Meet the MBA class of 2026: Katherine Cai, Harvard Business School

“Food enthusiast driven by a passion for health and health, personal growth and positive impact.”

REPATRIATION: Shanghai, China

Facility of yourself: I am a certified food coach.

University and main school: University of Washington in St. Louis, Economics & Strategy and Mathematics

Latest Employer and Work Title: Bain & Company, high associate consultant

Makes make the issue method so attractive as a means of learning and making a better manager? When students graduate from HBS, we will have read 500+ cases in numerous industries that prepare us for many difficult decisions we can encounter as future manager in real life situations. So the method of the issue really allows you to be in the protagonist’s shoes, weigh your options, make the choice, and support it with argument and reasoning. During class discussions, my hypothesis will most likely be moved after learning some important factors that I have not previously considered learning not only professors but also from your peers, laying the foundations for a class-driven class.

In addition to your classmates and cases, What was the main part of the Harvard Business School programming that pushed you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? I really pulled out on the wide network of alumnives in HBS. The main hypothesis I want to try on HBS is venture and beginnings, so having a wide network at Startup/VC is extremely useful for me to reach links, seek tips from Alumni that started or joined a startup successfully in the past. Typically, graduates have a higher response degree than to achieve cooling, so networking with a warm connection or inlet can become much more effective.

The course, club, or activity harass you more at the Harvard Business School? I am an active member of the Health Club and Wellness. On the side of career development, the club has brought the founders and CEOs of starting health and wellness to talk to us on campus. It has been good to have that opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs in an industry that I am personally passionate about. Social, we also have group fitness classes (eg, yoga corepower) for club members to stay active and stay for fun!

When you think about Harvard Business School, what is the first word that comes to your mind? Why? Opportunity – Ever since I started school, I have been exposed to a wide variety of opportunities and events that allow me to explore my interests and understand what I am really passionate about. The hypothesis I want to try on HBS is constantly moved. Whether you are looking to run into alternative careers or jump into areas where you have limited preliminary experience, resources in HBS are numerous and allow you to unlock your potential.

Seeing your recruitment, what was the moment you understood the Harvard Business School was the right program for you? Why? The moment I realized that the Harvard Business School was the right program for me was when I visited an HBS class and experienced the case method in the first hand. Observing ideas that dance across the room in a free fluent discussion, where each participant brought a unique perspective, was different from everything I had encountered. Commentary comment and counterweight added a new dimension to the occasion, challenging my understanding and assumptions. The method of the matter prompted not only debate; She led her deeply thinking she left me with fresh knowledge in the end. This intellectual stimulating environment strengthened my belief that HBS would push me to think critically, expand my perspective, and grow in ways that would be truly transformative.

Describe your greatest achievement in your career so far: One of the biggest achievements in my career has so far been working with just good food, Atkins and Quest parent company in OWYN $ 280 million purchase (only what you need). This purchase was important strategic as it allowed merely good foods to expand to the high -growing, plant -based nutrition segment. I have played a critical role in the process of the agreement, conducting deep market research to evaluate Owyn’s competitive positioning, analyzing financial forecasts and collaborating with inter-functional teams to address operational and integration challenges. Throughout the agreement, I contributed to the formation of strategic reasoning for purchase, focusing on how OWYN’s offers would simply complement the existing good food portfolio and direct synergies.

Describe your biggest achievement as a MBA student so far? My biggest achievement as a MBA student has so far started a new project of enterprise in the food and health management space, focused on providing the most personalized solutions, based on needs, customs and individual goals. Working on this project has allowed me to implement what I have learned from the sources of entrepreneurship (eg, Harvard Innovation Lab), from market analysis to customer discovery. It has been very fulfilling as it combines my passion for health and health with front technology.

Advice what advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission to the Harvard Business MBA program? My personal tips for potential applicants are to be authentic – it’s really the only way to create a unique and convincing story in your app. Harvard Business School requires individuals who bring different perspectives, unique experiences and true passion for the program. Instead of trying to set a mold, focus on sharing your real motivations, values ​​and aspirations. Reflect on the experiences that have formed you, both personally and professionally, and communicate why an HBs MBA is essential for your growth and goals.

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