In this episode, Aldo Spaanjaars shares profound insights gained from his 30-year journey through the dynamic and competitive Chinese market, where he held leadership roles at major brands like Adidas and Lacoste. Aldo breaks down the core principles from his co-authored book, "Dragon Tactics: How Chinese Entrepreneurs Thrive in Uncertainty," with Sandrine Zerbib, the former CEO of Adidas Greater China. This insightful book offers a clear guide for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of the Chinese market.

Highlights:

🌱 Aldo’s Early Adventures: Learn about Aldo’s initial move to China right after his graduation, his challenges, and the early lessons that shaped his approach to business in China.

🌱 Co-authoring Dragon Tactics: Delve into the collaborative writing process and the motivation behind the book, aimed at decoding the success formulas in the hyper-competitive Chinese market and providing strategies to thrive in China.

🌱 Wolf Culture and Competitive Edge: Aldo explains how Chinese companies embody the 'wolf culture,' characterized by aggressive growth tactics, relentless pursuit of market opportunities, and a high tolerance for risk. This culture propels companies to rapidly adapt and innovate, keeping them ahead in a hyper-competitive environment.

🌱 The Importance of Agility and Adaptation: Aldo exemplifies how Chinese companies excel by perpetually evolving their strategies to meet changing market demands, and why businesses must stay flexible and responsive to survive in the fast-paced Chinese market.

Why Listen/Watch? This discussion is a must-watch for those looking to break into or expand their understanding of the Chinese market. Aldo’s insights provide a practical framework for leveraging 'Dragon Tactics' to achieve business success. Ideal for entrepreneurs, business professionals, and anyone interested in the dynamics of international business strategy.

Please connect with Aldo via:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aldospaanjaars/

Website: https://www.dragontactics.com/

You can purchase Dragon Tactics on:

https://www.bispublishers.com/dragon-tactics.html

https://www.amazon.nl/-/en/Aldo-Spaanjaars/dp/9063696388

https://www.bol.com/nl/nl/p/dragon-tactics/9300000070407548/

You can watch or listen to the podcast on:

🌱 YouTube: https://youtu.be/RXm1zJRhrMI

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

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

Remember to Subscribe and Share! Join us for more insightful conversations on international business. For more information about Our Cultures & Our World Podcast: https://iibboo.com/podcast/.

Welcome to Part 2 of the special Association Netherlands China board members series. In this series, I interview five board members from the Association Netherlands China, VNC – Vereniging Nederland China in Dutch.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of conversing with Frans Greidanus. Frans studied physics and received his PhD from Leiden University in 1982. In 1982 he joined Royal Philips for which he worked till his retirement in 2013. From 2005-2013 he was head of Philips Research Asia and CTO of Philips Asia, located in Shanghai.

After his career at Philips Frans has been amongst others, Qiushi Chair professor at the School of Management of Zhejiang University in Hangzhou China, and economic advisor to Wuxi Municipality in China. Currently, he is a Board Member of the "Vereniging Nederland China" and a Member of the Governing Board of the Foundation of History of Technology.

In 2007 and 2011, Frans respectively received the Silver and Gold Magnolia Award from the city of Shanghai for his contributions to the economic and social development of the city. In 2023, the city of Wuxi granted him the title of 'Friendship Envoy.

During our conversation, Frans shared profound insights into navigating diverse cultures, building successful collaborations, and understanding the dynamics of working in China. Frans' experiences offer valuable lessons for professionals seeking cultural intelligence.

Highlights:

🌱 Cultural Navigation: Frans shares his journey in setting up Philips laboratory in Shanghai, emphasizing the importance of staying authentic while navigating the nuances of Chinese culture.

🌱 Building Bridges Between Headquarters and China: Learn about Frans' approach to educating Dutch colleagues on Chinese operations, and vice versa, fostering collaboration, and overcoming the challenges of aligning expectations.

🌱 Strengths of Chinese and Dutch People: Discover the strengths of Chinese individuals – flexibility, entrepreneurial spirit, and persistence – and how they contrast with the systematic Dutch approach.

🌱Team Collaboration: Frans emphasizes the significance of practical collaboration, sharing insights on building personal relationships for successful teamwork.

