CastPlus (https://castplus.fm) ShanghaiZhan: All Things Global Marketing, Advertising, Tech & Platforms https://podcasts.castplus.fm/shanghaizhan-all-things-china-marketing-advertising-tech-platforms https://feeds.castplus.fm/shanghaizhan-all-things-china-marketing-advertising-tech-platforms ShanghaiZhan is a raw, lively, and regular debate about global tech, advertising, creativity & the intersection of it all. Join hosts Ali Kazmi and Bryce Whitwam, for timely discussions on the world of marketing and advertising. Copyright 2025 ShanghaiZhan en Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:38:05 +0000 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:19:03 +0000 https://content.castplus.io/uploads/4jq46mpq/58a8bd20-870a-11ec-94d1-3f0b507b6f27/58a8beb0-870a-11ec-8f76-b72f07527901.png ShanghaiZhan: All Things Global Marketing, Advertising, Tech & Platforms https://podcasts.castplus.fm/shanghaizhan-all-things-china-marketing-advertising-tech-platforms ShanghaiZhan is a raw, lively, and regular debate about global tech, advertising, creativity & the intersection of it all. Join hosts Ali Kazmi and Bryce Whitwam, for timely discussions on the world of marketing and advertising. Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam ShanghaiZhan is a raw, lively, and regular debate about global tech, advertising, creativity & the intersection of it all. Join hosts Ali Kazmi and Bryce Whitwam, for timely discussions on the world of marketing and advertising. No No episodic Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam ShanghaiZhan is a raw, lively, and regular debate about global tech, advertising, creativity & the intersection of it all. Join hosts Ali Kazmi and Bryce Whitwam, for timely discussions on the world of marketing and advertising. ShanghaiZhan is a raw, lively, and regular debate about global tech, advertising, creativity & the intersection of it all. Join hosts Ali Kazmi and Bryce Whitwam, for timely discussions on the world of marketing and advertising. Marketing, Advertising, E-commerce, Technology, China, Platforms Bryce Whitwam bryce.whitwam@gmail.com No No No After 20 Years of China Advertising: Is There a Bright Future? https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/4n9l27m8 After 20 Years of China Advertising: Is There a Bright Future? 1 1 No No v07jv6r1 Welcome to Shanghai Zhan, aka. Shanghai Station. The only station in Shanghai’s world-famous metro that exists as a podcast. Listen to Bryce Whitwam and Ali Zein Kazmi debate with guests on their experiences and aspirations for China. Bryce and Ali are connected to China for over 20 years and are still in Shanghai working in the industry. Both fluent Mandarin speakers, Bryce writes the language while and Ali gets away with using his thick Beijing accent. In their inaugural episode, “After 20 Years of China Advertising: Is There A Bright Future?” Bryce and Ali discuss: 1) Being in China for over 20 years in China 2) Bryce visits a slimming center and is wrapped in plastic. 3) Losing relevance even if you are out of China, even if for a few weeks?! 4) Use and application of data in a PIPL led-world, operating in platforms, is super important, and trusting platforms in exchange for better service & utility. 5) Bryce likes looking at pictures of guns on Instagram 6) Clients pulling advertising in-house, at speed, more strategic, more quantified. 7) Alibaba is still a buy! 8) Consolidation versus creativity. 9) Preconditioned for careers that are “measured”. 10) Too hard to let go. Oh! the energy and the addiction of China! Next up, an analysis of Double 11 featuring one of China’s most prolific alcohol salesman. Stay tuned. In their inaugural episode, “After 20 Years of China Advertising:  Is There A Bright Future?” Bryce and Ali discuss:

1) Being in China for over 20 years in China
2) Bryce visits a slimming center and is wrapped in plastic.
3) Losing relevance even if you are out of China, even if for a few weeks?!
4) Use and application of data in a PIPL led-world, operating in platforms, is super important, and trusting platforms in exchange for better service & utility.
5) Bryce likes looking at pictures of guns on Instagram
6) Clients pulling advertising in-house, at speed, more strategic, more quantified.
7) Alibaba is still a buy!
8) Consolidation versus creativity.
9) Preconditioned for careers that are “measured”.
10) Too hard to let go. Oh! the energy and the addiction of China!
]]> Fri, 05 Nov 2021 16:14:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 1852 Welcome to Shanghai Zhan, aka. Shanghai Station. The only station in Shanghai’s world-famous metro that exists as a podcast. Listen to Bryce Whitwam and Ali Zein Kazmi debate with guests on their experiences and aspirations for China. Bryce and Ali are connected to China for over 20 years and are still in Shanghai working in the industry. Both fluent Mandarin speakers, Bryce writes the language while and Ali gets away with using his thick Beijing accent. In their inaugural episode, “After 20 Years of China Advertising: Is There A Bright Future?” Bryce and Ali discuss: 1) Being in China for over 20 years in China 2) Bryce visits a slimming center and is wrapped in plastic. 3) Losing relevance even if you are out of China, even if for a few weeks?! 4) Use and application of data in a PIPL led-world, operating in platforms, is super important, and trusting platforms in exchange for better service & utility. 5) Bryce likes looking at pictures of guns on Instagram 6) Clients pulling advertising in-house, at speed, more strategic, more quantified. 7) Alibaba is still a buy! 8) Consolidation versus creativity. 9) Preconditioned for careers that are “measured”. 10) Too hard to let go. Oh! the energy and the addiction of China! Next up, an analysis of Double 11 featuring one of China’s most prolific alcohol salesman. Stay tuned. Welcome to Shanghai Zhan, aka. Shanghai Station. The only station in Shanghai’s world-famous metro that exists as a podcast. Listen to Bryce Whitwam and Ali Zein Kazmi debate with guests on their experiences and aspirations for China. Bryce and Ali are connected to China for over 20 years and are still in Shanghai working in the industry. Both fluent Mandarin speakers, Bryce writes the language while and Ali gets away with using his thick Beijing accent. In their inaugural episode, “After 20 Years of China Advertising: Is There A Bright Future?” Bryce and Ali discuss: 1) Being in China for over 20 years in China 2) Bryce visits a slimming center and is wrapped in plastic. 3) Losing relevance even if you are out of China, even if for a few weeks?! 4) Use and application of data in a PIPL led-world, operating in platforms, is super important, and trusting platforms in exchange for better service & utility. 5) Bryce likes looking at pictures of guns on Instagram 6) Clients pulling advertising in-house, at speed, more strategic, more quantified. 7) Alibaba is still a buy! 8) Consolidation versus creativity. 9) Preconditioned for careers that are “measured”. 10) Too hard to let go. Oh! the energy and the addiction of China! Next up, an analysis of Double 11 featuring one of China’s most prolific alcohol salesman. Stay tuned. China, China Marketing, China Advertising, Shanghai, China Platforms, China E-Commerce, China Tech, Technology No No Pernod Ricard's Pierre Delfosse on 11/11: the Day After the Dust Settled https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/v85rjj3n Pernod Ricard's Pierre Delfosse on 11/11: the Day After the Dust Settled 2 1 No No 81q933m1 In this episode, we talk with Pierre Delfosse, E-commerce Director at Pernod Ricard China, on the world's largest shopping festival, Double 11, which climaxes on the 11th of November of every year. We are still big in Japan. We are a lot bigger in Hong Kong (S.A.R.) and even bigger in the USA. In this episode we discuss: 1. What we shopped for Double 11 
 2. How has the spirits business evolved over the past 7years 
 3. What Chinese consumers drink, white, yellow, and brown. 
 4. Jiu Jiu or September 9 is Spirits Day in China 
 5. Imported spirits hold 1.5% of share of spirits (minuscule when you put into consideration how much Baijiu is drunk in China). 
 6. Success offline leads to greater success online, especially on that day – building brand is massively important 
 7. Double 11 is not an Alibaba thing alone, all platforms are Double 11 crazy 
 8. Building owned traffic and reducing dependency on the platforms. 
 9. Pierre enjoys Glenlivet and Cognac but sometimes cheats with a Blue Label. 
 10. Don’t drink and drive. 
 Join us next week for another exciting show as we are investigating the evolution of sport. Music: "Bad Cough Syrup" by Bryce Whitwam: https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac Welcome to Shanghai Zhan, aka. Shanghai Station. The only station in Shanghai’s world-famous metro that only exists as a podcast. Listen to Bryce Whitwam and Ali Zein Kazmi debate with guests on their experiences and aspirations for China. Bryce and Ali are connected to China for over 20 years and are still in Shanghai working in the industry. They are both fluent Mandarin speakers, with Bryce reading and writing, while Ali gets away with using his thick Beijing accent. In this episode, we talk with Pierre Delfosse, E-commerce Director at Pernod Ricard China, on the world's largest shopping festival, Double 11, which climaxes on the 11th of November of every year.  

We are still big in Japan. We are a lot bigger in Hong Kong (S.A.R.) and even bigger in the USA. 

In this episode we discuss: 
 
1. What we shopped for Double 11 

2. How has the spirits business evolved over the past 7years 

3. What Chinese consumers drink, white, yellow, and brown. 

4. Jiu Jiu or September 9 is Spirits Day in China 

5. Imported spirits hold 1.5% of share of spirits (minuscule when you put into consideration how much Baijiu is drunk in China). 

6. Success offline leads to greater success online, especially on that day – building brand is massively important 

7. Double 11 is not an Alibaba thing alone, all platforms are Double 11 crazy 

8. Building owned traffic and reducing dependency on the platforms. 

9. Pierre enjoys Glenlivet and Cognac but sometimes cheats with a Blue Label. 

10. Don’t drink and drive. 


Join us next week for another exciting show as we are investigating the evolution of sport.]]> Wed, 17 Nov 2021 08:57:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 1895 In this episode, we talk with Pierre Delfosse, E-commerce Director at Pernod Ricard China, on the world's largest shopping festival, Double 11, which climaxes on the 11th of November of every year. We are still big in Japan. We are a lot bigger in Hong Kong (S.A.R.) and even bigger in the USA. In this episode we discuss: 1. What we shopped for Double 11 
 2. How has the spirits business evolved over the past 7years 
 3. What Chinese consumers drink, white, yellow, and brown. 
 4. Jiu Jiu or September 9 is Spirits Day in China 
 5. Imported spirits hold 1.5% of share of spirits (minuscule when you put into consideration how much Baijiu is drunk in China). 
 6. Success offline leads to greater success online, especially on that day – building brand is massively important 
 7. Double 11 is not an Alibaba thing alone, all platforms are Double 11 crazy 
 8. Building owned traffic and reducing dependency on the platforms. 
 9. Pierre enjoys Glenlivet and Cognac but sometimes cheats with a Blue Label. 
 10. Don’t drink and drive. 
 Join us next week for another exciting show as we are investigating the evolution of sport. Music: "Bad Cough Syrup" by Bryce Whitwam: https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac Welcome to Shanghai Zhan, aka. Shanghai Station. The only station in Shanghai’s world-famous metro that only exists as a podcast. Listen to Bryce Whitwam and Ali Zein Kazmi debate with guests on their experiences and aspirations for China. Bryce and Ali are connected to China for over 20 years and are still in Shanghai working in the industry. They are both fluent Mandarin speakers, with Bryce reading and writing, while Ali gets away with using his thick Beijing accent. In this episode, we talk with Pierre Delfosse, E-commerce Director at Pernod Ricard China, on the world's largest shopping festival, Double 11, which climaxes on the 11th of November of every year. We are still big in Japan. We are a lot bigger in Hong Kong (S.A.R.) and even bigger in the USA. In this episode we discuss: 1. What we shopped for Double 11 
 2. How has the spirits business evolved over the past 7years 
 3. What Chinese consumers drink, white, yellow, and brown. 
 4. Jiu Jiu or September 9 is Spirits Day in China 
 5. Imported spirits hold 1.5% of share of spirits (minuscule when you put into consideration how much Baijiu is drunk in China). 
 6. Success offline leads to greater success online, especially on that day – building brand is massively important 
 7. Double 11 is not an Alibaba thing alone, all platforms are Double 11 crazy 
 8. Building owned traffic and reducing dependency on the platforms. 
 9. Pierre enjoys Glenlivet and Cognac but sometimes cheats with a Blue Label. 
 10. Don’t drink and drive. 
 Join us next week for another exciting show as we are investigating the evolution of sport. Music: "Bad Cough Syrup" by Bryce Whitwam: https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac Welcome to Shanghai Zhan, aka. Shanghai Station. The only station in Shanghai’s world-famous metro that only exists as a podcast. Listen to Bryce Whitwam and Ali Zein Kazmi debate with guests on their experiences and aspirations for China. Bryce and Ali are connected to China for over 20 years and are still in Shanghai working in the industry. They are both fluent Mandarin speakers, with Bryce reading and writing, while Ali gets away with using his thick Beijing accent. No No China: Luxury's 2021 Comeback Story feat. Artefact's Mike Zhu & Serena Shen https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/r8k260vn China: Luxury's 2021 Comeback Story feat. Artefact's Mike Zhu & Serena Shen 3 1 No No 71wrmpw0 When the pandemic hit, the luxury business was doomed, or was it? China was not only Luxury's comeback kid, but it also helped redefine the category for the post-pandemic world. How can you define luxury through a complete mobile experience? In this episode, we have modern luxury experts Artefact's Mike Zhu & Serena Shen talk about how China made it happen, and what are the lessons for the world. In this episode we cover: 1. What makes luxury tick? 2. Controlling supply & creating desire 3. Empty malls and the metaverse 4. Day day up up luxury 5. Personal service on live broadcast 6. Luxury, made in China 7. Late to the party, but running fast 8. Shopping at the Prada wet market Music: "Bad Cough Syrup" by Bryce Whitwam: https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac Welcome to Shanghai Zhan, aka. Shanghai Station. The only station in Shanghai’s world-famous metro that only exists as a podcast. Listen to Bryce Whitwam and Ali Zein Kazmi debate with guests on their experiences and aspirations for China. Bryce and Ali are connected to China for over 20 years and are still in Shanghai working in the industry. They are both fluent Mandarin speakers, with Bryce reading and writing, while Ali gets away with using his thick Beijing accent. When the pandemic hit, the luxury business was doomed, or was it?  China was not only Luxury's comeback kid, but it also helped redefine the category for the post-pandemic world.   How can you define luxury through a complete mobile experience?   In this episode, we have modern luxury experts Artefact's Mike Zhu & Serena Shen talk about how China made it happen, and what are the lessons for the world.

In this episode we cover:
1.  What makes luxury tick?
2.  Controlling supply & creating desire
3.  Empty malls and the metaverse
4.  Day day up up luxury
5.  Personal service on live broadcast
6.  Luxury, made in China
7.  Late to the party, but running fast
8.  Shopping at the Prada wet market

Music:  "Bad Cough Syrup" by Bryce Whitwam:  https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Welcome to Shanghai Zhan, aka. Shanghai Station. The only station in Shanghai’s world-famous metro that only exists as a podcast. Listen to Bryce Whitwam and Ali Zein Kazmi debate with guests on their experiences and aspirations for China. Bryce and Ali are connected to China for over 20 years and are still in Shanghai working in the industry. They are both fluent Mandarin speakers, with Bryce reading and writing, while Ali gets away with using his thick Beijing accent.


]]> Thu, 02 Dec 2021 13:25:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 1794 When the pandemic hit, the luxury business was doomed, or was it? China was not only Luxury's comeback kid, but it also helped redefine the category for the post-pandemic world. How can you define luxury through a complete mobile experience? In this episode, we have modern luxury experts Artefact's Mike Zhu & Serena Shen talk about how China made it happen, and what are the lessons for the world. In this episode we cover: 1. What makes luxury tick? 2. Controlling supply & creating desire 3. Empty malls and the metaverse 4. Day day up up luxury 5. Personal service on live broadcast 6. Luxury, made in China 7. Late to the party, but running fast 8. Shopping at the Prada wet market Music: "Bad Cough Syrup" by Bryce Whitwam: https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac Welcome to Shanghai Zhan, aka. Shanghai Station. The only station in Shanghai’s world-famous metro that only exists as a podcast. Listen to Bryce Whitwam and Ali Zein Kazmi debate with guests on their experiences and aspirations for China. Bryce and Ali are connected to China for over 20 years and are still in Shanghai working in the industry. They are both fluent Mandarin speakers, with Bryce reading and writing, while Ali gets away with using his thick Beijing accent. When the pandemic hit, the luxury business was doomed, or was it? China was not only Luxury's comeback kid, but it also helped redefine the category for the post-pandemic world. How can you define luxury through a complete mobile experience? In this episode, we have modern luxury experts Artefact's Mike Zhu & Serena Shen talk about how China made it happen, and what are the lessons for the world. In this episode we cover: 1. What makes luxury tick? 2. Controlling supply & creating desire 3. Empty malls and the metaverse 4. Day day up up luxury 5. Personal service on live broadcast 6. Luxury, made in China 7. Late to the party, but running fast 8. Shopping at the Prada wet market Music: "Bad Cough Syrup" by Bryce Whitwam: https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac Welcome to Shanghai Zhan, aka. Shanghai Station. The only station in Shanghai’s world-famous metro that only exists as a podcast. Listen to Bryce Whitwam and Ali Zein Kazmi debate with guests on their experiences and aspirations for China. Bryce and Ali are connected to China for over 20 years and are still in Shanghai working in the industry. They are both fluent Mandarin speakers, with Bryce reading and writing, while Ali gets away with using his thick Beijing accent. No No Talking Trash on China: The Sustainability Race With Richard Brubaker https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/rn769438 Talking Trash on China: The Sustainability Race With Richard Brubaker 4 1 No No k1824y71 China is one of the fastest-growing economies and faces serious sustainability challenges. Like the hosts, today’s guest completes 20 years in China, all of it helping China and the rest of Asia with real issues on waste, waste management, and social responsibility. Richard Brubaker is Founder & Managing Director at Collective Responsibility and Executive Volunteer at HandsOn China. He draws comparison to the US and has lessons to offer on what they can do better. 1. Picking sustainability because of a mega Sichuan earthquake. 2. Exporting sustainability to the rest of the world. 3. Look out the window, you don’t need to look too far. 4. Takes time for companies to get out to do stuff. 5. Serving the community with HandsOn, the easy one to talk to. 6. ESG, EHS, sustainability is a lot more than trash talk. 7. Marketing & brand management blamed getting a bad rep. 8. Do good, get good talk, be like Starbucks, do little things well, every day. 9. “Efficient sustainability” ready for export from China 10. No one consumer in China map them against a problem to help solve Welcome to Shanghai Zhan, aka. Shanghai Station. The only station in Shanghai’s world-famous metro that only exists as a podcast. Listen to Bryce Whitwam and Ali Zein Kazmi debate with guests on their experiences and aspirations for China. Bryce and Ali are connected to China for over 20 years and are still in Shanghai working in the industry. They are both fluent Mandarin speakers, with Bryce reading and writing, while Ali gets away with using his thick Beijing accent. More about Richard Brubaker: Website: http://www.richbrubaker.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.brubaker LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richbrubaker Instagram: https://instagram.com/richbrubaker Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/richbrubaker Music: "Bad Cough Syrup" by Bryce Whitwam: https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac China is one of the fastest-growing economies and faces serious sustainability challenges.  Like the hosts, today’s guest completes 20 years in China, all of it helping China and the rest of Asia with real issues on waste, waste management, and social responsibility.  Richard Brubaker is Founder & Managing Director at Collective Responsibility and Executive Volunteer at HandsOn China. He draws comparison to the US and has lessons to offer on what they can do better.

1. Picking sustainability because of a mega Sichuan earthquake.
2. Exporting sustainability to the rest of the world.
3. Look out the window, you don’t need to look too far.
4. Takes time for companies to get out to do stuff.
5. Serving the community with HandsOn, the easy one to talk to.
6. ESG, EHS, sustainability is a lot more than trash talk.
7. Marketing & brand management blamed getting a bad rep.
8. Do good, get good talk, be like Starbucks, do little things well, every day.
9. “Efficient sustainability” ready for export from China
10. No one consumer in China map them against a problem to help solve

More about Richard Brubaker:
Website: http://www.richbrubaker.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.brubaker
LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richbrubaker
Instagram: https://instagram.com/richbrubaker
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/richbrubaker

Welcome to Shanghai Zhan, aka. Shanghai Station. The only station in Shanghai’s world-famous metro that only exists as a podcast. Listen to Bryce Whitwam and Ali Zein Kazmi debate with guests on their experiences and aspirations for China. Bryce and Ali are connected to China for over 20 years and are still in Shanghai working in the industry. They are both fluent Mandarin speakers, with Bryce reading and writing, while Ali gets away with using his thick Beijing accent.

