The MBA Mentor Programme – When Jonathan met Huyan
Jonathan Sanyaolu (mentee) and Huyan Guo (mentor) were matched on the MBA Mentor Programme due to their common industry background. What ensued was a deeper professional relationship which added concrete value to Jonathan’s MBA as management concepts were discussed in a real working environment.
Jonathan worked in the Oil and Gas industry for 22 years before applying to study The Liverpool MBA. Huyan (MBA 2015) has worked in the oil & gas industry for over 25 years. He currently serves as the Managing Director of China National Offshore Oil Corporation Gas and Power Trading & Marketing Limited, working in Hong Kong. His team is responsible for CNOOC's Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) global trading business and energy finance under the guidance of headquarters. CNOOC is the world's third largest and China's largest LNG importer.
We asked Jonathan and Huyan about their experience.
How has having a mentor helped you?
Jonathan: The need for entrepreneurial prowess, team leadership and providing innovative solutions to today's problems were key areas touched. Huyan is a respected thought leader and I have benefited immensely from his insight. He also demonstrated the need for consistent, sustainable value adding performance and preparing for the future given the global challenges faced by institutions and nations.
Has being a mentor benefitted you as well, and how? Would you recommend it to other alumni?
Huyan: Definitely. Jonathan's work experience in the energy industry and his views on effective management of the energy industry during his MBA study have also inspired me a lot. We are all very willing to study the characteristics of enterprise management in emerging market countries and what the global energy environment has brought to emerging market countries, both challenges and opportunities.
I highly recommend ULMS's mentor/mentee programme to other students and alumni – it has been an enriching experience all round and I am honoured to be part of it.
What are your tips for getting the most out of the scheme?
Jonathan: Mutual respect, humility, good listening skills, focus and professional engagement.
Huyan: Being matched to a mentee with similar work experience and field of work, meant that Jonathan and I were able to share a lot of common topics. For more than a year, both Jonathan and I have continued to see the effect of the MBA learning journey on the career development of every student and graduate. The MBA program of the University of Liverpool can effectively enhance the managers' leadership thinking and management skills facing today's business world.
From 2021 till now, despite the continuation of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have been keeping in touch through emails and other effective online ways. The mentor/mentee programme builds a bridge, where students and alumni who have graduated can share their thoughts on business management and benefit each other through active communication.
What makes a successful mentor/ mentee relationship?
Jonathan: Empathy, knowledge, ability to teach, good communication skills and professional maturity.
Huyan: Sincere partnership + Common career pursuit + Two hearts that will always love the University of Liverpool!
Over 50 ULMS postgraduate students benefited from our mentor programme in 2021. If you would like to support one of our students with their career advancement through sharing your expertise and guidance, please email us on ULMSalumni@liverpool.ac.uk.