Lan Yao

My Graduate Story

My name is Lan Yao and I graduated from the University of Birmingham with an MSc in Financial Management.

I currently serve as the Executive Vice President at Showai Postnatal Care Center, a company in the healthcare industry dedicated to maternal and infant well-being. In addition to my professional role, I am also a co-founder of DT_Solutions, a non-profit platform committed to supporting patients with rare diseases and promoting public health awareness.

My work spans both executive leadership and social impact, reflecting my passion for healthcare innovation and community service.

A Day in my Life

A typical day in my role as Executive Vice President at Showai Postnatal Care Center involves a dynamic mix of strategic planning, team leadership, and operational oversight. I start my day by reviewing key performance indicators and aligning with department heads to ensure smooth daily operations. I work closely with our medical and client service teams to enhance care quality, and often meet with external partners to explore collaboration opportunities.

In the afternoon, I might focus on long-term initiatives such as expanding our service offerings, developing training programs for staff, or contributing to policy discussions on maternal and infant health. As a co-founder of DT_Solutions, I also dedicate time each week to coordinate rare disease awareness campaigns, engage with patient communities, and build strategic alliances with NGOs and healthcare providers.

My days are busy but deeply fulfilling, as I get to contribute both to the well-being of new families and to the broader mission of healthcare equity and innovation.

My Journey

Before joining the University of Birmingham, I was already serving as Executive Vice President at a postnatal care centre in China. However, during my work in the healthcare industry, I came into contact with many patients suffering from rare diseases. Their struggles deeply moved me since rare diseases often attract little public attention, and many patients face long waits due to the lack of approved treatments or clinical pathways.

This experience inspired me to create a non-profit platform to support rare disease patients through digital healthcare services. However, I quickly realised that managing a non-profit organisation requires more than the operational knowledge I had from running a physical healthcare facility — I needed formal training in leadership, financial management, and a global perspective on sustainable impact.

That's why I applied to the MSc Financial Management programme at the University of Birmingham. What impressed me most about Birmingham was not only its excellent academic system, but also its strong emphasis on social responsibility. One of our core modules, Ethics, Governance and Regulation in Treasury, highlighted how essential ethics and public responsibility are across all industries. Our professor encouraged us to apply these values in both our careers and our personal lives.

After graduating, I returned to my executive role, but now with a stronger foundation in strategic and ethical leadership. More importantly, I was able to officially launch DT_Solutions, the non-profit platform I had envisioned. Today, DT_Solutions is the largest digital platform in China dedicated to Desmoid Tumours, a type of rare disease. We now have over 2,000 registered patients with verified medical reports, and thanks to the dedication of our volunteer team, we're continuing to expand our impact and reach.

Birmingham didn't just help me grow professionally, it empowered me to take on a bigger mission, combining business acumen with compassion to serve a vulnerable community.

My Birmingham Experience

The learning experience at the University of Birmingham had a profound impact on both my career and my personal growth. As a student in the MSc Financial Management programme, I gained not only solid theoretical knowledge in finance and strategic decision-making, but also a deeper understanding of responsible leadership and ethical governance.

One of the most influential parts of the course was the module Ethics, Governance and Regulation in Treasury. It emphasised that financial management is not only about maximising value, but also about making decisions that serve society. This mindset shaped how I approached both my executive role in the healthcare sector and the launch of my non-profit platform for rare disease patients, DT_Solutions.

The University encouraged critical thinking, global awareness, and interdisciplinary problem-solving — all of which prepared me to take on leadership roles that go beyond traditional business objectives. It helped me see how finance and management can be used as tools for social good, which continues to guide my work today.

The best things about my course were the variety of subjects covered and the practical opportunities for hands-on learning. I really appreciated the mix of theoretical knowledge and real-world application, which helped me develop both my critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, the professors were highly knowledgeable and supportive, and the collaborative environment with fellow students made learning even more enriching.

Birmingham's Impact

I often browsed the University of Birmingham's official website for career development resources. The content, including leadership development, non-profit strategy, and global employability, helped me clarify my goal of establishing a sustainable non-profit platform. I also received professional feedback on my project ideas, which gave me the confidence to officially launch my rare disease support platform after graduation.

In addition, the alumni relations team provided tremendous support. They encouraged me to organise a public welfare-themed alumni event focusing on Desmoid Tumours, a rare disease, and helped me connect with like-minded professionals. Their encouragement and assistance made me feel truly supported. This sense of belonging, professional growth, and university-backed support is one of the most valuable parts of my Birmingham experience.

My Achievements

I believe my biggest achievement during the course was not just earning a distinction degree, but more importantly, solidifying my commitment to practicing social responsibility. This determination was further encouraged by the professors and classmates at the University of Birmingham, who supported me after learning about my ideas. I will always remember one professor's words: 'We should use knowledge to light the way forward, not just to benefit ourselves.'

Advice for Students

The reason the University of Birmingham is recognised as a world-leading institution is not only because of its outstanding academic achievements but also due to its strong commitment to social responsibility and global impact. This spirit is something every graduate and alumnus should carry forward in their lives.

My top tips for students graduating today:

1. Be bold and embrace challenges — Step out of your comfort zone, explore the world, immerse yourself in different cultures, and allow yourself to grow through new and sometimes uncomfortable experiences.
2. Leverage your resources — Make full use of the academic foundation, global network, and skills you gained at Birmingham. Apply them to real-world opportunities to create lasting impact.
3. Take on social responsibility — Look beyond personal success. Think about how your knowledge, ideas, and actions can benefit others and contribute to a more equitable and compassionate world.

Graduating from Birmingham is just the beginning. I encourage every student to seize this moment, stay curious, be courageous, and make a meaningful difference on a global scale.