Music:  "Bad Cough Syrup" by Bryce Whitwam:  https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac]]> Thu, 16 Dec 2021 23:27:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2662 China is one of the fastest-growing economies and faces serious sustainability challenges. Like the hosts, today’s guest completes 20 years in China, all of it helping China and the rest of Asia with real issues on waste, waste management, and social responsibility. Richard Brubaker is Founder & Managing Director at Collective Responsibility and Executive Volunteer at HandsOn China. He draws comparison to the US and has lessons to offer on what they can do better. 1. Picking sustainability because of a mega Sichuan earthquake. 2. Exporting sustainability to the rest of the world. 3. Look out the window, you don’t need to look too far. 4. Takes time for companies to get out to do stuff. 5. Serving the community with HandsOn, the easy one to talk to. 6. ESG, EHS, sustainability is a lot more than trash talk. 7. Marketing & brand management blamed getting a bad rep. 8. Do good, get good talk, be like Starbucks, do little things well, every day. 9. “Efficient sustainability” ready for export from China 10. No one consumer in China map them against a problem to help solve Welcome to Shanghai Zhan, aka. Shanghai Station. The only station in Shanghai’s world-famous metro that only exists as a podcast. Listen to Bryce Whitwam and Ali Zein Kazmi debate with guests on their experiences and aspirations for China. Bryce and Ali are connected to China for over 20 years and are still in Shanghai working in the industry. They are both fluent Mandarin speakers, with Bryce reading and writing, while Ali gets away with using his thick Beijing accent. More about Richard Brubaker: Website: http://www.richbrubaker.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.brubaker LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richbrubaker Instagram: https://instagram.com/richbrubaker Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/richbrubaker Music: "Bad Cough Syrup" by Bryce Whitwam: https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac China is one of the fastest-growing economies and faces serious sustainability challenges. Like the hosts, today’s guest completes 20 years in China, all of it helping China and the rest of Asia with real issues on waste, waste management, and social responsibility. Richard Brubaker is Founder & Managing Director at Collective Responsibility and Executive Volunteer at HandsOn China. He draws comparison to the US and has lessons to offer on what they can do better. 1. Picking sustainability because of a mega Sichuan earthquake. 2. Exporting sustainability to the rest of the world. 3. Look out the window, you don’t need to look too far. 4. Takes time for companies to get out to do stuff. 5. Serving the community with HandsOn, the easy one to talk to. 6. ESG, EHS, sustainability is a lot more than trash talk. 7. Marketing & brand management blamed getting a bad rep. 8. Do good, get good talk, be like Starbucks, do little things well, every day. 9. “Efficient sustainability” ready for export from China 10. No one consumer in China map them against a problem to help solve Welcome to Shanghai Zhan, aka. Shanghai Station. The only station in Shanghai’s world-famous metro that only exists as a podcast. Listen to Bryce Whitwam and Ali Zein Kazmi debate with guests on their experiences and aspirations for China. Bryce and Ali are connected to China for over 20 years and are still in Shanghai working in the industry. They are both fluent Mandarin speakers, with Bryce reading and writing, while Ali gets away with using his thick Beijing accent. More about Richard Brubaker: Website: http://www.richbrubaker.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.brubaker LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richbrubaker Instagram: https://instagram.com/richbrubaker Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/richbrubaker Music: "Bad Cough Syrup" by Bryce Whitwam: https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac China, Sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility, Marketing, ESG, EHS No No Shiseido’s Carol Zhou on C-Beauty & Big China Beauty Trends for 2022 https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/x8v50jjn Shiseido’s Carol Zhou on C-Beauty & Big China Beauty Trends for 2022 5 1 No No 70y89221 China’s Beauty market is #2 behind the US at US$71 billion (Euromonitor 2020), and it’s expected to be the world’s biggest in 3 years. Chinese women today are notably confident and embrace their own identity and style. Popularly, we call this "C-Beauty" as it competes with the more identifiable ‘J’ & ‘K-Beauty’. ShanghaiZhan welcomes Carol Zhou, Sr. Vice President for Innovation & Investments at Shiseido China to talk to us more about defining Chinese beauty and the big trends for the upcoming year. In this episode we talk about: 1. Our newfound stardom as KOLs by hitting over 8000 downloads 2. Carol’s 2022 beauty resolutions 3. Carol’s journey to becoming a beauty expert and having the best job in the business 4. The rise of C-Beauty, beauty diversity & what Chinese women want? 6. Global brands balancing act in China: the girl with freckles are to be celebrated 7. The “clean beauty” trend in China: What it is and what it is not 8. “Adjacent spaces”: Shiseido’s innovation growth plans 9. “Medical beauty” & why is it growing so quickly? 10. Global vs. local beauty brands: who is leading where and why? 11. Offline or online? What’s the future of beauty offline as online continues to grow? 12. Are brand stories still important for C-Beauty or is the market still highly imitative? 13. How has Covid affected the China beauty industry? 14. Beautiful men 15. C-beauty in the metaverse. Believe it or not, there’s an App for that! (and yes, metaverse made it into the conversation) Welcome to Shanghai Zhan, aka. Shanghai Station. The only station in Shanghai’s world-famous metro that only exists as a podcast. Listen to Bryce Whitwam and Ali Zein Kazmi debate with guests on their experiences and aspirations for marketing in China. Bryce & Ali are well connected to China for over 20 years and still work in the industry in Shanghai. They are both fluent Mandarin speakers, with Bryce reading and writing, while Ali gets away with using his thick Beijing accent. China’s Beauty market is #2 behind the US at US$71 billion (Euromonitor 2020), and it’s expected to be the world’s biggest in 3 years.  Chinese women today are notably confident and embrace their own identity and style. Popularly, we call this "C-Beauty" as it competes with the more identifiable ‘J’ & ‘K-Beauty’. ShanghaiZhan welcomes Carol Zhou, Sr. Vice President for Innovation & Investments at Shiseido China to talk to us more about defining Chinese beauty and the big trends for the upcoming year.

In this episode we talk about:

1.  Our newfound stardom as KOLs by hitting over 8000 downloads
2.  Carol’s 2022 beauty resolutions
3.  Carol’s journey to becoming a beauty expert and having the best job in the business
4.  The rise of C-Beauty, beauty diversity & what Chinese women want?
6.  Global brands balancing act in China: the girl with freckles are to be celebrated
7.  The “clean beauty” trend in China:  What it is and what it is not
8. “Adjacent spaces”:  Shiseido’s innovation growth plans
9. “Medical beauty” & why is it growing so quickly?
10. Global vs. local beauty brands:  who is leading where and why?
11. Offline or online?  What’s the future of beauty offline as online continues to grow?
12. Are brand stories still important for C-Beauty or is the market still highly imitative?
13. How has Covid affected the China beauty industry?
14.  Beautiful men
15. C-beauty in the metaverse. Believe it or not, there’s an App for that! (and yes, metaverse made it into the conversation!)

Welcome to Shanghai Zhan, aka. Shanghai Station.  The only station in Shanghai’s world-famous metro that only exists as a podcast. Listen to Bryce Whitwam and Ali Zein Kazmi debate with guests on their experiences and aspirations for marketing in China.  Bryce & Ali are well connected to China for over 20 years and still work in the industry in Shanghai.  They are both fluent Mandarin speakers, with Bryce reading and writing, while Ali gets away with using his thick Beijing accent.

Music:  “Bad Cough Syrup by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac
Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/
Carol on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-zhou-5a53472/]]> Tue, 28 Dec 2021 07:53:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2180 China’s Beauty market is #2 behind the US at US$71 billion (Euromonitor 2020), and it’s expected to be the world’s biggest in 3 years. Chinese women today are notably confident and embrace their own identity and style. Popularly, we call this "C-Beauty" as it competes with the more identifiable ‘J’ & ‘K-Beauty’. ShanghaiZhan welcomes Carol Zhou, Sr. Vice President for Innovation & Investments at Shiseido China to talk to us more about defining Chinese beauty and the big trends for the upcoming year. In this episode we talk about: 1. Our newfound stardom as KOLs by hitting over 8000 downloads 2. Carol’s 2022 beauty resolutions 3. Carol’s journey to becoming a beauty expert and having the best job in the business 4. The rise of C-Beauty, beauty diversity & what Chinese women want? 6. Global brands balancing act in China: the girl with freckles are to be celebrated 7. The “clean beauty” trend in China: What it is and what it is not 8. “Adjacent spaces”: Shiseido’s innovation growth plans 9. “Medical beauty” & why is it growing so quickly? 10. Global vs. local beauty brands: who is leading where and why? 11. Offline or online? What’s the future of beauty offline as online continues to grow? 12. Are brand stories still important for C-Beauty or is the market still highly imitative? 13. How has Covid affected the China beauty industry? 14. Beautiful men 15. C-beauty in the metaverse. Believe it or not, there’s an App for that! (and yes, metaverse made it into the conversation) Welcome to Shanghai Zhan, aka. Shanghai Station. The only station in Shanghai’s world-famous metro that only exists as a podcast. Listen to Bryce Whitwam and Ali Zein Kazmi debate with guests on their experiences and aspirations for marketing in China. Bryce & Ali are well connected to China for over 20 years and still work in the industry in Shanghai. They are both fluent Mandarin speakers, with Bryce reading and writing, while Ali gets away with using his thick Beijing accent. China’s Beauty market is #2 behind the US at US$71 billion (Euromonitor 2020), and it’s expected to be the world’s biggest in 3 years. Chinese women today are notably confident and embrace their own identity and style. Popularly, we call this "C-Beauty" as it competes with the more identifiable ‘J’ & ‘K-Beauty’. ShanghaiZhan welcomes Carol Zhou, Sr. Vice President for Innovation & Investments at Shiseido China to talk to us more about defining Chinese beauty and the big trends for the upcoming year. In this episode we talk about: 1. Our newfound stardom as KOLs by hitting over 8000 downloads 2. Carol’s 2022 beauty resolutions 3. Carol’s journey to becoming a beauty expert and having the best job in the business 4. The rise of C-Beauty, beauty diversity & what Chinese women want? 6. Global brands balancing act in China: the girl with freckles are to be celebrated 7. The “clean beauty” trend in China: What it is and what it is not 8. “Adjacent spaces”: Shiseido’s innovation growth plans 9. “Medical beauty” & why is it growing so quickly? 10. Global vs. local beauty brands: who is leading where and why? 11. Offline or online? What’s the future of beauty offline as online continues to grow? 12. Are brand stories still important for C-Beauty or is the market still highly imitative? 13. How has Covid affected the China beauty industry? 14. Beautiful men 15. C-beauty in the metaverse. Believe it or not, there’s an App for that! (and yes, metaverse made it into the conversation) Welcome to Shanghai Zhan, aka. Shanghai Station. The only station in Shanghai’s world-famous metro that only exists as a podcast. Listen to Bryce Whitwam and Ali Zein Kazmi debate with guests on their experiences and aspirations for marketing in China. Bryce & Ali are well connected to China for over 20 years and still work in the industry in Shanghai. They are both fluent Mandarin speakers, with Bryce reading and writing, while Ali gets away with using his thick Beijing accent. C-Beauty, Beauty, Cosmetics, Skincare, Medical Beauty, China trends No No BONUS EPISODE: Bryce Whitwam: Why China Has Leapfrogged the World in Digital Marketing https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/rn7wzpvn BONUS EPISODE: Bryce Whitwam: Why China Has Leapfrogged the World in Digital Marketing 6 1 No No k18kv5n0 ShanghaiZhan podcast host, Bryce Whitwam, expounds on the sophisticated Chinese consumer and innovations in the Chinese marketplace on "The Reorient! Podcast", interviewed by Jesse Freidlander on September 1, 2021. "The Reorient! Podcast" is available on Apple Podcasts. 1. Bryce's life story: from South Dakota to Shanghai 2. China's marketing evolution, starting 2010 3. The early days of China advertising: expanded distribution makes any ad campaign look successful 4. 2015: The marketing transformation of China begins with the growth of social media & e-commerce 5. Global vs. China market: what are the key differences? - Think 14 different engagement channels to buy a printer! 6 . The world of China's influencers: 5 different layers serving different purposes 7. Building brand equity in China is all about enhancing customer experience 8. Global vs. local brands: what local brands can do better 9. The pet food category in China takes a lot from female beauty trends 10. Why the Chinese consumer is so sophisticated & demanding for choice, and they've become addicted to the whole experience 11. Chinese psychographics: why China isn't as homogenous as you think 12. China GenZ: still rebellious and individualistic, but within a framework 13. China shares American archetypes: work hard & you can be successful, too! 14. Lower tier & upper tier differences are becoming less obvious, thanks to e-commerce 15. GenZ: Western vs. China: what are the similarities and differences? 16. Do Japan and Korea still have an influence on China's GenZ? 17. How will the China market evolve in the world of Covid? Some China brands get it. ShanghaiZhan podcast host, Bryce Whitwam, expounds on the sophisticated Chinese consumer and innovations in the Chinese marketplace on "The Reorient! Podcast", interviewed by Jesse Freidlander on September 1, 2021.

1.  Bryce's life story:  from South Dakota to Shanghai
2.  China's marketing evolution, starting 2010
3.  The early days of China advertising:  expanded distribution makes any ad campaign look successful
4.  2015:  The marketing transformation of China begins with the growth of social media & e-commerce
5.  Global vs. China market: what are the key differences? - Think 14 different engagement channels to buy a printer!
6 .  The world of China's influencers:  5 different layers serving different purposes
7.  Building brand equity in China is all about enhancing customer experience
8.  Global vs. local brands: what local brands can do better
9. The pet food category in China takes a lot from female beauty trends
10. Why the Chinese consumer is so sophisticated & demanding for choice, and they've become addicted to the whole experience
11.  Chinese  psychographics:  why China isn't as homogenous as you think
12. China GenZ:  still rebellious and individualistic, but within a framework
13.  China shares American archetypes:  work hard & you can be successful, too!
14.  Lower tier & upper tier differences are becoming less obvious, thanks to e-commerce
15.  GenZ: Western vs. China:  what are the similarities and differences?
16. Do Japan and Korea still have an influence on China's GenZ?
17.  How will the China market evolve in the world of Covid?  Some China brands get it.

The Reorient Podcast:  https://www.reorientpodcast.com/. A Podcast about International Issues & Leaders from an Asian Perspective

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/








]]> Sun, 02 Jan 2022 09:01:00 +0000 Jesse Friedlander Jesse Friedlander 3931 ShanghaiZhan podcast host, Bryce Whitwam, expounds on the sophisticated Chinese consumer and innovations in the Chinese marketplace on "The Reorient! Podcast", interviewed by Jesse Freidlander on September 1, 2021. "The Reorient! Podcast" is available on Apple Podcasts. 1. Bryce's life story: from South Dakota to Shanghai 2. China's marketing evolution, starting 2010 3. The early days of China advertising: expanded distribution makes any ad campaign look successful 4. 2015: The marketing transformation of China begins with the growth of social media & e-commerce 5. Global vs. China market: what are the key differences? - Think 14 different engagement channels to buy a printer! 6 . The world of China's influencers: 5 different layers serving different purposes 7. Building brand equity in China is all about enhancing customer experience 8. Global vs. local brands: what local brands can do better 9. The pet food category in China takes a lot from female beauty trends 10. Why the Chinese consumer is so sophisticated & demanding for choice, and they've become addicted to the whole experience 11. Chinese psychographics: why China isn't as homogenous as you think 12. China GenZ: still rebellious and individualistic, but within a framework 13. China shares American archetypes: work hard & you can be successful, too! 14. Lower tier & upper tier differences are becoming less obvious, thanks to e-commerce 15. GenZ: Western vs. China: what are the similarities and differences? 16. Do Japan and Korea still have an influence on China's GenZ? 17. How will the China market evolve in the world of Covid? Some China brands get it. ShanghaiZhan podcast host, Bryce Whitwam, expounds on the sophisticated Chinese consumer and innovations in the Chinese marketplace on "The Reorient! Podcast", interviewed by Jesse Freidlander on September 1, 2021. "The Reorient! Podcast" is available on Apple Podcasts. 1. Bryce's life story: from South Dakota to Shanghai 2. China's marketing evolution, starting 2010 3. The early days of China advertising: expanded distribution makes any ad campaign look successful 4. 2015: The marketing transformation of China begins with the growth of social media & e-commerce 5. Global vs. China market: what are the key differences? - Think 14 different engagement channels to buy a printer! 6 . The world of China's influencers: 5 different layers serving different purposes 7. Building brand equity in China is all about enhancing customer experience 8. Global vs. local brands: what local brands can do better 9. The pet food category in China takes a lot from female beauty trends 10. Why the Chinese consumer is so sophisticated & demanding for choice, and they've become addicted to the whole experience 11. Chinese psychographics: why China isn't as homogenous as you think 12. China GenZ: still rebellious and individualistic, but within a framework 13. China shares American archetypes: work hard & you can be successful, too! 14. Lower tier & upper tier differences are becoming less obvious, thanks to e-commerce 15. GenZ: Western vs. China: what are the similarities and differences? 16. Do Japan and Korea still have an influence on China's GenZ? 17. How will the China market evolve in the world of Covid? Some China brands get it. China Marketing, GenZ, China Market Drivers No No Wavemaker APAC CEO’s Gordon Domlija: Bold Predictions for 2022: PART 1 https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/q80jwv18 Wavemaker APAC CEO’s Gordon Domlija: Bold Predictions for 2022: PART 1 7 1 No No p0kx8nl1 What’s in store for the industry in 2022? During the first half of our two-part series, we speak to Gordon Domlija from WPP media agency, Wavemaker, about what brands in China need to do to stay relevant, and why client in-housing agency work isn’t necessarily that easy of a task. Gordon also reflects on his career, why he came to China and the first place, and, despite being the Asia-Pacific leader, chooses to remain in China, despite Covid restrictions. This episode is co-sponsored by our good friends at Campaign-Asia. 1. Gordon’s path to the ad business: it started in a nightclub and ended up at the Howard Johnson’s 2. Why Gordon Stays in China as regional CEO 3. China + Asia: There’s still a gap (and China is ahead) 4. How Gordon does his job without being a regional seagull 5. Working with platforms in the region is about collaboration because you can’t do everything well 6. What are clients’ expectations for 2022? 7. Is China too performance-driven? 8. Marketing predictions: Are brands now asking brands to drive private audiences or 1P? 9. What’s the advantage of agencies in the world of corporate in-housing? Welcome to Shanghai Zhan, aka. Shanghai Station. The only station in Shanghai’s world-famous metro that only exists as a podcast. Listen to Bryce Whitwam and Ali Zein Kazmi debate with guests on their experiences and aspirations for marketing in China. Bryce & Ali are well connected to China for over 20 years and still work in the industry in Shanghai. They are both fluent Mandarin speakers, with Bryce reading and writing, while Ali gets away with using his thick Beijing accent. For everything ShanghaiZhan: http://zhanstation.com/ What’s in store for the industry in 2022?  During the first half of our two-part series, we speak to Gordon Domlija from WPP media agency, Wavemaker, about what brands in China need to do to stay relevant, and why client in-housing agency work isn’t necessarily that easy of a task.  Gordon also reflects on his career, why he came to China and the first place, and, despite being the Asia-Pacific leader, chooses to remain in China, despite Covid restrictions.  This episode is sponsored by our good friends at Campaign-Asia.

1.  Gordon’s path to the ad business:  it started in a nightclub and ended up at the Howard Johnson’s

2.  Why Gordon Stays in China as regional CEO

3.  China + Asia:  There’s still a gap (and China is ahead)

4.  How Gordon does his job without being a regional seagull

5.  Working with platforms in the region is about collaboration because you can’t do everything well

6.  What are clients’ expectations for 2022?

7.  Is China too performance-driven?

8.  Marketing predictions:  Are brands now asking brands to drive private audiences or 1P?

9.  What’s the advantage of agencies in the world of corporate in-housing? 

Welcome to Shanghai Zhan, aka. Shanghai Station.  The only station in Shanghai’s world-famous metro that only exists as a podcast. Listen to Bryce Whitwam and Ali Zein Kazmi debate with guests on their experiences and aspirations for marketing in China.  Bryce & Ali are well connected to China for over 20 years and still work in the industry in Shanghai.  They are both fluent Mandarin speakers, with Bryce reading and writing, while Ali gets away with using his thick Beijing accent. 


