Ann Yueh and Kelly Harrold - NUS Women in MBA

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

Back

USA, UCLA-NUS EMBA (Class of 2023/2024)

Ann Yueh

Founder and CEO

Joysky Institute

USA, UCLA-NUS EMBA (Class of 2023/2024)

Kelly Harrold

Founder

KHMH Designworks

Meet two superwomen from UCLA-NUS EMBA Class of ‘23/24

Balancing personal and career responsibilities has never been easy for anyone. But imagine juggling all of that alongside the rigorous demands of a dual-degree EMBA program that challenges even the most seasoned professionals.

For Ann Yueh and Kelly Harrold (Class of ‘23), this challenge was met head-on with determination and grit.

Ann Yueh, a serial entrepreneur, managed multiple businesses while pursuing the UCLA-NUS EMBA degree. Meanwhile, interior designer Kelly Harrold navigated the demanding program while caring for her newborn girl. What drives these remarkable women? How do they manage to juggle the demands of business ownership and motherhood while excelling in their EMBA? Join us as we delve into the lives of these two superwomen, exploring their motivations, challenges, and the secrets to their success.

Ann Yueh
Founder and CEO of Joysky Institute

You own a flying school, a real estate firm, and you’re also working full-time as a sales consultant at a home-construction company! How did you manage all of these and take an EMBA at the same time?
It was crazy, especially at the beginning when my job was at its busiest. I was so close to giving up! Luckily, we were able to do hybrid learning for the first segment, which was supposed to be held in Singapore, due to COVID restrictions. Hence I dialed in to the classes online from the US, where I’m based. But even then, it was a horrible ten days because I worked full time during the day, and then immediately I had to attend classes all the way till 3AM. But after those two weeks, I felt invincible – as though I could accomplish anything!

What did you enjoy most about the UCLA-NUS EMBA program?
I really love the design of this program, which allows us to visit various locations. It’s a good opportunity to venture outside our daily job and routines – and really just focus on learning and experiencing things firsthand.

As part of the program, we were supposed to visit China – but the country’s borders were still closed at that time due to COVID. My cohort had the opportunity to visit Japan instead. That was a big highlight for me! It was such an eye opener. We visited several incubators and had the chance to meet entrepreneurs who are working so hard trying to accomplish their vision and goal. That really touched and inspired me.

Did these trips give you new inspirations for your next business venture?
Yes I do have a new business that’s incubating right now. It focuses on women’s health and postpartum care. I find that a lot of people, especially outside of Asian cultures, don’t understand the importance of taking care of themselves after childbirth. I’d like to help them gain more knowledge in this aspect.

After the EMBA program, I’ve been focusing more on how to create more impact on society through my businesses. I find a lot of purpose in ensuring my businesses can benefit people at large.

You were actually the winner of Mrs Taiwan World in 2018! What was your motivation to join the beauty pageant?
Interestingly, I was actually the oldest contestant for that category at 40 years old at that time. I participated because I want to encourage the younger women to not be shy – in presenting their beauty, knowledge and wisdom!

Another key reason was because I wanted to lead by example, after encouraging my goddaughter and my son to participate in the beauty pageants. It became a family event! In the same year, my son was the runner up for Mr Taiwan World, and my goddaughter also clinched an award in the Miss Taiwan World pageant! So that was nice.

Is there any advice you would give to aspiring female leaders or entrepreneurs?
There is a phrase in Chinese that I feel deeply about: 花开不是为了花落，而是为了灿烂. It means that the flowers don’t bloom just for the sake of withering. It encourages us to make the most of every moment. And for those who are considering an EMBA program, my advice would be: Don’t wait! I’ve learned so much from my EMBA and I can’t imagine where I’d be in life if I had the same knowledge much earlier.

Kelly Harrold
Founder, KHMH Designworks

When you embarked on the UCLA-NUS EMBA in August 2022, your daughter was just six months old. It must have been challenging looking after a newborn at the same time! What was the experience like?
I actually breastfed through the majority of the EMBA program, which logistically was very difficult! There are a lot of factors to consider when you are breastfeeding and to sustain that over periods of time, especially when you’re not with your child, is really, really tough. But it was worth it because I knew that this is the best for my daughter!

There’s also the emotional side to it, because I have to be away from her for a couple of weeks each time. It’s not easy for my husband as well, who works long hours at his full-time job and we all just had to brace ourselves for those two week segments when I was in class. But the good thing is, the program format made it easier for us to cope with that.

You have a degree in fine arts and work as a self-employed interior designer. Could you share about what you’re working on right now and what inspired you to apply for the UCLA-NUS EMBA?
After the EMBA program, I’m now on an exciting journey to develop a consulting division for a restaurant group, where we help F&B and hospitality businesses develop their branding and concept.

Given my background in design and arts, I was definitely hesitant to apply for the EMBA as I was aware of how atypical of a candidate I would be. But I know that as an artist or a creative, if I want to own my work and really be able to participate at a high level, an EMBA can get me a seat at the table. I’ll be able to function in both the creative and business capacity. A lot of times, when it comes to business, it’s about being able to anticipate the next thing that’s coming and being prepared for that. This EMBA really taught me how to think more strategically and I think anyone can benefit from it.

What were some valuable takeaways from the EMBA program for you?
What was really beneficial was the management practicum towards the end of the program. It was also very challenging as we were battling time zones, work schedules and all sorts of factors in order to pull off that six-month long project. And right now, I find myself putting all that knowledge to use! The rigor of the program really helped me to think in a very structured way and put together a good plan and business case. I think it’s serving me well already.

And of course, the people I’ve met. Our cohort was small, with only about 21 people, but they are from all parts of the world. Most of the courses were held in-person, so we got to know each other really well and work so closely together. And everyone brought really unique perspectives to the table.

As a female professional, what are some challenges you personally faced and how did you overcome them?
Ultimately, I would want to go down the entrepreneurial route. So one of the main reasons for me taking the EMBA was to increase my confidence by preparing myself for many different elements of a business.

In my role at the restaurant group now, I’m the only female. And honestly, it’s not common to see a female at the construction sites. But this doesn’t bother me. I know I’ve put in the work to earn a seat at the table and to really participate in the conversations. With the EMBA, I also feel a lot more confident sharing my ideas.

What advice would you have for women who are considering pursuing an EMBA program?
I think it’s important to be honest with themselves on what they hope to gain from the EMBA and how much time they can commit. For me personally, I saw opportunities arise along the way in my career and found areas that I was interested in, so I was able to use knowledge from the EMBA to help me gain access to these arenas. I would encourage anyone to take advantage of it, if they have the opportunity.