Heng Li

“Dynamic procurement leader driving innovation and business impact through human-centered leadership across global and complex environments”

Graduation Year: HEC Paris Class of 2024

Current Role: Renault Ampère SAS / Procurement Director

Why did you decide to pursue an Executive MBA?

Before joining the EMBA program, I expected three key things:
First, to acquire cutting-edge knowledge and sharpen my mindset through intellectually demanding coursework that would push me beyond my comfort zone.

Second, to deepen my strategic thinking and strengthen my leadership capabilities, equipping me to drive transformation at a higher level.
And third, to build a truly diverse and global network—one that would challenge my assumptions, offer fresh perspectives, and inspire me continuously through rich cultural, personal and professional exchanges.

I decided to pursue an Executive MBA because I was seeking new challenges and a meaningful next step in my professional growth. After more than 17 years in procurement and project roles, I had developed deep expertise in execution and operational excellence. However, I felt it was time to step back, broaden my horizons, and prepare myself for roles with greater strategic impact.

What lead you to the HEC Paris EMBA, and how did you know this school and this program was the right fit for you?

What made me choose the HEC Paris EMBA was a combination of its global reputation, academic excellence and the opportunity to learn alongside a diverse group of high-caliber professionals from around the world.

Before applying, I spoke with several alumni to gather first-hand feedback on their experience. Their insights were incredible valuable-they shared how the program had challenged them, broadened their thinking, and accelerated their growth both professionally and personally.

I also spent time reviewing the program content, and I was drawn to the balance between strategy thinking, operational execution, and personal leadership development. The international exposure, including connections with top-tier business school, was unique opportunity to enrich the EMBA journey.

Finally, considering the personal and professional situations, the locations of HEC Paris campus and the flexible format of the program made it the right fit for me.

Which track did you join?

I joined the September 2022 intake in English which consists of 5 modules and a specialization over 18 months. The program alternates between on-site sessions lasting 7–10 days every two months and online courses. This format was ideal for me because it allowed me to fully immerse myself on campus during each module, while also offering the flexibility to manage online learning around my professional commitments. It gave me the space to step back, reflect, and focus 100% on the learning experience without compromising my responsibilities at work.

How did you balance the demands of work, family, and the program while studying?

Pursuing an EMBA while managing a full-time role with responsibilities and a family requires a high level of time management, careful planning, and above all unwavering support and understanding from my family.

There were definitely challenges – from reading books and articles, watching course videos and working on assignments late at night after long workdays, to spending weekends on group projects instead of with my family. It demanded real commitment and discipline over the 18 months.

What helped me was anticipating busy periods, staying organized, and being fully present in whatever I was doing – whether it was work, family or study. It wasn’t always easy, but it was really rewarding.

In the end, it became a shared journey with my family, and their support was truly a key part of my success.

How did you customize your learning experience?

One of the most powerful aspects of the HEC Paris EMBA is the ability to shape your own learning journey. From day one, I knew I wanted to go beyond my core expertise and explore new ideas, industries and ways of thinking. The program offered a rich ecosystem-through specializations, global mobility options, GNAM online courses, and a wide range of industry and leadership focused clubs-that allowed me to do exactly that.

I chose the specialization ‘Innovate Like an Entrepreneur’, a collaboration between HEC Paris and Babson College. It challenged me to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, take smart risks, and think more creatively -skills that are invaluable no matter the industry.

To further broaden my perspectives, I enrolled in several GNAM courses, such as Natural Capital offered by Yale School of Management, which deepened my understanding of sustainability and it’s growing importance in business strategy.

Beyond the classroom, I actively engaged with HEC’s dynamic club network. I attended events organized by the HEC Luxury, Perfume and Beauty, Finance, Digital, and Women in Leadership clubs. These experiences allowed me to connect with senior leaders from sectors I was curious about and explore cutting-edge topics in depth. Each exchange enriched my learning and opened new doors of inspiration.

By the end of the day, I didn’t just follow a program, I designed an experience that reflected my ambitions, challenged my thinkings and helped me grow into the leader I aspire to be.

What’s a standout memory from your time at HEC Paris?

One of the most transformative and unforgettable experiences of my EMBA journey at HEC Paris was the Outdoor Leadership Seminar.

I entered the seminar with mixed feelings—curious, but unsure of what to expect. I had recently recovered from a health issue, and the idea of taking part in physically demanding team challenges alongside military officers and leadership coaches felt both exciting and daunting.

Over two days, we were immersed in fast-paced, high-pressure simulations—managing crises, leading diverse teams, making quick decisions with limited information, and adapting constantly. But the defining moment for me came when I stood at the top of a multi-story building, preparing to rappel down.

