June 14, 2018. Shanghai – They’re back! Sporting different styles of fashionable outfits made from the same fabric, participants in the Women Entrepreneurship and Leadership for Africa (WELA) Programme 2017 are now doing their Shanghai module.

They took time out for a few fun photos before iconic CEIBS spots such as the Pyramid, and the typical lecture hall.

There was also the serious task of learning, soaking up all the knowledge they can then apply to their business and lives once they are back home. On June 12 they were inspired by four dynamic woman entrepreneurs who participated in a panel moderated by Associate Professor of International Business & Strategy Shameen Prashantham. Although representing a wide range of backgrounds and expertise, the panellists highlighted some common themes such as the importance of leveraging one’s strengths, the role of passion in persisting despite challenges, and the necessity to balance the demands of the short term and the long term, as well personal and professional goals. The panel was preceded by a lecture from Prof. Prashantham in which he discussed the rise of entrepreneurship in China, touching upon developments over time and differences across locations.

The 23 ladies of WELA are from Ghana (16), Nigeria (6) and Morocco (1). They arrived on June 11 where, after being welcomed and given logistical details, it was right into Prof. Juan Fernandez’ lecture on doing Business in China. Ahead of Prof. Prashantham’s lecture on the 12^th, they had a session on Managing Talent, taught by Prof. Byron Lee. June 13 covered Marketing in China, with Prof. Jane Wang and a company visit to Mary Kay. Today Prof. Fernandez was back again, this time lecturing on Managing Across Cultures, followed with an afternoon company visit to Li & Fung. The rest of the module will include a company visit to Meilian Jewelry in Yiwu during a 4-day trip to the city where they will get an in-depth understanding of doing business in China through a visit to Yiwu International Trade City.

The module ends on June 19 with Prof. Emily David’s morning class on Female Leadership and an afternoon graduation ceremony.  

More about WELA at http://www.ceibs.edu/wela-programmes