For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan
Campaign Asia:  https://www.campaignasia.com/

Music:  “Bad Cough Syrup by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac
Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/
Gordon on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordon-domlija-5363692/



]]> Thu, 13 Jan 2022 05:38:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2205 What’s in store for the industry in 2022? During the first half of our two-part series, we speak to Gordon Domlija from WPP media agency, Wavemaker, about what brands in China need to do to stay relevant, and why client in-housing agency work isn’t necessarily that easy of a task. Gordon also reflects on his career, why he came to China and the first place, and, despite being the Asia-Pacific leader, chooses to remain in China, despite Covid restrictions. This episode is co-sponsored by our good friends at Campaign-Asia. 1. Gordon’s path to the ad business: it started in a nightclub and ended up at the Howard Johnson’s 2. Why Gordon Stays in China as regional CEO 3. China + Asia: There’s still a gap (and China is ahead) 4. How Gordon does his job without being a regional seagull 5. Working with platforms in the region is about collaboration because you can’t do everything well 6. What are clients’ expectations for 2022? 7. Is China too performance-driven? 8. Marketing predictions: Are brands now asking brands to drive private audiences or 1P? 9. What’s the advantage of agencies in the world of corporate in-housing? Welcome to Shanghai Zhan, aka. Shanghai Station. The only station in Shanghai’s world-famous metro that only exists as a podcast. Listen to Bryce Whitwam and Ali Zein Kazmi debate with guests on their experiences and aspirations for marketing in China. Bryce & Ali are well connected to China for over 20 years and still work in the industry in Shanghai. They are both fluent Mandarin speakers, with Bryce reading and writing, while Ali gets away with using his thick Beijing accent. For everything ShanghaiZhan: http://zhanstation.com/ What’s in store for the industry in 2022? During the first half of our two-part series, we speak to Gordon Domlija from WPP media agency, Wavemaker, about what brands in China need to do to stay relevant, and why client in-housing agency work isn’t necessarily that easy of a task. Gordon also reflects on his career, why he came to China and the first place, and, despite being the Asia-Pacific leader, chooses to remain in China, despite Covid restrictions. This episode is co-sponsored by our good friends at Campaign-Asia. 1. Gordon’s path to the ad business: it started in a nightclub and ended up at the Howard Johnson’s 2. Why Gordon Stays in China as regional CEO 3. China + Asia: There’s still a gap (and China is ahead) 4. How Gordon does his job without being a regional seagull 5. Working with platforms in the region is about collaboration because you can’t do everything well 6. What are clients’ expectations for 2022? 7. Is China too performance-driven? 8. Marketing predictions: Are brands now asking brands to drive private audiences or 1P? 9. What’s the advantage of agencies in the world of corporate in-housing? Welcome to Shanghai Zhan, aka. Shanghai Station. The only station in Shanghai’s world-famous metro that only exists as a podcast. Listen to Bryce Whitwam and Ali Zein Kazmi debate with guests on their experiences and aspirations for marketing in China. Bryce & Ali are well connected to China for over 20 years and still work in the industry in Shanghai. They are both fluent Mandarin speakers, with Bryce reading and writing, while Ali gets away with using his thick Beijing accent. For everything ShanghaiZhan: http://zhanstation.com/ China Marketing, Media, Digital Transformation No No Wavemaker APAC CEO’s Gordon Domlija: Bold Predictions for 2022: PART 2 https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/mn4km9x8-wavemaker-apac-ceo-s-gordon-domlija-bold-predictions-for-2022-part-2 Wavemaker APAC CEO’s Gordon Domlija: Bold Predictions for 2022: PART 2 8 1 No No x06w6ml1 Here's part 2 of our fantastic interview with Wavemaker's APAC CEO, Gordon Domlija. In this episode, Gordon discusses the challenges of managing a regional agency during Covid, and how his focus has been on creating a corporate culture in some markets that may have not seen each other for the past 2 years. Gordon also discusses the need for structural organization in his agency to meet the changing needs of his customers. You can also get Gordon's take on the Prada Wet Market - his agency did the work! 1. Hiring & retaining people & how Covid-19 has affected agencies in Asia 2. How does the industry keep the best people (it has lost the plot)? 3. Build your agency culture around fun 4. Structural re-organization is the big theme for 2022. 5. With massive discounts in China e-commerce, aren't we all racing to the bottom? 6. Gordon's take on the Prada Wet Market installation - brands just wanna have fun 7. Is China still a good market for foreign brands? Welcome to Shanghai Zhan, aka. Shanghai Station. The only station in Shanghai’s world-famous metro that only exists as a podcast. Listen to Bryce Whitwam and Ali Zein Kazmi debate with guests on their experiences and aspirations for marketing in China. Bryce & Ali are well connected to China for over 20 years and still work in the industry in Shanghai. They are both fluent Mandarin speakers, with Bryce reading and writing, while Ali gets away with using his thick Beijing accent. Here's part 2 of our fantastic interview with Wavemaker's APAC CEO, Gordon Domlija.   In this episode, Gordon discusses the challenges of managing a regional agency during Covid, and how his focus has been on creating a corporate culture in some markets that may have not seen each other for the past 2 years.  Gordon also discusses the need for structural organization in his agency to meet the changing needs of his customers.  You can also get Gordon's take on the Prada Wet Market - his agency did the work!

1.  Hiring & retaining people & how Covid-19 has affected agencies in Asia
2.  How does the industry keep the best people (it has lost the plot)?
3.  Build your agency culture around fun
4.  Structural re-organization is the big theme for 2022.
5.  With massive discounts in China e-commerce, aren't we all racing to the bottom?
6.  Gordon's take on the Prada Wet Market installation - brands just wanna have fun
7.  Is China still a good market for foreign brands?



Welcome to Shanghai Zhan, aka. Shanghai Station.  The only station in Shanghai’s world-famous metro that only exists as a podcast. Listen to Bryce Whitwam and Ali Zein Kazmi debate with guests on their experiences and aspirations for marketing in China.  Bryce & Ali are well connected to China for over 20 years and still work in the industry in Shanghai.  They are both fluent Mandarin speakers, with Bryce reading and writing, while Ali gets away with using his thick Beijing accent.


For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan
Campaign Asia:  https://www.campaignasia.com/

Music:  “Bad Cough Syrup by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac
Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/
Gordon on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordon-domlija-5363692/]]> Wed, 19 Jan 2022 23:00:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 1793 Here's part 2 of our fantastic interview with Wavemaker's APAC CEO, Gordon Domlija. In this episode, Gordon discusses the challenges of managing a regional agency during Covid, and how his focus has been on creating a corporate culture in some markets that may have not seen each other for the past 2 years. Gordon also discusses the need for structural organization in his agency to meet the changing needs of his customers. You can also get Gordon's take on the Prada Wet Market - his agency did the work! 1. Hiring & retaining people & how Covid-19 has affected agencies in Asia 2. How does the industry keep the best people (it has lost the plot)? 3. Build your agency culture around fun 4. Structural re-organization is the big theme for 2022. 5. With massive discounts in China e-commerce, aren't we all racing to the bottom? 6. Gordon's take on the Prada Wet Market installation - brands just wanna have fun 7. Is China still a good market for foreign brands? Welcome to Shanghai Zhan, aka. Shanghai Station. The only station in Shanghai’s world-famous metro that only exists as a podcast. Listen to Bryce Whitwam and Ali Zein Kazmi debate with guests on their experiences and aspirations for marketing in China. Bryce & Ali are well connected to China for over 20 years and still work in the industry in Shanghai. They are both fluent Mandarin speakers, with Bryce reading and writing, while Ali gets away with using his thick Beijing accent. Here's part 2 of our fantastic interview with Wavemaker's APAC CEO, Gordon Domlija. In this episode, Gordon discusses the challenges of managing a regional agency during Covid, and how his focus has been on creating a corporate culture in some markets that may have not seen each other for the past 2 years. Gordon also discusses the need for structural organization in his agency to meet the changing needs of his customers. You can also get Gordon's take on the Prada Wet Market - his agency did the work! 1. Hiring & retaining people & how Covid-19 has affected agencies in Asia 2. How does the industry keep the best people (it has lost the plot)? 3. Build your agency culture around fun 4. Structural re-organization is the big theme for 2022. 5. With massive discounts in China e-commerce, aren't we all racing to the bottom? 6. Gordon's take on the Prada Wet Market installation - brands just wanna have fun 7. Is China still a good market for foreign brands? Welcome to Shanghai Zhan, aka. Shanghai Station. The only station in Shanghai’s world-famous metro that only exists as a podcast. Listen to Bryce Whitwam and Ali Zein Kazmi debate with guests on their experiences and aspirations for marketing in China. Bryce & Ali are well connected to China for over 20 years and still work in the industry in Shanghai. They are both fluent Mandarin speakers, with Bryce reading and writing, while Ali gets away with using his thick Beijing accent. Advertising, Leading Asia During Covid, Company Culture, Prada No No The Beijing Winter Olympics Preview: Covid, Sponsorships & Eileen Gu https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/1nppq03n-the-big-beijing-winter-olympics-preview-covid-sponsorships-eileen-gu The Beijing Winter Olympics Preview: Covid, Sponsorships & Eileen Gu 9 1 No No z0rv8qx0 Meet China's most famous and insightful sports insider, Mark Dreyer, who's a regular commentator on the Chinese sports industry. Now that the Winter Olympics is just around the corner, we felt it was time to get Mark's opinion on sponsorships, the events, and what it's like in Beijing these days. Mark writes weekly columns for SupChina & SportsBusiness & is co-host of his own show, the China Sports Insider Podcast. Mark has also released his first book "Sporting Superpower: An Insider's View on China's Quest to Be the Best". 1. Mark's experience in Beijing 2008 2. I would love to see China win the World Cup 3. Can China win at team sports? 4. Winter Olympics: A covid games like no other 5. Will the Winter Olympics Encourage more winter sports? 6. Mark's bold predictions for the Winter Olympics: expect a breakthrough in sliding sports 7. Sport sponsorships are bleak (unless you're a local Chinese brand) 8. Eileen Gu will potentially be the face of the Winter Olympics 9. Impact of social media and sports players: CCTV has become a dinosaur 10. Will we be seeing NFT tokenized moments at the Olympics? 11. What will be the next big thing for sports sponsorships in China (It's not good news) 12. What about watching sports abroad? One bad tweet and you might be blacklisted 13. Sports amongst the middle class has grown significantly, but it can't get in the way of school 14. Yao Ming or Li Na? It's Li Na! Meet China's most famous and insightful sports insider, Mark Dreyer, who's a regular commentator on the Chinese sports industry.  Now that the Winter Olympics is just around the corner, we felt it was time to get Mark's opinion on sponsorships, the events, and what it's like in Beijing these days.  Mark writes weekly columns for SupChina & SportsBusiness & is co-host of his own show, the China Sports Insider Podcast.  Mark has also released his first book "Sporting Superpower: An Insider's View on China's Quest to Be the Best".

1.  Mark's experience in Beijing 2008
2.  I would love to see China win the World Cup
3.  Can China win at team sports?
4.  Winter Olympics:  A covid games like no other
5.  Will the Winter Olympics Encourage more winter sports?
6.  Mark's bold predictions for the Winter Olympics:  expect a breakthrough in sliding sports
7.  Sport sponsorships are bleak (unless you're a local Chinese brand)
8.  Eileen Gu will potentially be the face of the Winter Olympics
9.  Impact of social media and sports players:  CCTV has become a dinosaur
10.  Will we be seeing NFT tokenized moments at the Olympics?
11.  What will be the next big thing for sports sponsorships in China (It's not good news)
12. What about watching sports abroad? One bad tweet and you might be blacklisted
13. Sports amongst the middle class has grown significantly, but it can't get in the way of school
14.  Yao Ming or Li Na?  It's Li Na!

Mark Dreyer Links:
1.  Buy Mark's Book:  "Sporting Superpower":  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QC64Y9B/
2.  China Sports Insider Podcast:  https://chinasportsinsider.com/category/podcast/
3.  Twitter:  @DreyerChina
4.  Mark on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-dreyer-945747/


For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan
Campaign Asia:  https://www.campaignasia.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac
Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/


]]> Wed, 26 Jan 2022 00:10:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3055 Meet China's most famous and insightful sports insider, Mark Dreyer, who's a regular commentator on the Chinese sports industry. Now that the Winter Olympics is just around the corner, we felt it was time to get Mark's opinion on sponsorships, the events, and what it's like in Beijing these days. Mark writes weekly columns for SupChina & SportsBusiness & is co-host of his own show, the China Sports Insider Podcast. Mark has also released his first book "Sporting Superpower: An Insider's View on China's Quest to Be the Best". 1. Mark's experience in Beijing 2008 2. I would love to see China win the World Cup 3. Can China win at team sports? 4. Winter Olympics: A covid games like no other 5. Will the Winter Olympics Encourage more winter sports? 6. Mark's bold predictions for the Winter Olympics: expect a breakthrough in sliding sports 7. Sport sponsorships are bleak (unless you're a local Chinese brand) 8. Eileen Gu will potentially be the face of the Winter Olympics 9. Impact of social media and sports players: CCTV has become a dinosaur 10. Will we be seeing NFT tokenized moments at the Olympics? 11. What will be the next big thing for sports sponsorships in China (It's not good news) 12. What about watching sports abroad? One bad tweet and you might be blacklisted 13. Sports amongst the middle class has grown significantly, but it can't get in the way of school 14. Yao Ming or Li Na? It's Li Na! Meet China's most famous and insightful sports insider, Mark Dreyer, who's a regular commentator on the Chinese sports industry. Now that the Winter Olympics is just around the corner, we felt it was time to get Mark's opinion on sponsorships, the events, and what it's like in Beijing these days. Mark writes weekly columns for SupChina & SportsBusiness & is co-host of his own show, the China Sports Insider Podcast. Mark has also released his first book "Sporting Superpower: An Insider's View on China's Quest to Be the Best". 1. Mark's experience in Beijing 2008 2. I would love to see China win the World Cup 3. Can China win at team sports? 4. Winter Olympics: A covid games like no other 5. Will the Winter Olympics Encourage more winter sports? 6. Mark's bold predictions for the Winter Olympics: expect a breakthrough in sliding sports 7. Sport sponsorships are bleak (unless you're a local Chinese brand) 8. Eileen Gu will potentially be the face of the Winter Olympics 9. Impact of social media and sports players: CCTV has become a dinosaur 10. Will we be seeing NFT tokenized moments at the Olympics? 11. What will be the next big thing for sports sponsorships in China (It's not good news) 12. What about watching sports abroad? One bad tweet and you might be blacklisted 13. Sports amongst the middle class has grown significantly, but it can't get in the way of school 14. Yao Ming or Li Na? It's Li Na! #Beijing Olympics #sportsmarketing #Chinamarketing #sponsorships #Eileengu No No Evolving From KOLs to Chinese Influencer Groups: Insights Guru, Julien Lapka https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/rnkp1l28-evolving-from-kols-to-chinese-influencer-groups-insights-guru-julien-lapka Evolving From KOLs to Chinese Influencer Groups: Insights Guru, Julien Lapka 10 1 No No 70wl5jr1 What's the future of influencer marketing in China? To insights expert, Julien Lapka, successful brands focus on influencer groups rather than KOL powerhouses such as Austin Li. It comes down to uncovering unique insights, not often found in databases. Julien is the founder of Inner Chapter, an agency that turns insights into commercial IP. Julien is also co-owner of Revolving Door, a speakeasy behind a small coffee shop, located near XinTianDi in Shanghai. Today's episode is sponsored by our friends of Campaign Asia. 1. Why open a speakeasy and what's behind the name, Revolving Door? 2. How did you get into the insights business and why set up your own shop? 3. How e-commerce has dramatically how you uncover insights 4. Trends in Shanghai should not represent China trends. 5. The 2 Chinas: Those who work hard to survive & the others who can afford to "lie flat" 6. The rise and popularity of Dystopia 7. Insights Mining in 2022: Home Visits Still Work the Best 8. Home Visit Insight War Stories: Turning Tea Leaves into Skin Rejuvenation Post-Surgery Product 9. Data Looks at Past-Behavior - It doesn't predict the future 10. First Installment of Taobao Silk Market: The Squid Wins! 11. Do Chinese brands have the upper hand? In which categories? 12. Julien's favorite innovative Chinese brand: HeyTea 13. Building brands that will last needs more than KOLs but influencer groups 14. Connecting "spicyness" to behavioral psychographics - spicy as a stress reliever 15. A/B Test: Knedlíky or Jiaozi: the answer will surprise you! What's the future of influencer marketing in China?  To insights expert, Julien Lapka, successful brands focus on influencer groups rather than KOL powerhouses such as Austin Li.  It comes down to uncovering unique insights, not often found in databases.  Julien is the founder of Inner Chapter, an agency that turns insights into commercial IP.  Julien is also co-owner of Revolving Door, a speakeasy behind a small coffee shop, located near XinTianDi in Shanghai.  Today's episode is sponsored by our friends of Campaign Asia.

1.  Why open a speakeasy and what's behind the name, Revolving Door?
2.  How did you get into the insights business and why set up your own shop?
3.  How e-commerce has dramatically how you uncover insights
4.  Trends in Shanghai should not represent China trends.
5.  The 2 Chinas:  Those who work hard to survive & the others who can afford to "lie flat"
6.  The rise and popularity of Dystopia
7.  Insights Mining in 2022:  Home Visits Still Work the Best
8.  Home Visit Insight War Stories:  Turning Tea Leaves into Skin Rejuvenation Post-Surgery Product
9.  Data Looks at Past-Behavior - It doesn't predict the future
10.  First Installment of Taobao Silk Market:  The Squid Wins!
11.  Do Chinese brands have the upper hand? In which categories?
12.  Julien's favorite innovative Chinese brand:  HeyTea
13.   Building brands that will last needs more than KOLs but influencer groups
14.  Connecting "spicyness" to behavioral psychographics - spicy as a stress reliever 
15.  A/B Test:  Knedlíky or Jiaozi:  the answer will surprise you!


Julien's Links:
1.  Julien on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/julienlapka/
2.  Inner Chapter Website:  http://innerchapter.co/
3.  The Revolving Door:  https://www.thatsmags.com/shanghai/directory/1799099/revolving-door

Links to the Taobao Silk Road Products:
1.  Illuminated Fingernails:  https://m.tb.cn/h.fPSs7lK?tk=N6q22WRG8UQ
2.  Magic Touch Covid Button Pen:  https://m.tb.cn/h.flTPlza?tk=hQyx2WRGgmI
3.  The Rat Floormat:  https://m.tb.cn/h.flTltGb?tk=caPI2WRuO63
4.  Giant Grilled Squid Pillow: https://m.tb.cn/h.fOS3TVZ?tk=v2jq2WRFHI5

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan
Campaign Asia:  https://www.campaignasia.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac
Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Tue, 08 Feb 2022 23:47:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2828 What's the future of influencer marketing in China? To insights expert, Julien Lapka, successful brands focus on influencer groups rather than KOL powerhouses such as Austin Li. It comes down to uncovering unique insights, not often found in databases. Julien is the founder of Inner Chapter, an agency that turns insights into commercial IP. Julien is also co-owner of Revolving Door, a speakeasy behind a small coffee shop, located near XinTianDi in Shanghai. Today's episode is sponsored by our friends of Campaign Asia. 1. Why open a speakeasy and what's behind the name, Revolving Door? 2. How did you get into the insights business and why set up your own shop? 3. How e-commerce has dramatically how you uncover insights 4. Trends in Shanghai should not represent China trends. 5. The 2 Chinas: Those who work hard to survive & the others who can afford to "lie flat" 6. The rise and popularity of Dystopia 7. Insights Mining in 2022: Home Visits Still Work the Best 8. Home Visit Insight War Stories: Turning Tea Leaves into Skin Rejuvenation Post-Surgery Product 9. Data Looks at Past-Behavior - It doesn't predict the future 10. First Installment of Taobao Silk Market: The Squid Wins! 11. Do Chinese brands have the upper hand? In which categories? 12. Julien's favorite innovative Chinese brand: HeyTea 13. Building brands that will last needs more than KOLs but influencer groups 14. Connecting "spicyness" to behavioral psychographics - spicy as a stress reliever 15. A/B Test: Knedlíky or Jiaozi: the answer will surprise you! What's the future of influencer marketing in China? To insights expert, Julien Lapka, successful brands focus on influencer groups rather than KOL powerhouses such as Austin Li. It comes down to uncovering unique insights, not often found in databases. Julien is the founder of Inner Chapter, an agency that turns insights into commercial IP. Julien is also co-owner of Revolving Door, a speakeasy behind a small coffee shop, located near XinTianDi in Shanghai. Today's episode is sponsored by our friends of Campaign Asia. 1. Why open a speakeasy and what's behind the name, Revolving Door? 2. How did you get into the insights business and why set up your own shop? 3. How e-commerce has dramatically how you uncover insights 4. Trends in Shanghai should not represent China trends. 5. The 2 Chinas: Those who work hard to survive & the others who can afford to "lie flat" 6. The rise and popularity of Dystopia 7. Insights Mining in 2022: Home Visits Still Work the Best 8. Home Visit Insight War Stories: Turning Tea Leaves into Skin Rejuvenation Post-Surgery Product 9. Data Looks at Past-Behavior - It doesn't predict the future 10. First Installment of Taobao Silk Market: The Squid Wins! 11. Do Chinese brands have the upper hand? In which categories? 12. Julien's favorite innovative Chinese brand: HeyTea 13. Building brands that will last needs more than KOLs but influencer groups 14. Connecting "spicyness" to behavioral psychographics - spicy as a stress reliever 15. A/B Test: Knedlíky or Jiaozi: the answer will surprise you! China Marketing, China Insights, KOLs & Influencers, Research No No Genesis Motor China CEO Markus Henne: Building a Luxury Auto Brand in China https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/489z3k6n-genesis-motor-china-ceo-markus-henne-building-a-luxury-auto-brand-in-china Genesis Motor China CEO Markus Henne: Building a Luxury Auto Brand in China 11 1 No No v17k2mq1 Meet Genesis Motor China's CEO Markus Henne as he describes his experience of building a luxury auto brand in China from the ground up. Markus joined Genesis Motor in 2019 from a distinguished career at Mercedes-Benz, and it has only been since October of 2021 that they have begun to distribute cars. How to build a luxury brand amongst all the competition? How to keep customers interested for 6 months after they have put down their deposits? Today's episode is sponsored by our friends of Campaign Asia. 1. How did you end up in China and what are you driving these days? 2. What's different about a Genesis, and what's it like working in the car industry these days? The advantage of a blank canvas 3. Hiring people outside of the industry is key to the Genesis Experience. 4. Advantage Direct-To Consumer model, especially in China 5. What aspects of the Genesis Experience can be exported from China? 6. Big brands want to go to Direct-To-Consumer but they are bound by tradition 7. How do you keep Chinese customers active before they can get their car? 8. NEV/EV - is there a difference in customer experience from regular petrol cars? 9. EV & Petrol: appeal to different consumer groups 10. Expect the big auto players to come back against the new NEV players, but it will take time 11. How do you define Genesis luxury? What is "Athletic Elegance"? 12. How do you define luxury in the after-sales world? 13. Any big differences working for a Korean company vs. a German? 14. Hong Xiao Rou or Schnitzel: It's Schnitzel! Meet Genesis Motor China's CEO Markus Henne as he describes his experience of building a luxury auto brand in China from the ground up.  Markus joined Genesis Motor in 2019 from a distinguished career at Mercedes-Benz, and it has only been since October of 2021 that they have begun to distribute cars.  How to build a luxury brand amongst all the competition?  How to keep customers interested for 6 months after they have put down their deposits? Today's episode is sponsored by our friends of Campaign Asia.

