Celebrating service: Howe Gu, Managing Director at Microsoft receives UBC Alumni Builder Award

Growing up with parents who were both doctors, Howe Gu spent much of his undergrad navigating questions about his identity, aspirations and future. After graduating and realizing he did not want to follow in his parents‘ footsteps, he felt unsure of what his next step would be. 

While his path—like many others—was far from linear, starting his MBA at UBC Sauder was the turning point. With guidance and support from the Business Career Centre (BCC), professors and classmates, Gu found clarity and discovered his career direction.  

“I'm very grateful for my experience at UBC Sauder,” says Gu. “I had such an amazing support system while I was at UBC Sauder and it’s what drives me to give back in every way I can to support the next generation. I recognize that there are a lot of students who are in a similar position as I was in—unsure of what they wanted to pursue after their undergrad while juggling opinions from parents and friends. To be able to offer advice on and share my lived experiences with these students and help them navigate this important journey of self-discovery has been a rewarding experience.” 

Receiving the UBC Alumni Builder Award was a humbling moment for Gu.  

“It was such a huge surprise and an incredible honor,” Gu shared. “To be part of a small, chosen group of alumni celebrated for their contributions to the university is humbling. There are so many amazing alumni who support UBC Sauder—it feels like a big deal to be recognized in this way.”Now living in London and having worked in Asia and Europe, Gu is passionate about encouraging students to venture outside of their comfort zones and think globally. 

Building community through mentorship 

During his MBA, Gu participated in programs like the UBC Strategy Consulting Mentorship Program and the Tri-Mentorship Program, experiences he credits as pivotal to his career success. 

Gu also served as VP External for his graduating class at UBC Sauder and as an elected member of the UBC Student Senate, both of which were important leadership roles that allowed him to actively drive change and advocate for the student body he represented. 

Coming from a family of doctors, Gu initially knew very little about the world of consulting. With double a major in Human Biology and Economics, a minor in East Asian Studies and some work experience at Bank of Montreal, he entered the MBA program with limited exposure to career paths outside of banking. 

 “At the time, I didn’t really know what else was out there,” Gu admits. “Without the mentors and peer support I received, I might have stayed in banking instead of discovering my passion for consulting.” 

Today, his impact as a mentor reaches countless students and alumni. He recalls one particularly rewarding experience when a mentee he supported early in their career rose to become a highly successful executive at a financial services firm. 

“Seeing someone grow, gain confidence, and realize their potential is incredibly rewarding,” Gu shares. “It’s about being there to listen, support, and guide them through career changes and fulfillment. These relationships energize me, and I’m grateful for the chance to make an impact.” 

Having worked across Asia, Europe, and North America, Gu is also a strong advocate for fostering global perspectives among students. He believes international experiences are transformative. 

“Encouraging students to think globally and explore opportunities abroad is something I’m passionate about. It broadens horizons and brings valuable insights back to our communities.” 
 

Teaching and sharing industry knowledge 

“Teaching is one of the most fulfilling ways to give back,” says Gu. “As someone who has spent a lot of time in the industry, it’s refreshing to share my experience and see how students engage with those ideas. It’s not just about teaching—it’s about learning from them, too.” 

 
One memorable moment stood out for Gu—a conversation with an undergraduate student after a lecture.  

“They were so curious about consulting and how digital transformation works in practice. That moment reminded me why I teach—to open doors to new possibilities for students,” says Gu. 

Gu’s commitment to giving back also extends to philanthropy in support of initiatives like the Powerhouse Project, where he has funded a Meeting Room and encouraged others in his network to get involved.   

“Helping to build a facility that will shape future environmental, political, and business leaders is incredibly meaningful. Even being a small part of that impact feels special.” 

Forging connections between academia and industry 

Since joining the Faculty Advisory Board in 2022, Gu has been dedicated to bridging academia and industry.  

“The board offers a unique platform for business leaders to help shape the school’s direction and provide insights on issues that matter to students and faculty,” he explains. 

Gu sees opportunities for UBC Sauder to further strengthen these connections, particularly in areas like sustainability. 

“Sustainability is a perfect example of where academia and industry need to intersect in more meaningful ways,” he says. “The business world has a significant impact on society, and we must be mindful of the implications of our actions.” 
 
Whether through mentorship, teaching, or fostering global networks, Gu is committed to building connections that drive impact and enable the next generation of business leaders. As he continues to give back, he hopes to inspire others to do the same.