A Big Day for Big Ideas: Future Business Leaders Meet Real-World Strategy in Seoul

What happens when you bring together 30+ ambitious undergraduates from the Carlson School of Management, global business experts, and the fast-moving backdrop of Seoul? You get an unforgettable exchange of ideas, experience, and inspiration.

On May 19, we had the privilege of hosting students majoring in accounting, business, and marketing as part of their Korea–Japan study abroad program, led by Asia-Pacific Academic (APA) and supported by our outstanding partners at Joom Group.

This session was all about bridging theory and practice—from strategic insights on cross-border business to candid conversations about entrepreneurship, growth, and navigating global e-commerce.

🎙️ Industry Insights from Inspiring Leaders

Justin Dohyung Kim, Founder and Managing Partner at Pearson & Partners Korea, shared his remarkable personal and professional journey—from starting out with just “$2 in his pocket” to building a leading cross-border advisory firm. His talk provided a raw and inspiring look into what it truly takes to thrive as a founder in Asia.

Maxim Belov, Head of Business Development (APAC) at Joom Group, offered a compelling deep dive into the complexities of scaling e-commerce in diverse international markets. With a balance of global strategy and practical takeaways, his presentation was both insightful and actionable.

💡 A Dynamic and Thought-Provoking Q&A

The students came prepared with thoughtful and challenging questions that sparked real dialogue. Highlights included:

• How does your business model work?
• What differentiates you from competitors?
• How do you navigate the challenges of operating across multiple countries?
• Has your accounting background influenced your approach?
• What does effective internal team management look like?
• How did you know this was the right path for you?

It was one of those rare and powerful moments where education meets execution—where curiosity, experience, and ambition converge.

Here’s to building global connections, sparking bold ideas, and shaping the leaders of tomorrow—one great conversation at a time.