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Molun Zhang
R&D Director @ Coca-Cola | Emory MBA, Open Innovation
Molun Zhang is a distinguished professional currently serving as the Director of R&D at The Coca-Cola Company, where she leads the Open Innovation strategy with a keen focus on strategic execution. She obtained her MBA from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University, enhancing her passion for merging technology and business realms. In her role, Molun drives the identification, experimentation, and scaling of external innovations to tackle vital industry challenges like sustainability, supply chain efficiency, occupational safety, and shifting consumer preferences. Her extensive expertise has been pivotal in establishing and fostering a broad network of external innovators, ranging from startups, academic institutions, venture capitalists, to accelerators. Molun has also co-headed major global endeavors such as the esteemed 100+ Accelerator program.
Highlights
20 months ago, I embarked on the Executive MBA program at Emory University - Goizueta Business School with the anticipation of enriching my business knowledge and expanding my professional network. What unfolded was a transformative journey that not only deepened my academic understanding but reshaped my mindset towards making a meaningful impact in my role, career, and beyond.
The EMBA experience was more than acquiring knowledge; it was about growing alongside a group of individuals who became more like family. We spent countless hours together - more, at times, than with our own families - delving into paper readings, engaging in class discussions, collaborating on group assignments, and navigating through the complexities of difficult topics and tight deadlines. Yet, it was the laughter, professional insights, and personal growth shared among us that truly defined our journey. This post is a heartfelt tribute to each one of you. Thank you all for honoring me with the MBA Executive Leadership award. I share it with each and everyone of you. There are too many of you and Linkedin has its limits so I'll only give a shout out to my first semester team who set a solid foundation for the subsequent semesters. Art Brian Brooke Reginald Zar
The journey was made smoother thanks to the diligent efforts of the program office, ensuring our needs were met and our experiences enriched - not to forget contributing to a few extra kilo gains from the well-stocked snacks room! Special shoutouts to Professor Omar and Crowley, 2 of my favorite faculty members, for their distinguished Core and Elective Educator awards respectively. A call out to Professor Shehzad, who added colors from the vibrant world of finance to my engineer/scientist perspective, guiding my focus towards Finance and Strategy. Professor Rummel deserves a mention for unlocking my passion for data and data modeling. Jackie Wendy Virna Matt
None of this would have been possible without my incredible support network. My husband Alex, for his unwavering encouragement, love that allowed me to embark on this journey and at times for diffusing my mental meltdowns and stress eruptions. My work family, for their understanding and support that allowed me to prioritize school schedules wherever possible and the strong encouragement that fueled my courage and stamina throughout this journey. My mother and sister Xing Gao for their unconditional love and for joining me in celebrating this milestone. Rachel Rachel Wenjia Qiaoqiao Milo Fernanda Gracy Wei Jerome
As I close this chapter and look ahead, I'm reminded of a quote by Roberto Goizueta that was part of my admission essay: "If you take risks, you may fail. But if you do not take risks, you will surely fail. The greatest risks of all is to do nothing". We took the leap EMBA 24, and we did it! #EmoryEmba #Graduation #EMBAjourney
Message to the external innovating network! 3rd year running, The Coca-Cola Company is part of the joint industry-led 100+ Accelerator program with our amazing partners AB InBev, Colgate-Palmolive and Unilever.
Applications are now open for Cohort 5 of the 100+ Accelerator! We are searching for the most innovative solutions in our 7 challenge areas: circular economy, sustainable agriculture, water stewardship, climate action, biodiversity, inclusive growth and health and wellness. Startups will receive up to $100K USD to implement a pilot project in a global supply chain. The program also includes training and mentorship to build business capabilities. If you are a startup and are interested in participating in our program, please visit 100accelerator.com for more information. Join us and be part of our Cohort 5! Find all details here https://lnkd.in/gSY2ui_j
If you have questions about the program don't hesitate to reach out. #startup #startupecosystem #sustainability #innovation