1.  How did you end up in China and what are you driving these days?
2.  What's different about a Genesis, and what's it like working in the car industry these days?  The advantage of a blank canvas
3.  Hiring people outside of the industry is key to the Genesis Experience.
4.  Advantage Direct-To Consumer model, especially in China
5.  What aspects of the Genesis Experience can be exported from China?
6.  Big brands want to go to Direct-To-Consumer but they are bound by tradition
7.  How do you keep Chinese customers active before they can get their car?
8.  NEV/EV - is there a difference in customer experience from regular petrol cars?
9.  EV & Petrol:  appeal to different consumer groups
10. Expect the big auto players to come back against the new NEV players, but it will take time
11.  How do you define Genesis luxury? What is "Athletic Elegance"?
12.  How do you define luxury in the after-sales world?
13.  Any big differences working for a Korean company vs. a German?
14.  Hong Xiao Rou or Schnitzel:  It's Schnitzel!

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan
Campaign Asia:  https://www.campaignasia.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac
Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Mon, 28 Feb 2022 08:02:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2658 Meet Genesis Motor China's CEO Markus Henne as he describes his experience of building a luxury auto brand in China from the ground up. Markus joined Genesis Motor in 2019 from a distinguished career at Mercedes-Benz, and it has only been since October of 2021 that they have begun to distribute cars. How to build a luxury brand amongst all the competition? How to keep customers interested for 6 months after they have put down their deposits? Today's episode is sponsored by our friends of Campaign Asia. 1. How did you end up in China and what are you driving these days? 2. What's different about a Genesis, and what's it like working in the car industry these days? The advantage of a blank canvas 3. Hiring people outside of the industry is key to the Genesis Experience. 4. Advantage Direct-To Consumer model, especially in China 5. What aspects of the Genesis Experience can be exported from China? 6. Big brands want to go to Direct-To-Consumer but they are bound by tradition 7. How do you keep Chinese customers active before they can get their car? 8. NEV/EV - is there a difference in customer experience from regular petrol cars? 9. EV & Petrol: appeal to different consumer groups 10. Expect the big auto players to come back against the new NEV players, but it will take time 11. How do you define Genesis luxury? What is "Athletic Elegance"? 12. How do you define luxury in the after-sales world? 13. Any big differences working for a Korean company vs. a German? 14. Hong Xiao Rou or Schnitzel: It's Schnitzel! Meet Genesis Motor China's CEO Markus Henne as he describes his experience of building a luxury auto brand in China from the ground up. Markus joined Genesis Motor in 2019 from a distinguished career at Mercedes-Benz, and it has only been since October of 2021 that they have begun to distribute cars. How to build a luxury brand amongst all the competition? How to keep customers interested for 6 months after they have put down their deposits? Today's episode is sponsored by our friends of Campaign Asia. 1. How did you end up in China and what are you driving these days? 2. What's different about a Genesis, and what's it like working in the car industry these days? The advantage of a blank canvas 3. Hiring people outside of the industry is key to the Genesis Experience. 4. Advantage Direct-To Consumer model, especially in China 5. What aspects of the Genesis Experience can be exported from China? 6. Big brands want to go to Direct-To-Consumer but they are bound by tradition 7. How do you keep Chinese customers active before they can get their car? 8. NEV/EV - is there a difference in customer experience from regular petrol cars? 9. EV & Petrol: appeal to different consumer groups 10. Expect the big auto players to come back against the new NEV players, but it will take time 11. How do you define Genesis luxury? What is "Athletic Elegance"? 12. How do you define luxury in the after-sales world? 13. Any big differences working for a Korean company vs. a German? 14. Hong Xiao Rou or Schnitzel: It's Schnitzel! No No Annie Su & the Unique Intersection of Food and Advertising https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/r8kprqmn-annie-su-the-unique-intersection-of-food-and-advertising Annie Su & the Unique Intersection of Food and Advertising 12 1 No No 71wlnq70 Meet Annie Su, she's a full-time marketing executive and part-time foodie. Originally from Taiwan, most of her career has been in advertising agencies before recently joining the client side. She spent the prime of her career with Ogilvy, first in Taipei, then Beijing, and finally, Shanghai. Annie is also the author of 2 books, 1. 日尝时光：下班陪你进厨房 2. 当冰箱：只剩下乌鱼子, books about food, stories, culture, and the human experience. Annie has had a successful career in the fine art of listening to others. 1. Meet Annie: Taipei to Beijing to Shanghai 2. How has the advertising business transformed since 2007? 3. Annie's 3 big ad agency accomplishments: A Taiwanese female introvert in a man's world 4. Food & advertising: how are they connected 5. Cooking food & telling stories: about Annie's first book 6. Traveling, Conversations & Stories: about Annies 2nd book 7. A future in advertising? Annie's advice for her younger self: Forever Young 8. Join the client or agency after university?: Annie's answer will surprise you 9. The A/B Test: Always the best part of the show Meet Annie Su, she's a full-time marketing executive and part-time foodie.  Originally from Taiwan, most of her career has been in advertising agencies before recently joining the client side.  She spent the prime of her career with Ogilvy, first in Taipei, then Beijing, and finally, Shanghai.   Annie is also the author of 2 books, 1.  日尝时光：下班陪你进厨房  2. 当冰箱：只剩下乌鱼子, books about food, stories, culture, and the human experience.  You learn why Annie has had a successful career in the fine art of listening to others.

1.  Meet Annie: Taipei to Beijing to Shanghai
2. How has the advertising business transformed since 2007?
3.  Annie's 3 big ad agency accomplishments:  A Taiwanese female introvert in a man's world
4.  Food & advertising: how are they connected
5.  Cooking food & telling stories:  about Annie's first book
6.  Traveling, Conversations & Stories:  about Annies 2nd book
7.  A future in advertising?  Annie's advice for her younger self:  Forever Young
8.  Join the client or agency after university?:  Annie's answer will surprise you
9.  The A/B Test:  Always the best part of the show



Annie's book on food & friendship:   当冰箱：只剩下乌鱼子Taiwan Only:  https://www.eslite.com/product/1001110932843108

Annie's (蘇宇鈴) book on food, travel & conversations:  日尝时光 (日嚐時光)]]> Thu, 10 Mar 2022 05:14:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 1966 Meet Annie Su, she's a full-time marketing executive and part-time foodie. Originally from Taiwan, most of her career has been in advertising agencies before recently joining the client side. She spent the prime of her career with Ogilvy, first in Taipei, then Beijing, and finally, Shanghai. Annie is also the author of 2 books, 1. 日尝时光：下班陪你进厨房 2. 当冰箱：只剩下乌鱼子, books about food, stories, culture, and the human experience. Annie has had a successful career in the fine art of listening to others. 1. Meet Annie: Taipei to Beijing to Shanghai 2. How has the advertising business transformed since 2007? 3. Annie's 3 big ad agency accomplishments: A Taiwanese female introvert in a man's world 4. Food & advertising: how are they connected 5. Cooking food & telling stories: about Annie's first book 6. Traveling, Conversations & Stories: about Annies 2nd book 7. A future in advertising? Annie's advice for her younger self: Forever Young 8. Join the client or agency after university?: Annie's answer will surprise you 9. The A/B Test: Always the best part of the show Meet Annie Su, she's a full-time marketing executive and part-time foodie. Originally from Taiwan, most of her career has been in advertising agencies before recently joining the client side. She spent the prime of her career with Ogilvy, first in Taipei, then Beijing, and finally, Shanghai. Annie is also the author of 2 books, 1. 日尝时光：下班陪你进厨房 2. 当冰箱：只剩下乌鱼子, books about food, stories, culture, and the human experience. Annie has had a successful career in the fine art of listening to others. 1. Meet Annie: Taipei to Beijing to Shanghai 2. How has the advertising business transformed since 2007? 3. Annie's 3 big ad agency accomplishments: A Taiwanese female introvert in a man's world 4. Food & advertising: how are they connected 5. Cooking food & telling stories: about Annie's first book 6. Traveling, Conversations & Stories: about Annies 2nd book 7. A future in advertising? Annie's advice for her younger self: Forever Young 8. Join the client or agency after university?: Annie's answer will surprise you 9. The A/B Test: Always the best part of the show advertising, marketing, career choices, No No Shanghai Under Covid Lockdown: Praises, Frustrations & Predictions https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/28x5042n-shanghai-under-covid-lockdown-praises-frustrations-predictions Shanghai Under Covid Lockdown: Praises, Frustrations & Predictions 13 1 No No 60mw6rm0 Ali and I decided we needed to have a "Covid lockdown in Shanghai" episode since we are all stuck at home, dividing our time between work, food hunting, and waiting in line for PCR tests. Where are we headed? We're joined by Professor Andrew Field, a Professor of History at Duke Kunshan University and our returning champion, a friend of the podcast, Richard Brubaker, Founder of sustainability consultancy, Collective Responsibility. 1. Shanghai under lockdown overview: From "Zero Covid" to "Dynamic Zero" 2. Living Under Covid: Shanghai vs. the Suburbs 3. Shanghai's Older Population Under Threat 4. Switching Gears Given the Logistical Nightmare 5. From High Tech Health Apps to Decorative Phone Stickers 6. Hard Tactics vs. Self-Management: Which works better? 7. Shanghai's Emotional Weather Report: Locals & Foreigners 8. Painting into a corner with never dry paint: keeping the economy going 9. What's next? Can we hold out for another lockdown level? 10. Communication under Covid: by neighborhood via WeChat 11. China's lack of healthcare infrastructure for a pandemic 12. A/B Test With Andrew: It's Lu Xun and Coach K
1.  Shanghai under lockdown overview:  From "Zero Covid" to "Dynamic Zero"
2.   Living Under Covid:  Shanghai vs. the Suburbs
3.   Shanghai's Older Population Under Threat
4.  Switching Gears Given the Logistical Nightmare
5.  From High Tech Health Apps to Decorative Phone Stickers
6.  Hard Tactics vs. Self-Management:  Which works better?
7.  Shanghai's Emotional Weather Report:  Locals & Foreigners
8.  Painting into a corner with never dry paint: keeping the economy going
9.  What's next?  Can we hold out for another lockdown level?
10.  Communication under Covid:  by neighborhood via WeChat
11. China's lack of healthcare infrastructure for a pandemic
12.  A/B Test With Andrew:  It's Lu Xun and Coach K


Professor Andrew Field books:
https://www.amazon.com/Andrew-David-Field/e/B003Y7A3T4?ref_=dbs_p_pbk_r00_abau_000000

Andrew Field's Blog:  https://shanghaisojourns.net/


More about Richard Brubaker:
Website: http://www.richbrubaker.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.brubaker
LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richbrubaker
Instagram: https://instagram.com/richbrubaker
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/richbrubaker

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan
Campaign Asia:  https://www.campaignasia.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac
Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

]]> Tue, 29 Mar 2022 03:56:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2464 Ali and I decided we needed to have a "Covid lockdown in Shanghai" episode since we are all stuck at home, dividing our time between work, food hunting, and waiting in line for PCR tests. Where are we headed? We're joined by Professor Andrew Field, a Professor of History at Duke Kunshan University and our returning champion, a friend of the podcast, Richard Brubaker, Founder of sustainability consultancy, Collective Responsibility. 1. Shanghai under lockdown overview: From "Zero Covid" to "Dynamic Zero" 2. Living Under Covid: Shanghai vs. the Suburbs 3. Shanghai's Older Population Under Threat 4. Switching Gears Given the Logistical Nightmare 5. From High Tech Health Apps to Decorative Phone Stickers 6. Hard Tactics vs. Self-Management: Which works better? 7. Shanghai's Emotional Weather Report: Locals & Foreigners 8. Painting into a corner with never dry paint: keeping the economy going 9. What's next? Can we hold out for another lockdown level? 10. Communication under Covid: by neighborhood via WeChat 11. China's lack of healthcare infrastructure for a pandemic 12. A/B Test With Andrew: It's Lu Xun and Coach K Ali and I decided we needed to have a "Covid lockdown in Shanghai" episode since we are all stuck at home, dividing our time between work, food hunting, and waiting in line for PCR tests. Where are we headed? We're joined by Professor Andrew Field, a Professor of History at Duke Kunshan University and our returning champion, a friend of the podcast, Richard Brubaker, Founder of sustainability consultancy, Collective Responsibility. 1. Shanghai under lockdown overview: From "Zero Covid" to "Dynamic Zero" 2. Living Under Covid: Shanghai vs. the Suburbs 3. Shanghai's Older Population Under Threat 4. Switching Gears Given the Logistical Nightmare 5. From High Tech Health Apps to Decorative Phone Stickers 6. Hard Tactics vs. Self-Management: Which works better? 7. Shanghai's Emotional Weather Report: Locals & Foreigners 8. Painting into a corner with never dry paint: keeping the economy going 9. What's next? Can we hold out for another lockdown level? 10. Communication under Covid: by neighborhood via WeChat 11. China's lack of healthcare infrastructure for a pandemic 12. A/B Test With Andrew: It's Lu Xun and Coach K Shanghai lockdown, Covid 19, Living With Covid No No Shanghai Under Lockdown: the Global Supply Chain & Future of Business https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/r87w5p48-shanghai-under-lockdown-the-global-supply-chain-future-of-business Shanghai Under Lockdown: the Global Supply Chain & Future of Business 14 1 No No k08k95y1 We are now in the 4th week of the great Shanghai lockdown. How will the lockdown impact business and the supply chain? To answer this question, we have invited supply chain expert, Cameron Johnson, Head of APAC Strategy for FAO Global. Mr. Johnson is also an Adjunct Professor at NYU Shanghai as well as a Board of Governors for the American Chamber of Commerce Shanghai. 1. Business impact: how will the lockdown affect business and how does it compare to 2020? 2. Impact of the Supply Chain: it's about the trucks, not the ships 3. Covid and China Decoupling: Will companies now leave China? 4. Covid & Human Capital: Will this be the line in the sand for China's foreign business community? 5. When will the lockdown end? What has to happen? 6. Food logistics: how are people getting fed? Any strange vegetables? 7. A/B Test: Bezos & the Seattle Space Needle Cameron Johnson On Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronjohnsonshanghai/ For everything ShanghaiZhan: http://zhanstation.com/ Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron: https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan ShanghaiZhan Theme Music: by Bryce Whitwam https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac Bryce on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/ Ali on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/ 1.  Business impact:  how will the lockdown affect business and how does it compare to 2020?
2.   Impact of the Supply Chain:  it's about the trucks, not the ships
3.  Covid and China Decoupling:  Will companies now leave China?
4.  Covid & Human Capital:  Will this be the line in the sand for China's foreign business community?
5.  When will the lockdown end?  What has to happen?
6.  Food logistics:  how are people getting fed?  Any strange vegetables?
7. A/B Test:  Bezos & the Seattle Space Needle

Cameron Johnson On Linkedin: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronjohnsonshanghai/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan


ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac
Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/


]]> Sat, 09 Apr 2022 13:44:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2143 We are now in the 4th week of the great Shanghai lockdown. How will the lockdown impact business and the supply chain? To answer this question, we have invited supply chain expert, Cameron Johnson, Head of APAC Strategy for FAO Global. Mr. Johnson is also an Adjunct Professor at NYU Shanghai as well as a Board of Governors for the American Chamber of Commerce Shanghai. 1. Business impact: how will the lockdown affect business and how does it compare to 2020? 2. Impact of the Supply Chain: it's about the trucks, not the ships 3. Covid and China Decoupling: Will companies now leave China? 4. Covid & Human Capital: Will this be the line in the sand for China's foreign business community? 5. When will the lockdown end? What has to happen? 6. Food logistics: how are people getting fed? Any strange vegetables? 7. A/B Test: Bezos & the Seattle Space Needle Cameron Johnson On Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronjohnsonshanghai/ For everything ShanghaiZhan: http://zhanstation.com/ Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron: https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan ShanghaiZhan Theme Music: by Bryce Whitwam https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac Bryce on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/ Ali on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/ We are now in the 4th week of the great Shanghai lockdown. How will the lockdown impact business and the supply chain? To answer this question, we have invited supply chain expert, Cameron Johnson, Head of APAC Strategy for FAO Global. Mr. Johnson is also an Adjunct Professor at NYU Shanghai as well as a Board of Governors for the American Chamber of Commerce Shanghai. 1. Business impact: how will the lockdown affect business and how does it compare to 2020? 2. Impact of the Supply Chain: it's about the trucks, not the ships 3. Covid and China Decoupling: Will companies now leave China? 4. Covid & Human Capital: Will this be the line in the sand for China's foreign business community? 5. When will the lockdown end? What has to happen? 6. Food logistics: how are people getting fed? Any strange vegetables? 7. A/B Test: Bezos & the Seattle Space Needle Cameron Johnson On Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronjohnsonshanghai/ For everything ShanghaiZhan: http://zhanstation.com/ Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron: https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan ShanghaiZhan Theme Music: by Bryce Whitwam https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac Bryce on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/ Ali on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/ No No The Great Shanghai Lockdown's Impact on Marketing https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/l8qpjjzn-the-great-shanghai-lockdown-s-impact-on-marketing The Great Shanghai Lockdown's Impact on Marketing 15 1 No No 80n8zzn0 Shanghai's Lockdown will enter its 5th week starting next week. How are brands in China reacting now or should they react at all? And more importantly, how will the lockdown impact the market in the long term and how should brands prepare for the future? Is this a great moment in advertising to connect with the masses? Please welcome McCann Health China's Chief Strategy Officer, Henry Shen, and Ogilvy Shanghai's Strategy Director, Arjun Paul Vendanayagam, to discuss this with Ali and Bryce. 1. Living the life of a strategic planner under Shanghai lockdown 2. Two sides of the coin: The Lockdown has actually brought neighbors closer together. People are starting to lose it 3. Short Term: Brands are being more cautious because they don't want to over-promise. 4. JD.com steps up and tries to deliver truckloads by the day 5. Long Term: Expect 2 Extremes: Carp Diem v. Stock For a Rainy Day: How to achieve the balance 6. Potential territories: Mental Wellness, Real-World Experiences, Comradeship, Live With What You Have 7. Can mental health be a potential brand territory? 8. Don't Waste This Crisis! Yes, it's possible here. 9. Anything you wish you knew as an advertiser? 10. Our 3 Key Lockdown Survival Tips: Yes, one is don't look at your phone so much! 11. A/B Test: Coke, Prison Break, Playstation, and lots of cabbages! Shanghai's Lockdown will enter its 5th week starting next week.  How are brands in China reacting now or should they react at all?  And more importantly, how will the lockdown impact the market in the long term and how should brands prepare for the future?  Is this a great moment in advertising to connect with the masses?

