Diane Wei Liang

Bestselling Author of ‘The Eye of Jade’, China Expert, Distinguished Service Professor of Organisational Behaviour, Carnegie Mellon University Speaker

Diane Wei Liang’s Biography:

Diane Wei Liang is a Chinese-born author, academic and keynote speaker recognised internationally for her expertise on China, geopolitics and organisational behaviour. She currently serves as Distinguished Service Professor of Organisational Behaviour at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business, where her research focuses on knowledge, creativity and innovation within organisations. Diane is also an international bestselling author whose novels and memoirs have been translated into more than twenty languages and published across twenty-eight countries. Drawing on her unique life story and deep academic insight, she has become a compelling keynote speaker who helps audiences understand China’s cultural, political and economic influence on the modern world.

Born in Beijing in 1966 during the Cultural Revolution, Diane experienced the impact of political upheaval from a young age. Her parents were sent to a labour and reeducation camp, and Diane spent part of her childhood living there before returning to the city. She later attended Peking University, where she studied psychology and became involved in the 1989 Student Democracy Movement. Following the Tiananmen Square protests, Diane was forced to flee China due to her involvement in the demonstrations. Relocating to the United States, she continued her education at Carnegie Mellon University, where she earned both a Master’s degree and a PhD in Business Administration at the Tepper School of Business, laying the foundation for her distinguished academic career.

Diane went on to build an impressive international academic profile, holding positions including Assistant Professor of Strategic Management, Lecturer of Strategic Management at Cranfield School of Management, and Senior Lecturer of Management at Royal Holloway, University of London. Alongside her academic work, she developed a highly successful writing career. Her autobiographical memoir, ‘Lake with No Name’, recounts her experiences as a student in Beijing during the 1980s and offers a powerful account of life during one of the most significant political moments in modern Chinese history. Diane later authored the popular Mei Wang detective series, including ‘The Eye of Jade’, which was shortlisted for the Shamus Award for Best First Novel, followed by ‘Paper Butterfly’ and ‘The House of Golden Spirit’. Her books explore the social and political complexities of modern China while offering compelling storytelling grounded in lived experience.

Why Hire Diane Wei Liang?

As a keynote speaker, Diane combines personal history, academic research and cultural insight to deliver engaging and thought-provoking presentations. She is widely recognised as a China expert, regularly contributing commentary to major publications such as The Financial Times and The Times, and appearing on leading broadcasters including BBC Newsnight, Sky News and Channel 4 News. Diane’s keynote talks explore topics including China’s evolving role in global politics and business, leadership and innovation in complex environments, and the importance of cultural intelligence in international organisations. Through powerful storytelling and expert analysis, Diane helps audiences navigate geopolitical uncertainty, understand global power dynamics and think more creatively about leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.

Diane Wei Liang’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Diane Wei Liang’s remarkable career in storytelling and innovation:

• 2025 – Participated in the Academy of International Business Annual Conference in Louisville
• 2024 – Served as a Fulbright Scholarship Committee Member
• 2023 – Appointed Distinguished Service Professor of Organisational Behaviour at Carnegie Mellon University
• 2022 – Delivered lectures as Guest Lecturer of Organisational Behaviour
• 2011 – Published novel “The House of Golden Spirit”
• 2008 – Published novel “Paper Butterfly”
• 2007 – Published “The Eye of Jade”, shortlisted for the Shamus Award for Best First Novel
• 2003 – Published memoir “Lake with No Name: A True Story of Love and Conflict in Modern China”
• 2000 – Appointed Senior Lecturer of Management at Royal Holloway, University of London
• 1998 – Became Lecturer of Strategic Management at Cranfield School of Management
• 1994 – Began career as Assistant Professor of Strategic Management
• 1989 – Participated in the Student Democracy Movement at Tiananmen Square