Potluck

Vasuki Shastry is the first guest we have come back to stir the pot with Scott & Drago. He’s just launched a new book Emerged Markets: The Global Economy’s Better Half and he always has great stories to tell.

Vasuki was a business correspondent in Mumbai when Indira Gandhi was assassinated in 1984, Bureau Chief for The Business Times when President Suharto fell, IMF Asia Pacific spokesperson out of Washington during the Asian Financial Crisis in the late 90s. He’s since held senior roles with Standard Chartered Bank, IMF and Chatham House in Singapore, London and Washington. Now, among other things, he’s a Trustee at The Institute for Human Rights and Business and on the advisory panel for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Emerged Markets is a thin but dense volume, so we throw in the pot some juicy cuts:
- The Rick Dalton problem of Emerging Markets (yes, Vasuki makes a lot of references to pop culture, so pay close attention!)
- Why it’s a valid effort to reframe Emerging Markets
- We try to get out-contrarian on Vasuki: aren’t Emerged Markets already emerged and isn’t a growth-centric yardstick ultimately flawed? Hear what happens next…
- How Youth is perceiving the Emerged-Emerging divide (we’re revisiting some ideas from one of Vasuki’s previous books Has Asia Lost It)
- Why Dubai is the ‘Venice of our times’
- What’s the ultimate solution to the Emerged-Emerging divide and what commandments do we look to for a rules-based global order look like
…and more…


Links:
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781003603375/emerged-markets-vasuki-shastry
https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/review-book-exposes-asias-underlying-fault-lines 

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Scott and Drago are joined in the studio by Dragon Zhang, Head of Integration Strategy at Publicis Groupe Singapore, the 2025 Campaign Asia Strategic/Brand Planner of the Year for Greater China, and a recent inductee into Campaign Asia's 40 Under 40.

Dragon built her early strategy career across TBWA and Tomorrow (now Media.Monks) in Hong Kong and Shanghai before joining Publicis Groupe. Now based out of Singapore - but still bridging to China - she has been boldly defining what modern integration strategy looks like in practice; spearheading the 'Power of One' model for McDonald's China and now applying the same rigorously holistic approach to Oreo. 

In this episode, we cover three themes: what integration strategy actually means and why it is so pertinent to the current environment, how China's influence on the wider marketing world is shifting - and what brands in other Asian markets should be learning from it; and Dragon's distinctively anthropological approach to understanding culture and consumers, and the role of AI within it.

We discuss:

• Why Dragon invented her own job title — and the Chinese philosophy (屁股决定脑袋) behind it
• Integration in practice: the 'Make It Right, Make It Magic, Make It Work' model, and the McDonald's walkie talkie campaign that shows what changes when media, data and creative truly come together
• Why integration can make creative "too obedient" — and how to protect creative space within a data-led system
• China as a standalone market vs. China within a regional ecosystem — and where China is genuinely ahead: social commerce, live streaming, the creator economy
• What Chinese brands like Anker and BYD still need to crack to truly land globally
• Fan truths vs. consumer insights: the McSpicy Face campaign and why Dragon still believes strongly in the power of real-world customer immersion
• AI as foundation, not replacement: "Something we don't have yet needs to come from yourself"
• Leading change as a woman in the industry: on bravery, introversion, and staying rooted

Follow Dragon: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dragonaiesec?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios

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In this episode, Scott & Drago sit down to stir the pot with Clay Schouest, Chief Strategy Officer at Dentsu APAC. 

Clay has recently launched a  controversial new paper "The Imagination Economy: When AI Stops Executing and Starts Imagining on Our Behalf" and we dig right into it. 

A deep and creative thinker, he brings a bunch of exotic recipes, throws in more than a pinch of salt and enjoys stirring with the big spoon. Clay believes it’s critical for the imagination practitioner to ask big questions, so we're doing just that:

- What would the imaginative process of the future look like and what is AI’s role in it?

- Why are so many businesses missing out when they focus on optimising the present instead of imagining the future?

- How can automation and creative anticipation coexist?

- How do we introduce full automation without human alienation?

- How do we make sure it's not the machines having all the fun and allow room for ourselves to play?

...and more. Happy stirring! 

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In this episode, Scott & Drago sit down to stir the pot with Zoe Chen. Formerly of BBH Singapore and Virtue ASIA, she's a strategy director who's worked over the years with some of the most exciting global and regional brands - Nike, Coca Cola, Toyota, Shiseido and Diageo. 

She's been the driving force behind some fascinating cultural research, including the piece we're exploring today: ‘The VIRTUE Guide To Modern Masculinity.’ A self-described culture vulture, Zoe is entertaining and enthusiastic as she is insightful. 

Scott and Drago kick things off with a question around what brand bravery looks like in a fast-moving culture.

The conversation quickly transitions to focus on the modern state of masculinity in Asia where Zoe shares fascinating insight from the research and helps answer some deep and pressing questions:

- What are the strongest tensions that inform the modern male experience in Asia?