I’ve always had a fear of heights, and that moment forced me to confront it head-on. The challenge wasn’t only physical—it was psychological. Fear, uncertainty, vulnerability—all of it surfaced. But what shifted everything was the quiet encouragement of my teammates. They didn’t push. They supported. Their calm presence created an atmosphere of trust and safety that gave me the courage to take the leap.

When I reached the ground, it wasn’t just a personal victory—it was a powerful metaphor for leadership itself. Real leadership often begins when you dare to face your own limits, let go of control, and choose courage over certainty.

The seminar revealed a lot about my leadership reflexes—how I respond under pressure, how I make space for others, and where I still have room to grow. It reminded me that strong leadership isn’t about being the loudest or the most prepared. It’s about staying grounded, adaptable, and human—especially when the path is unclear.

This wasn’t just a leadership workshop. It was a lived experience—a turning point that continues to shape how I show up, both professionally and personally.

What are some of the biggest takeaways or skills you gained from the experience?

One of the most unexpected—and ultimately most powerful—takeaways from my HEC Paris EMBA journey was learning the true meaning of resilience.
Six months into the program, I faced a serious health issue that required surgery and a long recovery. I remember feeling uncertain about whether I could keep up—with the coursework, my job, and the overall intensity of the EMBA experience. But I made the decision to keep going. I adapted, stayed focused, and leaned on the unwavering support of my family, peers, colleagues, and medical team. That’s when I began to understand that resilience isn’t about pushing harder, it’s about staying committed, even when things are far from perfect.

Several months later, during the most demanding part of the program—my specialization and final capstone project—I experienced a devastating personal loss: my father passed away.

It was an unbearably painful time. I was grieving, yet still trying to meet deadlines, lead team and projects, and show up with purpose. In those moments of deep emotional weight, I kept coming back to something deeply personal: since childhood, my father always had high expectations of me. He wanted me to succeed, and to make him proud. That belief never left me. And when I felt like giving up, his voice became my strength. That inner motivation transformed my grief into quiet determination.

The EMBA gave me much more than frameworks in strategy, finance, or leadership. It taught me how to lead myself through uncertainty. How to carry on with grace and clarity when life throws the unexpected. How to transform adversity into fuel for growth.

Today, I carry resilience not just as a reaction—but as a mindset. A calm, steady belief that no matter what comes my way, I have the strength to move forward. And that’s a lesson no classroom can teach—but life, and the EMBA journey, certainly did.

How has the program helped you grow personally or professionally since graduating?

For me, the growth didn’t start after graduation—it unfolded throughout the entire EMBA journey and continues to evolve well beyond.

During the program, I was promoted to a role with broader responsibilities, leading highly strategic and complex projects. I became deeply involved in a major company transformation, contributing to upstream innovation initiatives that are actively shaping the future of our business. The pace is fast, the environment constantly shifting—and thanks to the EMBA, I don’t just react anymore. I navigate.

Through this experience, I’ve learned how to balance long-term vision with urgent operational pressures, how to facilitate alignment across diverse, cross-functional teams, and how to lead through ambiguity with clarity, empathy, and calm. I no longer approach challenges purely through an execution lens, now step back to connect the dots between business strategy, organizational dynamics, and lasting impact.

On a personal level, there is a clear “before” and “after” the EMBA journey. As I shared earlier, this experience taught me how to grow through adversity—to lead myself through fear, loss, and pressure, and come out stronger and more confident. It gave me resilience not just as a skill, but as a mindset.

Beyond the academics, what truly stayed with me is the human connection—the late-night discussions, shared challenges, and lasting friendships with peers from all over the world. These relationships, built on mutual respect and trust, helped me grow far beyond the classroom.

The EMBA didn’t just elevate my career—it changed the way I lead, decide, connect, and grow.

What advice would you share with someone thinking about pursuing an Executive MBA?

Ask yourself not just “Am I ready?” but “What am I waiting for?”
There’s rarely a perfect time to pause your routine, stretch yourself, and invest in your growth. But if you feel that pull, that quiet desire for something more, listen to it. That’s your inner voice. Trust it.

The EMBA journey is intense, no doubt. You’ll be challenged. You’ll be humbled. But you’ll also uncover strength, clarity, and purpose you didn’t know you had.

Be bold. Step into the unknown. Believe you are capable of more than you imagine.

Along the way, you won’t just gain knowledge or new skills—you’ll discover a deeper version of yourself and become part of a diverse, inspiring community that will lift you up and stay with you for life.

So, if you’re thinking about it—just go for it.

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