Eli Zhang

INSEAD

“I have a perfect excuse for my terrible memory — very few things are important.

Hometown: Beijing, China

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m an introvert who loves adventure, particularly freediving—an extreme sport where athletes hold their breath and dive deep into the ocean. As a certified assistant AIDA trainer, I can hold my breath for 4 minutes and 47 seconds, diving as deep as 32 meters in one breath. My underwater footprints span across Honduras, Miami, San Diego, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and China.

Undergraduate School and Major: B.A. in Journalism, Beijing Foreign Studies University; Master in Interactive Media Art (the ITP program), Tisch School of the Arts, New York University.

Most Recent Employer and Job Title:  Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, Senior Product Manager (Localizations)

INSEAD is one of the world’s most culturally and professionally diverse MBA programs. How do you see these global perspectives enhancing the value of your business education over the next year? I’ve always been drawn to working at the crossroads of different cultures. Straight out of college, I joined China Global Television Network to share China’s stories with an international audience. In the U.S., I honed my storytelling skills, creating interactive and engaging content. My recent roles at Ant Group and Alibaba enabled me to connect with users from around the world, deepening my understanding of diverse cultures and behaviors. This cultural awareness, though not easily quantifiable, has been crucial to my success. Moving forward, I aim to leverage storytelling and global perspectives to empower businesses expanding internationally. INSEAD’s diverse culture and global community will undoubtedly accelerate my career growth.

Why did you choose a one-year program over a two-year program? How do you see an INSEAD MBA giving you an advantage in the marketplace? A one-year program is an efficient use of both time and money, resources that are more valuable to me now than ever, especially in my thirties. Initially, I viewed the concept of a “diverse and strong alumni network” as a mere marketing phrase. However, after researching, I discovered just how many INSEAD alumni hold influential roles at Alibaba, my most recent employer. This realization made me appreciate the tangible value of INSEAD’s alumni network, which perfectly aligns with my long-term career goals in a way that traditional U.S. or Chinese B-schools may not.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of INSEAD’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? INSEAD’s dual-campus structure was a major draw for me. Having lived and worked in Asia and North America, I’m eager to explore Europe, which made Fontainebleau an ideal choice for my home campus. My career aspirations involve helping Chinese businesses expand internationally after graduation. INSEAD’s strong ties to China and Asia through its Singapore campus provide the perfect platform for me to achieve these goals.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at INSEAD? I’m most excited about the elective courses of Blue Ocean Strategy. The theory was invented by INSEAD professors W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne. It would be amazing to study with such impactful business thinkers.

As a storyteller and designer, I admire companies that innovate with new products and creative “Blue Ocean” strategies. I aim to build the research and analytical skills necessary to complement my creative abilities, ultimately becoming a more effective storyteller who can help businesses make a greater impact.

Another course that excites me is the Personal Leadership Development Program. Having been a senior manager, I’ve identified areas in my leadership that need strengthening. I’m seeking professional guidance to become not only a better leader in the workplace but also a more effective manager of my own life.

What has been your first impression of the INSEAD MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best INSEAD story so far. I’ve always been curious about the overall experience of studying at INSEAD, so I asked every alumnus I spoke to the same question: “On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your experience at INSEAD?” To my surprise, every single one rated it a 9 or 10, describing it as the best year of their life—although they did warn me about the unforgettably demanding coursework. When I mentioned visiting the Fontainebleau campus during my admission interviews, the interviewers got super excited and shared their treasured memories. That was when I knew INSEAD was where I wanted my next adventure to be.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of my most significant accomplishments was leading Ant Group’s first successful bid in international procurement for the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), where we competed against industry giants like Microsoft and Dada Group. Initially, I was brought onto the project as an English expert to support the team with language needs. However, as I delved deeper into the project, I recognized gaps in our approach and took on a larger role as a key strategist.

Understanding the client’s needs, I led the design of the prototype and developed a compelling proof of concept, which involved crafting a narrative that resonated with AIIB’s global teams across their tech, operations, and business departments. My storytelling skills were crucial in presenting our solution effectively, and I took immense pride in seeing our team win the bid.

What made this accomplishment even more meaningful was the project’s potential for social impact. The digital solution AIIB procured was an online platform designed to connect local governments across Asia with highly capable infrastructure development companies. By facilitating the construction of ports, roads, railways, and other essential infrastructure, this platform would ultimately help improve people’s everyday lives throughout the region.

This accomplishment is particularly significant to me because it not only showcased my ability to transcend my designated role and lead a team to success in a highly competitive environment, but it also allowed me to contribute to a project with far-reaching positive implications. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of storytelling to drive business outcomes and achieve social good, and it deepened my commitment to leveraging my skills for meaningful impact in the world.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? I aim to secure a role that combines creative expression, storytelling, and general management skills. I’m considering positions such as a creative consultant at a management consulting firm like BCG or a specialized agency like IDEO. However, I’ve come to INSEAD with an open mind, ready to explore and embrace other career paths that allow me to make a meaningful impact and contribute positively to the world.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into INSEAD’s MBA program? Many exceptional individuals are as qualified as I am, if not more so, to join INSEAD. But it’s important to remember that INSEAD isn’t just looking for excellence; the school is building a community where self-awareness, mutual support, and celebrating differences are also key.

During my application process, I used the opportunity to reflect deeply on my journey as both a professional and an individual. I asked myself tough questions about my life decisions and how they led me to this point. In the end, I presented a coherent and honest narrative of who I am, and I believe that authenticity helped the Admissions Committee say yes to me.

My advice: Take time to think deeply about your WHYs. Face the difficult questions you may have overlooked in your busy life. This self-reflection will not only strengthen your application but also help you better understand your own goals and aspirations.

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