The Traveler's Guide to the Galaxy and I (with updated foreword: Don't Panic, Just Remember to Bring a Towel !!)

After a slight hesitation, I replied “curious, adventurous, enthusiastic, determined, passionate and rigourous.” For these were the adjectives I once found myself harrumphing loudly, and somewhat unabashedly, to an interviewer when I was asked that simple question: “Now please describe yourself.”

And – for the most part anyway – they are indeed true, especially when it comes to some of the things that matter most to me in life: traveling to new places, meeting new people, seeking new knowledge, experiencing new cultures, tackling new adventures, learning new hobbies and trying new foods.

Before I continue any further, however, let me first introduce myself. My name is Graham Cloke and I am delighted to have been accepted into UCLA Anderson’s MBA class of 2013. I especially look forward to meeting all of my future classmates – and friends – in September.

I have also been given this special honour of writing a few posts over the summer to update you, and anyone else interested in UCLA Anderson, of my experiences leading up to matriculation. Most importantly, though, I really hope you will enjoy reading my updates as much as I will genuinely and honestly enjoy sharing them with you.

By way of background, I was born in Hong Kong to a British father and a Chinese mother. With one foot perched in Europe and the other in Asia, I often found myself – or, more specifically, my emotions – torn between the verdancy of England and the majesty of the South China Sea.

In this boxing match for my heart and soul, England won round one, for it was there that I earned my undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Bristol. Upon graduation, Hong Kong fought back valiantly and I was re-captivated by its many charms. I returned to Asia, and it was in Hong Kong that I started a 13-year career in investment banking.

Three years later, a resurgent England threw a mighty counterpunch. Seductively flaunting its cosmopolitan disposition, London managed to win me over again. Before long, I found myself gazing longingly into the river Thames.

A further three years of domestic bliss were to follow, but this tranquility wasn’t to last. Uninvited – and from across another ocean – a gallant new suitor by the name of New York had strode into town. Just one bite of this apple was enough to sweep me off my feet and leave me thoroughly enraptured.

Like so many other explorers and emigrants had done before me, I sailed off, with head held high, ambitions held higher, and dreams of glory held highest of all, towards the fabled riches of the New World, which was where I lived for seven glorious years.

My early employers were all European, including UBS, Credit Suisse and HSBC. Upon setting afoot on American soil, I switched my allegiance to the stars and stripes of Citigroup.

Meanwhile, spend a lifetime preparing the following recipe:
1) vigourously sauté together an insatiable appetite to learn entrepreneurship and an avid desire to become an entrepreneur;
2) gently stir in a growing hunger to explore, experience and understand our planet;
3) slowly simmer over an abundant curiosity about China and a desire to learn Mandarin Chinese;
4) evenly season to taste with the lure of exciting destinations, exotic cultures, and exquisite cuisine;
5) generously sprinkle on an increasing relishment of the immense potential for Chinese outbound tourism; and,
6) lightly garnish with a ravenous compulsion to expand upon an existing business skill-set.

Just before serving, arm yourself with a passport, a credit card, a toothbrush and an indomitable spirit. (Recommended serving size: one.)

The result: a delectable 3-year adventure starting in 2008, insidiously drawing me into every crook and cranny of China, assiduously pushing me out to over 30 different countries, and, most importantly of all, irresistibly tempting me to pursue an MBA.

Why did I choose UCLA Anderson?

Having already spent most of my life circumnavigating due west, I decided to push on further, towards the eastern shores of the Pacific Rim. Walking along Santa Monica beach, I gazed out over a vast ocean when, suddenly, something caught my attention. Looming just beyond the horizon, I could sense, once again, the majestic South China Sea.

Even more captivating, however, were UCLA Anderson’s commitment to academic rigour, excellence in teaching entrepreneurship, diverse cultural and social environment, outstanding international reputation, partnerships with many MBA programs across Asia, and status as one of the most important cities on the Pacific Rim.

I hope you enjoyed reading my first post, I look forward to sharing more updates with you, I wish you all a spectacular summer, and I will see you in two month's time !!