Charming China

Today´s guest is Blake, a highly creative film maker who has a production company in Shenzhen.

We talk about how burning man brought him to the city and different approaches regarding process management and the decision-making order in film production in the US vs. China.

In this episode the importance of clear communication of workflow and the hard task to collaborate with international teams are highlighted and we also discuss how working in China teaches us patience and improves our overall soft skills.

Connect with Blake on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakenolanbrown/

Lenswriters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lenswriters/

Lenswriters Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn5dOtKEo2ewNZsIEi3ISvw

Today´s guests are Julien and Christophe from JuKe, two industrial designers and entrepreneurs from Belgium and France, who have designed many fascinating products in the past and present.

We talk about the crossover of local culture and international influence and the advantages that arise from this hybrid in their designs.

We also discuss important IP protection tips and the challenges in the Chinese market, which make it one of the hardest to compete and succeed in.

Lastly, we talk about future trends and lifestyle products from Chinese culture which we will most likely be seeing in the next 5-10 years.

JU&KE Website: http://ju-ke.co/

Connect with Julien on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julien-gueuning-a4615728/

Connect with Christophe on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophe-branchu-451b0250/

Today´s guest is Kathy, a Belgian entrepreneur and martial arts enthusiast who built up her e-commerce business with her Chinese husband.

We discuss the e-commerce landscape in Belgium and how Chinese factories and brands might struggle in Europe compared to the US.

We also talk about the drinking and dining culture and its importance for sustainable business relationships in China.

Furthermore, we address the meaning and understanding of contracts in China versus the West and what the Chinese “cha bu duo” culture means for foreigners doing business here.

If you have any questions you´d like to ask about China, please send them to my email address so I can address it in the next episode or discuss the topic with the guest.

Connect with Kathy on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathydeleye/

Today´s guest is Tony, a Shanghainese marketing and PR veteran. He explains how he went from global trading to working in the Museum of Contemporary art in Shanghai up until managing the campaigns and market entry to China for big brands such as Henkel and New Balance.

We talk about the new WeChat functions and compare the app to Tik Tok and Weibo.

He also explains how they created a new term in marketing that is now used in Chinese language and the importance of offline marketing in today´s century.

If you have any questions you´d like to ask about China, please send them to my email address which is linked in the show notes so I can address it in the next episode or discuss the topic with the guest.

Connect with Tony on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-li-119b3365/

Today´s guest is Huiling, a Shanghai-born event manager and vlogger who grew up in Africa, studied in the US and lives and works in China now.

With her vlogs she tries to shine a light at what´s going on in Africa and educate Chinese people on the unique vibes and energy of the cities there.

We discuss trends in the event business, why Shanghai is so metropolitan what you should prepare to bring to the table if you´re planning to come here.

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Follow her official WeChat account: huilinginafrica

Follow her official WeChat account (Chinese): 慧玲带你非

Her Instagram: huilingz1

Today´s guest is Pernille, a Danish entrepreneur who built a successful global fashion brand based in Shanghai. She tells us how style and fashion in Shanghai changed in the past years, how a luxury bag can be helpful at a construction site and which opportunities lie in the Chinese market.

We also discuss trademarking and working with KOLs.

Thanks so much for listening and I hope you enjoy this episode!

Connect with Pernille on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pernille-leschly-halle-630626/

Style Butler on WeChat: stylebutlersales

Boutique WeChat: stylebutler_afl

Official WeChat Account: StyleButler

Boutique address: AnFu Road No. 163

Today´s guest is Timo, a German with Taiwanese roots. 

We also talk about the 9-9-6 work concept and electromobility in China.

Connect with Timo on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timo-tianhao-herrmann-52174868/

Today´s guest is Cody Giannotti, an educational development genius who started out with composing music for Interscope Records, then wrote his PhD thesis on play-based learning concepts for faster and more efficient learning for adults in organizations and thus came to China where he´s working in various leading HR and L&D positions for some great companies.

We talk about the difficulties of retaining employees in the age of a gig-economy mentality, what it´s like to come to China for the first time and the culture shock that it brings.

Great guy, we can learn a lot from him and especially if you´re planning to work and live in China this episode will give you a good glimpse into what it´s like and what you can expect.

Thanks so much for listening and I hope you enjoy this episode!

Connect with Cody on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/codygiannotti/

Give me feedback about the podcast or get in touch on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabel-sum/

Today´s guest is John Graham Harper, an Australian entrepreneur who started out in the fitness industry in Shenzhen around 18 years ago.

He is so energetic and driven that his passion and positivity WILL motivate you.

We talk about why China was the perfect spot for adventurers, how to cater to the Chinese as well as the expat community and how to create a sports platform like WCFN.

It´s a very interesting interview where John shares some of the mistakes he made and tips on how to avoid them.

Thanks so much for listening and I hope you enjoy this episode!

Support his funding campaign: https://gogetfunding.com/being-wrongfully-sued-in-china/?from=singlemessage&isappinstalled=0

Subscribe to his YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/johngrahamfitness/

Join his challenge group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2335686323313859/

Listen to his podcast: My podcast : The JG Show, John Graham Harper

Connect on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-graham-harper-168234163/

Give me feedback about the podcast or get in touch on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabel-sum/

Today´s guest is Nick, an e-commerce and branding specialist who tells us which important features to look for in a Chinese factory.

He is such a knowledgeable and resourceful guy and we talk about the new stage of evolution regarding sourcing from China, where quality, design and look & feel matter most with the goal to not only distribute, but also brand a product from China in foreign markets.

It´s a really insightful episode, not only regarding China, but also global business best practices.

Connect on WeChat: nickwechats

Connect on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nkinports/

Also I´m happy to announce that this episode is sponsored by Hexcubes, an incubator in Shenzhen that has helped over 40,000 returnees to start and develop their businesses in China. They have great facilities and start-up services in Shenzhen so if you´re looking for a contact I´ll link their info in the shownotes.

Add Steven from Hexcubes on WeChat for inquiries: 13247166895