Limin (Maggie) Shao

 

My name is Dr. Limin Shao. My colleagues like to call me Maggie. I currently work as a Regional Development Manager for Package Coatings in Shanghai. I did my MA in Physical Chemistry at Fudan University in China before completing a PhD in Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) at the University of Nottingham in the UK. After a short postdoctoral period, I joined AkzoNobel as a spectroscopy expert at the new research center in Songjiang.

Over the past few years, my job has changed from being a research expert to a regional development manager. When I first joined the company, we set up a completely new laboratory. It was a really exciting time as few people in my field get the chance to be involved in setting up your own lab. We were unknown to our colleagues in China so I spent time visiting sites to promote our capabilities. This was both a precious experience and an opportunity for me to get to know our businesses and people.

I then headed up a team conducting multi-technology tasks for AkzoNobel´s innovative projects in China. Part of our remit was to carry out analytical work for our Chinese businesses, while continuously striving to improve our measurement capabilities. During that period, I built up people management experience, and honed the strategic thinking and skills required to conduct big, innovative projects. Now I´m working on the frontline with customers, managing the Asia Pacific development teams. Our task is to develop, launch and maintain a product portfolio which meets regional targets for innovation and profitable growth.

What I like the most about AkzoNobel is that it does not shirk from giving people responsibility if it thinks they are capable. It allows you the space to learn on the job, and goes out of its way by providing the tools to help you succeed in your work and career. I´ve only worked here four years, and I´m already expanding my responsibility to many different areas. I really look forward to the future here; I believe it will be more exciting than ever.