In this episode we talk about some big cultural elements of China - guanxi and mianzi! “Guanxi” means “relationships”, and is often referred to as a fundamental aspect of doing business in China - build trust first before committing to collaboration. “Mianzi” on the other hand, means “face” or “saving face”, and is another cultural dynamic that permeates heavily into all aspects of life, business, and relationships in China.

Show Notes:

• Why we are talking about guanxi and mianzi, and how everything in your daily dealings in China will come down to these sociocultural dynamics.
• The importance and prevalence of relationships in both friendships and business.
• The historical influences that may have defined relationship dynamics between close members of a family or clan vs strangers.
• How it is extremely common for business owners in China to hire strictly from their “laojia” or home province/region for the trust factor.
• The culture of reciprocity and how “rubbing each other’s backs” is well understood in China, but perhaps not by many foreigners. If you want to extract value, be prepared to first give.
• Mianzi or saving face, and the hierarchy structure in every organization.
• How to beware of saving face, and avoid the grave mistake of making someone lose face in public.

In this episode we sit down with Ta-Wei Wang, Co-Founder of Aptive Education and an Asia veteran who has worked in the education industry in both South Korea and China, splitting his years between Seoul and Beijing. We ask Ta-Wei about the differences in teaching and work/business culture between the two countries, what new innovative things he is trying with education, and which country is better suited for those seeking jobs in education.

Show Notes:

• Ta-Wei’s background as an Asian American and spending half of his life working in South Korea and China.
• The transformation of the education industry in Asia over the past decade - the change in demand from “exotic foreign face” to proper teacher with relevant life experiences.
• The rigid hierarchy and glass ceiling in the Korean business world, and why Ta-Wei decided to move to China.
• Differences in work culture and qualifications between different places in Korea and China, and why China is a better bet for someone seeking a future in education or beyond.
• The trend of education moving from brick & mortar to digital, and how Ta-Wei is adapting with his new startup.
• Ta-Wei’s new startup, Aptive Education, and how it is using education technology to bring education availability to poor kids all over Asia.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g

Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz

Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g

Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com

Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina

Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN

Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821

Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit

Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit

Hope’s Blog: http://hopefreiheit.com

In this episode we talk about what it’s like to have a baby and raising a child in China. We get into the nitty gritty about Chinese hospitals, maternal care, Chinese in-laws, daycare for children, and the “special treatment” for mixed-blood babies. A must-listen if you are having a baby while living in China!

Show Notes:

• Having a baby in China - maybe it’s planned, maybe it’s a surprise, but you have to be ready for what comes after!
• 3 types of hospitals in China, what the standards and prices are, and what you should expect.
• Maternity leave and the “Yuezi vacation” for mothers after birth.
• Living with Chinese in-laws, the pros and cons, and how to stay sane.
• “Special treatment” for a mix-blood baby in China and commercial opportunities for your baby.
• Being a stepfather in China, and thoughts on parenthood.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g

Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz

Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g

Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com

Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina

Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN

Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821

Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit

Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit

Hope’s Blog: https://hopefreiheit.com

In this episode we explain the top Chinese mobile apps (“A-P-P”s) that you simply cannot live without in China. Life in China runs on mobile, to the point that most Chinese people no longer even have home computers! WeChat, Alipay, Didi, Eleme, Taobao, etc. are almost mandatory for your everyday life in China, and we are here to explain how each one works. 

Show Notes:

• WeChat: messaging, groups/communities, mini-apps and daily life things.
• Alipay: money transfers, mini-apps and daily life things.
• Eleme, Meituan: food delivery.
• Pleco: learning Chinese and translating characters.
• Dazhongdianping (Dianping): local business reviews.
• Taobao/JD: e-commerce/shopping.
• VPN: getting over the GFW.
• Didi: taxi hailing.
• Ctrip/Booking: hotel booking and trip planning.
• QQ Music: music.
• WeChat & Alipay’s vertical integration to become more dominant.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g

Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz

Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g

Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com

Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina

Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN

Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821

Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit

Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit

Hope’s Blog: https://hopefreiheit.com

In this episode we do an update on the COVID situation in China! Our podcast’s first ever episode started with discussions around coronavirus back in the height of the pandemic in March, and we felt it is fitting to throwback and see how much things have changed in these 6 months since.