Please welcome McCann Health China's Chief Strategy Officer, Henry Shen, and Ogilvy Shanghai's Strategy Director, Arjun Paul Vendanayagam, to discuss this with Ali and Bryce. 

1.   Living the life of a strategic planner under Shanghai lockdown
2.   Two sides of the coin:  The Lockdown has actually brought neighbors closer together.  People are starting to lose it
3.   Short Term: Brands are being more cautious because they don't want to over-promise. 
4.  JD.com steps up and tries to deliver truckloads by the day
5.  Long Term:  Expect 2 Extremes:  Carp Diem v. Stock For a Rainy Day:  How to achieve the balance
6.  Potential territories:  Mental Wellness, Real-World Experiences, Comradeship, Live With What You Have
7.  Can mental health be a potential brand territory?
8.  Don't Waste This Crisis!  Yes, it's possible here.
9. Anything you wish you knew as an advertiser?
10.  Our 3 Key Lockdown Survival Tips:  Yes, one is don't look at your phone so much!
11.  A/B Test:  Coke, Prison Break, Playstation, and lots of cabbages!


Henry Shen on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/shenhan/
Arjun Paul Vendanayagam on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjun-vedanayagam-16454918/


For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan


ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac
Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/



]]> Sun, 17 Apr 2022 10:14:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2494 Shanghai's Lockdown will enter its 5th week starting next week. How are brands in China reacting now or should they react at all? And more importantly, how will the lockdown impact the market in the long term and how should brands prepare for the future? Is this a great moment in advertising to connect with the masses? Please welcome McCann Health China's Chief Strategy Officer, Henry Shen, and Ogilvy Shanghai's Strategy Director, Arjun Paul Vendanayagam, to discuss this with Ali and Bryce. 1. Living the life of a strategic planner under Shanghai lockdown 2. Two sides of the coin: The Lockdown has actually brought neighbors closer together. People are starting to lose it 3. Short Term: Brands are being more cautious because they don't want to over-promise. 4. JD.com steps up and tries to deliver truckloads by the day 5. Long Term: Expect 2 Extremes: Carp Diem v. Stock For a Rainy Day: How to achieve the balance 6. Potential territories: Mental Wellness, Real-World Experiences, Comradeship, Live With What You Have 7. Can mental health be a potential brand territory? 8. Don't Waste This Crisis! Yes, it's possible here. 9. Anything you wish you knew as an advertiser? 10. Our 3 Key Lockdown Survival Tips: Yes, one is don't look at your phone so much! 11. A/B Test: Coke, Prison Break, Playstation, and lots of cabbages! Shanghai's Lockdown will enter its 5th week starting next week. How are brands in China reacting now or should they react at all? And more importantly, how will the lockdown impact the market in the long term and how should brands prepare for the future? Is this a great moment in advertising to connect with the masses? Please welcome McCann Health China's Chief Strategy Officer, Henry Shen, and Ogilvy Shanghai's Strategy Director, Arjun Paul Vendanayagam, to discuss this with Ali and Bryce. 1. Living the life of a strategic planner under Shanghai lockdown 2. Two sides of the coin: The Lockdown has actually brought neighbors closer together. People are starting to lose it 3. Short Term: Brands are being more cautious because they don't want to over-promise. 4. JD.com steps up and tries to deliver truckloads by the day 5. Long Term: Expect 2 Extremes: Carp Diem v. Stock For a Rainy Day: How to achieve the balance 6. Potential territories: Mental Wellness, Real-World Experiences, Comradeship, Live With What You Have 7. Can mental health be a potential brand territory? 8. Don't Waste This Crisis! Yes, it's possible here. 9. Anything you wish you knew as an advertiser? 10. Our 3 Key Lockdown Survival Tips: Yes, one is don't look at your phone so much! 11. A/B Test: Coke, Prison Break, Playstation, and lots of cabbages! No No Can Chinese Beauty Brands Go Global? - Lisa Shiqi Yu + Elijah Whaley https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/xnv5r0k8-can-chinese-beauty-brands-go-global-lisa-yu-elijah-whaley Can Chinese Beauty Brands Go Global? - Lisa Shiqi Yu + Elijah Whaley 16 1 No No 71y8l9y0 We're taking a much-needed break from Shanghai's recent Covid lockdown to talk about the globalization of C-Beauty. What will it take for Chinese beauty brands to go global? How important are influencer networks and what is the role of technology? Will fast-fashion platform, Shein.com's use of AI predictive analytics be a beauty industry game-changer? We're joined by Lisa Shiqi Yu, Founder, and CEO of GENLAB Group, based in Shanghai. GENLAB is a selective incubator supporting purpose-led entrepreneurs to complete their global vision. We are also joined by Elijah Whaley, who is VP of Marketing for Gainfluence, a company specializing in influencers for NFT & crypto projects. 1. Lisa and GENLAB's mission: finding Chinese brands with purpose, sustainable platforms, willingness to go global, and a bit of fun in their DNA. 2. Introducing Zeya - Hard Soda with No Pressure 3. Beauty & Influencers: Is the China KOL model exportable? 4. Moving beyond the First Year Momentum That Most Chinese Brands Face 5. China's Supply Chain Product Mindset to Meaningful Brands: What's Learned From Western Brands 6. Convincing a Chinese Brand Owner Wanting To Go Abroad to have a World View: It's Tough 7. Brand Building Outside of China for Non-Beauty: Leaning on Product 8. The Shein.com Story - From Fashion to Beauty? 9. Data Hub vs. Philosophical Brand Hub: who will win? 10. Perfect Diary: Will They Be China's L'Oreal? 11. Should a Brand Embrace Private Traffic? 12. A/B Test: Baijiu, Rocky Mountain Oysters, Cucumber Soda & Kool-Aid We're taking a much-needed break from Shanghai's recent Covid lockdown to talk about the globalization of C-Beauty.  What will it take for Chinese beauty brands to go global?  How important are influencer networks and what is the role of technology?  Will fast-fashion platform, Shein.com's use of AI predictive analytics be a beauty industry game-changer?

We're joined by Lisa Shiqi Yu, Founder, and CEO of GENLAB Group, based in Shanghai.  GENLAB is a selective incubator supporting purpose-led entrepreneurs to complete their global vision.  We are also joined by Elijah Whaley, who is VP of Marketing for Gainfluence, a company specializing in influencers for NFT & crypto projects.

1.  Lisa and GENLAB's mission: finding Chinese brands with purpose, sustainable platforms, willingness to go global, and a bit of fun in their DNA.
2.  Introducing Zeya - Hard Soda with No Pressure
3.  Beauty & Influencers: Is the China KOL model exportable?
4.  Moving beyond the First Year Momentum That Most Chinese Brands Face
5.  China's Supply Chain Product Mindset to Meaningful Brands:  What's Learned From Western Brands
6.  Convincing a Chinese Brand Owner Wanting To Go Abroad to have a World View:  It's Tough
7.  Brand Building Outside of China for Non-Beauty:  Leaning on Product
8.  The Shein.com Story - From Fashion to Beauty?
9.  Data Hub vs.  Philosophical Brand Hub:  who will win?
10.  Perfect Diary:  Will They Be China's L'Oreal?
11.  Should a Brand Embrace Private Traffic? 
12.  A/B Test:  Baijiu, Rocky Mountain Oysters, Cucumber Soda & Kool-Aid

About Lisa Shiqi Yu:  https://www.lisashiqiyu.com/



For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwam

]]> Mon, 02 May 2022 13:32:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2659 We're taking a much-needed break from Shanghai's recent Covid lockdown to talk about the globalization of C-Beauty. What will it take for Chinese beauty brands to go global? How important are influencer networks and what is the role of technology? Will fast-fashion platform, Shein.com's use of AI predictive analytics be a beauty industry game-changer? We're joined by Lisa Shiqi Yu, Founder, and CEO of GENLAB Group, based in Shanghai. GENLAB is a selective incubator supporting purpose-led entrepreneurs to complete their global vision. We are also joined by Elijah Whaley, who is VP of Marketing for Gainfluence, a company specializing in influencers for NFT & crypto projects. 1. Lisa and GENLAB's mission: finding Chinese brands with purpose, sustainable platforms, willingness to go global, and a bit of fun in their DNA. 2. Introducing Zeya - Hard Soda with No Pressure 3. Beauty & Influencers: Is the China KOL model exportable? 4. Moving beyond the First Year Momentum That Most Chinese Brands Face 5. China's Supply Chain Product Mindset to Meaningful Brands: What's Learned From Western Brands 6. Convincing a Chinese Brand Owner Wanting To Go Abroad to have a World View: It's Tough 7. Brand Building Outside of China for Non-Beauty: Leaning on Product 8. The Shein.com Story - From Fashion to Beauty? 9. Data Hub vs. Philosophical Brand Hub: who will win? 10. Perfect Diary: Will They Be China's L'Oreal? 11. Should a Brand Embrace Private Traffic? 12. A/B Test: Baijiu, Rocky Mountain Oysters, Cucumber Soda & Kool-Aid We're taking a much-needed break from Shanghai's recent Covid lockdown to talk about the globalization of C-Beauty. What will it take for Chinese beauty brands to go global? How important are influencer networks and what is the role of technology? Will fast-fashion platform, Shein.com's use of AI predictive analytics be a beauty industry game-changer? We're joined by Lisa Shiqi Yu, Founder, and CEO of GENLAB Group, based in Shanghai. GENLAB is a selective incubator supporting purpose-led entrepreneurs to complete their global vision. We are also joined by Elijah Whaley, who is VP of Marketing for Gainfluence, a company specializing in influencers for NFT & crypto projects. 1. Lisa and GENLAB's mission: finding Chinese brands with purpose, sustainable platforms, willingness to go global, and a bit of fun in their DNA. 2. Introducing Zeya - Hard Soda with No Pressure 3. Beauty & Influencers: Is the China KOL model exportable? 4. Moving beyond the First Year Momentum That Most Chinese Brands Face 5. China's Supply Chain Product Mindset to Meaningful Brands: What's Learned From Western Brands 6. Convincing a Chinese Brand Owner Wanting To Go Abroad to have a World View: It's Tough 7. Brand Building Outside of China for Non-Beauty: Leaning on Product 8. The Shein.com Story - From Fashion to Beauty? 9. Data Hub vs. Philosophical Brand Hub: who will win? 10. Perfect Diary: Will They Be China's L'Oreal? 11. Should a Brand Embrace Private Traffic? 12. A/B Test: Baijiu, Rocky Mountain Oysters, Cucumber Soda & Kool-Aid Influencer Marketing, C-Beauty No No Is There a Future for SaaS Marketing Platforms in China? https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/l8qpqpwn-is-there-a-future-for-saas-marketing-platforms-in-china Is There a Future for SaaS Marketing Platforms in China? 17 1 No No 80n8y8v0 Do SaaS Marketing platforms have a future in China? Yes, the platforms here are different, but there are also a lot of cultural reasons why SaaS hasn't taken off here. According to McKinsey, China is still 10 years behind other markets in SaaS platform development. Why? What needs to change? We spoke to our good friend, Alex Duncan, Co-Founder of social media SaaS platform, KAWO, who has lived in China for 15 years, where his passion for adventure, user experience, and technology has flourished. 1. What on Earth is Saas? Why do marketers need it? 2. Why did Alex come to China? For the adventure, of course! 3. What is KAWO? Why do China brands need it? 4. Is There a Connection Between Social Media Execution & Brand Planning? It Depends on the Outcome You’re Looking For. 5. WeChat is Still a Great Place To Build Brands, But It’s Not Easy 6. Is Private Domain Traffic or Is It Just a FOMO Gimmick? 7. Media Efficiency or Media Planning Intelligence? Sorry to say, it’s the definition of insanity 8. Why has not SaaS not been popular in China? 9. The Huge SaaS Potential in China and China Needs it. 10. Why Isn’t Adobe or Salesforce Big In China? Is it a Cultural or a Unique Ecosystem? 11. What Do SaaS Platforms Need in China to Grow? 11. What Gets You Inspired and Why Did you Get Inspired to Run a SaaS company? 12. A/B Test: Mathematics, Specialized and Bearded (of course!) Do SaaS Marketing platforms have a future in China?   Yes, the platforms here are different, but there are also a lot of cultural reasons why SaaS hasn't taken off here.  According to McKinsey, China is still 10 years behind other markets in SaaS platform development. Why?  What needs to change?

We spoke to our good friend, Alex Duncan, Co-Founder of social media SaaS platform, KAWO, who has lived in China for 15 years, where his passion for adventure, user experience, and technology has flourished.

1.  What on Earth is Saas?  Why do marketers need it? 
2.  Why did Alex come to China?  For the adventure, of course!
3.  What is KAWO?  Why do China brands need it?
4.  Is There a Connection Between Social Media Execution & Brand Planning?  It Depends on the Outcome You’re Looking For.
5.  WeChat is Still a Great Place To Build Brands, But It’s Not Easy
6.  Is Private Domain Traffic or Is It Just a FOMO Gimmick?
7.  Media Efficiency or Media Planning Intelligence?  Sorry to say, it’s the definition of insanity
8. Why has SaaS not been popular in China? 
9.  The Huge SaaS Potential in China and China Needs it.
10. Why Isn’t Adobe or Salesforce Big In China?  Is it a Cultural or the Unique Ecosystem?
11.  What Do SaaS Platforms Need in China to Grow?
11.  What Gets You Inspired and Why Did you Get Inspired to Run a SaaS company?
12.  A/B Test:  Mathematics, Specialized and Bearded (of course!)

Alex Duncan on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/acjduncan/
KAWO:  https://kawo.com/
KAWO's Ultimate Guide to Social Media Marketing (A Must!): kawo.com/guide

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwam

]]> Sun, 15 May 2022 06:58:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2354 Do SaaS Marketing platforms have a future in China? Yes, the platforms here are different, but there are also a lot of cultural reasons why SaaS hasn't taken off here. According to McKinsey, China is still 10 years behind other markets in SaaS platform development. Why? What needs to change? We spoke to our good friend, Alex Duncan, Co-Founder of social media SaaS platform, KAWO, who has lived in China for 15 years, where his passion for adventure, user experience, and technology has flourished. 1. What on Earth is Saas? Why do marketers need it? 2. Why did Alex come to China? For the adventure, of course! 3. What is KAWO? Why do China brands need it? 4. Is There a Connection Between Social Media Execution & Brand Planning? It Depends on the Outcome You’re Looking For. 5. WeChat is Still a Great Place To Build Brands, But It’s Not Easy 6. Is Private Domain Traffic or Is It Just a FOMO Gimmick? 7. Media Efficiency or Media Planning Intelligence? Sorry to say, it’s the definition of insanity 8. Why has not SaaS not been popular in China? 9. The Huge SaaS Potential in China and China Needs it. 10. Why Isn’t Adobe or Salesforce Big In China? Is it a Cultural or a Unique Ecosystem? 11. What Do SaaS Platforms Need in China to Grow? 11. What Gets You Inspired and Why Did you Get Inspired to Run a SaaS company? 12. A/B Test: Mathematics, Specialized and Bearded (of course!) Do SaaS Marketing platforms have a future in China? Yes, the platforms here are different, but there are also a lot of cultural reasons why SaaS hasn't taken off here. According to McKinsey, China is still 10 years behind other markets in SaaS platform development. Why? What needs to change? We spoke to our good friend, Alex Duncan, Co-Founder of social media SaaS platform, KAWO, who has lived in China for 15 years, where his passion for adventure, user experience, and technology has flourished. 1. What on Earth is Saas? Why do marketers need it? 2. Why did Alex come to China? For the adventure, of course! 3. What is KAWO? Why do China brands need it? 4. Is There a Connection Between Social Media Execution & Brand Planning? It Depends on the Outcome You’re Looking For. 5. WeChat is Still a Great Place To Build Brands, But It’s Not Easy 6. Is Private Domain Traffic or Is It Just a FOMO Gimmick? 7. Media Efficiency or Media Planning Intelligence? Sorry to say, it’s the definition of insanity 8. Why has not SaaS not been popular in China? 9. The Huge SaaS Potential in China and China Needs it. 10. Why Isn’t Adobe or Salesforce Big In China? Is it a Cultural or a Unique Ecosystem? 11. What Do SaaS Platforms Need in China to Grow? 11. What Gets You Inspired and Why Did you Get Inspired to Run a SaaS company? 12. A/B Test: Mathematics, Specialized and Bearded (of course!) SaaS, SaaS Marketing Platforms, China Marketing, Technology No No The Future Of The China Media Agency Business https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/vn59z42n-the-future-of-the-china-media-agency-business The Future Of The China Media Agency Business 18 1 No No 80qlkx21 We've seen a lot of change in the Chinese media landscape over the past 20 years, so what about the next 20? Where is it going, and is there a future for media agencies given all the sophisticated technology, in-housing and big platform plays that control the data? We're joined by Doug Pearce, the former Chairman, and Group CEO at the Omnicom Media Group. Doug left OMG in 2018 to form his own company, the Doohken Network. We're also joined by Jun Yuan, who is the Founder and CEO of Cross-Border Digital Marketing Consulting firm, SparkX. 1. Doug and Jun’s beginnings in the China business and the transition of media 2. Jun’s SparkX: providing both outbound China for Chinese brands and inbound China for others 3. Outbound China media is still within the Small-Medium Businesses 4. Inside/Outside Media Buying will split the media buying world into 2 camps 5. China is further developed in first-party data and evolving their CDPs, while the West is further along with Martech 6. How do influencers fit in within the programmatic and tech media ecosystems? 7. KOCs and the eventual monetization of consumers to sell products for brands 8. Can outbound China players build brands abroad is it all low-cost ROI-driven solutions? 9. China’s media ecosystem is more effective, lower-priced and highly targeted 10. What’s the future of the media agency? A bullshit filter 11. A/B Test: INXS, Harleys, New York, & Melbourne We've seen a lot of change in the Chinese media landscape over the past 20 years, so what about the next 20?  Where is it going, and is there a future for media agencies given all the sophisticated technology, in-housing and big platform plays that control the data?

We're joined by Doug Pearce, the former Chairman, and Group CEO at the Omnicom Media Group.  Doug left OMG in 2018 to form his own company, the Doohken Network.  We're also joined by Jun Yuan, who is the Founder and CEO of Cross-Border Digital Marketing Consulting firm, SparkX.
1.  Doug and Jun’s beginnings in the China business and the transition of media
2.  Jun’s SparkX:  providing both outbound China for Chinese brands and inbound China for others
3.  Outbound China media is still within the Small-Medium Businesses
4.  Inside/Outside Media Buying will split the media buying world into 2 camps
5.   China is further developed in first-party data and evolving their CDPs, while the West is further along with Martech
6.  How do influencers fit in within the programmatic and tech media ecosystems?
7.  KOCs and the eventual monetization of consumers to sell products for brands
8.  Can outbound China players build brands abroad is it all low-cost ROI-driven solutions?
9.  China’s media ecosystem is more effective, lower-priced and highly targeted
10.  What’s the future of the media agency?  A bullshit filter
11. A/B Test:  INXS, Harleys, New York, & Melbourne

Jun Yuan on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jun-yuan-40964026/
SparkX:  https://en.sparkxmarketing.com/

Doug Pearce on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-pearce-0159562/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwam

]]> Fri, 27 May 2022 09:04:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2307 We've seen a lot of change in the Chinese media landscape over the past 20 years, so what about the next 20? Where is it going, and is there a future for media agencies given all the sophisticated technology, in-housing and big platform plays that control the data? We're joined by Doug Pearce, the former Chairman, and Group CEO at the Omnicom Media Group. Doug left OMG in 2018 to form his own company, the Doohken Network. We're also joined by Jun Yuan, who is the Founder and CEO of Cross-Border Digital Marketing Consulting firm, SparkX. 1. Doug and Jun’s beginnings in the China business and the transition of media 2. Jun’s SparkX: providing both outbound China for Chinese brands and inbound China for others 3. Outbound China media is still within the Small-Medium Businesses 4. Inside/Outside Media Buying will split the media buying world into 2 camps 5. China is further developed in first-party data and evolving their CDPs, while the West is further along with Martech 6. How do influencers fit in within the programmatic and tech media ecosystems? 7. KOCs and the eventual monetization of consumers to sell products for brands 8. Can outbound China players build brands abroad is it all low-cost ROI-driven solutions? 9. China’s media ecosystem is more effective, lower-priced and highly targeted 10. What’s the future of the media agency? A bullshit filter 11. A/B Test: INXS, Harleys, New York, & Melbourne We've seen a lot of change in the Chinese media landscape over the past 20 years, so what about the next 20? Where is it going, and is there a future for media agencies given all the sophisticated technology, in-housing and big platform plays that control the data? We're joined by Doug Pearce, the former Chairman, and Group CEO at the Omnicom Media Group. Doug left OMG in 2018 to form his own company, the Doohken Network. We're also joined by Jun Yuan, who is the Founder and CEO of Cross-Border Digital Marketing Consulting firm, SparkX. 1. Doug and Jun’s beginnings in the China business and the transition of media 2. Jun’s SparkX: providing both outbound China for Chinese brands and inbound China for others 3. Outbound China media is still within the Small-Medium Businesses 4. Inside/Outside Media Buying will split the media buying world into 2 camps 5. China is further developed in first-party data and evolving their CDPs, while the West is further along with Martech 6. How do influencers fit in within the programmatic and tech media ecosystems? 7. KOCs and the eventual monetization of consumers to sell products for brands 8. Can outbound China players build brands abroad is it all low-cost ROI-driven solutions? 9. China’s media ecosystem is more effective, lower-priced and highly targeted 10. What’s the future of the media agency? A bullshit filter 11. A/B Test: INXS, Harleys, New York, & Melbourne Media Industry, Outbound Marketing, China Media Trends No No The Leaving China Show https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/4n99qj0n-the-leaving-china-show The Leaving China Show 19 1 No No v07l7w41 This episode is for those who are thinking of leaving China, maybe now or in the future. In this episode, we're joined by 2 "experts of experience" who left China to return home and can share their experiences about adjusting, why they left and what they really miss. For many, especially the expatriate population, the Shanghai lockdown has become a time to re-evaluate future priorities as foreign companies consider reducing both staff and investments in the country. Meet Milo Chao who is currently the Chief Strategy Officer for ad agency, DDB Chicago. Milo was formally CSO for DDB China and later, TBWA. Milo returned to the US in 2019. We're also joined by Ker Gibbs, who is currently an Executive in Residence at the University of San Francisco. Ker is best known as the past President of the American Chamber of Commerce Shanghai from 2019 to 2021 but has been in China for most of his career. He returned to the US in the early part of the year. 1. Why did you come to China, why did you stay so long and why did you leave? 2. When is the right time to leave? Has Shanghai lost its mojo? 3. Will Shanghai change past the lockdown? Will expats leave or eventually come back? Is this the fall off the cliff moment? 4. The evolution of Shanghai: now we're in a more developed stage & the role of foreigners have changed. 5. Foreign companies vs. Foreigners: How will China adjust post-Covid? 6. Returning Home: How do you prepare for repatriation? What are the transferrable skills? 7. If you can make it in China, you can make it anywhere...China is still an important market 8. Expect 2 years to get acclimated to your home culture leaving China 9. Keep your networking prospects and start right now before you leave... 10. The post-China job market realities: a. WFH is the new normal. b. Growth of the Gig Economy. c. Big global labor shortage 11. Are there still opportunities in China? Yes, but be prepared! 12. A/B Test: Ding Tai Feng, Cui Jian, Baguettes, and the Shangri-La! This episode is for those who are thinking of leaving China, maybe now or in the future.

