Ruirui, Partner

What educational/academic background do you have?
A master degree in chemistry and an MBA.

Why did you decide to go into consulting?
Consulting is a people business. In consulting you work with great people, who are smart, respectful, personable, knowledgeable, and "work hard and play hard". Moreover, in consulting, we help our clients solve industry challenges and problems. We have the chance to generate true impact.

What is or has been the biggest challenge for you in consulting?
From "being part of a performing team" to "building a performing team" was the biggest challenge. As consultant, performance and delivering excellence was the focus. As partner, my goal is not about me, but about my team. How to help my team to perform and to grow, how to leverage their capabilities in the best way, and how to motivate my team during difficult times are my key tasks. The results will impact not only me but also my team.

How can you use your skills at Roland Berger?
Hard skills: Chemicals knowledge, business management, analytical thinking, hypothesis-driven problem solving, storytelling.
Soft skills: Team leading/motivation, conflict management, client relationship, stakeholder management, presentation, communication.

Which of your skills from your background makes your consulting life easier?
Too many to list. Chemicals, business management, leadership skills, communication, etc.

What did you want to be as a child and what would you love to be today if you weren't a consultant?
I love cooking. I did want to be a chef. If I wasn't a consultant, becoming a chef is still my dream. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking with my family. Italian food is my favorite. If I want to wow my guests, I will make my legendary lasagna. German food is heavier, but my beef roulade and Christmas goose taste fantastic.

How does your team benefit from your skills?
My team benefits from my industry experience, for example, my expertise in the chemicals and sustainability area.
Our assignments are not always easy. In a highly complex topic, I try to help my team with structure and the right focus.
When my team faces a difficult time, I'm their cheerleader to help them out.
Last but not least, having fun together.

What has been your favorite moment/project since you joined Roland Berger as a consultant?
Helping a global oil & gas and chemicals major to become carbon neutral, and helping them to develop a low carbon materials market. That project not only impacts the client's business but also generates true social and environmental impact.