Tsz Yan (Joey) Kong

Tell us about your degree - why did you choose it?
I saw the MBA not just as an academic challenge, but as a key step in my personal growth. With a background in healthcare and diamonds, I recognised that pursuing an MBA would be an excellent way to prepare myself for running my own business in the future.

What did you enjoy the most about your course – what were your course highlights? For example, the facilities, staff, peers, course content etc.
That would no doubt be those challenging but fun group projects throughout the course. We all went from getting to know each other, to becoming friends, some even as close as family! Teamwork just got better and better! The most memorable one would be the consultancy project with Northern Ballet. The project feedback was better than expected and we landed an interview with the Financial Times as a result.

What did you enjoy most about your life as a student at the University of Leeds? Did you get involved in any activities outside of your studies that had an impact on your experience here, or your personal development?
Life as a student again after years in full-time work was both exciting and challenging. Coming from a healthcare background, I initially felt out of place in an MBA classroom where most of my peers had business or finance experience. Being one of only two students without that background meant I had to work harder to catch up, especially in subjects I had never studied before.

The first few weeks were an adjustment period. I had to get used to academic study again, shift my mindset from a structured 9-to-5 job to a fast-paced, constantly changing timetable, and learn how to manage multiple assignments and group projects at once. What really made a difference was the support of my Italian classmate, who soon became my best friend. He often stayed back after class to help me understand certain topics, and thanks to his guidance (and my determination), I ended up getting straight As in those subjects.

Outside the classroom, I discovered that baking became my weekend therapy. It gave me a sense of calm and creativity that balanced the intensity of the MBA schedule. Every Monday, I would bring my baked goods to class, which not only made me happy but also became a little tradition that my classmates looked forward to.

Looking back, the experience taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of community. I learned that asking for help is not a weakness, and that finding small joys outside of work or study is essential to thriving under pressure.

What professional skills and experience did you gain during your time at Leeds University Business School? What support did you get to help to develop these skills, and with your overall career and employability?
During my time at Leeds University Business School, I developed a range of professional skills that have been invaluable both academically and personally. My interpersonal skills grew significantly as I learned to work effectively with classmates from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, including peers who held senior positions in their organisations. This experience taught me how to communicate with clarity and respect, adapt to different working styles, and maintain harmony within the team even in high pressure situations.

I also strengthened my organisational skills and ability to prioritise, balancing a demanding MBA workload with group projects, deadlines, and personal commitments. The multicultural and multidisciplinary environment pushed me to think more broadly, approach problems from multiple perspectives, and collaborate with empathy and openness.

The Business School provided strong support through career workshops, networking events, and approachable course director, who offered both academic guidance and professional advice. These resources, combined with the collaborative nature of the MBA, helped me not only enhance my skill set but also increase my confidence in navigating complex, fast paced professional environments.

How did your time at Leeds prepare you for the future?
My time at Leeds was transformative not only because of the academic environment but also because of the university’s heritage and the city’s vibrant character. Being part of a prestigious red brick institution with a long-standing reputation for excellence instilled a sense of pride and motivation to uphold high standards in everything I do. The campus itself fostered a strong sense of community, while the city of Leeds offered a dynamic mix of history, culture, and modernity, a place where tradition meets innovation. Living in such a diverse and energetic city prepared me for thriving in global, fast paced environments, teaching me to adapt quickly, embrace different perspectives, and make the most of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.

How has your career progressed since leaving the Business School? Have there been any notable highlights?
Since leaving the Business School, I took the leap and founded my own company just one month after graduating. It was incredibly rewarding to apply the skills and insights I had gained directly to real life business challenges. In a short space of time, I built a team and began gaining recognition for our work, being invited for interviews and receiving features in both Hong Kong and UK press and media. These milestones have been both humbling and motivating, reinforcing my belief in the value of the experience and preparation I gained at Leeds.

What are your ambitions for the future?
My ambition is to continue growing the business, expanding its presence internationally, and building a lasting legacy - one that could one day be passed down to my children. I want to create something that not only thrives commercially but also reflects the passion, the values and vision I’ve built it on.

What was your biggest highlight of studying at Leeds? (For example, friendships made, confidence in your abilities, or any single event that you will always remember)
My biggest highlight from studying at Leeds has to be the friendships I made. The bonds formed during the MBA were so strong that in the first year after graduating, I travelled to visit every single classmate in their hometown - with the only exception being my friends in India (sorry!). Those experiences gave me a deeper appreciation for our shared journey and the incredible diversity of perspectives and cultures we had in our class.

Would you recommend the University of Leeds and the Business School to others? What advice would you give to students to help them get the most out of their time in Leeds?
Absolutely yes! I have stayed actively involved with the Leeds alumni community in the 10 years since I graduated - from being a guest speaker on webinars, to speaking at alumni events in Hong Kong, to giving talks and meeting undergraduates and budding entrepreneurs on the UK campus. I can’t recommend the University of Leeds and the Business School highly enough. I’m incredibly proud to be a Leeds graduate, and my advice to current students is to immerse yourself fully in both the academic and social opportunities - the friendships, networks, and experiences you build here will stay with you for life.