International Women's Day (IWD) is a time to celebrate the achievements of women and push for greater gender equality. This year's theme, #AccelerateAction, resonates deeply with female faculty members at CEIBS who have dedicated their careers to advancing knowledge, breaking barriers, and inspiring the next generation of business leaders. Through their stories, we see not just the challenges they have overcome, but also their commitment to driving meaningful change for the future.
Professor of Marketing Wang Qi
"The power of focus, self-awareness, and connection"
Professor of Marketing Wang Qi believes that success comes from focusing on process rather than outcomes, engaging in honest self-reflection, and building strong connections with others to gain different perspectives. From a start in mathematics to shifting into econometrics and eventually specialising in marketing, Prof. Wang's path into academia has been non-linear, but deeply fulfilling. As an academic, she finds joy in finding patterns in data or verifying hypotheses through complex data analysis.
"Doing research is like mountain climbing. Although the journey is incredibly arduous, often accompanied by self-doubt and hesitation, when you finally reach the summit and look down upon the vast expanse, all that effort transforms into an unforgettable joy and sense of fulfilment," Prof. Wang says.
From shifting disciplines and raising a child while pursuing a PhD abroad, to starting a teaching career in a new country, Prof. Wang's career is a testament to adaptability and perseverance. "In the face of anxiety and pressure brought by these challenges, it is crucial to keep an open mindset, learn to embrace failure, and focus on the present rather than the ultimate destination," she explains, adding that the perspective of staying true to one's own values and not being swayed by fame or material gain has guided her career along the way, allowing her to navigate challenges while maintaining a clear sense of purpose and authenticity in both her academic and personal life.
When juggling multiple roles, Prof. Wang further advocates for policies that better support women in balancing career and family.
"Many global universities extend the 'tenure clock' for female faculty who give birth, and I hope to see more such initiatives in academia and business. This will not only help alleviate the anxiety of female scholars regarding their reduced research output and teaching commitments throughout childbirth, but also provide greater career development opportunities, fostering a healthier and more sustainable professional trajectory."
As a marketing expert, Prof. Wang observes that an increasing number of companies are actively promoting gender equality in brand communication, such as Chinese lingerie brand Neiwai, which comprehensively integrates gender equality into its brand identity through its advertising, product design, corporate culture, and social responsibility efforts.
"In its advertising, the brand challenges traditional beauty standards by featuring models of different ages, body types, professions, and backgrounds, reinforcing the message that 'No Body is Nobody'," Prof. Wang explains, emphasising that marketing plays a crucial role in shifting societal perceptions and empowering women in leadership and entrepreneurship.
Asked about her opinions on the outlook for gender equality in the business world, Prof. Wang asserts that artificial intelligence will be both an opportunity and a challenge for women in business over the next decade.
"While AI is creating more flexible work offerings and opening new entrepreneurial and professional growth opportunities, women remain underrepresented in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Breaking gender stereotypes and encouraging more women to enter these areas remains a critical challenge." The key, Prof. Wang says, is to equip women with the necessary skills, education, mentorship, and policy support to navigate these changes and leverage their unique strengths in an AI-driven future.
Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship Guo Wei
"Define your own path – live by your values, not society's expectations"
Beyond academia, Prof. Guo is passionate about Muay Thai, a sport she loves for its discipline and intensity. Her philosophy extends beyond the classroom and the ring: "Whether you're a stay-at-home mom, a freelancer, a lawyer, a novelist, or a professor, women should live life on their own terms and pursue what truly fulfils them. True confidence isn't about physical appearance or societal approval, it's about building a life that aligns with your own passions and beliefs," she concludes.
Lecturer of Management Nana Yaa A. Gyamfi
"Be kind to yourself when succeeding in one sphere of life while dropping the ball in others"
As an expert specialising in Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources Management, she notes that "unconscious biases in management often manifest in hiring, promotions, and leadership opportunities, where assumptions about competence and leadership style tend to place women at a disadvantage."
Addressing these biases requires not only organisational change but also equipping women with the skills, networks, and confidence to navigate these challenges, she adds, highlighting the importance of education and mentorship in empowering women.