🌱 Leadership Styles in Different Cultures: Explore the differences in leadership styles between the Netherlands and China, providing strategies for effective leadership in the Chinese context.

🌱Building Relationships in China: Frans delves into the art of building relationships in China, emphasizing the importance of understanding individuals and their environments.

🌱 Mentoring Chinese Students: Learn about Frans' rewarding experience mentoring Chinese students at Zhejiang University, highlighting the curiosity and eagerness to learn exhibited by these students.

🌱 Involvement with VNC: Discover Frans' motivation to contribute to better understanding between China and the Netherlands.

🌱Practical Tips for Working in China: Frans provides valuable tips for those working or doing business in China, emphasizing the importance of cultural understanding and humility.

You can connect with Frans on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/frans-greidanus-83b45511/

Website Association Nederlands China - VNC: https://www.vnc-china.nl/

Podcast video and audio available on:

🌱YouTube: https://youtu.be/yTozQkd82Jg

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

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

For more information about Our Cultures & Our World Podcast: https://iibboo.com/podcast/.

Embark on a journey through the nuances of Chinese business with seasoned expert Lianne Baaij. With two decades of hands-on experience, Lianne shares profound insights on interpreting, overcoming cultural challenges, and achieving success in business engagements.

Key Highlights:

1. Lianne's Expertise: Unpack the wealth of knowledge from Lianne's extensive Sinology background and 20 years in various China-related roles.

2. Interpretation Insights: Delve into the intricacies of language interpretation and explore its challenges. Discover the essential skills and meticulous preparation required for effective interpretation.

3. The China Trainers: Explore Lianne's e-learning program, addressing topics like understanding communication nuances, historical perspectives, and philosophical influences on China's mindset.

4. Dutch and China Culture Challenge Game: Exploring a gamified approach to intercultural training, offering a unique and engaging perspective.

5. VNC Connection: Understand the role of VNC in Lianne's work and its significance in cross-cultural bridge building. Gain insights into how VNC and China Cafe provide a strategic avenue for connections between countries, people, and businesses..

6. Business Tips for China: Receive practical advice on understanding the adaptability and flexibility crucial for success in the Chinese market while maintaining a delicate balance in processes.

Why Listen:

This episode offers actionable strategies and firsthand experiences from Lianne Baaij, providing invaluable guidance for those involved in interpretation, cultural training, or business in China. Tune in to enhance your understanding and thrive in the intricate landscape of the Chinese market.

LinkedIn Lianne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lianne-baaij-41bb422/

Website China Access: https://www.china-access.nl/

Website The China Trainers: https://thechinatrainers.com/

Website The China Culture Challenge Game: https://www.chinaculturechallenge.com/

Website The Dutch Culture Challenge Game: https://www.dutchculturechallenge.com/

Website Association Netherlands China - Vereniging Nederland-China: https://www.vnc-china.nl/

Podcast Available on:
🌱YouTube: https://youtu.be/WsvyUCd8xUI

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

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

Remember to Subscribe and Share! Join us for more insightful conversations on international business. Your journey to mastering the art of doing business in China starts here! For more information about Our Cultures & Our World Podcast: https://iibboo.com/podcast/.

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

Episode Summary:
In this enlightening episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the complexities of doing business in China with the expert insights of Gabor Holsch. As someone who has spent 20 years in China, establishing a successful consulting career and a family, Gabor brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about intercultural leadership and the nuances of the Chinese business landscape. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand and successfully navigate the intricacies of the Chinese market.

Key Highlights:
1. Gabor's Unique Journey: Explore Gabor's diverse experiences, from his upbringing as an expat child to his impactful 20-year tenure in China, shaping his expertise in intercultural dynamics.
2. High-Level Cross-Cultural Interaction: Learn about the complexities and nuances of engaging in high-level business dealings across different cultures, with a focus on the unique challenges and opportunities in China.
3. Insights from 'Dragon Suit': Discover key takeaways from Gabor's book, offering strategies and stories that shed light on the intricacies of the Chinese business landscape.
4. Learning from Each Other: Understand the importance of mutual learning and adaptation in intercultural settings, and how this can lead to successful business collaborations in China.
5. Language and Cultural Integration: Dive into the role of language proficiency and cultural understanding in business success, and how these factors influence integration into the Chinese market.
6. Essential Skills for Success in China: Identify the core skills and competencies needed to navigate and succeed in the dynamic and often complex Chinese business environment.
7. Practical Tips for Success: Gain actionable advice and tips from Gabor, drawn from his extensive experience, to help you effectively engage with and succeed in the Chinese market.

