Leading students through open doors
Although her academic journey began at two of the world’s most prestigious institutions – first as an undergraduate at Peking University, then as a doctoral researcher at Stanford University – Professor Willow Wu You has never allowed herself to be confined by the proverbial ivory tower. Nor did she follow the well-trodden path into the business world that her credentials would have so easily afforded.
Instead, she found her calling in the classrooms of CUHK Business School, where she derives deep fulfilment from helping students learn, grow and find their voice. In just four years, she has progressed from a junior faculty member to a recipient of the CUHK’s University Education Award. Her ascent is underpinned by a teaching philosophy that not only foregrounds practical learning but also embodies a personal ethos: to cultivate inclusive, student-centred spaces where even the quietest voices are heard.
Evolution of an educator
Professor Wu’s journey as an educator was shaped early on by the challenges of teaching during the pandemic. Faced with COVID restrictions and the demands of hybrid learning, she needed to find new ways to foster authentic engagement. Rising to the occasion, she made inventive use of Zoom’s interactive features and relied on positive reinforcement to cultivate a dynamic learning environment. “When students joined in virtually, I made sure to affirm their input and invite them to elaborate further,” she recalls. “This helped create a virtuous cycle of participation.” As in-person teaching resumed, she focused on drawing out quieter students, offering alternative modes of participation to support more introverted learners.
Professor Wu’s empathetic approach is informed by lived experience. “I used to believe academic achievement was everything,” she reflects. “I ranked first in my cohort in my first undergraduate year, but I was far from outspoken. I rarely spoke in class because I feared saying something foolish. I’d only respond once I had fully thought through my answer. But over time, I came to see that these habits were, in fact, limitations. The classmates who truly thrived had strong communication skills, interdisciplinary breadth and a versatility I lacked. That was the moment I knew I needed to pivot.”
With a strong interest in innovation and technology, she gained practical exposure in fast-evolving sectors, including a stint at ByteDance. As early as 2016, she was already engaging with emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency – long before they became mainstream. This blend of academic depth and industry experience has since shaped her distinctive ability to connect theory with real-world relevance.
The LEAD framework – Bridging real-world experience and the classroom
Professor Wu has channelled her interdisciplinary mindset and personal journey of growth into her teaching and research. After four years as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Management, she has developed what she calls the LEAD framework – an approach that encapsulates her educational philosophy. Centred on Learner-centred approaches, Experiential learning, Application and advancement of knowledge and Design innovation, the framework translates her beliefs into actionable classroom practices.
“My learner-centred methodology is designed to place students in the driver’s seat,” explains Professor Wu, who strongly believes business students must be able to apply theory to real-world problems. To this end, she frequently supplements traditional business cases with current materials. When Facebook rebranded as Meta, for instance, she paired a well-established case study with recent articles about the metaverse. “I wanted students to consider what might prompt such a strategic shift, and how they – as future managers – might address the challenges that followed,” she explains.
Beyond content: shaping mindsets
Professor Wu’s approach goes beyond engaging content – it’s about nurturing a mindset. “I remind students that it’s perfectly all right not to have a polished answer. As I discovered myself, growth happens through the exchange of ideas and the willingness to build on each other’s thinking. In business, the ability to listen, give feedback, take feedback and respond thoughtfully is a vital soft skill. Often, communication is what determines success.”
The results are telling. She recalls one particularly shy student who rarely spoke in class. “I made time to chat with her informally during breaks. Over time, her confidence grew. Eventually, she sent me a heartfelt note about how she had begun to overcome her personality challenges. Moments like that – when I witness genuine transformation – bring me the greatest sense of fulfilment.”
The heart of education
Professor Wu currently teaches undergraduate courses in Strategic Management, Technology and Innovation Management, and Global Experiential Learning while also co-supervising two PhD students. For her, the greatest joy lies in interacting with students: “I find deep satisfaction not only in teaching but in exchanging ideas – supporting students in their learning and personal development.”
This commitment to student growth has not gone unnoticed. Professor Wu has earned both the Faculty Teaching Excellence Award and the University Education Award – honours she graciously attributes to those around her. “My students’ energy, passion and self-motivation inspire me in turn,” she reflects. “And I’ve been fortunate to have had the guidance of colleagues who supported me as I shaped my teaching approach.”
Despite her accolades, her aspirations remain grounded and heartfelt. “All I hope,” she says, “is that each student leaves my class having grown in some meaningful way – whether in knowledge, perspective or practical skill. If they reflect and feel they’ve truly learnt something, that is enough for me.”
One object that symbolises her educational philosophy is a simple doorstop – gifted to her by the late Professor Kenneth Law, a cherished mentor. “He saw me struggling to keep my door open against the wind and handed me this doorstop,” she recalls. “It was both a literal and metaphorical gesture. It reminded me to always keep my door open – to students, to colleagues, to anyone who might need support. I received so much help early in my career, and I feel deeply compelled to pass that on.”
Professor Wu attributes her teaching achievements to the strong support from the Department of Management, the Faculty, and the people around her