HKUST MBA Superconnector

The Hidden Cost of Platforms, Prof. Meng's Bold Solution

Ever met someone whose electric energy pulls you right in? 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐙𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐥𝐢 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐠 delivers just that, a restless explorer bridging academia, tech giants like Tencent and JD, and consulting, always chasing fresh challenges. In this HKUST MBA podcast, Associate Dean Prof. Stephen Shih uncovers her journey: from Tencent to leading HKUST's Center for Technology and Business Ecosystems. Her vivid examples, from TikTok creators to Uber drivers, ask us to think differently. Curiosity fueled her path, including co-authoring the pioneering “Internet Plus” reports that shaped China's digital economy. They dive into her award-winning Harvard Business Review China article challenging platform giants amid rising AI risks. Explore her "co-benefit ecosystems" blueprint that turns tech dominance into shared wins. Tune in for her straight-shooting advice on the dangers of big tech—and how tech can be a force for good.

Building the Future with AI: Leadership, Strategy & Lifelong Learning

Leaders today can no longer bank on a “safe” linear career; AI, shorter business lifecycles and global competition are rewriting the rules.In this podcast, 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐃𝐚𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐧𝐠 , 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐚, 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐓𝐑 𝐞𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐇𝐊𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐌𝐁𝐀 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐲 , shares how his own journey shifted from a planned corporate path into six startups and the frontlines of AI. He explains why AI is a general-purpose technology that touches every industry, why the real bottleneck is human culture rather than tech, and why risk appetite and lifelong learning now matter more than perfect planning.Through his three MBA courses on AI innovation, digital transformation, and the “10X Entrepreneur,” he helps professionals see how East and West are evolving differently, question old assumptions, and turn AI tools and AI agents into powerful allies that boost their results instead of threats to their jobs.Hear how East-West innovation paths are diverging—and why HKUST MBA equips you to lead in the era of AI.

Bain’s Keith Bevans on the Future of Consulting in the Age of AI

In this episode of the HKUST MBA podcast, Prof. Stephen Shih, Associate Dean of the HKUST MBA, sits down with Keith Bevans—Partner and Executive Vice President, Global Head of Consultant Recruiting and Talent Acquisition Center of Excellence at Bain & Company—for a candid conversation that examines what’s changing—and what’s staying the same—in the world of consulting. Keith, a Bain veteran with over two decades of experience, shares his journey from engineering graduate to strategic leader at one of the world’s top consulting firms. The conversation dives into the most pressing big picture questions facing the industry today: Will AI replace consultants? How is Bain helping clients rethink strategy and operations in the age of AI? What kind of talent is Bain looking for in a tech-driven world? 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐁𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐁𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 Keith also answers questions on the MBA recruiting process at Bain and introduces 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐁𝐚𝐢𝐧, Bain’s pre-MBA education program for incoming first-year MBA students. Organized by Bain’s recruiting team, the program runs throughout the summer before MBA programs begin. It’s a unique opportunity to engage with Bain’s people, culture, and work before stepping into the MBA journey. We encourage incoming HKUST MBA students curious about consulting to check out this program and get a head start on learning about different careers. Whether you're exploring a career in consulting or curious about how AI is reshaping the industry, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

160 Countries Later: A Journey in Customer Experience and Sustainability

What do the most dissatisfied customers and the booming sustainability job market have in common? In this episode of the HKUST MBA Superconnector podcast, Associate Dean of MBA Programs Prof. Stephen Shih sits down with Prof. Fred Mutto—an engineer-turned-global executive and double HKUST alumnus—to explore how customer experience and sustainability are reshaping business leadership. From leading operations across 160 countries to teaching two of our most sought-after MBA courses, Fred shares thought-provoking insights into what truly drives impact in today’s competitive landscape. Why are companies racing to hire sustainability leads? What’s the simplest way to motivate your team to care about customer experience? And how do small touchpoints create lasting brand impressions? Tune in to hear how Fred blends global experience with classroom energy—and why the future of business may depend on how well you listen, act, and lead. Stay curious. Think differently.

A Nobel Conversation Over Coffee: James Robinson Joins HKUST MBA Podcast

In a special crossover episode of the HKUST MBA Superconnector Podcast, host Professor Stephen Shih shares a candid conversation originally recorded by Professor Dean He for his Office Hour series. The guest? None other than Professor James Robinson from the University of Chicago—recent recipient of the 2024 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences. Set in a cozy café in Hong Kong, this episode offers a glimpse into Robinson’s reflections on academic life, collaboration, and curiosity. Dean He, who teaches “Econometrics Thinking for Business Strategies” and “The Business of Happiness” in the MBA program, shares how a simple email led to this enjoyable encounter. Rather than a deep dive into economics, the episode explores broader lessons on teamwork, cross-disciplinary thinking, and the value of “Genchi-Gembutsu”—the Japanese principle of “go and see.” It’s a thoughtful, down-to-earth conversation that speaks to anyone navigating leadership, learning, or change. Tune in for a relaxed yet inspiring dialogue that connects Nobel-level insight with everyday ambition.