Ben Lam, our 2018 EMBA graduate, has navigated a diverse career path with resilience. Serving as the Chief Project Executive at Hyakunousha International Limited, he embraces failures as part of the journey. His guiding principle, 'You will get only one win within 10 trials,' shows how he stays practical and hopeful while dealing with life's ups and downs.
Reflecting on his childhood, Ben recalls, "I didn't win much in competitions when I was a kid. It taught me to handle success and failure gracefully and focus on the journey rather than the destination." This early lesson prepared him for a world where setbacks are inevitable and perseverance is critical.
Starting Strong Amid Uncertainty
During his university years, Ben actively pursued part-time work opportunities and built connections with senior peers. These efforts paid off when he graduated amidst the uncertainty of the 2003 SARS outbreak. While many struggled to find their footing, Ben's proactive networking and practical experience opened doors to promising job offers.
Early in his career, Ben made a move that would set the tone for his professional journey. He proactively recommended himself to UNIQLO, the iconic Japanese casual wear brand. He became their first Hong Kong employee on the ground.
Leading with Empathy
Ben's leadership skills were put to the test at UNIQLO when he was tasked with managing a team of 100 at a young age. He quickly discovered that leadership wasn't about issuing orders but about listening, understanding, and connecting with others. "Whether it's your colleagues or your customers, you have to put yourself in their shoes," Ben explains. "What do they need? How do they feel? Empathy is the key." This approach earned him respect and propelled his rise within the company. After a decade at UNIQLO, he became the Head of Operations. But Ben still wanted to step out of the comfort zone he had built for himself.
Leaping into the Unknown
His thirst for new challenges took him to GU, UNIQLO's sister brand, where he tackled similar obstacles on a tighter timeline. His experience at UNIQLO allowed him to achieve what had taken a decade before in just two years. And yet, the familiar patterns began to reemerge. "Around the age of 40, I found everything around me too familiar," Ben recalls. "If I hadn't stepped out of my comfort zone, then I might not have been as willing to take risks later in life."
So, he did what few would dare—he explored new territories by taking on roles at Nike and Pricerite, two companies with vastly different cultures.
Returning to Learn, Expanding Horizons
At the same time, Ben returned to CityUHK to pursue an EMBA. But this time, however, his goal wasn't just personal growth—it was to learn from others. "The EMBA experience broadened my perspective," he says. "Interacting with top management from different sectors and industries— from suppliers, logistics, finance to NGOs—allowed me to understand the world from multiple angles. It's not just about retail anymore; it's about seeing a bigger picture."
Words of Wisdom for the Next Generation
Lively and engaging, Ben lights up when sharing his thoughts and experiences. When asked for advice on overcoming personal challenges, such as being introverted, he encourages students to embrace their true selves. "If you're an introvert, that's okay. In certain situations, you may need to step out of your comfort zone and be more outgoing, but when you're at home, enjoy being yourself," he advises. Ben also stresses the importance of adaptability, saying, "Understand the context of different situations. Even though I'm naturally talkative at gatherings with classmates, I try not to dominate the conversation. I encourage everyone to share their recent experiences instead." For Ben, life is constantly changing, and he emphasises the importance of always being prepared. "You can't control everything around you, but you can control how you respond. Always be ready—when opportunities come, seize them."