Chengyin (Chloe) Li

Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford

“A constant thinker who tells stories that connect capital, people, and purpose.”

Hometown:  Shanghai, China

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m building a personal archive of postcards from every museum and gallery I visit.

Undergraduate School and Major:

• Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, Boston University
• Master of Science in International Public Policy, University College London

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Project Manager (Marketing & Product Department), InvesTAO

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 admissions team first inspired me to take this step long before I had fully decided to pursue an MBA. Once I arrived at Oxford, everything began to make sense. The enthusiasm I encountered during the application process is reflected in the community itself. Oxford Saïd offers a diverse network in terms of nationality, race, and gender, along with different perspectives and areas of expertise, particularly through the unique college system. This diversity provides constant opportunities to learn from people with different ways of thinking and to challenge my assumptions.

Some of my most meaningful moments during Michaelmas (Autumn) term came from shared laughter, genuine debate, and connection with my peers. Learning alongside individuals who are defined by curiosity, resilience, and generosity has encouraged me to think bigger, work harder and have more faith in myself – and this same energy continues to shape my experience at Oxford Saïd.

Beyond that, there is what I can only describe as the Oxford way. You can sense it when walking through the streets and hear it in everyday conversations. Oxford is a place shaped by rich history, curiosity, and a shared sense of purpose. Rather than pushing you to become something specific, Oxford gives you the space and inspiration to grow into your best self.

What course, club, or activity has been your favourite part of the Oxford Saïd MBA experience? Organisational Behaviour has been my favourite course so far. Through engaging case studies in various situations, the course encouraged deep self-reflection through real life scenarios, helping me better to understand leadership under extreme circumstances and its impact on teams.

The Human Leadership Programme has also been a highlight. Taking a psychological approach to leadership, it paired me with a personal coach who helped me develop a practical leadership strategy based on a detailed understanding of my strengths and tendencies.

Outside of the classroom, I particularly enjoyed the fireside chats and open lectures organised by my college and the business school. Having the opportunity to ask questions of leaders such as Lord (David) Cameron and to hear Dr Daniel Goleman speak about how empathy inspires others in ways that AI cannot replicate has been deeply motivating. It has allowed me to learn from their personal experiences.

What is the most “Oxford” thing you have done so far as a full-time MBA student? Debated with my peers while wandering in the most beautiful Oxford Botanic Garden.

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? Without a doubt, I would place my college events at the centre of my Oxford experience. These gatherings constantly broaden my horizons in unexpected ways and create opportunities for rich intellectual exchange. In one moment, I might be speaking with someone deeply engaged in theology: in the next, with a diplomat specialising in regional studies. These interactions have allowed me to reconnect with my academic background in political science, which I had set aside during my professional years, while also giving me space to share and apply my business experience in new and meaningful ways.

For me, Oxford offers a sense of intellectual mountaineering: a gradual climb towards deeper questions about how to live and what truly matters. There is an honest hunger for wisdom here, alongside a willingness to put ideas forward, to debate, and to listen in the pursuit of truth. What makes this environment especially powerful is that these conversations are not purely theoretical. They are grounded in how people live their lives, commit to their work and communities, and act on the values that guide them day-to-day. Experiencing this blend of rigour, curiosity, and lived conviction has been one of the most meaningful aspects of my time at Oxford.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of my most challenging (yet meaningful) accomplishments has been supporting a Japanese plastic recycling company with an investor relations project, helping it prepare for its first reverse IPO and raise capital in Europe. Although the company had a strong market share and long-standing domestic clients, its revenue was highly concentrated, making its value proposition difficult to communicate to European investors.

Recognising that traditional metrics alone would not convey the company’s potential, I led the initiative to redefine its narrative. Through competitor analysis and close engagement with senior leadership, I identified what investors truly valued: strategic access to Asia’s recycling market and a credible commitment to sustainability. I repositioned the company as a long-term sustainable solutions provider, emphasising its alignment with the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the founder’s personal dedication to the circular economy, and the strength of its technology and client relationships.

Consequently, we developed a clear investor story, supported the creation of a comprehensive investor database, and helped the company secure multiple promising leads with European investors.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? My greatest achievement so far has been a personal shift in the way I connect with and support others. Oxford has encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone by engaging more openly through group projects, business school events, and informal debates with my peers. I am forever grateful for this opportunity as Oxford brings out the best in me. My peers challenge me to grow, think more broadly, and to act with greater responsibility. To me, leadership is not just about being at the forefront, but also about opening up to others, building trust, and creating opportunities for people to grow and speak up.

This perspective has naturally shaped the way I give back. I joined the Refugee-Led Research Hub as a volunteer mentor through the Refugee Studies Centre at the University of Oxford. Supporting talented students from displaced and refugee backgrounds in their pursuit of equitable access to higher education has reinforced to me the true meaning of leading with empathy and responsibility. Being part of this community constantly reminds me of the power of hope, resilience and collective support.

Oxford Saïd is considered a mission-driven MBA program. What social issue resonates most with you? How do you plan to use your career path to address this issue? What resonates most with me is the gap between underserved communities and the ideas, talent, and sense of purpose that often remain unrecognised within them. All too often, meaningful potential exists without access to the necessary resources, platforms or support to turn intention into lasting impact.

Looking ahead, I hope to work at the intersection of business, sustainability, and global engagement. I want to use strategic narrative and storytelling to help organisations identify untapped potential and direct capital, attention, and opportunity towards the communities that need them most. Just as my peers recognise my strengths, I aspire to do the same for others by creating opportunities for ideas and individuals to flourish.

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