China Tips Part 4: How to do business in China and how to connect with Chinese people?

As we wrap up 2023, I'm excited to share insights from my last 5 podcast guests. In Part 4 of the China Tips Podcast, you can listen to tips from:

Episode 16: Ian Mote, Finance Consultant, Author of 'From Chicken Feet to Crystal Bath – One Englishman’s Travel in China' and 'Ginger in Her Socks – One Englishman’s Parenting in China'

Episode 17: Jinfeng Shen, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, Co-founder of Intercultural Participation of Chinese Families

Episode 18: Janine Jakob, Peak Performance Coach and Founder of Full Potential Partners and Monday Morning Motivation

Episode 19: Ann Zhang, Expert in Bio-based Industry from Nova-Institute GmbH

Episode 20: Gabor Holch, Founder of Campanile Management Consulting and Author of Dragon Suit

Starting on January 18th, you can tune in to a special series. In this series, I'll be interviewing 5 guests from the Association Netherlands China, also known as Vereniging Nederlands China in Dutch. VNC has tirelessly worked to strengthen Netherlands-China relations for nearly five decades. Through the stories of these VNC members, you'll discover their dedication to building bridges between The Netherlands and China.

With the Christmas holiday season upon us, I want to take a moment to wish you a wonderful time with your family and friends. Let's be genuinely curious about each other, our unique stories, and engage in meaningful conversations.

The conversations I've had with my podcast guests this past year have enriched my life and broadened my perspective. It's a reminder that meaningful conversations can truly enrich our lives.

So, I invite you to enjoy our final podcast of 2023. If you haven't listened to the previous 3 parts, feel free to take a listen. If you're curious to explore the full stories and insights these 5 guests shared, I highly recommend diving into their complete interviews.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your support in 2023. Your listenership means the world to me. Thank you so much for being part of this community!

Please take care and enjoy the holiday time! I'm looking forward to sharing new podcasts with you again in January 2024. Until then!

For more information about Our Cultures & Our World Podcast and the insightful tips from all podcast guests on doing business in China and connecting with Chinese people, visit https://iibboo.com/podcast/.

You can watch or listen to the podcast on the following platforms: 

🌱 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDsqDuyz60zuu-eIxxDpCxQ

🌱 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23MDLHw0ZIZEo05AsNhwjq 

🌱 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-cultures-our-world/id1650591999 

Transcript

Thank you for tuning in to this special episode: Part 4 of the China Business Tips Podcast! I'm excited to share the insights from my last 5 podcast guests. I believe their wisdom will benefit your China business journey.

As we approach 2024, I'm eager to introduce a special series starting on January 18th. In this series, I'll be interviewing 5 guests from the Association Netherlands China, also known as Vereniging Nederlands China in Dutch. VNC has tirelessly worked to strengthen Netherlands-China relations for nearly five decades. Through the stories of these VNC members, you'll discover their dedication to building bridges between The Netherlands and China.

With the Christmas holiday season upon us, I want to take a moment to wish you a wonderful time with your family and friends. Let's be genuinely curious about each other, about our unique stories, and engage in meaningful conversations.

The conversations I've had with my podcast guests this past year have enriched my life and broadened my perspective. It's a reminder that meaningful conversations can truly enrich our lives.

So, I invite you to enjoy our final podcast of 2023. If you haven't listened to the previous 3 parts, feel free to take a listen.

Welcome and enjoy!

In Episode nr 16, I had a delightful chat with Ian Mote, originally from London but residing in China for 15 years.

We explored the origins of Ian's two books. His writing journey began with travel stories from his adventures across China. His first book, 'From Chicken Feet to Crystal Bath – One Englishman’s Travel in China,' published in 2015, captures his initial journey.

Ian's second book, 'Ginger in Her Socks – One Englishman’s Parenting in China,' humorously delves into his life in China, navigating the complexities of parenting with both Western and Chinese influences.

We discussed cultural differences in Chinese parenting, the role of Chinese nannies, and the challenges posed by the Chinese education system. 

