Emily Hao

Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

“Coffee-powered coder, innovative entrepreneur, passionate advocate for social impact and global change.”

Hometown: Boston, MA, USA

Fun Fact About Yourself: I adopted two wolves in Portugal and co-founded a nail vending machine business—because saving wildlife and sparkly nails are equally important!

Undergraduate School and Major: Worcester Polytechnic Institute, USA. Computer Science

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Founder, Investing at Home LLC.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Oxford Saïd’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The key part of Oxford Saïd’s MBA programming that led me to choose this business school its strong emphasis on social impact and responsible leadership. The integration of social innovation throughout the curriculum deeply resonates with my personal and professional values.

What course, club, or activity has been your favorite part of the Oxford Saïd MBA experience? One of my favorite parts of the Oxford Saïd MBA experience has been participating in the ASEAN Club’s Chinese New Year event. The club hosted a vibrant celebration at Saïd Business School, showcasing Chinese culture through food, performances, and interactive activities. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with classmates from diverse backgrounds, share traditions, and celebrate the richness of Chinese heritage.

What is the most “Oxford” thing you have done so far as a full-time MBA student? The most “Oxford” thing I’ve done so far is attending formal hall dinners at the historic colleges. Dressed in academic gowns, my classmates and I enjoyed a multi-course meal in a centuries-old dining hall, surrounded by portraits of past scholars and leaders.

Oxford is known as a place where world collides, be it in the classroom or the dining hall. What has been the most interesting interaction you’ve had so far as an Oxford MBA student? One fascinating interaction I’ve had as an Oxford MBA student was during a Global Opportunities and Threats: Oxford (GOTO) project workshop. One student shared insights into the complexities of managing rapid urban growth while using his own personal experience addressing environmental and social inequalities. This interaction stood out because it exemplified how Oxford brings together diverse perspectives to address pressing global issues. It reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration and the importance of listening to and learning from others.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest career accomplishment has been founding Investing at Home, a real estate investment platform that integrates blockchain technology to increase transparency and accessibility.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? My biggest accomplishment as an Oxford MBA student has been my role as a Section Representative and MBAT organizer. As a Student Rep, I supported my peers, addressed concerns, and fostered a strong community. Being there for others when they needed help was incredibly rewarding. In the MBAT Planning Committee, I helped organize one of the year’s biggest events, driving engagement and logistics to ensure a great experience for everyone. These experiences have strengthened my leadership and ability to bring people together.

What has been the biggest epiphany you’ve gained about yourself or the world since you started your MBA program? At Oxford, I’ve worked with classmates from over 60 nationalities, each bringing unique experiences and insights to the table. This has taught me that the best solutions often emerge when people with different backgrounds and viewpoints come together. It has also reinforced my belief in the importance of inclusive leadership and the need to create spaces where diverse voices are heard and valued.

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