From the MBA to a Big Four leader and entrepreneur: My transformational journey

Full-time MBA alum Westin Xia shares his highlights from the programme, and explains how his studies allowed him to transition to a Big Four Consulting firm and eventually to launching his own global consulting firm.

I am Westin Xia, and I serve as the Executive Chair Ambassador and Global MBA Ambassador for Warwick Business School (WBS). Currently, I am the founder of Stakeholder Consulting, assisting Chinese companies in global strategy while supporting international businesses in navigating the Chinese market. After completing my MBA in 2015, I worked as a Senior Manager at EY-Parthenon for four years, followed by two years as an Associate Director at KPMG. Pursuing an MBA at WBS was the turning point that transformed my career from accounting to consulting, equipping me with the skills to lead on a global scale.

Background and why WBS?

Before starting my MBA, I was a Senior Manager at Baker Tilly (UK and China), where I gained extensive experience in accounting and advisory services. However, I sought a career transformation, aspiring to broaden my global perspective and hone my leadership skills. WBS stood out as the ideal choice due to its strong reputation, world-class teaching resources, and innovative modules. Additionally, WBS emphasises  leadership development and entrepreneurship, which aligned with my aspirations, providing the practical and strategic tools necessary to achieve my professional goals and transition to a more dynamic, globally focused career path.

Highlights of the MBA experience

Embracing diversity

The diverse cohort at WBS, with classmates from varied industries and cultures, broadened my perspective, enhanced communication skills, and sharpened my ability to collaborate effectively with international, cross-functional teams.

LeadershipPlus and mindset

The LeadershipPlus module at WBS taught me self-awareness, resilience, and leadership in complex environments. Through collaborative challenges and real-world scenarios, I developed a proactive mindset that empowered me to drive business and personal goals, creating long-term value.

Networking

At WBS, networking events and professional gatherings facilitated connections with alumni and industry leaders, expanding my LinkedIn network from 100 to over 500. These connections led to job referrals and collaborations, allowing me to actively engage in business with key contacts I formed during my MBA journey.

Receiving such strong support from the WBS alumni community inspires me to give back and contribute to its continued growth and success.

Transitioning to a Big Four leader

Completing my Full-time MBA at WBS in 2015 enabled a successful transition from accounting to consulting. The WBS CareersPlus team played a pivotal role, providing CV reviews, mock interviews, and coaching that helped me secure these roles and navigate my career transitions. The programme equipped me with crucial skills in problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability, all of which were essential for my role at EY-Parthenon. There, I led strategy and operations services, supporting cross-border M&A strategies. After gaining key credentials, I was invited by KPMG to lead their value creation business in Greater China, where I built a professional team and promoted services.

Launching my own business

The MBA programme at WBS and my consulting experience laid the foundation for my entrepreneurial journey. The programme fostered an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging innovation and proactive problem-solving, which were crucial when starting my own business. LeadershipPlus further provided me with the resources to guide my own team, strengthening my skills and adaptability in challenging situations. These experiences gave me the confidence to establish Stakeholder Consulting, a global firm with offices in Beijing, London, and Hong Kong. We specialise in global strategy, supporting Chinese companies in international expansion and helping international firms enter the Chinese market.

Reflections and advice

Reflecting on my MBA journey, the experience transformed my approach to challenges and opportunities by fostering a proactive mindset and enhancing my leadership skills. The MBA wasn’t just an academic achievement but an investment in my personal growth and career. The real value lies in the lifelong alumni network, which continues to offer opportunities and connections. For prospective MBA students, I recommend WBS for its excellent reputation, diverse cohort, and emphasis on leadership. My advice is to focus on building meaningful relationships during your MBA; these connections will open doors and serve you well throughout your career