Why Listen:
This episode is packed with actionable insights and firsthand experiences that are invaluable for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone interested in the dynamic Chinese market. Whether you're planning to start a business in China, looking to expand your existing operations, or simply curious about the cultural intricacies of Chinese business practices, this conversation with Gabor Holsch is an essential listen. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding and practical strategies for thriving in one of the world's most challenging and rewarding markets.

Contact details Gabor Holch:
Website: https://www.holch.biz/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaborholch/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GaborHolch

You Can find his book “Dragon Suit” on:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Suit-Golden-Expatriate-Executives/dp/163742485X/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1EBRII3WOB6P2&keywords=dragon+suit+book&qid=1700840339&sprefix=%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-4
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dragon-suit-g-bor-holch/1143292118?ean=9781637424858

Podcast Available on:
🌱YouTube: https://youtu.be/rYUzm23OyZU
🌱Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23MDLHw0ZIZEo05AsNhwjq
🌱Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-cultures-our-world/id1650591999

Remember to Subscribe and Share! Join us for more insightful conversations on international business. Your journey to mastering the art of doing business in China starts here! For more information about Our Cultures & Our World Podcast: https://iibboo.com/podcast/.

In this latest episode of "Our Cultures & Our World Podcast," I had the pleasure of talking with Ann Zhang, a good friend and someone I deeply admire.

Ann is passionately involved in sustainability and has brought her passion to the educational field with the X school in Suzhou, China. This unique educational initiative, inspired by her transformative experiences at the THNK School of Creative Leadership in Amsterdam, provides a platform for mid-career professionals to explore personal growth, introspection, and societal contribution. Ann shares an inspiring story of a participant, a former housewife turned general manager, who, through her engagement with the X school, discovered her potential and confidence, illustrating the profound personal transformations that the school fosters.

Continuing our journey, Ann delves into her groundbreaking work in sustainable agriculture through her community-supported project, Springfield. Initiated during the pandemic, this project addresses environmental challenges posed by traditional farming methods. Her commitment to promoting organic and regenerative agriculture in China is a beacon of environmental stewardship, uniting eco-farms nationwide to offer organic products, thereby nurturing a culture of eco-conscious consumerism.

Furthermore, Ann offers invaluable insights into navigating the Chinese business landscape. Her advice, rooted in a deep understanding of Chinese culture, market intelligence, and the importance of integrity and timing, is crucial for anyone aspiring to engage with the Chinese market.
This episode is not just a narrative of Ann's remarkable journey but a source of inspiration and actionable insights for those intrigued by sustainability, transformative education, and the intricacies of doing business in China.

More information about Our Cultures & Our World Podcast: https://iibboo.com/podcast/. Here you can also discover a lot of fascinating tips from my podcast guests on how to do business in China and how to connect with Chinese people.

Connect with Ann on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annzhsz/

You can listen to the podcast on the following platforms:
🌱Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23MDLHw0ZIZEo05AsNhwjq
🌱 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-cultures-our-world/id1650591999

In this episode, we're joined by Janine Jakob, a global citizen born in Germany who relocated to China six years ago to pursue a double master's degree. Janine's transformative journey began when she discovered the profound link between happiness and success. Following her instincts, 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 shares her transition from a corporate career at HP to entrepreneurship, discussing the unique challenges she confronted as an entrepreneur in a foreign culture and how she overcame them through unwavering determination and creativity.

Janine strongly believes in the inseparable connection between happiness and success, which she endeavors to integrate into the business world. During our conversation, we delve into the intriguing dynamics of embedding happiness within company culture in China and address societal attitudes toward happiness and mental health.