Show Notes:

• China’s borders have opened up a bit - finally! The latest rules indicate that foreigners with existing work, personal matters, and family reunion visas can now come into China.
• Mandatory 14-day quarantine is still in place for people returning to China from abroad, and it certainly isn’t the most pleasant experience.
• Life is more or less back to normal now in China, although some “COVID rules” remain in place.
• Masks are still mandatory on public transportation, whereas a green “Health Code” QR code is required for intercity travel.
• Public sentiment towards foreigners in China vs public sentiment towards Chinese people in the West.
• The COVID circus in America/UK and should we worried about a second wave this winter?!

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g

Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz

Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g

Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com

Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina

Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN

Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821

Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit

Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit

Hope’s Blog: https://hopefreiheit.com

In this episode we chat with Koen Vessies, a Dutch chef and restauranteur who runs the Spanish tapas restaurant ‘Tomatito’ in Shanghai. Koen shares his fascinating story of becoming a chef, traveling and working around the world in 7-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants, and serving celebrity figures in his Shanghai restaurant.

Show Notes:

• Koen’s background - grew up in the Netherlands, started working as a teenager and ended up learning from a top chef in a local restaurant kitchen.
• Culinary school, shadowing Gordon Ramsey, and getting an opportunity to work in one of the world’s most luxurious hotels, the Burj Al Arab in Dubai.
• Hometown connections that led to Koen meeting his wife, and how that took him to Paris to cook for a Michelin-starred restaurant.
• How Koen ended up in China 12 years ago, to a food and beverage scene that was very undeveloped and ripe for experimentation.
• Drastic changes in the Shanghai F&B scene over the past decade and the intense level of competition today, and what is needed to survive in this cutthroat business.
• Rubbing shoulders with celebrities in his Shanghai restaurant, and the time when Argentine footballer Carlos Tevez came with his entire entourage.
• Koen’s passion for travel and exploring local cuisine around the world, and how he implements those new ideas into his cooking.
• Koen’s love for Chinese food, and why he thinks Chinese food will become the next big global culinary trend.
• Koen’s advice for prospective chefs and restaurateurs who might consider plying their craft in China.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g

Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz

Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g

Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com

Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina

Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN

Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821

Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit

Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit

Hope’s Blog: https://hopefreiheit.com

In this episode we chat with Jasmine Shi, a Chinese Millennial who owns a fitness studio in Shanghai called StyleDuro. We dive into the fascinating world of gyms and personal training studios, and get Jasmine’s insights on the challenges and rewards associated with running such a business.

Show Notes:

• Jasmine’s background - grew up in China, studied in the UK, and returned to China to work before jumping into entrepreneurship with both feet.
• How Jasmine made the decision to start a fitness studio, and how it was almost an instinctive decision rather than a thoroughly thought out one.
• The perfect timing of Jasmine’s decision to get into this business, and whether the opportunity would still exist today.
• Small bespoke fitness studios vs the poor customer experience at large gym franchises in China.
• How Jasmine doesn’t spend any money on sales/advertising and purely relies on word of mouth.
• How Jasmine ensures that her clients have a fantastic and family-like experience so that they become ambassadors of her studio.
• What Jasmine looks for when selecting and training coaches for her studio.
• Biggest challenge of running a fitness studio: human resources, and making sure the freelance coaches are reliable.
• Jasmine’s expansion plans and how it is being affected by COVID.
• Jasmine’s advice for Chris who is planning to convince his wife to start her own fitness studio.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g

Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz

Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g

Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com

Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina

Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN

Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821

Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit

Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit

Hope’s Blog: https://hopefreiheit.com

Find Jasmine (@jazzyjastyleduro) and StyleDuro (search “StyleDuro”) on WeChat!