- How is the male experience in Asia different from that in the West, and what are the differences across countries - India, Indonesia and Thailand?

- What does the Asian man 'remix' and to what end?

- How do brands tap into the opportunity that understanding the 'remixed' state of masculinity offers?

- What are some examples of brands that are striking the right tone in this space - for example, what is Uniqlo doing right? 

...and more. Happy stirring! 

Here are some more details, if you want to dig into the report:

https://campaignbriefasia.com/2025/11/21/masculinity-in-asia-is-being-rewritten-and-what-it-means-for-brands-virtue-asia-report/

https://lbbonline.com/news/Virtue-Asia-Unveils-Guide-to-Modern-Masculinity

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In the age of AI and social media  live events can be more valuable than ever in bringing people together, contributing to culture, and harnessing community. But it's all too easy for brands walk into the trap of simply badging events and box-ticking against hollow metrics. 

To stir the pot on all this, Scott and Drago speak with Hass Aminian, founder of Millennial Events.  Hass paints a picture of what the alternative for brands looks like, sharing reflections and hard-won lessons on:

• How three decades in sports marketing have honed his approach around live events
• The design principles behind a grassroots skateboarding event — from accessibility to community involvement
• How endemic vs. non-endemic brands can authentically show up in culture
• Balancing reach and authenticity at both small and large-scale events
• Why skaters are the original nano-influencers
• The risk of flattening distinct cultures into 'urban sports' festivals
• His three cardinal rules for brand activation

With over 30 years in sports marketing spanning agencies, broadcasters and consulting roles across London, Hong Kong and Singapore, Hass pivoted into the world of action sports — a space which demands complete respect for its culture and values, and one where he has established humility, credibility and expertise in equal measure. Today he conceptualises and delivers everything from grassroots community events through to elite international competitions, and advises brands and government organisations on youth development, participation and activation.

Follow Hass and Millennial Events: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hass-aminian/ 

Instagram: @millennialevents

 Website: https://www.millennialevents.com

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In this episode, Scott & Drago stir the pot with the fabulous Wendy Walker,  President of the International Advertisers Association (IAA) in Singapore. 

Formerly, Wendy's led marketing at brands such as Telstra, Bupa, Manulife, Mindshare, and Salesforce. She's worked across B2C and B2B in countrywide roles in Australia, and Asia regional, as well as in global roles since moving to Singapore in 2013.

We're talking about what she's learnt from her varied experience about leadership and marketing, but also about what it means to be human in a fast-paced and cut-throat commercial world. She's given voice to her thoughts in a rich and compelling new book Between Flights: Reflections on the Unspoken Truths of Leadership and Life. 

Wendy is a generous guest and shares her unique reflections and real-life stories on:

- Why she's decided to write this book now

- How she defines leadership

- What the 'window seat' metaphor represents and why it's important

- How one can make practical use of the book's lessons using exercises such as 'Personal Boardroom' (exercises are also available in the book)

- Why it's important to be vulnerable, but how this could be problematic for a female leader

- How one can balance speed with self-care

You can find the book here:

https://www.amazon.sg/Between-Flights-Reflections-Unspoken-Leadership/dp/199852874X

..and learn more about IAA Singapore here:

https://www.iaasingapore.org/

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https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/potluck/id1491720768

https://open.spotify.com/show/15I5xbuwJn0bq8MsPD616n?si=4a5b40d9ca164c63

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In Part 2 of our conversation with Olivia Plotnick, founder of Wai Social, we go beyond Chinese New Year campaigns to explore what's really happening on the ground across China — far from the Shanghai bubble.

Last year, Olivia completed something remarkable: a 60-day solo journey through 32 lower-tier Chinese cities, covering over 1,200 kilometres on foot, documenting retail transformation and consumer behaviour along the way. In this episode, she shares what inspired the trip, the methodology behind it, and the observations that have reshaped her thinking.

We discuss how China's super app ecosystem creates unique customer journeys, why physical retail is shifting from sales channel to experience channel, and what it means that Chinese EV brands and sportswear now dominate mall floors that once belonged to foreign luxury. Olivia also shares her observations on the rising influence of older generations in China — digitally savvy, travel-hungry, and quick to adopt AI.

Our listeners will learn about:

• What inspired Olivia's 60-day, 32-city journey — and why she wouldn't do it the same way again
• How China's super apps create customer journeys unlike anything in the West
• Why stores are becoming next-level "experience channels" 
• The rise of premium Chinese brands and what that means for foreign competitors
• Coffee shops as indicators of economic health, domestic travel, and reverse migration
• How older Chinese consumers are embracing digital platforms and AI tools
• Why fostering a culture of curiosity - and resisting the urge to generalise - is an essential practice for brands in China

Follow Olivia and Wai Social:

• Substack: https://substack.com/@oliviaplotnick
• LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-plotnick/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oliviaplotnick

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In this episode, Potluck hosts Scott and Drago sit down face-to-face with Singapore's most recognisable voice - that of Angel Teo.

