HKUST MBA Superconnector

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 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬Keith 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.

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.

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.

In this episode, Prof. Stephen Shih (Associate Dean of HKUST MBA programs) sits down with Prof. Paul Kitney (Former strategist at Morgan Stanley, Daiwa, and BlackRock) Paul shares how whether you're facing market losses or standing on a frozen ridge at -40°C, the pressure is real, the stakes are high, and the path to the top is remarkably similar. In a tense moment, Paul recounts what he learned on a remote mountain when two climbing teams made opposing decisions, and experienced dramatically different outcomes.From stop-losses to summit strategies, Paul shows how the same mental frameworks apply across vastly different terrains. If you think investing is just numbers—or mountaineering is just courage—this episode will make you think again.

In this HKUST Superconnector timely episode, Prof. Paul Kitney unpacks one of the most critical—and often misunderstood—pillars of global economic stability: the independence of the U.S. Federal Reserve. Whether you're an investor, policymaker, or simply a global citizen, understanding how the Fed sets monetary policy and supervises the banking system is essential.Kitney explains the Fed’s dual mandate—price stability and full employment—and the multifaceted consequences of political interference on price levels, currency exchange rates, and sovereign risk. Drawing on global examples from Turkey to Argentina, he illustrates the lessons of history related to central bank independence and economic outcomes. From the Fisher Effect to the value of gold, this episode offers rich insights for anyone navigating today’s uncertain financial landscape.Tune in now to hear why Fed credibility isn’t just a United States issue—it’s a global one.

In our latest episode of the HKUST MBA Superconnector Podcast hosted by Prof. Stephen Shih (Associate Dean of HKUST MBA Programs), we had the opportunity to speak with Prof. Brad Bitterly. Prof. Bitterly’s research is at the intersection of psychology, management, and artificial intelligence. He received his PhD at Wharton and also worked at the global hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates.In a corporate landscape often dominated by data and algorithms, Prof. Brad Bitterly points out the timeless value of humor—not as a distraction, but as a strategic asset in leadership. When used intelligently, self-aware, and at the right moment, humor creates positive, open environments where teams engage deeply and barriers break down. It boosts leaders’ credibility and helps tackle sensitive issues smoothly, turning challenges into opportunities rather than defensiveness.As the conversation unfolds, Prof. Bitterly reflects on the rise of AI in management. While machines may be efficient, they lack the emotional credibility that humor brings to human interactions. In a future shaped by automation, he argues, the ability to connect through laughter will be more essential than ever.Tune in to learn how infusing humor into your leadership styles can boost effectiveness and contribute to a healthier, more connected workplace culture.For those interested in exploring these themes further, check out these two articles by Prof. Bitterly.⁠Sarcasm, Self-Deprecation, and Inside Jokes: A User’s Guide to Humor at Work⁠ from Harvard Business Review⁠How Perceived Lack of Benevolence Harms Trust of Artificial Intelligence Management⁠ (This article provides empirical evidence on the psychological barriers to trusting AI in managerial roles—an essential read for anyone navigating the future of work.)

Host: Prof. Stephen Shih, Associate Dean of HKUST MBA ProgramsGuest: Prof. Stan Ho, Adjunct Associate Professor Chairman of ARC Ratings Asia Pacific

Venture into the future of business and leadership with the HKUST MBA Super Connector podcast. In this episode, our host Prof. Stephen Shih, Associate Dean of HKUST MBA Programs, engages in a dynamic discussion with Kurt Keilhacker, General Partner at Elementum Ventures. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the corporate landscape.Kurt, who recently taught the innovative course “Strategic AI: Transforming Business and Redefining Leadership” at HKUST, addresses how AI evolves beyond a mere tool to become integral to business operations. Through the conversation, listeners will hear how companies like DeepSeek challenge traditional notions with innovative structures that rival industry giants.Throughout the episode, Kurt invites listeners to embrace an experimental approach to AI, emphasizing diverse solutions and critical problem-solving skills. Prof. Shih underscores the importance of integrating quantitative expertise with interpersonal skills, essential for navigating the complexities of today's unpredictable business environment.This episode is a gateway to understanding the future of business. If you're an aspiring leader, this episode will provide insights into preparing for the future of work and a taste of what the HKUST MBA program offers.Tune in now to discover why mastering AI is crucial for redefining leadership and driving success in your organization.