Ivey’s PhD Program in Business Administration is a full-time research-based program designed to develop scholars and to place graduates at high-quality research universities around the world. Our PhD candidates are showcased at conferences around the world, and regularly featured in top-tier academic and industry publications.
To help you get to know them, we’ve asked them about their academic and personal interests.
Q&A with Catherine Dai, PhD student
What is your background and what previous experience prepared you for this?
I was born and raised in Nantong, a harbor city in Jiangsu Province, China - about a two-hour drive from Shanghai. I completed my undergraduate degree in Cultural Industry Management at Hong Kong Baptist University, and later earned my MBA at Lakehead University in Northern Ontario, Canada. My family and I eventually moved to Southern Ontario and fell in love with London for its mild weather, lush greenery, and peaceful atmosphere. I started a small business here, worked at Western University for a time, and then began my PhD in Entrepreneurship at Ivey in September 2024.
What attracted you to Ivey’s program?
I’ve lived in London, Ontario since my family immigrated to Canada in 2017, and Ivey’s reputation here is truly unmatched. Previously, I worked at Western University, which sparked my passion for teaching and made me realize I wanted to become a full-time professor.
I was also drawn to Ivey because of Professor Simon Parker. From our very first conversation, he treated me with kindness and encouraged my interest in research, despite my lack of prior research experience. His generosity in pointing me to relevant literature and methods showed me how supportive Ivey could be for an aspiring academic. Ultimately, it felt like the perfect environment to pursue my PhD and turn my passion for teaching and entrepreneurship into a long-term academic career.
What is your research focus?
My current research centers on women’s entrepreneurship in developing countries. I come from one of those contexts myself, having been a woman entrepreneur for many years, so I understand the cultural and practical challenges firsthand. I hope to bring new perspectives to the existing literature by exploring nuances that traditional research may have overlooked.
Why is that area appealing to you? What big problems/issues need to be addressed?
I was an entrepreneur for many years - both in my home country and in Canada - and have seen how different environments can shape women’s experiences in running a business. While research on women’s entrepreneurship has grown in the past 20 years, it often revolves around gender comparisons or financial constraints. In reality, these challenges vary widely across industries, regions, and even within a single company’s departments. I hope to bring insights to capture the complexity of women’s entrepreneurial journeys. By examining the cultural, social, and practical dimensions of their experiences, I hope to deepen our understanding of how women navigate entrepreneurship in diverse settings.
How do you see your research making an impact?
I aim to extend the conversation beyond the gender lens and toward a more well-rounded, entrepreneurial perspective. In practical terms, I hope my findings will reach more women entrepreneurs and offer guidance or inspiration for those navigating complex socio-cultural environments. Also, I hope to encourage researchers to view women’s entrepreneurship through a broader, context-rich lens. Moreover, I hope to provide evidence-based recommendations for policymakers seeking to refine or create support programs - particularly for women with young children or other underrepresented groups. By clarifying how different environments influence entrepreneurial success, I hope my work can help shape more effective, inclusive policies.
How do you see research as an aid to business improvement?
My research will provide a deeper understanding of the factors that influence entrepreneurial success, especially for women from underrepresented groups. Many studies, including those from the World Bank, show that women’s businesses can significantly boost local economies, create jobs, and enhance family well-being (for instance, by improving children’s access to education). If we can uncover insights into the specific barriers and opportunities these entrepreneurs face, we can design more effective support systems - whether through policy interventions, mentoring programs, or financial resources. Ultimately, empowering women entrepreneurs isn’t just about fairness; it’s about strengthening the overall business landscape, driving economic growth, and uplifting communities where these ventures operate.
What previous experience prepared you for this?
My previous entrepreneurship experience allowed me to connect with a wide range of women business owners - some just starting out, others juggling family life, and still others looking to scale established ventures. Experiencing these diverse realities firsthand has given me an intimate understanding of the challenges and motivations that shape women’s entrepreneurship. It also taught me how to manage projects, organize large-scale initiatives, and adapt to varying cultural and operational contexts. These skills and insights will be invaluable for my field experiments and quantitative research.
Where did you grow up and what was it like there?
I grew up in a city on the eastern coast of China, where the economy was thriving throughout the 1990s. In my community, I saw women running successful international businesses and large manufacturing plants - there was little sense of gender bias or inequality, and women held prominent positions both in the family and in society. This environment shaped my belief that women can and should play leading roles in the entrepreneurial world. After seeing other regions—both in China and beyond—I realized that not all places offer such supportive conditions for women. My upbringing in my hometown made me appreciate how crucial it is to foster more inclusive, empowering environments elsewhere.
Who have been your strongest influences in life?
My family - particularly my grandparents and parents - has been my greatest influence. They’re all entrepreneurs who’ve started small businesses, seen success for a while, then lost it all, only to try again and sometimes fail again. My father often reminds me, “I’ve lost more than you’ve even tried,” which has shaped me into the unstoppable optimist I am today. Seeing their repeated attempts taught me resilience, the value of perseverance, and the belief that failing isn’t the end—it’s just part of the process.
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I’ve actually thought about becoming a stand-up comedian! I love telling jokes, poking fun at myself (and sometimes my friends), and bringing laughter to everyday situations. It’s one of those “alternate life paths” I’ve definitely considered.
What is the most played song on your playlist as of now?
I don’t have one specific track on repeat. Instead, I’ve been listening to a Disney songs mix - my daughter’s favorite playlist - almost every time we’re in the car. I like simple and joyful music that makes everyone happy.
What is your best podcast recommendation?
I’m not really a big podcast listener, but I do watch a lot of YouTube channels focusing on global cuisines and food adventures. One of my current favorites is Mark Wiens.
What book would you recommend to others? Why?
Sun Tzu’s The Art of War is my go-to recommendation - an ancient text (circa 5th century BC) that surprises me every time I pick it up. It’s compact, but whenever I’m dealing with a tricky situation at work or navigating a challenging conversation with colleagues, I’ll reread a section or two and suddenly see a fresh angle on problem-solving. I love how a seemingly simple phrase can shift the way I approach obstacles.
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