Gina Fong, a clinical assistant professor of marketing at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, recently visited Sasin School of Management. Her first impression of Sasin students? Hard-working and driven. “A lot of Sasin students are from family businesses, so they’re eager to apply what they learn to their family business,” said Fong. When helping students become leaders, Fong said the most crucial part is to teach them the art of listening to and understanding their customers. While AI is booming, she urged everyone to practice curiosity, listening skills, and empathy. “We can’t forget the human part of business,” said Fong. Recognized with the prestigious L.G. Lavengood Outstanding Professor of the Year Award 2023 at Kellogg, Fong believes in the power of storytelling as an indispensable skill for leaders, educators, and business owners alike. “Students in my class frequently don’t take notes,” Fong observed. Instead of presenting students with straight facts, she interweaves them into compelling stories, which enhances engagement and connections and fosters better retention among her students. This storytelling approach extends to her business endeavors, where, in presentations to clients, her anecdotes and stories become bridges to connect with the relevant data. Fong endorses the transformative power of understanding others by embracing the art of being human and fostering lasting personal and professional relationships.