The HKUST MBA experience extends far beyond the acquisition of business knowledge. It is a unique crossroads where ambitious individuals meet, challenge themselves, and sometimes discover partners who become not just colleagues but trusted companions on their entrepreneurial journeys. The journey of Michael Tian and Leon Li, alumni from the Part-time (Bi-Weekly) MBA Intake 2021, illustrates how the HKUST MBA community—through its diverse cohort, cross-disciplinary access, and culture of openness—can foster relationships that extend far beyond graduation.
Meeting of Minds in the Classroom
When Leon Lue Li and Michael Tian first met in the HKUST MBA program, they were on distinctly different career paths. Leon had spent nearly two decades in IT and consulting, leading large-scale ERP implementations and managing enterprise systems for a Fortune 500 company. Michael, meanwhile, had already founded a manufacturing business but was seeking strategic clarity and leadership development.
“I knew how to build products,” Michael said, “but I didn’t understand how to build a business. I wanted to learn how to lead across cultures, how to position a product, and how to make decisions that scale.”
Leon, despite his corporate success, felt a similar need for recalibration. “I had reached a point where I wasn’t sure what was next,” he said. “The MBA was a way to step back and rethink my direction.”
Their paths converged during a marketing strategy course, where Michael used his company as a case study. Leon joined the project, and the collaboration quickly revealed a deeper synergy. “We weren’t just classmates,” Leon recalled. “We were building something together. That project was the start of a real partnership.”
From Coursework to Company
That classroom collaboration laid the foundation for Red Sky, their venture focused on industrial lighting solutions, including explosion-proof fixtures for high-risk environments. Michael brought technical expertise and a drive for innovation. Leon contributed operational discipline and strategic foresight.
“Michael is the kind of person who asks, ‘Why not?’” Leon said. “He challenged our engineers to rethink the thickness of the glass in our fixtures. Everyone said it couldn’t be done.But we have found a supplier for 5 mm IK10-compliant glass, reducing the thickness from 18 mm while preserving high impact protection. That one change made the product lighter and easier to install.”
Michael credits Leon with helping turn ideas into reality. “Leon is the person who makes sure things get done right,” he said. “He’s detail-oriented, especially when it comes to compliance and process. I push the boundaries, and he makes sure we don’t fall off the edge.”
The HKUST MBA Ecosystem: A Platform for Possibility
While the coursework provided foundational knowledge, it was the broader HKUST ecosystem that proved most valuable. The program’s structure encouraged cross-disciplinary collaboration, and its community offered access to industry insiders and real-world insights.
Leon recounted a networking event where he met a classmate who was involved in designing the manufacturing plant for EV production. “He gave us a behind-the-scenes look at how products are specified in industrial design,” Leon said. “That conversation helped us rethink our sales strategy in the U.S. market.”
Michael emphasized the importance of cultural diversity within the cohort. “We had classmates from investment banking, engineering, private equity, and even aerospace,” he said. “It wasn’t just about learning from professors—it was about learning from each other.”
The MBA also facilitated connections beyond the business school. Michael described consulting with faculty from HKUST’s engineering department on product design. “We talked about thermal solutions and nanostructures,” he said. “That kind of access helped us bridge the gap between technical innovation and commercial application.”
Aligning Visions and Values
While Leon and Michael shared core values like integrity and accountability, Leon approached the idea of partnership with measured caution. Leaving a stable, well-established role wasn’t a decision he took lightly. “Michael gave me the courage to pursue my passion,” Leon reflected. To ensure their visions and values were truly aligned, he initially joined in an advisory capacity—observing, contributing, and evaluating whether their collaboration could evolve into something deeper.
That thoughtful beginning laid the groundwork for a shared vision for Michael’s company, including ambitions for scaling and expanding into new markets. As their working relationship deepened, so did their trust.
“Michael shares everything—financials, strategy, even the hard stuff,” Leon said. “That openness builds trust.”
Michael agreed. “We don’t always agree, but we’re both reasonable. We debate, we challenge each other, and we move forward. That’s what makes it work.”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
“A good friend doesn’t always make a good business partner. Be aware of differences in risk appetite or equity expectations,” he advises. “Change is inevitable, and startups are risky. It’s important to have a plan for parting ways amicably if things don’t work out.”
Michael adds, “Finding a business partner is like finding a life partner. It requires careful thought, as there will be ups and downs. But if you succeed, the rewards extend far beyond financial gain— they shape who you become and how you grow through the journey.”
The HKUST MBA offers more than business acumen, we create a space where meaningful partnerships can take shape through shared challenges and mutual respect. For Michael and Leon, it wasn’t just about learning frameworks or expanding networks; it was about discovering a working relationship built on trust, openness, and complementary strengths. Their journey shows that when you engage fully—with the people, the ideas, and the process—you might not only sharpen your thinking but also find someone who shares your vision and is ready to build something lasting alongside you.
