2025 Best 40-Under-40 MBA Professors: Ke Michael Mai, China Europe International Business School (CEIBS)

Ke Michael Mai
China Europe International Business School (CEIBS)

“What sets Professor Mai apart is his long-term commitment to students. Even after the courses have ended, he continues to guide and inspire them. His mentorship has had a profound impact on many students’ lives, helping them navigate challenges and achieve their goals. Although I am not aware of specific teaching awards he has received, his impact on students and the business school community is undeniable. His contributions to teaching and student development make him a well – deserving candidate for this recognition.” – Jincai Fan, MBA 2026

Ke Michael Mai, 39, is an Associate Professor of Organisational Behaviour in the Department of Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management at China Europe International Business School (CEIBS). Previously, Prof. Mai taught and researched at Sungkyunkwan University Graduate School of Business (GSB) and National University of Singapore NUS Business School. His excellence has been formally recognized with multiple teaching awards from NUS Business School and Eller College of Management at UofA.

Dr. Mai is a prolific researcher with publications in leading academic journals such as Nature Human Behaviour, Nature Mental Health, Journal of Applied Psychology, Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Personnel Psychology, Journal of Organizational Behavior, and Journal of Business Ethics, as well as practitioners’ outlets such as the Harvard Business Review. 

He also serves the academic community as a member of the editorial boards of the Journal of Applied Psychology, Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Personnel Psychology, Journal of Business Ethics, and Journal of Business Psychology. He was the recipient of the 2021 Journal of Applied Psychology Reviewer Award. 

His research extends beyond academia; his innovative studies on AI’s role in ethical decision-making and creative teamwork have had significant impacts on business strategies and public policy, addressing the pressing challenges of our digital age. His work has garnered attention from major media outlets, including Fortune Magazine, Bloomberg Businessweek, CNNMoney, and Huffington Post, establishing him as a key voice on the future of work. He is also a recipient of the Competitive Humanities and Social Sciences Research Award from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and has served as a principal investigator for several Singapore government-funded research grants.

BACKGROUND

At current institution since what year?  2024

Education: Ph.D. in Management, Eller College of Management, The University of Arizona; M.A. in Human Resource Management, School of Management and Labor Relations, Rutgers University

List of MBA courses you currently teach: MBA and EMBA core class in Organizational Behavior

TELL US ABOUT LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR

I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when… I’ve always dreamed of becoming a scientist since I was young. But it wasn’t until I pursued my master’s degree in the U.S. that I realized the transformative power of business education in shaping leaders and driving meaningful change within organizations and society. The opportunity to be a business school professor by creating knowledge, and inspiring and mentoring future leaders was a calling that I couldn’t ignore.

What are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it? I am currently researching how humans collaborate with AI and how the adoption of AI impacts workplace norms and behaviors. AI not only enhances efficiency but also reshapes interpersonal dynamics, requiring organizations to adapt their culture and redefine roles to maximize the synergy between human intelligence and artificial intelligence. 

If I weren’t a business school professor… I would likely be working as a consultant or entrepreneur, helping organizations navigate complex challenges and fostering innovation. 

What do you think makes you stand out as a professor? I like to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment for my students. I always try to bridge the gap between myself and my students, making my classes enjoyable and interactive. My use of innovative teaching methods fosters immersive experiences that deepen understanding of complex topics like leadership, trust, creativity, innovation, and business ethics.

One word that describes my first time teaching: Thrilling

Here’s what I wish someone would’ve told me about being a business school professor:  The role goes far beyond teaching. The seemingly relaxed performance under the spotlight in the classroom as an academic is accompanied by countless moments of sweat and tears, from handling rejections to enduring sleepless nights. 

Professor I most admire and why: The list can go very long, so I won’t mention everyone here. Aside from my doctoral advisors, Prof. Aleks Ellis, who has taught me how to ask good questions, as well as all my peers and mentors at UofA. I have benefited greatly from my colleagues and mentors at CEIBS – Prof. Frank Bournois, Prof. Sebastian Schuh, Prof. Tae-yoel Kim, Prof. Katherine Xin, Prof. Andrew Wang, Prof. Byron Lee, and Prof. Michelle Zheng. I also want to thank all my collaborators for their patience and support — each of you has something valuable that I can learn from.

TEACHING MBA STUDENTS

What do you enjoy most about teaching business students? I always enjoy seeing students connect theory with practice, challenging conventional thinking, and applying what they’ve learned to solve real-world problems. Their curiosity and drive to make an impact inspire me.

What is most challenging? Pushing students to think about the “why” when they primarily concerned with “how.” At the same time, you also need to make the process both enjoyable and inspiring.

In one word, describe your favorite type of student: Curious

In one word, describe your least favorite type of student: Arrogant

When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as… Fair and constructive

LIFE OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM

What are your hobbies? I enjoy sports (basketball, calisthenics, BodyCombat), exploring foreign countries, watching thought-provoking films and dramas, playing the cello or attending concerts, having meaningful conversations with friends and colleagues, and savoring delicious food.

How will you spend your summer? Summer is typically the season for executive teaching and academic conferences, but I will use most of my free time to be with my family.

Favorite place(s) to vacation:  I like to explore new places with my family. Some of our favorite destinations include Paris, Southern France, the Grand Canyon, Kyushu and Shikoku Islands in Japan, Yunnan, and Iceland—though our list continues to grow.

Favorite book(s):  I like Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea.” It gives me courage and inspires me to stay true to myself every time I read it. 

What is currently your favorite movie and/or show and what is it about the film or program that you enjoy so much? I love the documentary “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru” directed by Fang Li. The director, at the age of 60, used 10 years to discover the wreck of the sinking ship to uncover a hidden history during World War II. He and his crew tried their best to find the core parties and descendants from UK, US, Canada, Japan and China, getting close to the truth about the sinking of the “Lisbon Maru” in WWII. 

What is your favorite type of music or artist(s) and why? I enjoy various genres of music – classical, jazz, bluegrass, hip-hop, just to name a few. Exploring different types of music really sparks creativity in me and helps me relax. I was a trained cellist, so have a natural passion for classical music. My list of favorite cellists includes Mstislav Rostropovich, Jacqueline du Pré, János Starker, Gautier Capuçon, Yo-Yo Ma, and Jian Wang.  When it comes to modern musicians, I am a big fan of Jacob Collier and DJ Nujabes.

THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS

If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more of this… A stronger focus on integrating AI and technology into the curriculum, teaching students not only how to embrace the new technology but also how to critically assess their ethical implications and strategic impact on businesses.

In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job at… 

Adopting AI responsibly by balancing innovation with ethical considerations, ensuring transparency, and fostering a culture where humans and AI collaborate effectively.

I’m grateful for… I am deeply grateful for all the kindness, support, and encouragement I have received throughout my academic journey at SKK, NUS, and CEIBS. Every act of generosity from my friends and colleagues has played a crucial role in shaping who I am and what I’ve accomplished. While dedication is important, I’ve also come to realize that luck – the right opportunities, the right collaborator, and the right timing – can make all the difference. Success is often a blend of effort and luck, and I feel fortunate to have experienced both along the way.

 

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