Jessica Lai

UCLA Anderson MBA | Forté Fellow

Los Angeles, California, United States

About

I have an MBA from UCLA Anderson (Class of 2025) with a background in client strategy, business development, and public sector. Before Anderson, I spent 3+ years advising Canadian businesses across manufacturing, technology, and services sectors on workforce strategy and revenue growth initiatives, representing the Canadian Federal Government. During my MBA, I have expanded my strategic advisory experience through consulting engagements and GTM strategy projects for AI startups. I bring expertise in stakeholder management, financial and market analysis, and cross-functional leadership. I am passionate about helping organizations navigate growth, operational efficiency, and ESG priorities. Fluent in English, French, and Mandarin, I thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments that value diverse perspectives. Interests: Ultimate Frisbee, backpacking, French pâtisserie baking, and the search for the best dumplings.

Experience

  • Anderson Strategy Group (1 yr 8 mos)
    • Partner
      Jun 2024 - Jun 2025 · 1 yr 1 mo

      Led the education vertical for the 2024-2025 Anderson Strategy Group cohort

    • Consultant
      Nov 2023 - Jun 2024 · 8 mos

      Anderson Strategy Group is a non-profit, MBA student-run consulting firm at UCLA Anderson.

  • MBA Candidate at UCLA Anderson School of Management
    Aug 2023 - Jun 2025 · 1 yr 11 mos

    Honors: Forté Fellow, Third Place - Deloitte Case Competition (UCLA Anderson Local Round) Leadership: Anderson Strategy Group - Partner ('24/25) & Consultant ('23/24) Women's Business Connection - President ('24/25) & Dir. of Community ('23/24) Management Consulting Association - Dir. International Students Admissions Ambassador Corps - Dir. Admitted Students Section Social

  • Business Development/Product Manager at Talin Labs Inc
    Jun 2024 - Aug 2024 · 3 mos

    • Analyzed product-market fit and competitive positioning for an AI startup, helping secure a government aerospace pilot project. • Advised founder on GTM strategy and built investor pitch materials, supporting efforts to raise $3.5M in seed funding. • Identified 40+ client leads via targeted business development, increasing qualified pipeline value by 2%.

  • Emploi et Développement social Canada (EDSC) / Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)
    • Senior Program Development Officer
      Jan 2023 - Jun 2023 · 6 mos

      • Conducted client interviews and financial analysis of 35 businesses (up to $100M revenue), leading to 10-15% reduction in client labor shortages through approval of 70+ specialized foreign worker positions • Secured buy-in from clients on revenue growth, job creation, and DEI strategies to advance the labor market, representing Canadian government to successfully negotiate 15+ client agreements

    • Team Leader
      May 2022 - Dec 2022 · 8 mos

      • Led a team of 14 Program Officers in delivering labor market support programs, including Work-Sharing and Temporary Foreign Worker initiatives, across the Western Region. • Spearheaded planning and execution of a DEI awareness campaign, engaging 5,600+ employees across multiple offices to foster more inclusive workplace environments.

    • Program Officer
      Jan 2020 - May 2022 · 2 yrs 5 mos

      • Led SWOT analysis of major manufacturing client, enabling recovery from market downturn 15 weeks earlier than projected by recommending cost-cutting and product diversification strategies • Partnered with 50+ businesses on strategic plan to overcome economic downturn by recommending marketing, product development, and cost optimization measures, averting 1200+ layoffs and reducing potential government spending by $4M