Lina Ichiki: Thriving in Entrepreneurship, Family Life, and Professional Growth Through the NUS MBA
|
|
Lina Ichiki
|
Our focus is on Lina Ichiki, a 2023 graduate from Japan, whose ‘never give up’ attitude shows what’s possible with the right mindset and resources. From leading the Entrepreneurship Club to launching her start-up while pursuing her MBA, Lina’s story shows how the NUS MBA is a powerful platform for transforming your career and personal life. Balancing the demands of studies, entrepreneurship, and motherhood, Lina proves you can overcome any challenge with determination and the right support. Aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals, get ready to learn from her inspiring experiences.
In what ways did your role as President of the Entrepreneurship Club and your exchange at London Business School expand your professional network?
Serving as President of the Entrepreneurship Club provided me with an incredible platform to not only lead but also to connect with a wide array of individuals deeply embedded in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. My responsibilities included organizing speaker series, panel discussions, and networking events, which put me in touch with founders, venture capitalists, and industry experts. These interactions enriched my understanding of the startup landscape and allowed me to build lasting relationships with people who share a passion for innovation. Furthermore, my leadership role made me a key point of contact for external stakeholders, enabling me to develop meaningful relationships with investors and entrepreneurs beyond the NUS network.
My exchange program at London Business School (LBS) further amplified the expansion of my network. Studying at LBS allowed me to sit alongside students from various programs, including the Executive MBA and Sloan programs, which brought together C-level executives from Fortune 500 companies. I often became friends with them first, only to discover later through LinkedIn that I had been interacting with such high-profile professionals. This element of surprise made the experience even more exciting, as I had the opportunity to build authentic connections with industry leaders from around the world. Beyond friendships, I learned from these professionals what makes a successful individual or organization. Observing how they approached problem-solving, leadership, and decision-making provided me with deep insights into the qualities that drive success at both personal and organizational levels.
In addition to engaging with MBA peers, studying alongside such seasoned professionals gave me unique perspectives on business challenges, particularly in more mature markets like Europe. The exposure to this global network and their diverse experiences significantly broadened my outlook and enriched my understanding of entrepreneurship. Many of these connections have had a lasting impact on both my personal and professional development.
Could you share some of the key lessons learned from launching your startup during the NUS MBA, and how NUS Enterprise supported your entrepreneurial journey?
During my time at NUS, I participated in the HANGAR Booster Program, which was instrumental in shaping my entrepreneurial journey. One of the key lessons I learned was the importance of conducting customer interviews to validate assumptions. I interviewed potential users almost every day, and through this process, I realized that my original idea did not have product-market fit. However, it was during these conversations that I discovered a new idea that aligned with customer needs, ultimately leading me to find a better product-market fit. This experience was invaluable, not just for the insights gained but because it led me to meet my co-founder, someone who shared my vision and passion.
NUS Enterprise provided tremendous support throughout this journey. The network of fellow founders, mentors, and experts gave me access to a wealth of knowledge and support. Entrepreneurship can often be a lonely and challenging path, but having a community of like-minded individuals to exchange ideas with or just offer moral support made all the difference. We were able to brush up each other’s ideas and share experiences, which helped me stay motivated and focused on my business goals despite the hurdles. This sense of community provided by NUS Enterprise was a key factor in my ability to keep moving forward.
What role did BIZCareers and your career advisor play in helping you secure interviews and navigate job hunting during challenging market conditions?
Working with my career advisor, Alan, at BIZCareers was a transformative experience. During our first meeting, he asked me what I wanted to do post-MBA, and when I responded with what I thought I was good at, he pushed me to think beyond that. He encouraged me to explore roles that excited me, not just those where I had existing expertise. This advice opened my eyes to a broader range of opportunities and inspired me to try new initiatives throughout my MBA journey. His guidance was pivotal in expanding my career horizons.
Alan’s support extended far beyond that initial conversation. He helped me prepare for AI-related technical questions, which was crucial in landing an internship in AI. When it came to full-time job hunting, Alan taught me how to craft a CV that would stand out to recruiters and guided me through the case interview preparation process. The 1-on-1 coaching session with a case prep expert that he arranged was particularly eye-opening. Even after receiving an offer, Alan continued to offer valuable advice, helping me negotiate remuneration based on local market norms. His insights and personalized support were instrumental in my successful job search during a period of economic uncertainty and widespread layoffs.
This personalized support also prepared me for roles like the one I hold at WeMaintain, where I’m able to leverage the skills and insights gained during my MBA to lead impactful projects.
What strategies did you use to balance the MBA program with personal responsibilities, such as starting the program right after having a child?
Balancing the demands of an MBA program with personal responsibilities, particularly after having a child, was no small feat. The most crucial part of managing this was the support I received from my family. Without their unwavering encouragement, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve or even pursue many of my goals. I’m deeply grateful to them for being there every step of the way. Additionally, Singapore’s supportive culture played a significant role. The sense of community here extends beyond just friends and colleagues—strangers were incredibly kind to my child, which made the experience even more positive. The same was true of the NUS community. My classmates, staff, and even fellow founders often checked in on how my family was doing, which gave me a sense that we were all part of the same community.
This support system allowed me to focus on my studies with peace of mind. In terms of practical strategies, setting clear boundaries between study time and family time was essential. By scheduling non-negotiable family time, I ensured that I could be present with my child while also keeping up with academic demands. This deliberate approach to time management, combined with a supportive environment, helped me navigate the challenges of balancing personal and professional responsibilities during the MBA.
What motivates you to stay connected with NUS as an alumni ambassador, and how has this role impacted you post-MBA?
My motivation to stay connected with NUS as an alumni ambassador stems from a deep sense of gratitude for the wide range of opportunities and support the university provided throughout my MBA journey. NUS enriched both my personal and professional life in so many ways, from academic achievements to entrepreneurial growth, and I am immensely thankful that I chose NUS for this transformative experience. This sense of appreciation drives my desire to give back to the community and stay involved.
As an alumni ambassador, I have the privilege of offering guidance to current students and recent graduates, helping them navigate their own paths, much like NUS did for me. This role allows me to stay engaged with the community that continues to support me in my career. Post-MBA, being an ambassador has impacted me in two significant ways. First, it has expanded my network by connecting me with fellow alumni who are equally passionate about staying involved. These collaborations have led to new opportunities and meaningful connections that I might not have encountered otherwise. Second, it has allowed me to refine my leadership and mentorship skills, giving back to the next generation of students and alumni. Staying connected to the NUS community has enriched my journey at WeMaintain, where I can draw on my network to solve real-world challenges and explore new business opportunities across the APAC region.
Lina’s story shows how The NUS MBA empowers professionals to grow careers, build networks, and balance various responsibilities. Her life lessons remind us that even when juggling multiple roles—whether as a mother, student, entrepreneur, or employee—it is possible to thrive. With grit to face difficulties head-on and strong support, one can definitely achieve fulfillment across all aspects of life.
