USA, UCLA-NUS EMBA (Class of 2024/2025)
Qimei Luo
Marketing and Growth
Backpack
From Blockchain to Global Strategy: How Qimei Luo Expanded Her Leadership with the UCLA-NUS Executive MBA
For Qimei Luo, staying ahead in the fast-moving world of blockchain and cryptocurrency means constantly adapting to new developments. As Head of Marketing and Growth at Backpack, a fully compliant crypto exchange, she navigates a continuously evolving industry—where regulatory landscapes, cultural expectations, and adoption rates vary significantly across global markets.
Despite her years at the forefront of US-China business conversations, the rapid shifts brought on by COVID-19 reshaped industries, business models, and geopolitical relationships in ways that no one could have fully anticipated.
“The world changed dramatically—disruptions in how people work, breakthroughs in medical science and AI, and shifts in US-Asia relations,” she says. “The UCLA-NUS Executive MBA was the perfect opportunity to zoom out and examine how these trends will shape the next five to ten years.”
Rather than relying solely on experience, Qimei saw the program as a chance to refresh her academic foundation, sharpen her strategic thinking, and gain a broader perspective on global business dynamics—essential tools for navigating an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Embracing Discomfort to Grow
The UCLA-NUS EMBA was academically rigorous and able to stretch every aspect of leadership. Balancing full-time work, global travel, and cross-time-zone collaboration was a challenge that required resilience and adaptability.
“The program pushed me—and my entire cohort—to step out of our mental and physical comfort zones,” she explains. “It forced me to become more flexible and efficient, making decisions faster and leading more effectively in high-pressure situations.”
She learned to balance competing priorities, lead across different time zones, and adapt to fast-changing circumstances, becoming a more decisive and confident leader.
Another big takeaway from the EMBA was the network. The UCLA-NUS community is a unique blend of rising leaders from across industries and continents, each bringing distinct career experiences and perspectives. She said, “Sitting alongside people with completely different professional backgrounds and collaborating with them on projects was incredibly enriching.” She found herself working with professionals from finance, healthcare, tech, and government sectors, challenging her to think beyond her own industry and understand how different markets operate.
In fact, to her, one of the most valuable aspects of the program doesn’t end at graduation—it continues through the alumni network.
“The UCLA-NUS alumni network is one of the most extensive and diverse networks any student could wish for,” she says. “It spans continents and industries, yet remains deeply connected locally.”
She regularly meets with alumni who have become mentors, advisors, and close friends, providing ongoing support, insight, and collaboration opportunities.
“Hearing their stories and expertise deepened my appreciation for how people define and achieve success. It also helped me see how industries connect in ways I hadn’t considered before.”
This exposure helped her expand her leadership perspective, making her a more well-rounded strategist in blockchain and crypto.
Leadership in Action: Learning from Those Who Show Up
Qimei felt that some of the most influential leadership lessons weren’t taught in the classroom—the people in it demonstrated them.
“I remember seeing classmates arrive at class completely exhausted—dark circles under their eyes from taking 3 a.m. business calls or handling family emergencies right before a lecture,” she recalls.
Despite their personal and professional challenges, they showed up—not to compete, not to complain, but to keep learning and pushing forward.
“These moments reshaped my understanding of leadership. It’s not about titles or competition—it’s about discipline, resilience, and setting the example for others.”
She left the program with a new appreciation for perseverance and teamwork, recognising that great leaders don’t just push through challenges alone—they uplift those around them.
A Shift in Perspective on Career Growth
Before the EMBA, Qimei was always eager to dive headfirst into new challenges and industries. She thrived in fast-paced environments and constantly moved from one opportunity to another.
However, working alongside classmates who had spent 20 or 30 years at one company gave her a fresh perspective on long-term strategy, corporate culture, and leadership development. “Singapore and Los Angeles play distinct roles in the global economy, and so do the people who live and work there,” she explains. “This program helped me see the importance of understanding different business cultures and leadership approaches, especially when managing global teams.”
She now approaches team-building and cross-cultural collaboration with a more thoughtful, long-term strategy, ensuring that her leadership decisions are built for sustained impact.
Applying EMBA Lessons to Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
The global exposure she gained in the EMBA has strengthened her ability to navigate these regional differences, ensuring that her company’s messaging and strategy resonated in each market.
“The program equipped me to make informed, respectful, and strategic decisions in this rapidly evolving space.”
She now leverages her EMBA insights daily, integrating market research, data-driven decision-making, and strategic communication into her leadership approach.
For women who are unsure about taking the next step in their careers, Qimei’s advice is clear:
“Take action. There’s no ‘perfect’ time to embrace knowledge, so trust yourself and go for it.”
She emphasizes that the EMBA will challenge and empower you, pushing you to grow in unexpected ways.“Believe in your ability to thrive. The investment in yourself will pay off in ways far beyond business.”
She encourages women to step outside their comfort zones, seek mentors, and build a strong support network inside and outside the classroom.
Final Thoughts
For Qimei, the UCLA-NUS Executive MBA expanded her leadership perspective.
“The experience gave me a stronger sense of purpose and direction,” she says. “It challenged, inspired, and equipped me to lead at a higher level.”
For anyone considering the program, her advice is simple:
“Take the leap. You’ll walk away not just with knowledge, but with confidence, perspective, and a network that will support you for years to come.”
Like Qimei Luo, are you ready to expand your leadership and global impact? Learn more about the UCLA-NUS Executive MBA today.