In this episode, we're joined by 2 "experts of experience" who left China to return home and can share their experiences about adjusting, why they left and what they really miss.  For many, especially the expatriate population, the Shanghai lockdown has become a time to re-evaluate future priorities as foreign companies consider reducing both staff and investments in the country. 

Meet Milo Chao who is currently the Chief Strategy Officer for ad agency, DDB Chicago.  Milo was formally CSO for DDB China and later, TBWA.  Milo returned to the US in 2019.   We're also joined by Ker Gibbs, who is currently an Executive in Residence at the University of San Francisco.  Ker is best known as the past President of the American Chamber of Commerce Shanghai from 2019 to 2021 but has been in China for most of his career.  He returned to the US in the early part of the year.

1.  Why did you come to China, why did you stay so long and why did you leave?
2.  When is the right time to leave?  Has Shanghai lost its mojo?
3.  Will Shanghai change past the lockdown?  Will expats leave or eventually come back?  Is this the fall off the cliff moment?
4.  The evolution of Shanghai:  now we're in a more developed stage & the role of foreigners has changed. 
5.  Foreign companies vs. Foreigners:  How will China adjust post-Covid?
6. Returning Home:  How do you prepare for repatriation?  What are the transferrable skills?
7.  If you can make it in China, you can make it anywhere...China is still an important market
8. Expect 2 years to get acclimated to your home culture leaving China
9.  Keep your networking prospects and start right now before you leave...
10.  The post-China job market realities:  a.  WFH is the new normal. b.  Growth of the Gig Economy. c.  Big global labor shortage
11. Are there still opportunities in China?  Yes, but be prepared!
12.  A/B Test:  Ding Tai Feng, Cui Jian, Baguettes, and the Shangri-La!


Milo Chao On LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/milochao/
Ker Gibbs on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kergibbs/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwam

]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2022 08:43:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2762 This episode is for those who are thinking of leaving China, maybe now or in the future. In this episode, we're joined by 2 "experts of experience" who left China to return home and can share their experiences about adjusting, why they left and what they really miss. For many, especially the expatriate population, the Shanghai lockdown has become a time to re-evaluate future priorities as foreign companies consider reducing both staff and investments in the country. Meet Milo Chao who is currently the Chief Strategy Officer for ad agency, DDB Chicago. Milo was formally CSO for DDB China and later, TBWA. Milo returned to the US in 2019. We're also joined by Ker Gibbs, who is currently an Executive in Residence at the University of San Francisco. Ker is best known as the past President of the American Chamber of Commerce Shanghai from 2019 to 2021 but has been in China for most of his career. He returned to the US in the early part of the year. 1. Why did you come to China, why did you stay so long and why did you leave? 2. When is the right time to leave? Has Shanghai lost its mojo? 3. Will Shanghai change past the lockdown? Will expats leave or eventually come back? Is this the fall off the cliff moment? 4. The evolution of Shanghai: now we're in a more developed stage & the role of foreigners have changed. 5. Foreign companies vs. Foreigners: How will China adjust post-Covid? 6. Returning Home: How do you prepare for repatriation? What are the transferrable skills? 7. If you can make it in China, you can make it anywhere...China is still an important market 8. Expect 2 years to get acclimated to your home culture leaving China 9. Keep your networking prospects and start right now before you leave... 10. The post-China job market realities: a. WFH is the new normal. b. Growth of the Gig Economy. c. Big global labor shortage 11. Are there still opportunities in China? Yes, but be prepared! 12. A/B Test: Ding Tai Feng, Cui Jian, Baguettes, and the Shangri-La! This episode is for those who are thinking of leaving China, maybe now or in the future. In this episode, we're joined by 2 "experts of experience" who left China to return home and can share their experiences about adjusting, why they left and what they really miss. For many, especially the expatriate population, the Shanghai lockdown has become a time to re-evaluate future priorities as foreign companies consider reducing both staff and investments in the country. Meet Milo Chao who is currently the Chief Strategy Officer for ad agency, DDB Chicago. Milo was formally CSO for DDB China and later, TBWA. Milo returned to the US in 2019. We're also joined by Ker Gibbs, who is currently an Executive in Residence at the University of San Francisco. Ker is best known as the past President of the American Chamber of Commerce Shanghai from 2019 to 2021 but has been in China for most of his career. He returned to the US in the early part of the year. 1. Why did you come to China, why did you stay so long and why did you leave? 2. When is the right time to leave? Has Shanghai lost its mojo? 3. Will Shanghai change past the lockdown? Will expats leave or eventually come back? Is this the fall off the cliff moment? 4. The evolution of Shanghai: now we're in a more developed stage & the role of foreigners have changed. 5. Foreign companies vs. Foreigners: How will China adjust post-Covid? 6. Returning Home: How do you prepare for repatriation? What are the transferrable skills? 7. If you can make it in China, you can make it anywhere...China is still an important market 8. Expect 2 years to get acclimated to your home culture leaving China 9. Keep your networking prospects and start right now before you leave... 10. The post-China job market realities: a. WFH is the new normal. b. Growth of the Gig Economy. c. Big global labor shortage 11. Are there still opportunities in China? Yes, but be prepared! 12. A/B Test: Ding Tai Feng, Cui Jian, Baguettes, and the Shangri-La! Shanghai Lockdown, Leaving China, Repatriation No No The Next Generation of China Advertising: Super KOL, Mia Liu https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/0njxj13n-the-next-generation-of-china-advertising-super-kol-mia-liu The Next Generation of China Advertising: Super KOL, Mia Liu 20 1 No No 40ppn2j0 Our 20th Episode! Today we meet Mia Liu, she's a famous influencer and fashion blogger, or, as they say in China, Key Opinion Leader (KOL). With over 3 million fans on Weibo, Mia creates engaging content for big global brands including, Tom Ford, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, and L'Oreal. Armed with a Master's in Marketing, Mia represents the new face of China advertising.. 1. Why on earth would you want to be a Chinese KOL? For Mia, it was being a fashion editor 2. What’s Mia’s typical day look like? How does she get clients? 3. Is being a KOL a stressful life or is it truly a glamorous job? 4. What’s the difference between an MCN, KOL and KOC? 5. How does a KOL in China make money? 6. Is China moving more towards performance KOLs or brand KOL? 7. How do KOLs get discovered by the brands? 8. Mia’s favorite brand collaborations: WeWork and Durex 9. Not all KOLs livestream. Brands need both bloggers and sales 10. Mia’s magic?: be true to yourself and don’t forget the “opinion” in KOL 11. Mia’s next 5 years: be a KOL for life! 12. A/B Test: Kylie Jenner + Pink + Weibo + 兰州牛肉面 Our 20th Episode!  Today we meet Mia Liu, she's a famous influencer and fashion blogger, or, as they say in China, Key Opinion Leader (KOL). With over 3 million fans on Weibo, Mia creates engaging content for big global brands including, Tom Ford, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, and L'Oreal.  Armed with a Master's in Marketing, Mia represents the new face of China advertising..

1.  Why on earth would you want to be a Chinese KOL?  For Mia, it was being a fashion editor
2.  What’s Mia’s typical day look like?  How does she get clients?
3.  Is being a KOL a stressful life or is it truly a glamorous job?
4.  What’s the difference between an MCN, KOL and KOC?
5.  How does a KOL in China make money?
6.  Is China moving more towards performance KOLs or brand KOL?
7.  How do KOLs get discovered by the brands?
8.  Mia’s favorite brand collaborations:  WeWork and Durex
9.  Not all KOLs livestream.  Brands need both bloggers and sales
10.  Mia’s magic?:  be true to yourself and don’t forget the “opinion” in KOL
11.  Mia’s next 5 years:  be a KOL for life!
12. A/B Test:  Kylie Jenner + Pink + Weibo + 兰州牛肉面

Mia Liu's Links

Weibo @大mia的时尚账号
https://weibo.com/u/5837677943

WeChat Official Account @@大mia的时尚账号
https://mp.weixin.qq.com/mp/profile_ext?action=home&__biz=MzU3MDk2MjU3NQ==#wechat_redirect

Mia Liu on RED @Mialiuuuuu
Mia Liu on Instagram @miallllling

Mia's story for Durex:  https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/No__SjTCZky4wk6eaUysqQ


For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwam



]]> Fri, 24 Jun 2022 01:59:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 1784 Our 20th Episode! Today we meet Mia Liu, she's a famous influencer and fashion blogger, or, as they say in China, Key Opinion Leader (KOL). With over 3 million fans on Weibo, Mia creates engaging content for big global brands including, Tom Ford, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, and L'Oreal. Armed with a Master's in Marketing, Mia represents the new face of China advertising.. 1. Why on earth would you want to be a Chinese KOL? For Mia, it was being a fashion editor 2. What’s Mia’s typical day look like? How does she get clients? 3. Is being a KOL a stressful life or is it truly a glamorous job? 4. What’s the difference between an MCN, KOL and KOC? 5. How does a KOL in China make money? 6. Is China moving more towards performance KOLs or brand KOL? 7. How do KOLs get discovered by the brands? 8. Mia’s favorite brand collaborations: WeWork and Durex 9. Not all KOLs livestream. Brands need both bloggers and sales 10. Mia’s magic?: be true to yourself and don’t forget the “opinion” in KOL 11. Mia’s next 5 years: be a KOL for life! 12. A/B Test: Kylie Jenner + Pink + Weibo + 兰州牛肉面 Our 20th Episode! Today we meet Mia Liu, she's a famous influencer and fashion blogger, or, as they say in China, Key Opinion Leader (KOL). With over 3 million fans on Weibo, Mia creates engaging content for big global brands including, Tom Ford, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, and L'Oreal. Armed with a Master's in Marketing, Mia represents the new face of China advertising.. 1. Why on earth would you want to be a Chinese KOL? For Mia, it was being a fashion editor 2. What’s Mia’s typical day look like? How does she get clients? 3. Is being a KOL a stressful life or is it truly a glamorous job? 4. What’s the difference between an MCN, KOL and KOC? 5. How does a KOL in China make money? 6. Is China moving more towards performance KOLs or brand KOL? 7. How do KOLs get discovered by the brands? 8. Mia’s favorite brand collaborations: WeWork and Durex 9. Not all KOLs livestream. Brands need both bloggers and sales 10. Mia’s magic?: be true to yourself and don’t forget the “opinion” in KOL 11. Mia’s next 5 years: be a KOL for life! 12. A/B Test: Kylie Jenner + Pink + Weibo + 兰州牛肉面 No No Making Documentaries in China: Oscar Winner, Malcolm Clarke + Producer, Han Yi https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/v8599vl8-making-documentaries-in-china-oscar-winner-malcolm-clarke-producer-han-yi Making Documentaries in China: Oscar Winner, Malcolm Clarke + Producer, Han Yi 21 1 No No 81qll870 We are talking about making documentary films in China with 2-time Oscar-winning, 4 time nominated Academy Award documentary film director, Malcolm Clarke. We are also joined by Han Yi, a Golden Horse-winning producer of documentary films. Malcolm is originally from the UK while Yi is from Chengdu, but both are currently living in Shanghai. Malcolm and Yi reside at Artefact Entertainment, and have collaborated on a number of recent films, including "Better Angels"; the mini-series, "A Long Cherished Dream", and most recently, the controversial, "Hong Kong Returns". Malcolm & Yi share both the joys and challenges of making documentaries in China, a genre growing more popular with the popularity of digital media. 1. How did you get into documentaries and how did you meet Malcolm? 2. "Better Angels" - the 2-month project that ended taking 6 years. 3. Successful documentaries are all about achieving the right timing 4. Making documentaries are way more difficult to make than fiction films 5. Documentaries are on the rise in China because they are now accepted by moviegoers 6. Moving beyond the movie theatre success matrix for documentaries in a world of digital 7. About "A Long Cherished Dream": stories about Chinese emerging from poverty 8. We don't make propaganda films 9. "Hong Kong Returns": 10 short films & why they did them 10. Short format films provide the right format and arena to convey documentaries 11. Future projects in the pipeline: "Drive Like a Girl" & the life and times of eccentric scientist, Joseph Needham 12. A/B Test: No spicy food, NYU, & Jack Ass We are talking about making documentary films in China with 2-time Oscar-winning, 4-time nominated Academy Award documentary film director, Malcolm Clarke.  We are also joined by Han Yi, a Golden Horse-winning producer of documentary films.  Malcolm is originally from the UK while Yi is from Chengdu, but both are currently living in Shanghai.

Malcolm and Yi reside at Artefact Entertainment, and have collaborated on a number of recent films, including "Better Angels"; a mini-series, "A Long Cherished Dream", and most recently, the controversial, "Hong Kong Returns".  Malcolm & Yi share both the joys and challenges of making documentaries in China, a genre growing more popular with the popularity of digital media.

1.  How did you get into documentaries and how did you meet Malcolm?
2.  "Better Angels" - the 2-month project that ended taking 6 years.
3.  Successful documentaries are all about achieving the right timing
4.  Making documentaries are way more difficult to make than fiction films
5.  Documentaries are on the rise in China because they are now accepted by moviegoers
6.  Moving beyond the movie theatre success matrix for documentaries in a world of digital
7.  About "A Long Cherished Dream": stories about Chinese emerging from poverty
8.  We don't make propaganda films
9.  "Hong Kong Returns":  10 short films & why they did them
10.  Short format films provide the right format and arena to convey documentaries
11.  Future projects in the pipeline:  "Drive Like a Girl"  &  the life and times of eccentric scientist, Joseph Needham
12.  A/B Test:  No spicy food, NYU, & Jack Ass

Yi and Malcolm's links:

Movies:
Better Angels Promo
https://vimeo.com/277437711/3685c41e31

In My Eyes Trailer
https://vimeo.com/275186570/9b148a3169

China Heavyweight Trailer
https://vimeo.com/277397999/dc2cd75f89

Hong Kong Returns (new episode released weekly)
https://vimeo.com/user45552070

Company:
Artefact Entertainment:
http://www.artefactentertainment.com/

About Malcolm Clarke:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm_Clarke_(filmmaker)

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwam



]]> Fri, 08 Jul 2022 00:36:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2865 We are talking about making documentary films in China with 2-time Oscar-winning, 4 time nominated Academy Award documentary film director, Malcolm Clarke. We are also joined by Han Yi, a Golden Horse-winning producer of documentary films. Malcolm is originally from the UK while Yi is from Chengdu, but both are currently living in Shanghai. Malcolm and Yi reside at Artefact Entertainment, and have collaborated on a number of recent films, including "Better Angels"; the mini-series, "A Long Cherished Dream", and most recently, the controversial, "Hong Kong Returns". Malcolm & Yi share both the joys and challenges of making documentaries in China, a genre growing more popular with the popularity of digital media. 1. How did you get into documentaries and how did you meet Malcolm? 2. "Better Angels" - the 2-month project that ended taking 6 years. 3. Successful documentaries are all about achieving the right timing 4. Making documentaries are way more difficult to make than fiction films 5. Documentaries are on the rise in China because they are now accepted by moviegoers 6. Moving beyond the movie theatre success matrix for documentaries in a world of digital 7. About "A Long Cherished Dream": stories about Chinese emerging from poverty 8. We don't make propaganda films 9. "Hong Kong Returns": 10 short films & why they did them 10. Short format films provide the right format and arena to convey documentaries 11. Future projects in the pipeline: "Drive Like a Girl" & the life and times of eccentric scientist, Joseph Needham 12. A/B Test: No spicy food, NYU, & Jack Ass We are talking about making documentary films in China with 2-time Oscar-winning, 4 time nominated Academy Award documentary film director, Malcolm Clarke. We are also joined by Han Yi, a Golden Horse-winning producer of documentary films. Malcolm is originally from the UK while Yi is from Chengdu, but both are currently living in Shanghai. Malcolm and Yi reside at Artefact Entertainment, and have collaborated on a number of recent films, including "Better Angels"; the mini-series, "A Long Cherished Dream", and most recently, the controversial, "Hong Kong Returns". Malcolm & Yi share both the joys and challenges of making documentaries in China, a genre growing more popular with the popularity of digital media. 1. How did you get into documentaries and how did you meet Malcolm? 2. "Better Angels" - the 2-month project that ended taking 6 years. 3. Successful documentaries are all about achieving the right timing 4. Making documentaries are way more difficult to make than fiction films 5. Documentaries are on the rise in China because they are now accepted by moviegoers 6. Moving beyond the movie theatre success matrix for documentaries in a world of digital 7. About "A Long Cherished Dream": stories about Chinese emerging from poverty 8. We don't make propaganda films 9. "Hong Kong Returns": 10 short films & why they did them 10. Short format films provide the right format and arena to convey documentaries 11. Future projects in the pipeline: "Drive Like a Girl" & the life and times of eccentric scientist, Joseph Needham 12. A/B Test: No spicy food, NYU, & Jack Ass No No Taking Brand China to the World: Ogilvy PR's Scott Kronick https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/58zm2qyn-taking-brand-china-to-the-world-ogilvy-pr-s-scott-kronick Taking Brand China to the World: Ogilvy PR's Scott Kronick 22 1 No No 81zmpj80 We sat down with former Asia-Pacific CEO of Ogilvy PR, Scott Kronick, who is indisputably the father of modern PR in China. Scott lived in China for 29 years and is easily one of the longest serving agency leaders, foreigner or Chinese, in the China ad business. What's it going to take for Chinese brands to go abroad? This is the question we asked Scott, who's been behind the effort to take many successful and large-scale brands outside of China. China used to be about cheap goods, but now it represents attributes largely unknown back when Scott first came to China. Scott is now a Senior Advisor for Ogilvy PR, as well as the author of the book, "The Lighter Side of China". He's also an Adjunct Professor at Beijing University. 1. The big moment that China brands came into the world (besides the Beijing 2008 Olympics): 2. Do China brands need to promote their country of origin? Is "Made in China" a good thing? 3. Should more Chinese brands on Amazon embrace brand campaigns to increase their premiumness? 4. Chinese brands fail abroad when they don't understand the nuances of the local markets 5. Peaceful Coexistence of China & the rest of the world: Business that helps people more productive is more apolitical 6. What are the consistent communications mistakes of China's going abroad? 7. Where can China & US find common ground? Healthcare, Climate & Sports? 8. We couldn't resist asking Scott about Eileen Gu 9. Scott's career advice for those interested in getting into the Chinese PR business 10. Scott's advice to his 25-year-old self. 11. A/B Test: Orange (not Red), David Ogilvy, Sir Martin & Mark Read We sat down with former Asia-Pacific CEO of Ogilvy PR, Scott Kronick, who is indisputably the father of modern PR in China.  Scott lived in China for 29 years and is easily one of the longest serving agency leaders, foreigner or Chinese, in the China ad business.   

