Jincai Fan

“Creative strategist merging AI wizardry with marketing flair, sparking growth and crafting unforgettable campaigns”

Hometown: Leshan, Sichuan Province, China

Fun Fact About Yourself: Love trekking and hiking

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Nottingham, BA(Hons) Finance Accounting and Management

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Senior Product Director, Mininglamp Technology (currently still employed)

What were some of the key motivating factors behind pursing your MBA, and why did this seem like the right time for you?

Pursuing an MBA became a priority for me because I realized I had reached a ceiling in my ability to lead innovation and drive business growth without a formal education in entrepreneurship and marketing strategy. My experience in launching AI-driven marketing solutions highlighted gaps in my knowledge about go-to-market strategies and systematic approaches to building scalable businesses.

The downturn in my company’s competitiveness in 2021 and my subsequent role in spearheading a product turnaround further solidified my desire to understand innovation and entrepreneurship on a deeper level. With my career at a pivotal moment—having gained significant leadership experience yet needing a broader skillset—this was the ideal time to invest in my education

When you think of your school, what is the first word that comes to mind and why?
“China Depth with Global Breadth.” This phrase resonates deeply with me as I aspire to advance my career in China. CEIBS combines a profound understanding of the Chinese market with an influential network, providing unparalleled support for professional growth.

What are one or two key aspects of this MBA program that stood out among the others, and why were they so important to you?

China Depth and Global Breadth: CEIBS offers unparalleled insight into the unique business environment of China while providing access to global trends and practices. This combination is vital for my goal of leveraging AI to redefine marketing strategies.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Courses: The school’s emphasis on entrepreneurship, coupled with practical learning opportunities like ISCP, aligns perfectly with my aspiration to launch a content-tech consulting firm.

What course were you/are you most interested in taking coming into the program and why?

I am most interested in Marketing Management, a course that delves into the core principles of marketing and explores strategies to effectively influence consumer behavior.

What club, activity, or experience at the school have you most enjoyed so far, and why?

The Entrepreneurship Club has been a standout experience. Engaging with peers who share a passion for building businesses and solving real-world problems has been inspiring. The club’s activities provide a hands-on opportunity to discuss ideas, collaborate on ventures, and gain mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs.

What do you consider the biggest accomplishment in your career so far?

Spearheading the development of a new KOL/content marketing product line that generated RMB 5 million in revenue within six months stands as my greatest accomplishment. Leading this project without a product background, I successfully motivated my team, secured client buy-in, and ultimately revitalized a struggling business line. Winning the company’s Best Individual Contributor award validated the impact of this achievement.

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

I highly recommend reading “Measure What Matters” by John Doerr. The book’s insights into the OKR (Objectives and Key Results) framework are transformative for anyone looking to align teams and drive measurable outcomes. It has significantly influenced how I manage projects and prioritize goals.

What are two things you have learned at your school that have surprised you so far – one academic and one non-academic?

Academic: The depth of insight into consumer behavior in the context of China’s unique market dynamics has been eye-opening, particularly how cultural nuances shape marketing and business strategies.
Non-Academic: I was surprised by the power of CEIBS’ alumni network. The willingness of alumni to mentor and share opportunities has exceeded my expectations and underscored the value of this community.

What advice would you give to help prospective MBAs gain admission into an MBA program?

1. Define Your Why: Articulate a clear vision of how an MBA fits into your personal and professional aspirations. Admissions committees look for candidates with purpose.
2. Showcase Impact: Highlight measurable accomplishments that demonstrate leadership, initiative, and resilience. Use real-world examples that align with your career goals.
3. Research Thoroughly: Understand what makes the school unique and tailor your application to reflect how its strengths align with your goals.