BIO
Yan Zhang was born in Xiangshui County, China in the early 1970s. She was born to two parents who worked in accounting, and grew up with a younger sister. Dr. Zhang has had an incredibly diverse array of experiences throughout her career in strategic management. For instance, she has served as the president of the Strategic Management Society from 2023~2024; an associate/area editor for prestigious academic journals including the Academy of Management Journal, Strategic Management Journal, and Journal of International Business Studies; and a visiting professor at various overseas universities. In her current capacity as a chair professor of strategic management (with tenure) at the Jones Graduate School of Business of Rice University, she has been honored to receive many awards and has made significant, highly-cited contributions to the body of management research. This interview covers Prof. Zhang’s long trajectory of education and experience, general insights into the nature of the strategic management profession, and more in-depth explorations that contextualize strategic management and foreign direct investment in today’s world. She also covers words of inspiration and wisdom for future entrepreneurs and business professionals.