What's it going to take for Chinese brands to go abroad?  This is the question we asked Scott, who's been behind the effort to take many successful and large-scale brands outside of China.  China used to be about cheap goods, but now it represents attributes largely unknown back when Scott first came to China.

Scott is now a Senior Advisor for Ogilvy PR, as well as the author of the book, "The Lighter Side of China".  He's also an Adjunct Professor at Beijing University.

1.  The big moment that China brands came into the world (besides the Beijing 2008 Olympics):
2.  Do China brands need to promote their country of origin? Is "Made in China" a good thing?
3.  Should more Chinese brands on Amazon embrace brand campaigns to increase their premiumness?
4.  Chinese brands fail abroad when they don't understand the nuances of the local markets
5.  Peaceful Coexistence of China & the rest of the world:  Business that helps people more productive is more apolitical
6.  What are the consistent communications mistakes of China's going abroad?
7.  Where can China & US find common ground?  Healthcare, Climate & Sports?
8.  We couldn't resist asking Scott about Eileen Gu
9. Scott's career advice for those interested in getting into the Chinese PR business
10.  Scott's advice to his 25-year-old self.
11.  A/B Test:  Orange (not Red), David Ogilvy, Sir Martin & Mark Read


About Scott Kronick:

Monday Morning Mojo:  https://scottkronick.com/

Scott's Book, "The Lighter Side of China":  https://www.amazon.com/Lighter-Side-China-Scott-Kronick/dp/0992762502

Scott on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottkronick/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

]]> Fri, 22 Jul 2022 09:00:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2244 We sat down with former Asia-Pacific CEO of Ogilvy PR, Scott Kronick, who is indisputably the father of modern PR in China. Scott lived in China for 29 years and is easily one of the longest serving agency leaders, foreigner or Chinese, in the China ad business. What's it going to take for Chinese brands to go abroad? This is the question we asked Scott, who's been behind the effort to take many successful and large-scale brands outside of China. China used to be about cheap goods, but now it represents attributes largely unknown back when Scott first came to China. Scott is now a Senior Advisor for Ogilvy PR, as well as the author of the book, "The Lighter Side of China". He's also an Adjunct Professor at Beijing University. 1. The big moment that China brands came into the world (besides the Beijing 2008 Olympics): 2. Do China brands need to promote their country of origin? Is "Made in China" a good thing? 3. Should more Chinese brands on Amazon embrace brand campaigns to increase their premiumness? 4. Chinese brands fail abroad when they don't understand the nuances of the local markets 5. Peaceful Coexistence of China & the rest of the world: Business that helps people more productive is more apolitical 6. What are the consistent communications mistakes of China's going abroad? 7. Where can China & US find common ground? Healthcare, Climate & Sports? 8. We couldn't resist asking Scott about Eileen Gu 9. Scott's career advice for those interested in getting into the Chinese PR business 10. Scott's advice to his 25-year-old self. 11. A/B Test: Orange (not Red), David Ogilvy, Sir Martin & Mark Read We sat down with former Asia-Pacific CEO of Ogilvy PR, Scott Kronick, who is indisputably the father of modern PR in China. Scott lived in China for 29 years and is easily one of the longest serving agency leaders, foreigner or Chinese, in the China ad business. What's it going to take for Chinese brands to go abroad? This is the question we asked Scott, who's been behind the effort to take many successful and large-scale brands outside of China. China used to be about cheap goods, but now it represents attributes largely unknown back when Scott first came to China. Scott is now a Senior Advisor for Ogilvy PR, as well as the author of the book, "The Lighter Side of China". He's also an Adjunct Professor at Beijing University. 1. The big moment that China brands came into the world (besides the Beijing 2008 Olympics): 2. Do China brands need to promote their country of origin? Is "Made in China" a good thing? 3. Should more Chinese brands on Amazon embrace brand campaigns to increase their premiumness? 4. Chinese brands fail abroad when they don't understand the nuances of the local markets 5. Peaceful Coexistence of China & the rest of the world: Business that helps people more productive is more apolitical 6. What are the consistent communications mistakes of China's going abroad? 7. Where can China & US find common ground? Healthcare, Climate & Sports? 8. We couldn't resist asking Scott about Eileen Gu 9. Scott's career advice for those interested in getting into the Chinese PR business 10. Scott's advice to his 25-year-old self. 11. A/B Test: Orange (not Red), David Ogilvy, Sir Martin & Mark Read No No China + Europe: The Cross Continental E-Commerce Connection: Victoria Glanz https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/1n39p2jn-china-europe-the-cross-continental-e-commerce-connection-victoria-glanz China + Europe: The Cross Continental E-Commerce Connection: Victoria Glanz 23 1 No No m1jxljq1 Meet Victoria Glanz, a 12-year expert in bringing foreign brands to China and successfully launching them in e-commerce. Until recently, she led international expansion for Baozun, China's leading e-commerce service provider, launching its offices in Paris. She is launching a new company called Sesame that helps brands sell better online, taking her experience from China. You'll quickly discover there isn't much about China e-commerce that Victoria doesn't know. 1. I never chose e-commerce in the first place, but not it's my obsession day and night. 2. The demand is ready in Europe for e-commerce, but the offer is not yet being served 3. Conversion Phase: the biggest difference between Europe & China's e-commerce markets 4. Traditional Brands in Europe Still See Digital as a Sideshow 5. Social Commerce -will the China model work in Europe? 6. Any thoughts on Ali Express? 7. To do big volume, don't go on WeChat 8. Live Commerce: Will it work in Europe?: It depends upon the volumes 9. What will happen post-Austin Li? 10. Is China still a great market for brands? 50% is No! 11. What about DTC commerce models in China? 12. How do get into the e-commerce business? Just do it. 13. A/B Test: Shanghai, the French Riveria and No Ris de Veau Meet Victoria Glanz, a 12-year expert in bringing foreign brands to China and successfully launching them in e-commerce.     Until recently, she led international expansion for Baozun, China's leading e-commerce service provider, launching its offices in Paris.   She is launching a new company called Sesame that helps brands sell better online, taking her experience from China.  You'll quickly discover there isn't much about China e-commerce that Victoria doesn't know.

1.  I never chose e-commerce in the first place, but not it's my obsession day and night.
2.  The demand is ready in Europe for e-commerce, but the offer is not yet being served
3.  Conversion Phase: the biggest difference between Europe & China's e-commerce markets
4. Traditional Brands in Europe Still See Digital as a Sideshow
5.  Social Commerce -will the China model work in Europe?
6.  Any thoughts on Ali Express?
7.  To do big volume, don't go on WeChat
8.  Live Commerce:  Will it work in Europe?: It depends upon the volumes
9.  What will happen post-Austin Li?
10.  Is China still a great market for brands?  50% is No!
11.  What about DTC commerce models in China? 
12.  How do get into the e-commerce business?  Just do it.
13.  A/B Test: Shanghai, the French Riveria and No Ris de Veau

Victoria on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-glanz-6290251b/

About Fulljet:  https://www.fulljet.com.cn/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Fri, 05 Aug 2022 09:00:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2897 Meet Victoria Glanz, a 12-year expert in bringing foreign brands to China and successfully launching them in e-commerce. Until recently, she led international expansion for Baozun, China's leading e-commerce service provider, launching its offices in Paris. She is launching a new company called Sesame that helps brands sell better online, taking her experience from China. You'll quickly discover there isn't much about China e-commerce that Victoria doesn't know. 1. I never chose e-commerce in the first place, but not it's my obsession day and night. 2. The demand is ready in Europe for e-commerce, but the offer is not yet being served 3. Conversion Phase: the biggest difference between Europe & China's e-commerce markets 4. Traditional Brands in Europe Still See Digital as a Sideshow 5. Social Commerce -will the China model work in Europe? 6. Any thoughts on Ali Express? 7. To do big volume, don't go on WeChat 8. Live Commerce: Will it work in Europe?: It depends upon the volumes 9. What will happen post-Austin Li? 10. Is China still a great market for brands? 50% is No! 11. What about DTC commerce models in China? 12. How do get into the e-commerce business? Just do it. 13. A/B Test: Shanghai, the French Riveria and No Ris de Veau Meet Victoria Glanz, a 12-year expert in bringing foreign brands to China and successfully launching them in e-commerce. Until recently, she led international expansion for Baozun, China's leading e-commerce service provider, launching its offices in Paris. She is launching a new company called Sesame that helps brands sell better online, taking her experience from China. You'll quickly discover there isn't much about China e-commerce that Victoria doesn't know. 1. I never chose e-commerce in the first place, but not it's my obsession day and night. 2. The demand is ready in Europe for e-commerce, but the offer is not yet being served 3. Conversion Phase: the biggest difference between Europe & China's e-commerce markets 4. Traditional Brands in Europe Still See Digital as a Sideshow 5. Social Commerce -will the China model work in Europe? 6. Any thoughts on Ali Express? 7. To do big volume, don't go on WeChat 8. Live Commerce: Will it work in Europe?: It depends upon the volumes 9. What will happen post-Austin Li? 10. Is China still a great market for brands? 50% is No! 11. What about DTC commerce models in China? 12. How do get into the e-commerce business? Just do it. 13. A/B Test: Shanghai, the French Riveria and No Ris de Veau No No Reimagining the Chinese Workspace Under the New Normal - Dominic Penaloza https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/58zm4v1n-reimagining-the-chinese-workspace-under-the-new-normal-dominic-penaloza Reimagining the Chinese Workspace Under the New Normal - Dominic Penaloza 24 1 No No 81zm69w0 What's the state of the workspace in Shanghai these days? What are the latest trends in work environments what's the role of technology? Will China go with the rest of the world and adapt the hybrid working model? Meet ex-Naked Hub/ex-WeWork China executive Dominic Penaloza to answer these questions. Dominic is a serial entrepreneur and has lived in Shanghai for 16 years. He was previously the founder of the professional social platform, You Shi, before moving into a role as Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at Naked Hub, a Shanghai-based company where he, his team, the technology products they built, and the business model innovation those technology products enabled resulted in WeWork acquiring naked Hub for USD 400 million in 2018. Dominic was WeWork’s head of technology and innovation for Greater China until 2020, and now he’s back to his entrepreneurial roots exploring various business opportunities and advising companies in the areas of Future of Work, Future of Mobility, and the intersection of technology and real estate. What's the state of the workspace in Shanghai these days?  What are the latest trends in work environments what's the role of technology?  Will China go with the rest of the world and adapt the hybrid working model?

Meet ex-Naked Hub/ex-WeWork China executive Dominic Penaloza to answer these questions.   Dominic is a serial entrepreneur and has lived in Shanghai for 16 years.  He was previously the founder of the professional social platform, You Shi, before moving into a role as Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at Naked Hub, a Shanghai-based company where he, his team, the technology products they built, and the business model innovation those technology products enabled resulted in WeWork acquiring naked Hub for USD 400 million in 2018.  Dominic was WeWork’s head of technology and innovation for Greater China until 2020, and now he’s back to his entrepreneurial roots exploring various business opportunities and advising companies in the areas of Future of Work, Future of Mobility, and the intersection of technology and real estate.

1.  How WeWork got Naked in China for $400 million
2.  Shanghai:  the birth of workspace on demand now known as "WeWork On Demand"
3.  Build the user experience by building space with energy
4.  How the lockdown impacted the co-working WeWork/Naked experience
5.  Remote Work + Technology:  the biggest change in our lifetime
6.  CTrip embraces hybrid work:  a massive study into the effectiveness of alternative work environments
7.  Hybrid is still the best model for Shanghai work using home & alternative work environments
8.  What's the missing tech?  predictive co-working & calendar management
9.  China's size is still a big advantage for global entrepreneurs to come to China
10.  A/B Test:  Palabok & Adam Neumann (sorry, Rebekah)


Dominic on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominicpenaloza/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Fri, 19 Aug 2022 09:00:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2868 What's the state of the workspace in Shanghai these days? What are the latest trends in work environments what's the role of technology? Will China go with the rest of the world and adapt the hybrid working model? Meet ex-Naked Hub/ex-WeWork China executive Dominic Penaloza to answer these questions. Dominic is a serial entrepreneur and has lived in Shanghai for 16 years. He was previously the founder of the professional social platform, You Shi, before moving into a role as Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at Naked Hub, a Shanghai-based company where he, his team, the technology products they built, and the business model innovation those technology products enabled resulted in WeWork acquiring naked Hub for USD 400 million in 2018. Dominic was WeWork’s head of technology and innovation for Greater China until 2020, and now he’s back to his entrepreneurial roots exploring various business opportunities and advising companies in the areas of Future of Work, Future of Mobility, and the intersection of technology and real estate. What's the state of the workspace in Shanghai these days? What are the latest trends in work environments what's the role of technology? Will China go with the rest of the world and adapt the hybrid working model? Meet ex-Naked Hub/ex-WeWork China executive Dominic Penaloza to answer these questions. Dominic is a serial entrepreneur and has lived in Shanghai for 16 years. He was previously the founder of the professional social platform, You Shi, before moving into a role as Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at Naked Hub, a Shanghai-based company where he, his team, the technology products they built, and the business model innovation those technology products enabled resulted in WeWork acquiring naked Hub for USD 400 million in 2018. Dominic was WeWork’s head of technology and innovation for Greater China until 2020, and now he’s back to his entrepreneurial roots exploring various business opportunities and advising companies in the areas of Future of Work, Future of Mobility, and the intersection of technology and real estate. No No The Eventual Demise of the Automobile & The Rise of Chinese Mobility - Bill Russo https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/r8kw00v8-the-eventual-demise-of-the-automobile-the-rise-of-chinese-mobility The Eventual Demise of the Automobile & The Rise of Chinese Mobility - Bill Russo 25 1 No No 71w4ppw0 OUR 25th EPISODE! Meet Bill Russo, Founder and CEO of Shanghai-based Automobility. Bill founded a strategy and investment advisory firm that helps its clients build and profit from the future of mobility. In this episode, Bill provides a bleak outlook for the foreign automobile manufacturers in China who have missed the opportunity to re-think mobility as something more efficient, more environmentally friendly, and fundamentally more profitable than the current model, which relies purely on a one-time sale of a product and its eventual maintenance and repair. To Bill, the automobile is the least efficient device on Earth, but China companies are now leading the world in redefining automobile ownership. OUR 25th EPISODE!
Meet Bill Russo, Founder and CEO of Shanghai-based Automobility. Bill founded a strategy and investment advisory firm that helps its clients build and profit from the future of mobility.   In this episode, Bill provides a bleak outlook for the foreign automobile manufacturers in China who have missed the opportunity to re-think mobility as something more efficient, more environmentally friendly, and fundamentally more profitable than the current model, which relies purely on a one-time sale of a product and its eventual maintenance and repair.  To Bill, the automobile is the least efficient device on Earth, but China companies are now leading the world in redefining automobile ownership.

1.  What is "automobility" and what does your company do in China?
2.  Why China will lead in new ways of mobility, thanks to the intervention of technology
3.  Making profit beyond the sale of the mobility device - what auto companies still cannot embrace
4.  Not a car but a mobility device is the biggest super-computer humans interact with on a daily basis
5.  Western car brands had big advantages over the Chinese industry, but now they are falling behind the local innovators
6.  Auto productivity equals 1 hour a day
7.  The growing portfolio of Chinese EV brands:  who wins and loses?
8.  Will the traditional 4S dealer survive?  Does it have a role in the new China mobility?
9.  Will we expect infrastructural changes to go with the changes in Chinese mobility?
10.  How can you be a part of the mobility revolution?
11. What will be the Chinese EV that will sell abroad?
12.  The A/B Test:  Puxi, of course!  NIO and the NY Yankees!

About Automobility:  http://automobility.io/

Bill on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamrusso/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Fri, 02 Sep 2022 09:00:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3317 OUR 25th EPISODE! Meet Bill Russo, Founder and CEO of Shanghai-based Automobility. Bill founded a strategy and investment advisory firm that helps its clients build and profit from the future of mobility. In this episode, Bill provides a bleak outlook for the foreign automobile manufacturers in China who have missed the opportunity to re-think mobility as something more efficient, more environmentally friendly, and fundamentally more profitable than the current model, which relies purely on a one-time sale of a product and its eventual maintenance and repair. To Bill, the automobile is the least efficient device on Earth, but China companies are now leading the world in redefining automobile ownership. OUR 25th EPISODE! Meet Bill Russo, Founder and CEO of Shanghai-based Automobility. Bill founded a strategy and investment advisory firm that helps its clients build and profit from the future of mobility. In this episode, Bill provides a bleak outlook for the foreign automobile manufacturers in China who have missed the opportunity to re-think mobility as something more efficient, more environmentally friendly, and fundamentally more profitable than the current model, which relies purely on a one-time sale of a product and its eventual maintenance and repair. To Bill, the automobile is the least efficient device on Earth, but China companies are now leading the world in redefining automobile ownership. automobile industry, mobility, Chinese NEV No No The Future of the Chinese Metaverse: Unilever's Tom Hui Young https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/l8qr294n-the-future-of-the-chinese-metaverse-unilever-s-tom-hui-young The Future of the Chinese Metaverse: Unilever's Tom Hui Young 26 1 No No 80njklx0 Tom Hui Young talks about his real passion, the metaverse, and how it will change how we live, shop, work, and interact with products. Tom is a molecular biologist, but his true passion lives in the human experience in a virtual world. If you thought the metaverse was about geeky Mark Zuckerberg avatars and bulky Oculus glasses, this is the episode for you! Tom is an innovator, software architect, data scientist, futurist, runner, and entrepreneur. He holds a Ph.D. from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology. Tom has spent a long time researching virology, molecular biology, and genomic health, co-founded a digital health startup, steered data science and AI at Accenture China, and is most recently running the data and AI function at Unilever China as their Global AI Director and North Asia Data Head. Tom Hui Young talks about his real passion, the metaverse, and how it will change how we live, shop, work, and interact with products.  Tom is a molecular biologist but, his true passion lives in the human experience in a virtual world.  If you thought the metaverse was about geeky Mark Zuckerberg avatars and bulky Oculus glasses, this is the episode for you!

Tom is an innovator, software architect, data scientist, futurist, runner, and entrepreneur. He holds a Ph.D. from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology. Tom has spent a long time researching virology, molecular biology, and genomic health, co-founded a digital health startup, steered data science and AI at Accenture China, and is most recently running the data and AI function at Unilever China as their Global AI Director and North Asia Data Head.

1.  What is the metaverse, and why is it important?
2.  Wait for the innovative leapfrog or the "iPhone Moment."
3.  Tom's bold prediction: a bet for 1 Bitcoin!
4.  What motivates a Ph.D in molecular biology to get into the metaverse?  A special moment in the car!
5.  Who will control the metaverse from getting out of control?  You have to wait...
6.  What services will be the initial metaverse products?  What about online retail?
7.   Ali's dystopian fears and Tom's reassurance.
8.  Benefits of the metaverse:  working together, medicine
9.  Who's leading the metaverse platform in China?
10.  Tools in the metaverse: blockchain & NFTs - what's the future in China?
11.   Metaverse and the democratization of experience
12.  Does your company need a "Metaverse Dept"?
13.  Any predictions that keep you awake at night?  "Beam Me, Up Scotty"
14.  A/B Test:  Bitcoin, Bitcoin, and Bitcoin!

Tom on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-young-phd/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Fri, 16 Sep 2022 09:00:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2343 Tom Hui Young talks about his real passion, the metaverse, and how it will change how we live, shop, work, and interact with products. Tom is a molecular biologist, but his true passion lives in the human experience in a virtual world. If you thought the metaverse was about geeky Mark Zuckerberg avatars and bulky Oculus glasses, this is the episode for you! Tom is an innovator, software architect, data scientist, futurist, runner, and entrepreneur. He holds a Ph.D. from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology. Tom has spent a long time researching virology, molecular biology, and genomic health, co-founded a digital health startup, steered data science and AI at Accenture China, and is most recently running the data and AI function at Unilever China as their Global AI Director and North Asia Data Head. Tom Hui Young talks about his real passion, the metaverse, and how it will change how we live, shop, work, and interact with products. Tom is a molecular biologist, but his true passion lives in the human experience in a virtual world. If you thought the metaverse was about geeky Mark Zuckerberg avatars and bulky Oculus glasses, this is the episode for you! Tom is an innovator, software architect, data scientist, futurist, runner, and entrepreneur. He holds a Ph.D. from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology. Tom has spent a long time researching virology, molecular biology, and genomic health, co-founded a digital health startup, steered data science and AI at Accenture China, and is most recently running the data and AI function at Unilever China as their Global AI Director and North Asia Data Head. metaverse, blockchain, NFT, No No The China/America Education Connection: NYU Shanghai's Jeffrey Lehman https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/x8vj0y28-the-china-american-education-connection-nyu-shanghai-s-jeffrey-lehman The China/America Education Connection: NYU Shanghai's Jeffrey Lehman 27 1 No No 70y294k1 Is China still a great place to study? Despite the geopolitical differences, some institutions are keeping the spirit of positive collaboration between China and America alive, and one of them is NYU. We spoke to NYU Shanghai's Vice Chancellor, Jeffrey Lehman, about the globalization of education. Why, despite Covid restrictions, should students consider China a place to study? Is China still a great place to study?  Despite our differences, some institutions keep the spirit of positive collaboration between China and America alive, and one of them is NYU.  We spoke to NYU Shanghai's Vice Chancellor, Jeffrey Lehman, about the globalization of education.  Why, despite Covid restrictions, should students consider China a place to study?  

