GK Alumni Talks | Ten Years · Ten People: Tony MAO

GUANGHUA

10th

Anniversary

2014-2024

KELLOGG

	GK Alumni Talks Tony MAO GK03,Class of 2018

As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Guanghua-Kellogg EMBA program (referred to as GK program) in 2024, we reflect on the journey from GK01 to GK10, where our esteemed GKers have consistently made a significant impact with low ego, both in China and on the global stage. Taking this opportunity, we are going to interview 10 distinguished alumni representatives in a special GK Alumni Talk Series. The interview will delve into the enduring legacy of the GK program, management insight, industry foresight, challenges and successes, etc.

Ten years, Ten People. These ten GKers will form a vivid picture of the GK community, which is also an interpretation of their profound impact on the era.

Our guest for this episode is Tony MAO from GK03, the Assurance Managing Partner, Ernst&Young Greater China. Tony MAO, with his foresight and deep understanding of digital transformation, has guided Ernst&Young Hua Ming to industry leadership, exhibiting remarkable leadership and innovation. He provides a transparent view of the audit industry's future, setting a benchmark for digital transformation across the entire sector.

GK Alumni Talks

Tony MAO

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WHO I AM

My name is Tony Mao. I’m currently the Assurance Managing Partner, Ernst&Young Greater China and I joined Guanghua as a participant in the GK03 cohort.

TECH & TELENT

Retaining the best talent is our priority even if the situation is not good.

The only thing that does not change is change itself. And in this time, I think the proper use of data and technology is a must for all the businesses to transfer that particular business to the modern era. This requires a lot of investment, a lot of efforts, and also requires leadership.

And I personally believe in the future, all the great leaders should, to some extent, learn and have basic knowledge of how does data work and how does technology work. And it's like mastering a language such as English as a basic tool, because by understanding data and technology, you are able to talk to the computer, you are able to talk to the cloud, you are able to talk to the AI infrastructure.

But fundamentally, I always say that in the most difficult time, you should always always retain your best talent. This is our priority even if the situation is not good.

EMPATHY IN LEADERSHIP

This is the time that we need to embrace diversity and emphasize on empathy.

You have to put the judgment away and be practical and be resilient. I think in today's time, empathy is very important. I think now some people always strongly emphasize on our differences, rather on similarities.

Actually, we have more similarities than differences. In different countries, different people have different views. People might be doing business in different ways.

And in the same company, maybe the leaders of the older generations cannot understand the younger generations.

This is the time that we need to embrace diversity and put a lot of emphasis on empathy by putting yourself in the shoes of others and trying to understand their concerns. And at the same time, we should communicate in a way that we can ease out all the differences rather than making a lot of unnecessary differences.

I learn from the younger generation. Actually, I intentionally do kind of reverse counseling which means I find some interesting young people and ask them to give me counseling. I learned a lot from them.

GK IMPRINT

Being in the GK program is one of the most rewarding experiences during my academic life.

Being in the GK program is one of the most rewarding experiences during my academic life. I'm very happy to be back to school and to spent time with my classmates. And it's a very diversified group from all walks of life, from different countries.

I think many of the courses are beneficial. Specifically, I think one of the courses is the valuation course. I think in just one day, I can have a very thorough understanding and a very practical guide on what is valuation, how to value a company, how do the investors or the fund managers determine the share price. And I think this benefits me a lot.

More to Come

GK Alumni Talks

As technology revolutions surge like waves, leaders are the captains riding the waves of technological change, steering businesses safely to the harbor of success. Tony MAO, with his foresight in technological integration and talent cultivation, has redefined the role of auditors, becoming both guardians of economic security and drivers of innovation. Throughout his career, he has seized challenges as opportunities, maintaining a prudent yet innovative approach and an open attitude towards learning. These experiences are invaluable to today’s business leaders.

Over a decade, a collection of ten remarkable individuals will converge to create a dynamic portrait of the GK alumni community. We eagerly anticipate the forthcoming insights from the GK Alumni Talks, as we collectively bear witness to the intellect and grace of our GK alumni.

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GK ALUMNI TALKS

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