Moving to a new country is always a challenge. Leading a business in a different cultural context makes it even more complex. For Paul Huang, CEO of Alcobre and alumnus of the Executive Master in International Business, this journey became an opportunity to rethink leadership, communication, and the role of cultural understanding in management.
In this interview, Paul reflects on his professional path, the impact of the program, and the value of being part of a global alumni network.
Leadership Journey & Program Impact
Could you briefly describe your professional journey and what led you to pursue the Executive Master in International Business at that stage of your career?
I was sent by my company to Portugal to manage the factory we acquired in 2016. Before that, I had no experience working outside China. Even though I had worked in international companies, it was still a big challenge for me.
By 2024, after seven years in Portugal, I was still facing some difficulties in the real understanding with local employees. I felt it was necessary to learn something new, especially from a cross-cultural perspective, and to exchange ideas with other participants, not my own team, to find better ways to overcome communication challenges between Chinese and Portuguese staff.
How did the program expand or challenge your perspective as a leader operating in international and culturally diverse markets?
I received a traditional education in China and was deeply influenced by Chinese culture and values. When I joined the EMIB program, I had to adapt not only to new teaching methods and overcome the language barrier, but also to something more valuable.
The most important part was listening to different opinions from participants coming from different countries, backgrounds, and generations. This helped me rethink my own perspective as a leader.
Which learnings or experiences from the Executive Master have had the most tangible impact on your role as CEO of Alcobre?
Cross-cultural communication had the biggest impact. It helped me think more like a Portuguese manager while working and managing a team in Portugal.
Alumni Community & Network
How do you see your connection to the PBS alumni community contributing to your professional journey going forward?
I would like to keep a strong connection with PBS through the alumni community. I believe it is a very helpful network that creates connections between students and companies.
In your view, what role can an engaged alumni network play in fostering international collaboration and leadership development?
PBS alumni are based in different countries and work across many industries. This creates a natural advantage and makes the alumni community a strong platform to promote international collaboration.
If you could share one message with the PBS alumni community, particularly those leading in global contexts, what would it be?
I would encourage the PBS alumni community to create more opportunities, especially for the younger generation, so they can become involved in international business.