Angelique Nicolette Teo, aka Angel, is host of the BIG SHOW on Kiss92 - one of Singapore’s most popular and iconic morning radio shows, Angel’s been in the public eye—and ear—for the past 20+ years as an EMCEE, moderator, host, model and online creator. Her incredible career has been straddling, to great success, entertainment and bussiness. 

Angel stirs the pot to talk about personal branding, longevity, storytelling and commercial credibility. 

The listeners will learn about a number of fascinating tension that Angel is negotiating in her career and personal interests:

- Resilience and longevity: how does one stay relevant in an increasingly fragmented media market - especially as a female entertainer and business person?

- Travel stories & sustainability stories: how does one tell engaging stories about the two while recognising the inherent tension?

- Authenticity & commercial credibility: how does a public figure build and maintain an authentic persona that is true to who they are, but also a viable commercial asset?

...and more...

You can follow Angel here:

https://www.youtube.com/@angeliqueteo

https://www.tiktok.com/@angeliqueteoofficial

https://www.facebook.com/angeliquenicoletteteo/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/angeliquenteo/

Subscribe and follow Potluck here:

www.potluckpodcast.asia/

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/potluck/id1491720768

https://open.spotify.com/show/15I5xbuwJn0bq8MsPD616n?si=4a5b40d9ca164c63

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In this episode of Potluck, hosts Scott and Drago discuss Chinese New Year 2026 with Olivia Plotnick, founder of Wai Social, a Shanghai-based agency helping global brands navigate China's unique social media ecosystem. Olivia's insights regularly feature in the Financial Times and Jing Daily, and she's become a go-to voice on what it actually takes to connect with Chinese consumers.

Olivia unpacks the defining shift of this year's CNY campaigns: a move from collective celebration toward self-nurturing. She explains how brands like ON Running and Nike are validating holiday fatigue and positioning restraint as a premium value, while local brands like Semir are harnessing co-creation to let consumers shape the narrative.

We also explore why younger consumers are skipping the trip home, how gifting is becoming more about "me" than "we," and what foreign brands can learn from domestic players who compete on speed, quality, and cultural fluency.

Our listeners will learn about:

• The shift from family obligation to self-nurturing — and what's driving it
• Why ON Running's quiet, cinematic approach stood out in a noisy CNY landscape
• How Nike reframed sport as a psychological tool, not a performance metric
• Apple's CNY film and the power of learning to say no
• Semir's UGC-driven "What Kind of Horse" campaign and co-creation as creative engine
• ToSummer's nostalgic, handcraft-led approach to slowing down
• The new gifting mindset: buying for yourself, not others
• Top advice for foreign brands navigating China's CNY moment — and when not to force localisation

Stay tuned to hear more from Olivia next month.

Campaign links:

• Apple CNY 2026: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/fnfFdy9LlAHg3V-lkZ-JAA
• ON Running CNY 2026: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/Fsukf-CKiikqlCI873aO-w
• Semir "What Kind of Horse is Semir?": https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/4jKN49jLfjnVbel_E4Y8cg
• ToSummer "Bamboo Horse, Youthful Journey": https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/E920qeTMl0SvzzzmB3avYw

Follow Olivia and Wai Social:

• Substack: https://substack.com/@oliviaplotnick

Subscribe and follow Potluck here:

www.potluckpodcast.asia/

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In this episode of Potluck, hosts Scott and Drago discuss Tet, the Lunar New Year in Vietnam, with Dinh Cao, Associate Strategy Director at Leo Burnett Vietnam. Dinh highlights the cultural significance of Tet, noting it as a week-long public holiday for renewal and family gatherings. 

She explains how younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are reshaping Tet traditions with modern twists while maintaining cultural roots. Brands like Coca-Cola and Samsung are leveraging these changes to connect with consumers. 

Dinh also discusses the emotional and logistical challenges of homecoming, the rise of local pride, and the evolving gifting practices during Tet.

Our listeners will learn about:

- The historical and cultural significance of the Lunar Year in Vietnam

- The three big cultural shifts related to Tet now

- The commercial impact and opportunity of Tet for brands here

- How brand strategies are evolving - and staying the same - to reflect the importance of Tet and the changing landscape

- Standout brand case studies - a mix of foreign and local players such as Biti's Hunter, Kinh Do, Coca Cola and Samsung

For updates on Tet campaigns and broader Vietnam trends, Dinh suggests following:

https://www.brandsvietnam.com/

https://www.buzzmetrics.com/

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www.potluckpodcast.asia/

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/potluck/id1491720768

https://open.spotify.com/show/15I5xbuwJn0bq8MsPD616n?si=4a5b40d9ca164c63

www.potluckpodcast.asia/