Baoqiang Xiao
Baoqiang Xiao is an investment banker and partner at a boutique advisory firm in London. He grew up in Beijing and moved abroad to study at the age of 14, eventually graduating from university in 2004. Afterward, he worked in Hong Kong for 14 years before relocating to London in 2018. Bao credits the William Louey Scholarship with significantly influencing his life path and giving him the chance to receive a world-class education and pursue a successful career in finance.
Receiving the scholarship at the age of 13 was a life-changing experience for Bao. Although initially nervous about leaving home for a foreign country, he quickly adjusted with the encouragement of his family and William Louey.
Receiving the scholarship from William Louey allowed Baoqiang to learn English, study at Cambridge University, and interact with people from diverse backgrounds, broadening his perspective and expanding his career opportunities geographically and within his chosen field.
By planting only just a handful of seeds, when these seeds become trees, the trees will have produce more seeds and that cycle will continue.
Baoqiang, like his scholar peers, is a keen supporter of William Louey’s ethos and emphasis on “paying it forward”. William Louey’s philosophy was not just to provide financial support but to inspire scholars to create positive change for others. Baoqiang has spoken of his gratitude for William Louey’s approach to philanthropy, particularly his personal involvement with scholars, which he found unique compared to other scholarships.
William Louey frequently visited the scholars, engaged with them on a personal level, and encouraged academic excellence while creating a sense of community and family. Inspired by his experience, Baoqiang has embraced the concept of giving selflessly.
He co-founded the Sea Star Children’s Foundation with fellow scholars to help others in a similar spirit. Baoqiang is a firm believer and supporter of the open-mindedness and compassion learned from William Louey. Today, he continues to advocate for the transformative power of small but meaningful gestures, emphasising that even modest acts of kindness can have a a great impact.
Follow Baoqiang Xiao on LinkedIn here.