"My favourite intervention from CEIBS in this regard is the Women Entrepreneurship and Leadership for Africa (WELA) course hosted by our Accra campus. Women entrepreneurs from all over the African continent spend six months for a worldview-shifting, life-changing experience. I have personally watched participants in Ghana transform from unsure, hesitant victims of broken institutions and business environments into vision-driven, resilient innovators, who have transformed their businesses for the better," she explains, suggesting that opportunities in digital entrepreneurship, sustainable business models, and global leadership roles are likely to expand for women in the next decade.
Drawing on her personal experience, her advice for women juggling multiple roles is simple: "Be kind to yourself when succeeding in one sphere of life while dropping the ball in others. That doesn't make you reckless or incapable, it just means you're human and it's time, yet again, to recalibrate. You'll find your way back to 'balance' again."
Professor of Marketing Hyun Young Park
"You're worthy and beloved, regardless of what you see yourselves, or what other people tell you because of different performances or standards of the world"
For Professor of Marketing Hyun Young Park, the theme of #AccelerateAction is about recognising and embracing women's inherent worth, regardless of societal pressures. Growing up in South Korea, her growth journey was full of struggles with self-worth in her early years.
"Throughout my growth journey, I faced various moments of doubt and anxiety, often questioning my worth during times of failure. I was very susceptible to social comparison in my 20s, which made my sense of self-worth fluctuate. I needed a firm foundation upon which I could build my life and my self-worth," she reflects. "A thing that helped me see that foundation has been the unwavering love and repeated affirmation of my parents, which helped me internalise the truth that I'm a beloved being regardless of my performances or how other people tell me who I am."
Prof. Park's advice for young women, especially those in their 20s or anyone struggling with internal conflicts about self-worth, is powerful. "You're worthy and beloved, regardless of what you see yourselves, or what other people tell you because of different performances or standards of the world," she says, highlighting that women's value isn't defined by the societal standards or fleeting moments of success, but by the inherent worth that they carry with them.
When asked about the qualities that make a leader truly charismatic, Prof. Park stresses that leadership qualities are universal, regardless of gender.
"Values that have been appreciated across the years such as honesty, integrity, diligence, faithfulness, and authenticity are key traits of an effective leader. These values are equally essential whether you are a man or a woman in leadership," she concludes.
Professor of Management Flora Chiang
"Being a woman is not about overcoming disadvantages - it's about celebrating our strengths and putting our unique qualities into action."
For Professor of Management Flora Chiang, #AccelerateAction means institutional change. "Talk is not enough, real action is needed to promote gender equality," she asserts, highlighting that a multi-faceted approach including such initiatives as dedicated leadership courses and mentorship programmes is needed to motivate female students to pursue and achieve their career dreams.
Despite facing challenges as a woman in the workplace, Prof. Chiang has never defined her career by her gender. Instead, she uses these experiences to set higher standards for herself, believing that overcoming obstacles should not be framed solely in gendered terms. "When you attribute some challenges to simply being a woman then you inadvertently limit yourself and reinforce gender bias," she says.
Drawing from her experience in academia, Prof. Chiang urges women to embrace their strengths rather than focusing on barriers.
"Being a woman is not a limitation. Rather, it should be viewed as an advantage. Research shows that women excel in leadership traits such as empathy, communication, creativity, and ethics and demonstrate more transformational leadership styles. Instead of focusing on overcoming disadvantages, we should celebrate and leverage our strengths," she explains, adding that the growing focus on diversity and increased representation of women in leadership roles presents new opportunities in the business field.
"In particular, women should support each other, as this will help break stereotypes, create an inclusive workplace, and pave the way for future generations of female leaders."
Looking ahead, Prof. Chiang believes technology will be a major change for women over the next decade. "Technology will be a game-changer. On one hand, it offers flexibility and work-life balance, allowing women to manage careers and family more effectively. On the other hand, AI and automation may disproportionately affect female-dominated industries, potentially leading to job displacement. We need proactive policies to ensure that technology empowers rather than hinders women's progress," she concludes.
Writer | Effy HE
Editor | Michael Russam
Design | Marius ZIUBRYS
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