have been together for most projects and competed in quite some case competitions. He is a fun companion who I can always learn from along the MBA journey.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? My top two professional aspirations include relocating to Japan and leading an international team.

What made James such an invaluable member of the Class of 2024?

“I met James as an MBA student at ESMT, where he was one of the strongest students (ever) in my Financial Accounting class, and we have kept in touch after that as well. James has a curious mind, and he has a distinct interest in a range of topics. During his time at ESMT, he has consistently been among the top students, and he has engaged in several student initiatives (including serving as President of the Consulting Club and Vice-President of the Investment Club).

James’ work ethic is very high. Perhaps even more importantly, he always networks with and supports (and gets support from) fellow students. Not surprisingly, the class projects done in teams were first class. I worked at the University of Wisconsin 1998-2001 and at Duke University 2001-2015. If I were to compare James to masters and MBA students at these universities as well as ESMT, I would easily rank him in the top 1% of students.

In summary, James is hardworking, intelligent, and has a good mind for analysis. He is also a very pleasant person to talk to. He has both the intellectual capability and the “drive” to do what it takes to become a very successful professional.”

Prof. Per Olsson
Dean of Faculty and Research
DHL Group Professor in Sustainable Accounting

DON’T MISS: MBAS TO WATCH: CLASS OF 2024