Katherine Cai

Harvard Business School

“Food enthusiast driven by a passion for health and wellness, personal growth and positive impact.”

Hometown: Shanghai, China

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach.

Undergraduate School and Major: Washington University in St. Louis, Economics & Strategy and Mathematics

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Bain & Company, Senior Associate Consultant

What makes the case method so attractive as a means to learn and become a better manager? When students graduate from HBS, we will have read 500+ cases across multiple industries that prepare us for many tough decisions that we might encounter as a future manager in real life situations. So the case method really allows you to be in the protagonist’s shoes, weigh your options, make the choice, and back it up with argument and reasoning. During in-class discussions, my hypothesis is highly likely to shift around as I learned several important factors that I have not previously considered – learning from not just professors, but also your peers, sets the foundation for a case method-driven classroom.

Aside from your classmates and cases, what was the key part of Harvard Business School’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? I was really attracted to the extensive alumni network at HBS. For example, I joined entrepreneurship club and I was impressed by the broad network in startup/VC ecosystem that is available for students to reach out for connections, seek advice from alumni who started/joined a startup successfully in the past. Typically, the alumni have higher response rate than cold reach-out so networking with a warm connection or intro can become a lot more effective.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at Harvard Business School? I’m an active member of the Health & Wellness Club. On the career development side, the club has brought in founders and CEOs of health & wellness startups to speak with us on campus. It has been great to have that opportunity to connect with people more experienced in an industry that I’m personally passionate about. Socially, we also have group fitness classes (e.g., CorePower Yoga) for club members to stay active and hang out for fun!

When you think of Harvard Business School, what is the first word that comes to mind? Why? Possibility – since I started school, I have been exposed to a wide variety of opportunities and events that allow me to explore my interests and figure out what I’m truly passionate about. The hypothesis that I want to test out at HBS has been constantly shifting. Whether you are looking to pivot to alternative careers or leaping into areas where you have limited prior experience, resources at HBS abound and allow you to unlock your potential.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized Harvard Business School was the right program for you? Why? The moment I realized Harvard Business School was the right program for me was when I visited an HBS class and experienced the case method firsthand. Watching ideas bounce around the room in a free-flowing discussion, where each participant brought a unique perspective, was unlike anything I had encountered. Every comment and counterpoint added a new dimension to the case, challenging my own understanding and assumptions. The case method didn’t just foster debate; it drove deep thinking that left me with fresh insights at the end. This intellectually stimulating environment solidified my belief that HBS would push me to think critically, expand my perspective, and grow in ways that would be truly transformative.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of the biggest accomplishments in my career so far was working with Simply Good Foods, the parent company of Atkins and Quest, on the $280 million acquisition deal of OWYN (Only What You Need). This acquisition was strategically significant as it allowed Simply Good Foods to expand into the high-growth, plant-based nutrition segment. I played a critical role in the deal process, conducting in-depth market research to assess OWYN’s competitive positioning, analyzing financial projections and collaborating with cross-functional teams to address operational and integration challenges. Throughout the deal, I contributed to shaping the strategic rationale for the acquisition, focusing on how OWYN’s offerings would complement Simply Good Foods’ existing portfolio and drive synergies.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? My biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far has been digging deeper in the nutrition and health management space – I learned so much about pain points for more personalized, AI-driven nutrition solutions based on individual needs, habits, and goals. The continuous exploration has allowed me to apply what I’ve learned from entrepreneurship resources (e.g., Harvard Innovation Lab), from market analysis to customer discovery. It has been incredibly fulfilling as it combines my passion for health and wellness with cutting-edge technology.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Harvard Business School’s MBA program? My personal advice for potential applicants is to be authentic – it’s truly the only way to craft a unique and compelling story in your application. Harvard Business School looks for individuals who bring diverse perspectives, unique experiences, and genuine passion to the program. Rather than trying to fit a mold, focus on sharing your true motivations, values, and aspirations. Reflect on the experiences that have shaped you, both personally and professionally, and communicate why an MBA from HBS is essential for your growth and goals.

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