This Q&A with Peggy Zhuo was inspired by a recent webinar where she shared her journey to securing the UK Global Talent Visa. In the session, Peggy shared her experience in building her international career across China, the UK, and Saudi Arabia as a Business Development Manager, her leadership activities at MBA at London Business School, the challenges she faced during the Global Talent Visa application process, and the strategies that helped her succeed. Her story provides valuable insights and encouragement for anyone considering the Global Talent Visa path.
1. What is your background?
My name is Peggy, and I’m currently working as a Business Development Manager in renewable energy in Saudi Arabia, where I focus on hydrogen technology and digital applications that power the smart city projects.
Before moving to the Middle East, I lived in London and earned my MBA from London Business School, where I served as Co-President of the Marketing & Strategy Club and President of the Music Club. During my time in the UK, I also worked in tech companies — one was a language learning app, and another was a live-streaming digital platform for second-hand luxury goods.
Earlier in my career, I spent six years at Apple Beats in China leading brand marketing initiatives, which helped me build a strong foundation in digital strategy, cross-cultural communication, and business growth.
In the past few years, I have won two awards, one from the Middle East and one from China in leadership and digital technology, and I was also panel speaker at technology conferences.
2. Why did you decide to apply for the Global Talent Visa?
I’ve always envisioned myself living in the UK — that’s why I chose to pursue my MBA there instead of in the US. Although I later took the opportunity to move to Saudi Arabia for an exciting role, I always planned to return to the UK one day.
Compared to other visas like the Skilled worker visa, Innovators visa, the Global Talent Visa stood out to me because it offers incredible freedom and flexibility. I don’t need employer sponsorship, and I can choose my own path whether it’s entrepreneurship, joining an organization, or exploring new opportunities.
3. What challenges and hesitations did you have before applying and how did you overcome them?
At first, I wasn’t sure if I was even qualified for the Global Talent Visa. The requirements seemed complicated, and that uncertainty held me back from taking real action.
Things changed after I joined a UK accelerator program last year to start my own cleantech startup. Some participants in my cohort had received endorsements, and one of them encouraged me to apply after reviewing my background. That gave me the confidence to start researching seriously.
Once I began, I had many questions: Who should I ask for recommendation letters? Which parts of my experience would be most relevant? How should I structure my evidence? I decided to seek expert guidance, compared several advisors, and eventually chose to work with Michelle, who helped me navigate the process strategically.
I researched others who I spoke to and they advised that they could do my entire application for me but I didn’t trust them.
I spoke to others but then found Michelle who discussed the process and my case and took her strategy session. After speaking with Michelle, I was confident to move forward after our strategy session.
4. Who were your experts?
It took time to identify and reach out to the right people, but I eventually gathered four strong letters — three recommendations and one supporting letter:
- The CEO of my previous UK company, a well-known tech leader, helped me despite his very busy schedule.
- A senior director from a US-based company I had collaborated with provided another, highlighting our long-term professional relationship and my impact on joint projects.
- A faculty member from my MBA program contributed a letter based on my leadership and achievements during my studies.
- The program manager from my UK accelerator wrote about the program’s selectivity and why they believed I would be successful.
5. What criteria did you select? and the documents you submitted against each criteria?
Along with my recommendation letters and mandatory criteria (MC), I selected Optional Criteria 2 (Recognition) and Optional Criteria 3 (Impact).For OC2, I used evidence from a panel discussion I spoke at and an industry award I received to demonstrate leadership. For OC3, I showcased achievements from my two previous tech companies, demonstrating how I drove business growth and international expansion. I also used public evidence linking me to the work I did.
6. When did you submit your application and when did you receive the result?
I submitted my application at the end of June 2025 and received the result within 10 days.
Preparation time – I thought it would take 3 months but it actually took 6 months to prepare properly. I work full time, travel alot and I needed time to gather all my evidence.
I submitted on June 24th 2025
Decision was received on July 3rd 2025
I applied through the fast-track route using my accelerator program admission. Before submission, I spent a few extra days carefully reviewing every detail, ensuring there were no typos, formatting issues, or missing evidence.
7. What advice would you give to other applicants now that you’ve been through the process?
- Seek expert advice early — if you feel unsure like I did, getting professional guidance can save you a lot of time and uncertainty.
- Be strategic and intentional — build your profile now with future applications in mind. For example, speak at industry events, become a mentor, apply for awards, and try to gain public exposure for your work.
- Document your achievements continuously — don’t wait until the last minute to recall your impact.
- Keep your network alive — maintaining relationships with industry leaders, mentors, and peers often becomes invaluable later on.
8. What does this visa mean to you and what did you learn about yourself during this process?
For me, this visa represents much more than just a permit to live and work in the UK — it’s a validation of my professional capability and leadership. The process became a journey of self-reflection, helping me rediscover my own story, strengths, and aspirations.
My biggest takeaway: have faith in yourself and don’t give up — you might be more qualified than you think.
9. What are your exciting plans now?
Right now, I’m managing my ongoing role in Saudi Arabia while preparing for the right timing to move back to London. Once there, I plan to continue exploring entrepreneurship or take on a leadership role in a purpose-driven organization aligned with my passion for clean energy and innovation.
If you would like to know whether you are eligible for the Global Talent Visa in Digital Technology, complete the eligibility questionnaire to have a free 15 minute discovery call with Michelle.
