Joanna Liu Ping, AP HR Lead of a Fortune 500 firm and Class 21 monitor, is an introvert who loves cycling, swimming and good food. Navigating organizational transformation, talent development, rigorous EMBA studies, class duties and self-care, she has shaped her own definition of energy: not short bursts of sprint, but sustainable state management. In this episode of Life Energy Field, she shares insights on empowering others, staying present and the conservation of energy.
What things bring you empowerment in your life?
At work, I draw energy from supporting colleagues and holding space for the organization — this sense of purpose fuels me.
We recently hosted an empowerment workshop in Shenzhen for a team that weathered a turbulent market and organizational shifts last year. After a grueling year, they turned profitable. We wanted to recognize their resilience and co-envision the future for a strong start in 2026.
My HR-led workshop had two sessions: “Recognition & Empowerment” and “Our Shared Future.” Team members reflected on their achievements and contributions. Emotions ran high with tears and laughter. I felt energy flowing, deeply connected and recharged. Cultivating positive energy is essential for any team and organization.
Liu Ping and Class21 classmates
How do you generate your own energy outside work?
I love road cycling. I relish the speed, the rush of wind that you never hear in a car, and views you would otherwise miss behind the wheel.Previously, I chased satisfaction from metrics on my bike computer: claiming a “Queen of the Mountain” segment, hitting a new distance record or boosting my power output. Numbers, speed and likes on Strava filled me with energy.Yet after periods when I had to pause, cycling took on a new meaning. I no longer seek validation from data. I simply savor the ride itself. Even a casual trip on a shared bike through city streets recharges me. It is a state of being — present with the road, passersby and my inner self.
刘萍热爱户外骑行
How do you balance your studies with your role as class monitor?
I still clearly recall my campaign pitch: to make Fudan-Washington University EMBA Class 21 “a great place to be.” As monitor, I wanted to build a platform where everyone could leverage their strengths and shine as their authentic selves — the same philosophy I follow at work.Over those 18 months, we delivered on that vision. Our dedicated class committee and talented peers all contributed generously. Even after graduation, our occasional gatherings remain a space that recharges each of us.
刘萍带领21班同学们参与公益活动
Could you elaborate on your efforts and how you sustained your energy through this journey?
Energy management is truly a profound practice, and I have worked hard to balance my stamina. During the latter half of the program, the pressure I faced felt unprecedented.Work was undergoing business restructuring while coursework intensified, often with two or three classes running concurrently. Mid‑career as we were, we also carried heavy family responsibilities, raising children and caring for elders. My body sent me gentle warnings — a sign that my energy was overdrawn and needed resetting.
With so many roles to juggle, I believe in energy conservation: knowing how to trade off and contain depletion. I prioritize what matters most and hold firm to my non‑negotiables, while deprioritizing less critical tasks. When overwhelmed, I did not chase a “high pass” in every course; instead, I aimed for a “happy pass.” My health remained my bottom line. Managing energy and taking care of myself comes first.
It has been over a year since graduation. Looking back at your time in the program, what would you say is the biggest change in you today?
The transformation has been profound. Each course was like opening a new blind box, expanding my knowledge. After completing the curriculum, my perspective shifted from narrow, single‑point thinking to a more holistic view. When I look at my work and life now, my thinking has advanced to a higher, more systematic level.
Alongside this shift, I no longer chase speed and perfection above all else; instead, I prioritize systematic thinking. Energy does not need constant peak moments. What matters is a steady, sustainable state of shining. This change is not merely academic — it is a shift in my life philosophy.