How’d you end up working at Bain?
I was born in China and moved to the US when I was seven. Despite our limited means, my parents did everything in their power to support my education. This included, to my chagrin, often telling my teachers they weren't assigning enough homework! Education was the number one thing they cared about. They wanted me to do well in school so I could do well in life. Through a combination of luck and preparation I ended up at Princeton University and during my junior year there, I first heard about Bain.
If I’m being honest, I applied because everybody else was doing it. Consulting seemed like a smart move, even if I didn’t fully understand it. For example, at the time, I thought ’I-banking’ was short for ’internet banking!’ But through that same combination of luck and preparation I landed at Bain as an associate consultant.
What keeps you at Bain?
I love my job. I love the life I’m able to build with my job. I love what I’m able to accomplish here and I believe in the mission and the team. Over my career at Bain, I’ve always found people who were willing to be real and genuine with me. We could talk openly about our career aspirations, and how our work did or did not align with our values. This openness allows you to freely explore every available option.
How have you changed roles here?
Throughout every transition, the informal support has been amazing. I returned to Bain after leaving. Bain loves returning alumni and I was able to have a conversation with the then head of the Innovation & Design team. She said, “Come back, and write your own job description.”
After four years in that role, when I was ready to move on, I knew I could be forthcoming with my then manager. I had just come back from maternity leave and he was very receptive to the conversation and said, “We’d love to help you find your next role here so you stay, but we also understand if you need to move on.’” That left room to explore what I really wanted to do.
What project have you most enjoyed?
I’m proudest of the role I’ve played in growing Global B.E.S.T. It’s the best team, and I don’t mean for that to be a pun. I am deeply inspired by what we are trying to do, which is to help every Bainie to feel enlivened and fulfilled in their work lives. I don’t think any company has done this well yet. Companies like Bain ask so much of employees—their brains, bodies, their personal and psychological capacity. I think we owe it to them (and their families) to help them be their healthiest because when they thrive, we do too. Our team wants to show that wellbeing and great results are mutually reinforcing. When people feel their best, they can give their best. That's our team's vision.
