Chris Dalton's Personal Development Blog

Time to reflect briefly at the close of my first visit to and workshop in Hong Kong.

The place: what an engaging city this is, full of surprises and life living on top of more life, but in a way that everyone just seems to get on efficiently with. None of the self-consciousness of London, none of the naked poverty of Delhi, but with something of the streets of New York (without the attitude or menace – you can go anywhere at any time of day or night here and feel reasonably secure), with some of the restlessness and temporary flow of ex-pats of Dubai, but also plenty of character and history of its own.

Yes, I like it here (but not to live!!!)

The job: working with a small group of MBAs can be a challenge, I guess, especially if they feel like taking the agenda elsewhere. But I find this rarely happens on the Flexible MBA; participants treasure the opportunity to get together and have the input from the course. This group are also spread out right across the region, with REALLY demanding job, so it was really good to work with them. We had an interesting boat trip in the harbour last night, which added to the camaraderie, despite the very strange weather (the next blog photo will illustrate this). Having one or two of the students from previous intakes and potentials for future intakes sit in was important, too, as I think in this crowded market it’s necessary to demonstrate first-hand how Henley is different (and it is) from the competition. But there is a lot to do to be viable here. Business does not come to you in Hong Kong!

There were Bonus chance meetings with a former colleague from CEU in Budapest and the appearance of one of a recent graduates just moved from Greenland (what a contrast…), plus the pleasure of seeing some of the former office staff (who showed me around, and took Marc and I to a great place to eat on the first evening).