<p>Bolong Li’s career path, stretching from finance to tech giants like Apple and Amazon's Audible, uniquely informs his teaching philosophy in NYU SPS’s <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-integrated-marketing.html" target="_self">MS in Integrated Marketing</a> and <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/executive-masters-in-marketing-and-strategic-communications.html" target="_self">Executive Master's in Marketing and Strategic Communications</a> = programs. Initially set on a career in quantitative modeling, Li discovered a passion for marketing and customer experience, pivoting toward roles where his analytical background became a significant asset. &quot;Data-driven decision-making is ingrained in modern companies' DNA,&quot; Li explains. &quot;Leveraging data and models for storytelling became crucial to delivering successful campaigns and constantly improving customer experience.&quot;</p>

<p>At Audible, Li leads teams dedicated to growth and enhancing customer experience, directly applying these insights to his classroom teaching. His courses emphasize practical, real-world learning, integrating recent industry examples and case studies into class activities. &quot;Students are eager to apply knowledge and theory in real-world scenarios,&quot; Li says. &quot;They solve real business problems and present professional solutions, preparing them effectively for their careers.&quot;</p> <p>Recognizing that digital marketing is always changing, particularly through AI advancements and shifting consumer behaviors, Li ensures his students stay agile. Practical exercises dominate his curriculum, including group research and presentations on emerging trends and technologies. This method helps students confidently navigate and adapt to digital marketing’s evolution.</p>

<p>Li’s extensive experience with major strategic partnerships at companies such as Apple and Google reinforces the importance of collaboration in his teaching. &quot;Sustainable growth depends on collaboration,&quot; he notes.</p>

<p>One of Li’s standout professional achievements at Audible—a strategic partnership facilitating seamless customer transactions through Apple and Google apps—has profoundly influenced his instructional approach. &quot;Resolving a longstanding customer pain point opened significant growth areas for the business,&quot; Li recalls. &quot;Such projects underscore why group work and collaboration are integral in my classes.&quot;</p>

<p>Li believes a growth mindset is crucial for students aspiring to succeed in digital marketing and customer experience roles. &quot;What worked in the past may not remain effective overnight,&quot; he stresses. &quot;Students must remain open to new ideas and dynamics, continually adapting and learning to stay ahead.&quot;</p> <p>Real-world applicability is central to Li’s assignments at NYU SPS. For instance, his Digital Marketing students collaborate directly with actual companies, solving genuine business challenges. Some student-developed recommendations have even been implemented, allowing students to see the real-world impact of their ideas firsthand.</p>

<p>As a recognized leader, appearing twice on Forbes’ prestigious lists of outstanding professionals, Li values mentorship and leadership deeply. His classes incorporate reflections on personal growth, emphasizing communication, compassion, and self-evaluation. &quot;External measurements like job titles mattered to me earlier,&quot; Li shares. &quot;Now, I focus more on personal development and encourage students to pause and evaluate their growth beyond just career milestones.&quot;</p> <p>Li anticipates AI’s transformative potential in reshaping digital marketing. &quot;The mass adoption of AI will change much of what we do,&quot; he says, urging students to embrace this evolving space actively. &quot;This transformation will open many opportunities, and students should position themselves to take advantage.&quot;</p> <p>Ultimately, Li enjoys the interactive nature of teaching at NYU SPS, highlighting the valuable exchange of insights between himself and his students. &quot;Interaction in the classroom is always a two-way street,&quot; he concludes. &quot;We all gain interesting inspirations and fresh perspectives from these engagements.&quot;</p> <p>Have a role in shaping digital marketing when you pursue an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-integrated-marketing.html" target="_self">MS in Integrated Marketing</a> at NYU SPS.</p>