Yiming Ma took what many would consider an unconventional path following his Stanford GSB education. After a successful career in tech and finance, he chose to leave the nest of certainty and follow his passion for writing. He even worked in publishing while pursuing his MFA in order to gain a greater understanding of the industry. As his classmates Sithara Kodali, Jenny Park, Katie Hayes, and Punit Shah, all MBA ’18 say, “While many around him opted for more conventional careers, he stayed true to his passion, channeling his energy into writing a book that exemplifies perseverance and purpose. His example challenges us to think more broadly about impact — sometimes the most profound change comes from the courage to share our unique perspectives through the written word.”
After five years of hard work and diligence, Yiming’s debut novel, These Memories Do Not Belong to Us, was published in August 2025 by HarperCollins (U.S.) and Penguin Random House (Canada). The book explores the topics of survival, collective memory, and resistance, inspired by his own experience as a first-generation immigrant. Yiming’s work has appeared in the New York Times, The Guardian, and The Florida Review.
Yiming is also a mentor to emerging writers and other Stanford GSB alumni with an interest in storytelling. He has a strong connection to his time at the GSB, and has given back by serving as an admissions panelist and playing a role in Toronto recruiting. One thing is for sure: Yiming gives through his words, his presence, and his vision. His classmate, Punit Shah adds, “In choosing literature after his Stanford MBA, Yiming Ma embodies the GSB spirit of challenging conventional thinking to create transformative change. His journey from Shanghai immigrant to Stanford MBA to acclaimed author demonstrates how one alumnus is changing lives, organizations, and our world through the power of narrative.” Yiming demonstrates that being courageous in the face of uncertainty and staying true to yourself is always a good idea.