Janine elucidates her multifaceted roles as a coach, trainer, and consultant, emphasizing her commitment to helping individuals and companies achieve peak performance while fostering happiness. She underlines the pivotal role of company culture and the importance of effective leadership, especially in the unique context of China.

Additionally, Janine shares her inspiring journey of creating "Monday Morning Motivation" (MMM), a thriving community dedicated to fostering positive habits and happiness. She humbly reflects on the impact of MMM and the profound satisfaction it brings, despite being a volunteer-based endeavor.

Our conversation concludes by exploring the significance of open-mindedness, effective communication, and cultural understanding in the global business landscape, and highlighting the importance of collaboration, balance, and finding win-win solutions in our increasingly interconnected world.

Janine's contagious positive energy is bound to uplift your spirits. I hope you will enjoy her happiness-filled insights.

Contact details of Janine Jakob:

Websites: www.fullpotentialpartners.net and www.thegrowthzone.global

E-Mail: fullpotentialpartners@outlook.com

WeChat: janine_ja

LinkedIn: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janinejakob7/

Wechat video channel: 安丽彦JanineJakob

RED 小红书：Coach JANINE 安丽彦

Instagram.com/janinejakob7

Douyin: 安丽彦JanineJakob

Tik Tok: coachjaninejakob

Bilibili: JanineJakob

Facebook: shorturl.at/fCU23

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCcNW0KV8eHAO6aLQ7yFbU7g

You can purchase Janine's book "Be the Coach of Your Life" via: https://www.amazon.nl/Be-Coach-Your-Life-Resources-ebook/dp/B0B697BX1X/ref=sr_1_5?__mk_nl_NL=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=22JMOPAB7KHFZ&keywords=be+the+coach+of+your+life&qid=1697138030&sprefix=be+the+coach+of+your+life%2Caps%2C72&sr=8-5

You can watch or listen to the podcast on the following platforms:
🌱 YouTube: https://youtu.be/AjsFauZWqDU

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

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

🌱 Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMDY5NTYxLnJzcw

🌱 Buzzsprout Podcast website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2069561

More information about Our Cultures & Our World Podcast: https://iibboo.com/podcast/. Here you can also discover a lot of fascinating tips from my podcast guests on how to do business in China and how to connect with Chinese people.

Dear listeners, thank you for tuning in to the Our Cultures & Our World podcast. In this heartfelt episode, I had the pleasure of talking to Jinfeng Shen, a psychotherapist born in China who made the Netherlands her home 15 years ago.

This episode holds a very special place in my heart because over the past year, I've had the honor of volunteering with the non-profit Foundation, co-founded by Jinfeng. I'm thrilled to share the foundation's inspiring backstory with all of you.

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.

Jinfeng emphasized the utmost importance of understanding cultural backgrounds and empathy in helping these families. 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, alongside her good friend, Jina Zhong. 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.

My experience of connecting with and supporting Chinese parents over the last year has greatly enriched my life. So, I want to invite you to join us in building a warm and loving community to support each other. Together, we can help many families and children live healthy and happy lives!

If you would like to support the Foundation, whether through donations or volunteering, please reach out to Jinfeng. The contact details are in the show notes.

I can't wait to share this heartwarming conversation with all of you! Enjoy!

LinkedIn Jinfeng Shen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jinfeng-s-504808154/

WeChat official Phoenix Hope Consultancy: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/vYoiSxAFAJXdzID8zDAD5w

Website Foundation Intercultural Participation of Chinese Families: https://www.cnfamiliesinnl.com/

WeChat Official Foundation Intercultural Participation of Chinese Families: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/bwt-KnAZDGk6DTv_UMFtmQ

Link for Chinese Mental Health Festival 2023: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/ufI4lHtpeZXHee_f7SRhFA

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

🌱YouTube: https://youtu.be/uZqkifLLP_M

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

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

🌱 Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMDY5NTYxLnJzcw

🌱 Buzzsprout Podcast website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2069561

More information about Our Cultures & Our World Podcast: https://iibboo.com/podcast/. Here you can also discover a lot of fascinating tips from my podcast guests on how to do business in China and how to connect with Chinese people.