Xiaolong Ou

IMD Business School

“Detail-oriented problem-solver and empathetic leader, passionate about global exploration and building meaningful relationships.”

Hometown: Beijing, China

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have journeyed through over 40 countries, including meditating once at Buddha’s birthplace in Nepal along the way.

Undergraduate School and Major: Pennsylvania State University, Energy Business and Finance (EBF)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Citi, Assistant Vice President, Securities Services

What has been the best part of being in a small class with this group of classmates? The best part of being in a small class with this group of classmates is the strong sense of connection we share. The close bonds we have formed have made collaboration effortless and supportive, benefiting both our academic journey and personal friendships. Moreover, we have more opportunities for personalized interactions with our professors and career services advisors, allowing for in-depth discussions and tailored feedback.

Aside from classmates, what part of IMD’s MBA programming led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? IMD’s MBA program stood out to me primarily for its robust emphasis on leadership development and personal self-exploration streams. IMD’s unique approach to leadership education, integrating practical experiences like the Leadership Stream and personalized coaching, is helping me to enhance my leadership skills in a transformative environment. The opportunity to delve into personal self-exploration streams is crucial for me to achieve long-term career success and personal fulfillment.

IMD is known for its academic rigor. What is one strategy you used that would help a future IMD MBA better adapt to the workload early on? One strategy I used for adapting to IMD’s academic rigor, which I believe would benefit future MBA students, is maintaining both physical and mental presence while adhering to the program’s flow. This involved committing fully to each class session, actively participating in discussions, and staying engaged during lectures and group activities. This helps to quickly adapt to the learning pace of the IMD MBA program, transitioning you from your previous work mode back into intensive study mode.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of my biggest accomplishments was successfully restructuring the operational framework of a startup company I was involved with. This initiative was pivotal in solving previous delays in product development and successfully launching our offerings in the market. By implementing a new organizational structure and hiring new teams, we were able to maintain consistent product innovation. More importantly, the restructuring launched an e-commerce sales and marketing team, ensuring revenue generation, while also optimizing operational logistics to support sustained company growth.

Describe your biggest accomplishment at IMD so far: My biggest accomplishment at IMD so far has been the structuring and development of a fintech entrepreneurial idea, which I initiated during my time here. With a like-minded partner from my cohort, we collaborated closely to refine and enhance the concept, leveraging our expertise and insights. We transformed my initial idea into a business proposal and presented the entrepreneurial idea at the venture award competition hosted by IMD.

Where is your favorite hang-out in Lausanne? Why do you (and your classmates) gravitate there? My favorite hang-out in Lausanne is Vidy Beach along the shores of Lake Geneva (within walking distance from the IMD campus). It’s a vibrant green space where our cohort gathers for various activities. We often celebrate birthdays, mark the end of module classes, and enjoy barbecues and drinks together. The lake view combined with the relaxed atmosphere makes it the perfect place to unwind and create lasting memories with friends.

What has been your best memory at IMD thus far? My best memory at IMD thus far is the Mountain Discovery Trip at the beginning of the semester. We ventured to the Swiss Alps for an experience centered around sustainability. This trip offered numerous bonding opportunities for our newly formed cohort, from snowshoeing to enjoying the famous Swiss fondue. It was more than just a trip; it was a profound learning experience about our future impact on climate and social responsibility. Observing the less snow-covered Alps from our hotel window underscored the urgency of these issues and what we, as future leaders, must do for our planet. Despite the serious topic, we had a lot of fun with team-building activities, including my first snowshoeing experience. The renowned Swiss fondue dinner and the night party were perfect for helping our cohort build tight relationships.

What do you hope to do after graduation? After graduation, I hope to launch the fintech venture idea that I developed and refined during my time at IMD. I’m excited to leverage the skills, knowledge, and networks I’ve built at IMD to turn this venture into a successful business, addressing customer pain points with our fintech solution, and making a real impact.

DON’T MISS: MEET IMD BUSINESS SCHOOL’S MBA CLASS OF 2024