From mentee to senior advisor: Sophia Bai's story

Life lessons, book recommendations, and a connection that led to a new job role.

MSc alum Sophia Bai signed up for WBS mentoring during the uncertainty of the pandemic. What she found was a mentor who challenged how she thinks and who ultimately introduced her to the role she holds today.

Originally from Northwest China and now permanently based in Singapore, Sophia's career spans several countries and industries. Sophia is now Senior Advisor at Panthera Family Office in Singapore. We spoke to her about her journey and the lasting impact of being a mentee.

Can you tell us about your background and what made you choose WBS?

"I originally come from Northwest China, and Singapore is now my permanent home. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to live, study and work in several countries, including China, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Cambodia and Singapore.

"My academic background is actually in languages and literature, which is quite different from the industry I work in today. Today, I work in the wealth management industry in Singapore, focusing on family office solutions for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families.

"I chose Warwick Business School because of its strong reputation, particularly in business analysis and management education. I wanted to challenge myself, broaden my perspectives and develop capabilities that my undergraduate education had not necessarily equipped me with.”

How did you come to be involved in WBS mentoring, and what motivated you to sign up?

"The opportunity immediately caught my attention. At the time, I was navigating a particularly uncertain period, as the COVID-19 pandemic had dramatically changed the world and made future career prospects difficult to predict. What attracted me most was the opportunity to connect with someone experienced who could offer fresh perspectives, share valuable life lessons and provide guidance beyond the classroom. I wasn't necessarily looking for someone to tell me which career path to follow, but rather someone who could help me navigate uncertainty, build confidence and reflect more deeply on my future direction."

What areas of your career or personal development did your mentor help you with?

"Interestingly, the most valuable aspects of my mentoring experience were not directly related to technical career skills, but rather to personal development and self-discovery. My mentor encouraged me to explore how the human mind works, how our thoughts influence our emotions and behaviour, and how we can develop greater mental resilience, self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

"Greater self-awareness has helped me communicate more effectively, remain composed under pressure and approach challenges with a more balanced mindset."

Can you share a particular piece of advice or insight that has stayed with you?

"One of the most memorable things my mentor did was recommend a book called The Chimp Paradox by Professor Steve Peters, which had a surprisingly profound and lasting impact on me. It introduced me to a new way of understanding how our minds work, particularly the relationship between emotional impulses and rational thinking.

"To me, this perfectly illustrates the lasting value of mentorship: sometimes, one thoughtful suggestion can change the way we understand ourselves and influence our lives for years to come."

Has the mentoring relationship helped to shape any decisions you have made?

"After graduating from WBS and returning to Singapore, I continued to stay in touch with my mentor. Through his professional network, he eventually introduced me to someone who provided an opportunity to interview with the company where I now work. I successfully completed the interview process and joined the firm, where I have been working for approximately three years. That introduction opened the door to an industry and a professional environment that were quite different from my previous experience."

Would you encourage other students or recent alumni to take part in mentoring?

"Absolutely. While many people initially seek mentorship for practical reasons, such as career guidance, interview preparation or professional networking, I believe its true value extends far beyond career development. In my case, mentorship not only opened the door to an important professional opportunity but also introduced me to new perspectives, challenged my assumptions and encouraged me to reflect more deeply on my personal values, strengths and aspirations.

"I also discovered that mentorship does not need to be overly formal or focused solely on professional achievements. Sometimes, the most meaningful lessons come from genuine conversations and shared life experiences. Looking back, I consider it a truly transformative experience that continues to influence both my personal and professional life today."

What are some of your most memorable experiences from your time at WBS?

"What I remember most fondly about WBS is the generosity and encouragement I received from its people, particularly during challenging moments. Another highlight was the open-minded and encouraging environment, where my curiosity, initiative and willingness to explore opportunities were consistently welcomed and recognised. These experiences made me feel genuinely supported as an individual, not just as a student."

 Whether you are just starting out or looking to find your next direction, WBS mentoring connects you with people who have been there. Find out more here.