Seki (Ziyao) Guan

Cambridge Judge Business School

“Curious, innovative, and empathetic product leader passionate about AI, education, and meaningful human connections.”

Hometown: Wuhan, China

Fun fact about yourself: Lost 60 pounds in a year, published film reviews with major media outlets, and an active vlogger encouraging girls in rural China to see a bigger world.

Undergraduate School and Degree:

Bachelor of Economics, Boston University (2016-2019)

Master of Applied Quantitative Research, New York University (2019-2020)

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Moonshot AI – AI Product Manager

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? Full time with Moonshot AI in Beijing and Shanghai, China

Where will you be working after graduation? Moonshot AI – AI Product Manager

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

Chair of Cambridge Judge Business School AI Special Interest Group (SIG)

Finalist in INSEAD Product Games Competition 2024

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? Being elected Chair of the AI Special Interest Group (SIG) was a proud moment because it gave me the opportunity to bring together diverse voices to explore AI’s potential in industries and business. We hosted multiple events and panel discussions, facilitating meaningful conversations on ethical AI use in learning environments.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I am most proud of leading the development of KIMI APP, an AI personal assistant with over 60 million monthly active users (data in Jan 2025). We implemented innovative features like AI emotion detection and interactive learning tools, which significantly improved user engagement and learning outcomes, especially for young generations to help them with their study, life and emotion. It helps many students to not only get the answer, but also understand how to study; also, Kimi is a great companion that always cares about users’ mental health.

Why did you choose this business school? The one-year Cambridge MBA focuses on actionable learning, with 400+ hours of practical projects like the Cambridge Venture Project and Global Consulting Project. These mirror real-world product management challenges – validating ideas, leading cross-functional teams, and scaling solutions – critical for transitioning into AI leadership roles.

Cambridge’s tech cluster (dubbed “Europe’s Silicon Valley”) offers unparalleled access to AI startups, scale-ups, and research hubs like the Cambridge AI Centre. For an AI PM, proximity to innovators like Arm or Darktrace means hands-on collaboration and exposure to cutting-edge applications.

With 90% international students and 45+ nationalities, the MBA cohort at Cambridge mirrors global markets. Working alongside peers from finance, healthcare, and NGOs, athletes and even the FBI, sharpens cross-industry insights – vital for designing AI solutions that address varied user needs.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? Professor Gishan Dissanaike, Dean of Cambridge Judge Business School. His ability to connect corporate finance theory with real-world applications, making complex concepts both accessible and practical. His mentorship significantly shaped my approach to financial decision-making in AI product development. He not only taught me how to deal with financial models, but also taught me the way to solve problems.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? The MBA Strategy course was my favorite because it involved in-class activities where we took on the perspective of companies, like OpenAI, to create strategic plans. This exercise was fascinating as I had never viewed these challenges from the company’s point of view – previously, I analysed AI companies from a competitor’s standpoint. By stepping into OpenAI’s shoes, I realised there were many challenges, ethical issues and strategic decisions I hadn’t considered, and it opened my mind to new ways of thinking about AI’s growth and development.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? The MBA Cambridge Venture Project (CVP) was my favourite event as it gave me the opportunity to work with fascinating clients from industries where I had no prior knowledge. I learned about new sectors (my client is called DefiniGen, a toxicology and liver-cell product company), discovered cross-industry methodologies like using data effectively, conducting primary and secondary research, and communicating strategies with clients and teammates. I also built strong relationships with my client and my MBA study group, and the way the project developed and my role within the study group will benefit my future work enormously.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? I would have sought more informal peer mentorship earlier, as those conversations often provided the most practical advice and perspective for navigating the MBA journey and gave me many new ideas about my product (Kimi).

What is the biggest myth about your school? The biggest myth is that Cambridge Judge Business School is too academically rigorous to allow time for other pursuits. In reality, the school encourages a balanced experience, and I found time to lead the AI Special Interest Group, participate in MBA competitions, and build lasting friendships across my cohort.

What movie or television show (e.g. The Big Short, The Founder, Mad Men, House of Lies) best reflects the realities of business and what did you learn from it? The film Social Network resonates with me because it portrays the challenges of entrepreneurship, innovation, and ethical dilemmas in the tech industry. The movie reflects how rapid growth and competition can impact decision-making, relationships, and long-term strategy – lessons I find highly relevant in the fast-evolving AI field.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? Cambridge Judge Business School integrates AI through courses and events like the AI SIG panels, where we explored real-world applications from predictive analytics in business to adaptive learning technologies in education. In Strategy class, for example, we analysed OpenAI as a case study and discussed emerging players like DeepSeek, focusing on their strategic moves and industry implications. Additionally, MBA courses like Digital Marketing and Digital Business provided deep insights into AI applications in marketing strategies and operational efficiencies, making AI a consistent, practical theme throughout the curriculum at Cambridge.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? Rachel Cottam, who is a mother of three, a feminist leader, and the President of the Women and Gender Equality SIG at Cambridge Judge Business School. Her curiosity, resilience, and dedication to both her family and her community inspire me. Rachel works tirelessly to support others while pursuing her own growth, always combining hard work with genuine empathy. Her ability to balance these responsibilities with grace motivates me to stay curious, persistent, and compassionate in my own journey.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?

1. Build an AI-powered learning platform that adapts to different learning styles globally and breaks the education barrier.
2. Launch a mental health tech initiative that provides personalised, accessible emotional support through AI.

What made Seki (Ziyao) Guan such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2024/25?

“Seki Guan is the kind of student every professor hopes to have in their classroom – curious, collaborative, and fiercely driven. She doesn’t just absorb knowledge; she actively engages with it, pushing the boundaries of corporate finance with insightful questions and real-world applications, particularly in the AI and entrepreneurial space.

Beyond her own learning, she elevates those around her – creating study groups, fostering discussions, and ensuring her peers grasp complex financial concepts. Whether leading the AI Special Interest Group or excelling in global competitions, Seki is a true catalyst for collective success. She will make headlines in the years ahead.”

Gishan Dissanaike
Dean of Cambridge Judge Business School and Adam Smith Professor of Corporate Governance & Finance

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