SHANGHAI

Chris joined Apple over a decade ago, as the Supply Demand Management (SDM) team formed in Shanghai. “Our main focus is forecasting customer demand and managing supply. We make sure our teams have everything they need to build hundreds of millions of Apple products for people around the world.” Now a senior manager, she oversees an expanded scope. “We started with Mac, and now cover iPad and Apple Watch, too. I’m also leading another team that’s developing new systems and software tools to boost efficiencies across our group.”

As the SDM team’s responsibilities multiply, so do the opportunities for its team members. Chris has always had the support of her managers as she helps colleagues pursue their career goals. “My mentors at Apple have led by example, which inspired my own growth. Today, I try to do the same, as I find potential in others and offer the guidance they need to succeed.”

One way Chris does this is as an active member of Women@Apple, a Diversity Network Association (DNA) created to build community and help women with their professional development. Chris’s manager had been a Co-Chair of the DNA, and when her turn ended, she recommended Chris as a Co-Chair. “It’s allowed me to contribute to Apple culture in new ways, by continuing to create a sense of belonging for everyone here. We really make it a great place for women in tech to excel, at any stage of their careers.”

For Chris, fostering community at Apple has been as fulfilling as leading her team. “The products we build can change people’s lives — I know they’ve changed mine. But it’s more than that. The relationships you build at Apple can change your life, too.”

After Jason finished his graduate studies in New York City, a role on Apple’s supply chain team in Shanghai seemed like the perfect opportunity. Born and raised in China, and now with years of experience in the United States, Jason could see how his background and his university degrees would be a great fit for Apple in China. He was right — though it wasn’t obvious to him at first.

“I brought a deep understanding of theory, but I also knew there was a lot to figure out through hands-on experience. I hadn’t yet spent much time on a manufacturing floor.” Jason was finding it challenging to work in such a fast-paced, complex environment, where decisions have worldwide impact. Then he realised he was surrounded by support. “My colleagues let me know they believed in me. They knew what I was going through because they had been there, too. That’s one of my most memorable moments at Apple.”

Jason gives both his manager and his mentor at Apple much of the credit for boosting his development. “They hired me for more than my university degrees — they also hired me for my potential. They worked with me to amplify my strengths and develop new skills, and they recommended great resources here. Through Apple University programs, I’ve understood more about how Apple works and how we work together.” All the guidance has given Jason a fresh perspective. “Yes, I’ve grown through my experience, but it’s also a mindset: When you do important work at a place with such high standards, the work will always be challenging. The difference is now I welcome it — I love the feeling of accomplishment that comes with it.”

As Jason has become more confident in his role, he’s also learned to enjoy another type of teamwork. “Many of my colleagues are also my friends. We play basketball and soccer, or go to dinner and karaoke. In your life or in your work, it helps to surround yourself with good people.”

Years before she started at Apple, Ella had a peek into her future. “I was interning at one of Apple’s suppliers, working with folks on Apple’s hardware team. I was really impressed by their level of expertise and their attention to detail. It was so influential for me, especially as a student. Ever since, I wanted to work at Apple.”

After 10 years at Apple in Shanghai, Ella is even more inspired by her colleagues than ever, and now she’s inspiring them. “The truth is that we all learn from each other. At first, I was surprised by how openly everyone here shares their ideas and support. Offering to help — and asking for help — is just part of our culture.” She noted another aspect of Apple culture: “I was thrilled to find so many women working in hardware and at different levels: as team members, as managers, and as senior leaders. I could always see myself growing here.”

One of those women offered advice for Ella’s most important project yet: her newborn twins. “She was a mentor and a mother, who wanted me to know that she was there for me during this exciting — and challenging — time. She knew how hard I worked, so she urged me not to miss out on bonding during this precious time. After all, she reminded me, the work was in good hands with the team. She even checked in on me during my maternity leave, just to talk and share tips.”

Since her return from leave, Ella continues to find inspiration at Apple. “One of our leaders in the region said that we, referring to us working parents, are setting a good example for our kids. We’re role models for others — in the office and now at home. It’s pretty inspiring when a role model thinks of you as a role model.”

After nearly a decade with Apple in Shanghai, Ken praises his team’s wide range of perspectives as the key to their success. And he defines success as the satisfaction they get from building software that enhances the way people talk, work, share and play.

“One project we’re particularly proud of was focused on data recovery — we patented new technology unique to Apple products. It’s the foundation of many other features, including Touch ID and Face ID. It feels good knowing that we’re helping to protect people’s identities. Given Apple’s emphasis on helping customers secure their personal information, I think our team will continue to prioritise privacy.”

In addition to those based in Shanghai, Ken’s team members work from other cities inside and outside China mainland, and he’s convinced that makes their work even stronger. “We’re building products for a global audience, so our team reflects global points of view. That listening and learning leads to incremental improvements, groundbreaking innovations, and everything in between.” He’s seen this international collaboration influencing team culture as well. “Whether we’re talking in person, by video or simply over email, we realise that even though we may have different backgrounds, with different ways of working, respect isn’t based on roles or location — everyone’s encouraged to participate and share their ideas.”

Before Ken started his career at Apple, he always wanted to know exactly how Apple engineers did what they did. “And now I know. I’m part of it. Before, I mainly thought about the technical aspects of engineering. At Apple, I think more about how it affects people. For example, improving their privacy and therefore their lives. That’s why I see us as providing more than a product — we’re also giving people some peace of mind.”

A few years ago, Georgia took a vacation that served as the catalyst for the latest phase of her career. “I had started as an Apple intern in London, and then after I joined full-time there, I went to China on holiday, just for fun. I had the most incredible time — I absolutely loved it.”

“I realised that working for such a global company allowed me to explore opportunities around the world. When my manager said there was a role opening up on our team in Singapore, that position became my next adventure. Four years later, I returned to China, the country that had first inspired my international career years before.” In Shanghai, Georgia now oversees the delivery of media content in various Asian markets, and her projects often go worldwide.

She’s broadened her experience considerably, thanks to the variety of apps and services unique to China. The projects that reflect distinctive cultures are what Georgia finds most satisfying. “I work with a range of editors to create content that’s locally relevant. My favourite is our Lunar New Year project. I love discovering the narratives and regional variations, like celebrating the new year with one animal for China and a different one for Vietnam.”

Throughout her journey, Georgia has appreciated those who’ve helped her match her interests to opportunities at Apple. “From the beginning, I’ve had some truly fantastic managers. And in Shanghai, my colleagues’ support has made all the difference in my transition to a new city, a new country, and even a new language. Being an English-speaking person in China keeps things interesting, for sure, so it’s been great to learn Mandarin through immersion, both at work and in life. Everything feels new, yet everyone’s made me feel at home.”