Later, we explored Ian's experiences as a senior finance professional in China, discussing how he bridged cultural gaps in his international career. He shared insights into China's evolving financial landscape, the importance of strong teams, and the significance of cultural understanding in business.

It was a fun and insightful conversation. I hope you will enjoy the tips from Ian.

In episode 17, I had the pleasure of talking to Jinfeng Shen, a psychotherapist born in China who made the Netherlands her home 15 years ago.

During our conversation, Jinfeng and I explored the differences in parenting practices between Chinese and Dutch parents. These distinctions shed light on the unique and often complex challenges that Chinese immigrant families face while living in the Netherlands. 

We discussed the mental health challenges young people face in today's world and the vital role of empathy, compassion, and community support in overcoming them.

Jinfeng's journey also led her to co-establish the Foundation Intercultural Participation of Chinese Families in the Netherlands. This non-profit organization provides guidance and support to Chinese families through various activities, workshops, and events. Through shared experiences, Chinese families have found support, understanding, and a sense of belonging. 

If you are a parent, I hope these essential Parenting Skills for Today's World Jinfeng shared with us will support your parenting journey. Enjoy!

In episode 18, we're joined by Janine Jakob, a global citizen born in Germany who relocated to China six years ago. Janine's transformative journey began when she discovered the profound link between happiness and success. After her master study in China, she decided to stay in China and establish her coaching business Full Potential Partners, dedicated to helping individuals lead happier lives and achieve peak performance.

Janine shared her transition from a corporate career to entrepreneurship, discussing the unique challenges she confronted as an entrepreneur in a foreign culture and how she overcame them.

We delved into the intriguing dynamics of embedding happiness within company culture in China and address societal attitudes toward happiness and mental health.

Additionally, Janine shared her inspiring journey of creating "Monday Morning Motivation", a thriving international community dedicated to fostering positive habits and happiness. 

It was such a wonderful conversation with Janine and I hope you will enjoy her great tips. 

In episode 19, I had a wonderful conversation with Ann Zhang about sustainability and social impact in China. 

Ann is deeply passionate about sustainability. After working for various international organizations in China for over 20 years, she decided to pursue a master's degree in bio-based science at Wageningen University in the Netherlands. 

In this episode, she shared her journey of establishing X School in Suzhou, inspired by her experiences at the THNK School of Creative Leadership in the Netherlands. X School is a place where mid-career Chinese professionals explore introspection and discover their life's purpose. 

We also delved into Ann's work with Springfield, her start-up initiative in sustainable agriculture that's changing how we perceive food and farming in China. 

One of the primary goals of this podcast is to inspire people and provide practical tips for making a difference in sustainability and conducting business in China. I hope you'll enjoy the insightful tips from Ann.

In Episode 20, I had a fascinating conversation with Gabor Holch. 

Gabor is a seasoned Hungarian intercultural consultant and leadership coach who has spent over 20 years in China. He offers invaluable insights into the art of intercultural leadership and the subtle nuances of doing business in China. 

During our conversation, we delved into the vivid metaphors and practical advice found in Gabor's newly published book, 'Dragon Suit.' This intriguing book is filled with interviews featuring numerous Western and Chinese executives and managers, providing extensive information and insights for anyone looking to succeed in the Chinese market. 

Furthermore, we explored the importance of language skills, the impact of cultural integration in business, and the essential soft and hard skills needed to thrive in China. 

I hope you will enjoy the practical advice and the valuable insights Gabor shared about navigating the Chinese business landscape.

Thanks for listening! I hope you've found a lot of value in the tips shared by Ian, Jinfeng, Janine, Ann, and Gabor. 

If you're curious to explore the full stories and insights these 5 guests shared, I highly recommend diving into their complete interviews.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your support in 2023. Your listenership means the world to me. Thank you so much for being part of this community!

Please take care and enjoy the holiday time!

I'm looking forward to sharing new podcasts with you again in January 2024. Until then!