How a Performance Improvement Director Returned to A&M With Enhanced Skills and an Expanded Worldview

Beilu Ge is a Director with Alvarez & Marsal’s PI practice in Shanghai, China. She earned a bachelor’s degree in international trade from Nanjing Normal University and master’s degree from Alliance Manchester Business School.

In this Q&A, Beilu shares insights into her career journey, the skills that have shaped her success, and how her experiences in digital transformation, M&A and international consulting have influenced her approach to value creation at A&M. She reflects on the decision to return to the firm, the impact of mentorship and the importance of continuous learning. Additionally, she discusses how literature, philosophy and global travel have broadened her perspective, as well as the unexpected parallels between strategic thinking in consulting and creativity in gaming.

Adaptation and Continuous Learning Expand Understanding — And Perspective

Reflecting on your career journey, which skills have been most instrumental to your success?

To me, the most instrumental skill is the ability to continuously learn and apply new knowledge in real-life projects, adapting to different circumstances along the way. As Chinese philosophy teaches, “Zhi Xing He Yi”— true knowledge is demonstrated through action.

How have your experiences across digital transformation and M&A shaped your approach to value creation at A&M?

I greatly valued my early experiences in digital transformation and M&A, as both provided a holistic understanding of how companies operate. Digital transformation takes a process-by-process perspective, while M&A integration ties these processes together to align with strategic objectives.

How has working in different locations shaped your approach to consulting and client relationships?

One of the partners I worked with years ago told me that traveling as a consultant isn’t just about the work — it’s about experiencing how business is conducted in different places. I truly understood this after moving to Singapore. Working with a global investment company and the public sector there felt like learning an entirely new set of business rules and languages, while also integrating the knowledge I had gained in China. Another key lesson was that working in a foreign country provides a broader, more international perspective — thinking about China beyond China opened up entirely new ways of understanding global business. One particularly inspiring insight I had is that to be a great consultant, you must also be well-versed in geopolitics.

The Return to A&M Highlights Mutual Regard and Shared Values

What key factors influenced your decision to return to the firm, and what excites you about this new chapter?

When I reached the two-year mark in Singapore, I began considering a move back to Shanghai, as my family and friends were all there. What ultimately helped me make the decision was a coffee meeting with How Jit Lim, the Managing Director of our A&M Shanghai office, during his visit to Singapore. He shared insights about the fast-paced and exciting expansion of the A&M team in China, and A&M’s culture has always made me feel at home. With that, the decision felt natural.

Based on your experience, what advice would you offer to professionals considering returning to a former employer?

From my perspective, returning to a former employer is a reflection of mutual appreciation — being welcomed back signifies that your contributions were valued, while also highlighting how open and supportive A&M is. It’s also an opportunity to bring fresh perspectives, new insights and enhanced skills, allowing me to contribute even more value.

Who have been your most influential mentors, and what important lessons have you learned from them?

How Jit Lim is one of my most influential mentors. He has shown me how to navigate difficult situations, demonstrating that consulting isn’t just about writing reports or identifying problems — it’s about delivering results and making a real impact, often within a very short timeframe. Another mentor I deeply appreciate is Oliver Stratton. Since I first joined A&M in 2020, he has been my go-to for career advice and support whenever I faced challenges in delivering projects. No matter the situation, Oliver always provides insights that illuminate the path forward, helping me grow both professionally and personally.

Journeys of the Mind and Body Bring Inspiration and Practical Outcomes

Having traveled extensively, including tea plantations in Wuyi Mountain and cities like Prague, Vienna and London, how have these experiences shaped your approach to working at Alvarez & Marsal with diverse teams and clients?

It’s fascinating to travel to places with such diversity yet see how people live in remarkably similar ways. I could wake up surrounded by the mist of a tea plantation while enjoying a full English breakfast or have the most authentic hotpot in London. No matter where we are, people appreciate the same simple joys. The same applies to working at Alvarez & Marsal with diverse teams and clients; there is always a fundamental common ground to seek and build upon.

Your love for reading spans fiction, classics and philosophical works. How has your interest in geopolitical and philosophical literature influenced your approach to problem-solving in your professional life?

Just as many innovations draw inspiration from nature, I find that literature and philosophy help me approach problem-solving in unexpected ways. Often, the key to tackling complex challenges isn’t just in logic or analysis, but in how we reimagine the problem itself.

As a fan of video games like Zelda, do you find any similarities between gaming strategies and the strategic thinking required in consulting?

Honestly, playing games like Zelda is not only a great way to de-stress but also incredibly fun. The creativity and imagination of Nintendo’s artists are always something I find inspiring and can learn from.