Barry Li Building 'Super Individuals'

In 2022, we interviewed alumni Barry Li shortly after he transferred from the University of California, Davis to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, shifting his focus from Economics to Sports Management. At that time, he reflected on how his formative experiences at Dulwich helped shape his life (click here to revisit the article).

Since graduating, Barry has been based in Silicon Valley, where he works from a local incubator, learning from the latest developments in venture capital while actively building his journey towards becoming an angel investor. Alongside this, he has remained deeply committed to education: every year he returns to China to run two or three innovation and entrepreneurship camps—early-stage incubators for teenagers—designed to bring cutting-edge ideas back home, helping young people step beyond their comfort zones and connect with global resources.

This summer, Barry launched his first camp in Shanghai (click here for details). For his second programme, the “OMNIAPATH Entrepreneurship and Innovation Camp@ Dulwich”, he chose to return to DHSZ, continuing his educational mission within the familiar setting where his own journey began. We are very pleased to host this programme as part of our efforts to support our alumni whenever possible. Our conversation with him not only retraces his personal development but also explores how he integrates the Dulwich spirit into his educational practice—and why he felt compelled to bring this initiative back to the place where it all started.

Transformation at Dulwich: From Team Captain to Entrepreneurial Leader

Barry still remembers vividly his time as captain of the Dulwich football team.

“My coach, Mr Keegan Ashton, once said, ‘Barry has a lot of potential.’ He was the one who helped me truly unleash it,” Barry recalls.

That experience taught him more than teamwork—it became a rehearsal for his future entrepreneurial ventures.“At Dulwich I learnt what leadership really means: it’s not about giving orders, but about inspiring others to achieve their best.”

He also highlighted how Dulwich’s wide range of opportunities—from school productions to leadership roles like House Captain—helped shape his holistic mindset, “Those experiences made me a well-rounded person—and that’s exactly the foundation every future entrepreneur needs.”

Crossing Disciplines: Harnessing Education for Contemporary Challenges

Barry’s transition from Sports Management to education might appear unexpected, but for him the logic is clear.

“Entrepreneurship doesn’t depend on a single discipline. It’s about a transferable skill set—team management, resource integration, and fast learning. I built these skills both through my sports management and business training.”

The idea of creating the camps emerged when he observed a shared anxiety among today’s youth, “Many students struggle to apply their knowledge in practice. The AI era has arrived, but much of what they’re learning doesn’t prepare them for real-world challenges.”

Rather than expecting students to start businesses immediately, Barry sees his camp as an early-stage incubator, “It’s about planting a seed. When these students enter university or the workforce, that seed will grow and eventually bear fruit.”

Cultivating “Super Individuals”: The Dulwich Spirit and Silicon Valley Insights 

Barry defines the mission of his camps as nurturing “super individuals”—future leaders equipped with interdisciplinary skills, global connections, and strong self-belief. This resonates directly with his Dulwich experience, “Dulwich didn’t just teach me skills; it taught me how to be a whole person.”

The design of the camp reflects this philosophy:

• 50% teaching + 50% practice: world-class mentors deliver lessons alongside hands-on project challenges.
• Global networking: direct access to entrepreneurs and investors from Silicon Valley, New York, and beyond.
• AI-powered innovation: students learn to use AI tools to build apps and business plans in just a few days.

Barry shares a striking example from the previous camp in Shanghai, “Some students had never touched AI before. By the end, they were pitching complete product prototypes to Silicon Valley investors.”

Why Return to Dulwich? A Shared Philosophy and the Mission to Give Back

When asked why he chose Dulwich as the partner for his next camp, Barry’s answer was heartfelt, “As Dulwich’s educational philosophy is exactly aligned with ours—focusing on holistic education and encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones.”

He emphasised that Dulwich students, given the opportunities available to them, need opportunities to connect those advantages to real-world challenges, “This camp is designed to help them ‘step out’ and rediscover themselves through new experiences.”

To Our Students: Step Beyond the Comfort Zone

Towards the end of our interview, Barry offered sincere advice to current Dulwich students. While acknowledging the privileges and resources they enjoy, he also cautioned against complacency.

“For Dulwich students, it’s easy to forget the importance of stepping out of the comfort zone. This camp is one of the best opportunities to try something new and to understand yourself better.”

He reminded students that the challenges they would face in such a camp are far greater than simply earning good grades or completing a co-curricular activity, “It’s a completely different kind of experience from anything you’ve had before. Through it, you’ll not only learn methods of innovation but also discover your true passions and potential.”

Education is not about filling a bucket, but about lighting a fire.

Through his own story, Barry shows us that true education happens beyond the classroom, in moments of challenge. This winter, we hope more Dulwich students will follow his lead—stepping outside their comfort zones to become the next generation of “super individuals.”