Sasinipa Laowachara (Cherry)

“A yes girl with an open mind that strives to comprehend the world!”

Hometown: Bangkok, Thailand

Fun Fact About Yourself: Lived in Melbourne for 7 years without drinking the famous flat white or coffee

Undergraduate School and Major: Accounting and Finance, The University of Melbourne

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: General Manager at Naykirin Co.,Ltd (Family Business)

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

Reflecting on my working experiences in both a large corporate setting and a family business, I would like to gain a broader view of the business and its strategies, as well as the qualities needed in a leader to effectively guide our business. It is the right time to further nurture and develop my qualities to become a better leader and succeed in a business position. Additionally, I want to understand more about the Chinese economy and immerse myself in Chinese culture to leverage these insights for future business opportunities.

When you think of your school, what is the first word that comes to mind and why?

Inclusivity is the first word that comes to mind, and it wouldn’t be complete without diversity. The CEIBS community fosters tight-knit relationships among students, faculty, administration, and professors. There are diverse activities, clubs, and experiences to choose from, allowing us to connect with like-minded individuals and explore our interests. Additionally, the cohort’s varied backgrounds and experiences broaden and enrich my perspectives. CEIBS always makes me feel welcomed and valued!

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, Global Breadth” is the best phrase to describe the MBA program at CEIBS. The program combines the best aspects of both Eastern and Western learning styles and knowledge. While it offers insights into Chinese practices and culture, it also emphasizes the importance of the external world. I strive to understand and learn more about Chinese business conduct, as it closely resembles Thai culture and practices. I believe there are many perspectives I can adapt to our family business. Additionally, the program places a strong emphasis on an integrated learning approach to real business situations, cultivating future leaders.

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

The Leadership and Developmental Skills module is one of the most interesting courses for me. It strikes a good balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application, helping us nurture crucial soft skills, such as becoming charismatic speakers as future leaders. Learning from our experienced mentors provides valuable industry insights and supports personal development. This subject encourages me to reflect on my past journeys, examine my present, and strive for my future endeavors.

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

I have participated in multiple activities and clubs to explore new and diverse interests. The experience I’ve enjoyed most so far is the mentorship program. We had four gatherings with our mentor-mentee pairs, and every mentor was warm and knowledgeable in her own field. Learning from dedicated mentors who are eager to share their wisdom and provide guidance has been incredibly reassuring on this journey.
What do you consider the biggest accomplishment in your career so far?

As a second-generation family business member, I aim to expand our current operations and explore new opportunities to complement our ventures. One of my biggest accomplishments in recent years has been increasing efficiency and streamlining both frontend and backend operations. I utilized the knowledge and experience I gained from my undergraduate studies and professional background to identify bottlenecks, formulate processes, and adopt a data-driven approach. I effectively persuaded employees to overcome resistance to change, and we successfully adapted to the new processes together.

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

I highly recommend Think Again by Adam Grant to everyone. I read it a while ago, but its insights still resonate with me. The book emphasizes the importance of rethinking and maintaining a learning mindset. It has helped me understand my thought processes and foster a curiosity for new and diverse perspectives. I hope everyone finds it as interesting and insightful as I do!

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

I learned about the importance of segmentation, positioning, targeting, and the 4Ps strategy. I was familiar with this concept before, but class discussions and case studies in different fields have prominently highlighted its significance and power to create value to customers.

I recently learned about the saving rates in China, which are surprisingly high to me. This indicates both the economic and financial position of the country, as well as the culture of the Chinese people.

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

I encourage every candidate to think deeply about not only their expectations for the MBA program but also the perspectives and values they can bring to it. Be creative while remaining authentic in portraying who you are to the admissions team.