In this episode we chat with Luke Nestler, a Professional Development Consultant at the Oxford University Press in Shanghai. Luke is an unusual example of someone who made a major career change at age 30 and subsequently started his China journey, going from teaching to eventually training and developing teachers. His path shows some of the exciting career options related to teaching that’s available for foreign teachers in China.

Show Notes:

• Luke explains his decision to drop his 7-year career in finance in London in favour of teaching English abroad.
• How Luke took the CELTA teaching course in Manchester to prepare for his English teaching career, and why he decided to teach in China as opposed to Korea or other countries.
• Luke’s current role as a Professional Development Consultant and what it entails.
• How COVID-19 has pushed Luke’s industry to accelerate its digital transition.
• The importance of self improvement, proving your value, and taking the initiative to ask for opportunities.
• Whether or not Luke found it difficult to make such a drastic career and life transformation at age 30.
• The many intangible skills gained from teaching, and why teachers should be proud of their profession.
• Luke’s extracurricular hustles including being in performance art and providing voiceovers for video games.
• The importance of committing to teaching and committing to China to make a real career out of it.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g

Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz

Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g

Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com

Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina

Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN

Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821

Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit

Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit

Hope’s Blog: https://hopefreiheit.com

In this episode we discuss traveling in China, because after all not everyone is in China just for the hustle and bustle and manufacturing! China is a vast country with extremely diverse terrain and landscape, and anyone who spends time here should take the opportunity to travel and explore the different regions.

Show Notes:

• Chris’ impression of China as a country prior to ever having set foot in it.
• Hope explains the five broad regions in China, and how each one differs from another.
• Visiting the Great Wall of China and how your mileage can vary depending on which section of the Wall you go to.
• What are the best and worst times to travel in China?
• Some important tips on traveling in China and planning your itinerary that could make all the difference in whether your experience will be fantastic or miserable!
• Chris and Hope’s favourite places that they have visited in China, including the likes of Yunnan, Yangshuo/Guilin, and a surprising city.
• Cultural destinations vs. natural destinations in China.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g

Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz

Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g

Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com

Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina

Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN

Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821

Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit

Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit

Hope’s Blog: https://hopefreiheit.com

In this episode we interview Daisy Peak, a British national who is in charge of organizational culture at Alibaba. Daisy talks about her experience co-founding an HR/recruitment startup in Chengdu and the open attitude Chengdu’s government had towards entrepreneurs and foreign talent, while also answering some burning questions we had about working at Alibaba, China’s tech giant.

Show Notes:

• Daisy’s story on how choosing Chinese as a second language at school in London turned into an entire new life in China.
• Daisy’s connection with Chengdu, a progressive and rapidly growing major city in southwestern China.
• Laowai Here, the company Daisy co-founded in Chengdu, which worked closely with local officials and helped foreign talent find jobs and homes in Chengdu.
• Daisy shares intel on the open attitude Chengdu has towards entrepreneurs and foreigners, as well as the numerous government subsidies available for startups - including free office space!
• Alibaba, China’s tech giant, and a highly desired professional destination for China’s youth.
• Daisy discusses Jack Ma’s infamous “996” work culture and whether or not working at Alibaba is that intense.
• Alibaba’s organizational culture and some drastic transformations the company is going through.
• Daisy’s advice for young professionals looking to get a job at Alibaba, and how they should go about doing so.
• Some final words of advice Daisy has for a younger version of herself - listen to more podcasts, learn more, and study more Chinese!

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g

Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz

Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g

Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com

Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina

Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN

Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821

Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit

Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit

Hope’s Blog: https://hopefreiheit.com

Daisy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisyvelven/