Did you know Adidas China allegedly lost a staggering $2.8 billion (19.5 billion RMB) to marketing corruption and kickback schemes? In this episode, we dive deep into the explosive scandal rocking the advertising world, where GroupM executives are facing charges and commission rates have skyrocketed to 25%.

What happens when a marketing expert stops playing it safe and starts betting their own money on a client’s success?.

Is your marketing team ready for the hyper-evolved, AI-accelerated landscape of 2026?

Brand crises in China are no longer anomalies; they are part of the operating reality. In this insightful episode, we explore why a wave of sudden reputational and regulatory crises is escalating for both international and Chinese brands.

This episode dives deep into a question making waves in China's marketing circles: “If AI Agents can do what advertising agencies do, what will be left for you?”. This isn't just a humorous remark; it reflects a widespread anxiety and a genuine turning point in how marketing services are understood, particularly in the unique and rapidly changing Chinese context.

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into a surprising revelation from a high-end headhunter's job ad: a Chief Marketing Officer position explicitly stating, “This position does not involve branding”. Our expert, Coolio Yang, unpacks what this seemingly simple line truly signals – a company likely “once burned” by branding efforts that offered no clear returns, leading to confusion and frustration.

Get ready to navigate the new era of China's e-commerce! This episode dives into the key shifts happening in 2025, moving beyond chasing pure scale to focusing on "competitive gravity" – retaining the right users. We explore how internet user growth has plateaued, making retention the new power. Discover the changing landscape of content commerce, from the rise of mid-sized creators and store-based livestreaming on platforms like Douyin and Kuaishou to Xiaohongshu's lifestyle-first approach and WeChat Channels' loyalty-building capabilities. Understand how instant retail is becoming essential infrastructure for everyday consumption, expanding beyond fresh food to include categories like snacks, beverages, and household supplies, demanding logistical localisation from global brands. We also look at how major platforms like Tmall, JD.com, and Pinduoduo are re-centering around brand equity and pushing for China-native branding. Finally, learn why offline integration and lower-tier city penetration through channels like community group buying are crucial for foreign brands. If you're a global brand, the time for testing the waters is over – success requires building China-specific strategies with global discipline

Are you struggling to understand the modern Chinese consumer? This episode unpacks the concept of the "Spiritually Middle Class," a mindset that transcends traditional income brackets and is shaped by digital immersion and aspirational lifestyles. We delve into the challenges this poses for marketers who see online engagement but not always matching sales. Learn why linear segmentation models are no longer sufficient and how brands need to "decode" scattered clues across behaviors and platforms. We also discuss the need for structured marketing systems, like the "Gravitational Structure," to navigate this complexity effectively. This episode provides crucial insights for anyone looking to engage with the dynamic and emotionally-driven Chinese market.

Is China still a viable market for international brands? This episode dives into a fresh perspective on the Chinese economy in 2025, a market that has seen significant structural shifts and macroeconomic headwinds leading some to adopt a cautious approach. However, we explore why now could be a smart time for brands to revisit China.

Keen to get the lowdown on doing business in the Middle Kingdom this year? In this episode, we unpack the latest insights for foreign exporters and investors navigating China's evolving economic landscape in 2025. Straight from the experts, we delve into Beijing's ambitious 5% GDP growth target and the fiscal measures being rolled out, including an expanded fiscal deficit and special treasury bonds.