I am a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) at the University of Sydney Business School, specializing in the realms of impact investing, social entrepreneurship, and sustainable management practices. With a robust academic background that spans a Ph.D. in Management from the University of Edinburgh Business School, an MBA from the same institution, and a Master's in Translation and Technology from Imperial College London, my journey is distinguished by a deep commitment to impactful research and education. Before my current role, I served as a Post-doc Researcher at ESADE Business School in Spain for two years, contributing significantly to the field of impact-driven research.
My work is grounded in a global perspective, supported by my role as an honorary member of the Green Angel Syndicate and my advisory contributions to investment firms, charities, and the United Nations Development Programme's Green Entrepreneurship. My research and insights have been widely published in prestigious journals (including the Journal of Management Studies, Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, Journal of Business Venturing Insights, etc.), book chapters, and business cases, showcasing my dedication to advancing understanding and practices in impact investing and measurement, social innovation, and the transformative power of responsible management.
Research Interests
My research is driven by a passion for creating and measuring societal impact through business and management practices. My interests are multifaceted, encompassing:
Impact Investing and Measurement: I am deeply involved in exploring innovative approaches to impact investing, focusing on the development of robust impact measurement frameworks that bridge the gap between financial returns and social outcomes.
Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation: I investigate the dynamics of social entrepreneurship and its potential for systemic change, emphasizing the role of innovation in addressing societal challenges.
Responsible Management Research and Education: I am committed to advancing management education that integrates sustainability and ethics, aiming to prepare the next generation of leaders for the challenges of responsible business practices.
Through my research, I seek to contribute to a deeper understanding of how businesses can be a force for good, addressing critical global challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions.
My Journey
Born and grew up in China, I went to the UK in 2010. After obtaining a master’s degree in translation technology from Imperial College in London, I worked in communication, advertising, and marketing at one of the WPP companies. I quickly built a successful career but soon felt that the consumerism promoted by the advertising world was in conflict with my personal values. What’s the point of working so hard to persuade people to buy things they don't really need? Something had to change.
To gain a better understanding of how the business world works, I moved from London to Edinburgh in 2016 for an MBA. While pursuing my studies, I discovered the social enterprise sector, which isn’t solely about making a profit but also having a positive impact on society. Whether helping vulnerable or disabled people or conserving the natural environment, the main purpose of social enterprises is to bring about social good. And in order to be financially sustainable, an organization has to make a profit as well.
Whereas the goal of traditional private businesses is to maximize profit, social enterprises embody a unique shift in focus where profit is generated along with a positive social impact. This paradigm shift appealed to me, and I found my new mission.
My passion for social entrepreneurship and innovation has been unleashed through the MBA. Therefore I have been actively working and volunteering for various charities and social enterprises including Maggie’s Centre, North Lanarkshire Leisure, Bethany Christian Trust, Eric Liddle Centre etc.
Financial Times recently published my two letters below.