Exploring the World of Talent Management Across Cultures
Discover the captivating journey of our esteemed alumna, Emily LAU, and how she navigates the dynamic nature of human resources across various cultures.
People are the greatest asset of a company. That’s what makes talent management and organizational design so exciting for Emily Lau, Global HR Business Partner at Uber. “HR touches on people, so there's always something different to work on,” she says. “That's what kept me in this field for so long.”
Emily began her HR career in the banking industry in Hong Kong. After relocating to Canada and the US, she continued working in HR in banking before making a strategic shift to the technology industry and joining Uber. “I made an intentional pivot into tech because I’ve seen so much growth and opportunities in tech companies,” she reflects. “I wanted to gain experience working with organizations and teams that are scaling and growing rapidly.”
Building a Strong Foundation for a Global Career
Emily was an integral part of the HKUST Cross-Country Team and proudly represented the University in numerous race competitions.
When Emily moved from Hong Kong to North America, she initially struggled to adapt to a work culture that values direct communication and assertiveness – a stark contrast to the hierarchical structure prevalent in most Asian workplaces. However, the experiences and skills she gained at HKUST Business School enabled her to voice her opinions and engage in challenging situations with confidence.
Despite her introspective nature, Emily actively participated in various extracurricular activities at HKUST, including leading the cross-country team and volunteering with Junior Achievement. Additionally, an exchange program in the UK further broadened her adaptability to living in diverse environments and interacting with people from various cultural backgrounds.
Furthermore, courses taught by practitioners, including Dr. Karen LEE’s leadership course, Prof. Cassian CHEUNG’s management course, and a case-building course taught by McKinsey consultants, piqued her interest in leadership management, equipping her with valuable communication and presentation skills that remain relevant to her career. Participating in different networking events and mentorship programs also helped her become more comfortable with public speaking and networking.
Navigating the Future of HR
In her current role at Uber, Emily recognizes the rapidly changing global business landscape and emphasizes the importance of staying ahead through continuous learning. “Attending industry roundtables is a great way to get connected with other HR professionals and learn about what other companies are doing,” she says. “These events have also helped me identify opportunities in my own company.”
Moreover, while embracing the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), Emily also recognizes the necessity of maintaining the integrity of original work. She cautions against relying heavily on AI-generated content for tasks like writing performance reviews or job application materials. “It’s crucial to preserve the human element,” she notes, “as these materials can affect how employees or candidates are evaluated.”
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Emily stays open to embracing new opportunities and learning from individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Adjusting to New Opportunities
With over 10 years of experience under her belt, Emily encourages young professionals to embrace change and new experiences. “Even if the opportunity isn’t exactly aligned with your interests, it’ll still add value to your career. You won’t regret trying and learning something new.”
She also believes in the power of mentorship and inviting diverse perspectives. “I would encourage people just starting their careers to have a mentor, someone who can give you a bird's eye view of your career and provide a different perspective.” By staying open to new opportunities and learning from others, Emily believes that professionals can continue to thrive in a constantly evolving business landscape.
The experiences and skills Emily gained at HKUST Business School enabled her to voice her opinions and engage in challenging situations with confidence.
