In charge of logistic developments for five Asian factories, I manage project teams for systems implementation and coordinate with local operational teams to make supply chain improvements. I also manage the overall logistics activity of the strategic products manufactured in Asia. These different functions provide an interesting combination of diverse short-term and midterm issues that make no day typical. And today was a representative day.

I started with a phone call to the managers of projects in China and the Philippines. Through these daily reviews I assist them in their difficulties, and we define corrective actions that are followed up the next day.

Mornings are usually kept for operational issues that need to be tackled during the day with Asian teams. Today, while shaking hands with the logistics staff of the Bangkok factory, a fault in the invoicing system was reported to me, and I helped to analyze the cause. Later, along with the quality department, I examined a customer complaint and decided to freeze shipments of a product to check the stock quality.

Lunch was an opportunity to brainstorm with Thailand’s production manager on the potential flexibility of a new machine. We planned a meeting to detail the stock savings expected.

Because of the time difference, I usually dedicate afternoons to midterm issues for which I have strong interactions with the French headquarters. Today I consulted with marketing regarding the decision to cease production of a product made in Thailand. Then, after a review with the industrial strategy department, I finalized a machine investment midterm plan for the Philippines, in preparation for a business trip there.

My evenings are also active, with dense social life. Today I took a colleague to the opening of my Chinese friend’s painting exhibition.

Analysis

The inescapable conclusion from reading Benoit-Olivier’s essay is that his days are filled with making decisions and resolving problems across multiple countries and time zones. Without bragging, he conveys the extent and gravity of the responsibility resting on his shoulders. The essay portrays him as a flexible manager, able to make judgment calls on the spot when necessary, but willing to consult matters when more significant repercussions are likely. He comes across as someone able to communicate and work across linguistic and cultural barriers who is respected as a manager for his maturity and extensive experience. All of those aspects make him an attractive candidate and a valuable potential contributor to the diversity at HBS.

If anything, Benoit-Olivier could have improved his conclusion. The very brief references to a social life and his interest in art lack substance a little. Including additional details about these aspects of his life—even if they are not relevant professionally—could have provided further insight into his already well-rounded personality and character.

From 65 Successful Harvard Business School Application Essays edited by the Staff of the Harvard Crimson. Copyright (c) 2009 by the authors and reprinted by permission of St. Martin's Publishing Group