1.  Shanghai to Shenzhen:  what's China's big draw?
2.  What's NYU Shanghai about? What makes it different?
3.  The magic of the Chinese student/foreign student split 
4.  The difference between globalized education and studying abroad
5.  Employee training and the role of universities:  should there be more collaboration?
6.  Why is university tuition so high?  What can be done about it?  Jeffrey has some ideas.
7.  Why, after all the lockdowns, should parents send their kids to China to study?
8.  A/B Test:  Supreme Court switching, Katz Deli, and the Detroit Tigers

Jeff on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreylehman/

NYU Shanghai:  https://shanghai.nyu.edu/
NYU Shanghai on Twitter:  @nyushanghai
NYU Shanghai on LInkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/school/nyushanghai/


For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Fri, 30 Sep 2022 09:00:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2247 Is China still a great place to study? Despite the geopolitical differences, some institutions are keeping the spirit of positive collaboration between China and America alive, and one of them is NYU. We spoke to NYU Shanghai's Vice Chancellor, Jeffrey Lehman, about the globalization of education. Why, despite Covid restrictions, should students consider China a place to study? Is China still a great place to study? Despite the geopolitical differences, some institutions are keeping the spirit of positive collaboration between China and America alive, and one of them is NYU. We spoke to NYU Shanghai's Vice Chancellor, Jeffrey Lehman, about the globalization of education. Why, despite Covid restrictions, should students consider China a place to study? global education, NYU, NYU Shanghai No No The Rising China Sports Fashion Industry: Gavin Lum of Lululemon https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/48916xm8-the-rising-china-sports-fashion-industry-gavin-lum-of-lululemon The Rising China Sports Fashion Industry: Gavin Lum of Lululemon 28 1 No No v17xqzr0 What's new with the sports fashion industry in China? Now at $45 billion US annually, it continues to expand and grow. Everyone is getting into the game, including luxury brands. Gucci, Prada, and LV are all getting into street fashion to attract younger targets. And with the strength of local brands, will market leaders Nike and Adidas weather the storm? We are talking to Gavin Lum, who's spent the last 14 years in China working for leading agencies and brands, all dedicated to the sports industry. Gavin previously worked at the agency Weiden + Kennedy before moving to a career at Adidas. He currently serves as Digital Brand Director at Lululemon China, based in Shanghai. What's new with the sports fashion industry in China?  Now at $45 billion US annually, it continues to expand and grow.  Everyone is getting into the game, including luxury brands.  Gucci, Prada, and LV are all getting into street fashion to attract younger targets.  And with the strength of local brands, will market leaders Nike and Adidas weather the storm?

We are talking to Gavin Lum, who's spent the last 14 years in China working for leading agencies and brands, all dedicated to the sports industry.  Gavin previously worked at the agency Weiden + Kennedy before moving to a career at Adidas. He currently serves as Digital Brand Director at Lululemon China, based in Shanghai.

1.  What got you into the sports fashion industry?
2.  Why is the luxury industry getting into the sports game?
3.  How has the industry been impacted by Covid-19?  There are 2 sides...
4.  What's with sports apps like KEEP?  Do they have global ambitions?
5.  Gamification of sport and the importance of social media
6.  What's the reason for the rise in local brands?  Will the big boys survive?
7. But there are still opportunities for niche brands...
8.  How do you balance sports and fashion?  Is performance still necessary?
9.  A/B Test:  Laksa, Tokyo & Lululemon!

Gavin on Linkedin:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinlum/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

]]> Fri, 14 Oct 2022 09:00:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2116 What's new with the sports fashion industry in China? Now at $45 billion US annually, it continues to expand and grow. Everyone is getting into the game, including luxury brands. Gucci, Prada, and LV are all getting into street fashion to attract younger targets. And with the strength of local brands, will market leaders Nike and Adidas weather the storm? We are talking to Gavin Lum, who's spent the last 14 years in China working for leading agencies and brands, all dedicated to the sports industry. Gavin previously worked at the agency Weiden + Kennedy before moving to a career at Adidas. He currently serves as Digital Brand Director at Lululemon China, based in Shanghai. What's new with the sports fashion industry in China? Now at $45 billion US annually, it continues to expand and grow. Everyone is getting into the game, including luxury brands. Gucci, Prada, and LV are all getting into street fashion to attract younger targets. And with the strength of local brands, will market leaders Nike and Adidas weather the storm? We are talking to Gavin Lum, who's spent the last 14 years in China working for leading agencies and brands, all dedicated to the sports industry. Gavin previously worked at the agency Weiden + Kennedy before moving to a career at Adidas. He currently serves as Digital Brand Director at Lululemon China, based in Shanghai. sports fashion, sports industry, China sports, Nike, Adidas, Lululemon No No Exporting Made in China Through Influencers: Relay Club's Jim Fields https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/lnqv6pr8-exporting-made-in-china-through-influencers-relay-club-s-jim-fields Exporting Made in China Through Influencers: Relay Club's Jim Fields 29 1 No No 81nrq8j1 Can Chinese brands get a voice abroad? Today we are talking to Jim Fields. He's a social media influencer on YouTube and BiliBili with tens of thousands of followers - and he recently founded an influencer management platform for Chinese brands going outbound called relay.club, which has just finished a round of angel fundraising. Can Chinese brands get a voice abroad?  Today we are talking to Jim Fields. He's a social media influencer on YouTube and Bili Bili with tens of thousands of followers - and he recently founded an influencer management platform for Chinese brands going outbound called relay.club, which has just finished a round of angel fundraising.

1.  What is Relay Club, and what problem is it set up to solve?
2.  What's the advantage of a China-based influencer service? It's about authenticity.
3.  What are the differences between influencer marketing in China and the West?
4.  Is there a difference between how influencers make money on YouTube vs. Bilibili? 
     (See Jim's video on the subject:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2oowcPatV4)
5.  What are the cultural differences in how influencers are used by brands?
6.  How does Shanghaizhan monetize its influencers?  It's a labor of love
7.  What about exporting social commerce?
8.  What's the best way to budget your allocation on influencers?  Focus on engagement & reach and less on follower count
9.   What's the right influencer strategy?  Scatter or a singular, long-term approach?
10.  Any outlandish brand experiences you'd like to share?  How about re-useable balloons?
11.  Do we need to re-think the influencer model under Web3/metaverse?
12.  I want to be an influencer.  Any advice you can give me?
13.  How do you avoid social media haters and toxicity? 
14.  A/B Test:  KOLs, TikTok and Real!


Jim Field's Links:
On YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfjpfd1ZEYBcrv6umNKDANw/featured
On Bilibili: https://space.bilibili.com/32384384?spm_id_from=333.337.0.0
On Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jifields/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

]]> Fri, 28 Oct 2022 09:00:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2806 Can Chinese brands get a voice abroad? Today we are talking to Jim Fields. He's a social media influencer on YouTube and BiliBili with tens of thousands of followers - and he recently founded an influencer management platform for Chinese brands going outbound called relay.club, which has just finished a round of angel fundraising. Can Chinese brands get a voice abroad? Today we are talking to Jim Fields. He's a social media influencer on YouTube and BiliBili with tens of thousands of followers - and he recently founded an influencer management platform for Chinese brands going outbound called relay.club, which has just finished a round of angel fundraising. Influencers, China brands, KOLs No No The Road to China Marketing Effectiveness with Dhiren Amin https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/r877qvv8-the-road-to-china-marketing-effectiveness-with-dhiren-amin The Road to China Marketing Effectiveness with Dhiren Amin 30 1 No No k08lxnn0 Has China’s obsession with achieving sales targets sacrificed long-term brand growth, or does it matter anymore? Now with another Single's Day shopping event behind us, we look at the state of brand building in a market dominated by e-commerce sales campaigns. We're talking to Dhiren Amin, currently CMO at NTUC Income, based in Singapore. H was previously Asia CMO for Kraft-Heinz, based in Shanghai. Dhiren is one of the most active CMOs in the effectiveness awards space and is a big proponent of their participation. Has China’s obsession with achieving sales targets sacrificed long-term brand growth, or does it matter anymore?   Now with another Single's Day shopping event behind us, we look at the state of brand building in a market dominated by e-commerce sales campaigns.

We're talking to Dhiren Amin, currently CMO at NTUC Income, based in Singapore.  H was previously Asia CMO for Kraft-Heinz, based in Shanghai.  Dhiren is one of the most active  CMOs in the effectiveness awards space and is a big proponent of their participation. 

1.  Being a regional CMO based in Shanghai under Covid meant 6 quarantine experiences
2.  What transfers from China?  Channel Learning & Skill of China Speed
3. Will China's new product development innovation impact other markets?
4.  Newness in e-commerce comes from the fact it's a 2D environment
5.  What's the gap in China's submissions to regional and global effectiveness awards?
6.  The path to effectiveness is the development of brand platforms
7.  What is the advice for China brands to build effective campaigns?
8.  How do brands stay in touch with pop culture? 
9.  What do you think it's important to participate in effectiveness awards?
10.  Who is doing it right?  Which brand is ahead of marketing effectiveness in China?
11.  Tell us about Guanghe -a Kraft-Heinz fermented tofu brand!
12.  How do you partner with agencies to make effectiveness campaigns?
13.  Is being a CMO in China worth it, even with all the lockdowns?
14.  Any advice for brand managers wanting to get ahead in the APAC region?
15.  A/B: Test:  Effectiveness, Wisdom, and Shanghai (professionally, that is)

Dhiren Amin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhiren-amin-977a8a8/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/


]]> Fri, 11 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2553 Has China’s obsession with achieving sales targets sacrificed long-term brand growth, or does it matter anymore? Now with another Single's Day shopping event behind us, we look at the state of brand building in a market dominated by e-commerce sales campaigns. We're talking to Dhiren Amin, currently CMO at NTUC Income, based in Singapore. H was previously Asia CMO for Kraft-Heinz, based in Shanghai. Dhiren is one of the most active CMOs in the effectiveness awards space and is a big proponent of their participation. Has China’s obsession with achieving sales targets sacrificed long-term brand growth, or does it matter anymore? Now with another Single's Day shopping event behind us, we look at the state of brand building in a market dominated by e-commerce sales campaigns. We're talking to Dhiren Amin, currently CMO at NTUC Income, based in Singapore. H was previously Asia CMO for Kraft-Heinz, based in Shanghai. Dhiren is one of the most active CMOs in the effectiveness awards space and is a big proponent of their participation. marketing effectiveness, campaigns, effies No No Big 2023 China Retail Predictions with Kantar's Jason Yu https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/xnvjqryn-big-2023-china-retail-predictions-with-kantar-s-jason-yu Big 2023 China Retail Predictions with Kantar's Jason Yu 31 1 No No 71y27l40 We've spent much time talking about China's e-commerce boom, but what about traditional trade? 9 out of 10 purchase decisions in China are aided by a trip to the store. Today we're talking about traditional trade and big retail trends, and we're honored to have Jason Yu, Managing Director for Greater China at Kantar Worldpanel. You'll quickly learn why Jason is the undisputed expert on China retail. We've spent a lot of time in the past talking about China's e-commerce boom, but what about traditional trade?  9 out of 10 purchase decisions in China are aided by a trip to the store.  Today we're talking about traditional trade and big retail trends, and we're honored to have Jason Yu, Managing Director for Greater China at Kantar Worldpanel.  You'll quickly learn why Jason is the undisputed expert on China retail.

1.  What's the World Panel, and how does it work?  How does it measure e-commerce?
2.  Given all the data out through e-commerce, why should brands buy a panel subscription?
3.  What are some big trends in traditional trade?  Why are proximity retailers growing?
4.  The rise of Sam's Club and membership club wholesaler trade
5.  Why is Costco so popular, given that it's not online?
6.  Douyin and Kuaishou's rise in e-commerce and the decline in Alibaba
7.  How do people shop in Douyin?  How does it work?  Why is FMCG doing so well?
8.  Why isn't social commerce growing outside of China? Are there cultural issues?
9.  New product categories in the "next normal". Cat food category is up 22%!
10.  How does Kantar define O2O, and what are the big trends?
11.  Will we see community group buys continuing post-lockdowns?
12.  Do bulk purchases result in brand erosion?
13.  Jason's 3 big retail predictions for 2023!
14. Any advice for fresh graduates?  Why should you choose the marketing research industry
15. A/B Test:  Costco and Stinky Doufu


Jason Yu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-yu-496423/
About Kantar Worldpanel China:  https://www.kantarworldpanel.com/cn


For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Fri, 25 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2755 We've spent much time talking about China's e-commerce boom, but what about traditional trade? 9 out of 10 purchase decisions in China are aided by a trip to the store. Today we're talking about traditional trade and big retail trends, and we're honored to have Jason Yu, Managing Director for Greater China at Kantar Worldpanel. You'll quickly learn why Jason is the undisputed expert on China retail. We've spent much time talking about China's e-commerce boom, but what about traditional trade? 9 out of 10 purchase decisions in China are aided by a trip to the store. Today we're talking about traditional trade and big retail trends, and we're honored to have Jason Yu, Managing Director for Greater China at Kantar Worldpanel. You'll quickly learn why Jason is the undisputed expert on China retail. China retail, 2023 China Market Predictions No No China Marketing During the Tough Times: Inner Chapter's Julien Lapka https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/r8k4zkln-china-marketing-during-the-tough-times-inner-chapter-s-julien-lapka China Marketing During the Tough Times: Inner Chapter's Julien Lapka 32 1 No No 71w32zj1 Season 1's Final Episode welcomes our #1 most downloaded guest, insights expert, and Founder of Inner Chapter, Julien Lapka. Julien gazes into his crystal ball and gives us some "healthy" predictions for 2023. And despite the recent opening of Zero Covid, Julien remains optimistic for 2023. 1. Why is 2022 his best year of business so far. 2. Moving from brand to product-based marketing 3. Reaching difficult target groups, especially the +55-year-olds, 2022's most sought-after demographic. 4. Product marketing's origins come from e-commerce search results 5. Doing ethnography research during the Covid lockdown times 6. Julien's take on "new normal" product trends: soul searching & the end of bling 7. Brands can be more proactive in improving people's lives. 8. China's upcoming recession: is this an opportunity for brands & companies? 9. What's driving the recent negative confidence, and when will we come out of it? 10. Should brands keep on messages of positivity during tough times? 11. A/B Test: Trick Math, China & Innovation! Season 1's Final Episode welcomes back our #1 most downloaded guest, insights expert, and Founder of Inner Chapter, Julien Lapka.  Julien gazes into his crystal ball and gives us some "healthy" predictions for 2023 and gives suggestions for marketing during the tough times. And despite the recent opening of Zero Covid, Julien remains optimistic for 2023.

1.  Why is 2022 his best year of business so far.
2.  Moving from brand to product-based marketing
3.  Reaching difficult target groups, especially the +55-year-olds, 2022's most sought-after demographic.
4.  Product marketing's origins come from e-commerce search results
5.  Doing ethnography research during the Covid lockdown times
6.  Julien's take on "new normal" product trends:  soul searching & the end of bling
7.  Brands can be more proactive in improving people's lives.
8. China's upcoming recession:  is this an opportunity for brands & companies?
9.  What's driving the recent negative confidence, and when will we come out of it?
10. Should brands keep on messages of positivity during tough times?
11. A/B Test: Trick Math, China & Innovation!


Julien's Past #1 Episode:  https://zhanstation.com/?p=367

Julien's Links:
1.  Julien on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/julienlapka/
2.  Inner Chapter Website:  http://innerchapter.co/
3.  Julien's Bar:  The Revolving Door:  https://www.thatsmags.com/shanghai/directory/1799099/revolving-door

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan
Campaign Asia:  https://www.campaignasia.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac
Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Mon, 19 Dec 2022 14:22:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2737 Season 1's Final Episode welcomes our #1 most downloaded guest, insights expert, and Founder of Inner Chapter, Julien Lapka. Julien gazes into his crystal ball and gives us some "healthy" predictions for 2023. And despite the recent opening of Zero Covid, Julien remains optimistic for 2023. 1. Why is 2022 his best year of business so far. 2. Moving from brand to product-based marketing 3. Reaching difficult target groups, especially the +55-year-olds, 2022's most sought-after demographic. 4. Product marketing's origins come from e-commerce search results 5. Doing ethnography research during the Covid lockdown times 6. Julien's take on "new normal" product trends: soul searching & the end of bling 7. Brands can be more proactive in improving people's lives. 8. China's upcoming recession: is this an opportunity for brands & companies? 9. What's driving the recent negative confidence, and when will we come out of it? 10. Should brands keep on messages of positivity during tough times? 11. A/B Test: Trick Math, China & Innovation! Season 1's Final Episode welcomes our #1 most downloaded guest, insights expert, and Founder of Inner Chapter, Julien Lapka. Julien gazes into his crystal ball and gives us some "healthy" predictions for 2023. And despite the recent opening of Zero Covid, Julien remains optimistic for 2023. 1. Why is 2022 his best year of business so far. 2. Moving from brand to product-based marketing 3. Reaching difficult target groups, especially the +55-year-olds, 2022's most sought-after demographic. 4. Product marketing's origins come from e-commerce search results 5. Doing ethnography research during the Covid lockdown times 6. Julien's take on "new normal" product trends: soul searching & the end of bling 7. Brands can be more proactive in improving people's lives. 8. China's upcoming recession: is this an opportunity for brands & companies? 9. What's driving the recent negative confidence, and when will we come out of it? 10. Should brands keep on messages of positivity during tough times? 11. A/B Test: Trick Math, China & Innovation! China Marketing, Brand Purpose, Product Marketing, Insights, China Recession No No (ENCORE PERFORMANCE): Evolving From KOLs to Chinese Influencer Groups: Julien Lapka https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/pnmk1m7n-encore-performance-evolving-from-kols-to-chinese-influencer-groups-julien-lapka (ENCORE PERFORMANCE): Evolving From KOLs to Chinese Influencer Groups: Julien Lapka 33 1 No No 71v6zr51 Encore Performance: (Recorded, Feb 8, 2022) - Our #1 most downloaded episode from Season 1! What's the future of influencer marketing in China? To insights expert Julien Lapka, successful brands focus on influencer groups rather than KOL powerhouses such as Austin Li. It comes down to uncovering unique insights not often found in databases. Julien is the founder of Inner Chapter, an agency that turns insights into commercial IP. Julien is also co-owner of Revolving Door, a speakeasy behind a small coffee shop located near XinTianDi in Shanghai. Encore Performance:  (Recorded, Feb 8, 2022) - Our #1 most downloaded episode from Season 1!

What's the future of influencer marketing in China?  To insights expert Julien Lapka, successful brands focus on influencer groups rather than KOL powerhouses such as Austin Li.  It comes down to uncovering unique insights not often found in databases.  Julien is the founder of Inner Chapter, an agency that turns insights into commercial IP.  Julien is also co-owner of Revolving Door, a speakeasy behind a small coffee shop located near XinTianDi in Shanghai. 

1.  Why open a speakeasy, and what's behind the name Revolving Door?
2.  How e-commerce has dramatically how you uncover insights
3.  Trends in Shanghai should not represent China trends.
4.  The 2 Chinas:  Those who work hard to survive & the others who can afford to "lie flat."
5.  The rise and popularity of Dystopia
6.  Insights Mining in 2022:  Home Visits Still Work the Best
7.  Home Visit Insight War Stories:  Turning Tea Leaves into Skin Rejuvenation Post-Surgery Product
8.  Data Looks at Past-Behavior - It doesn't predict the future
9.  Do Chinese brands have the upper hand? In which categories?
10.  Julien's favorite innovative Chinese brand:  HeyTea
11.   Building brands that will last needs more than KOLs but influencer groups
12.  Connecting "spicyness" to behavioral psychographics - spicy as a stress reliever

Julien's Links:
1.  Julien on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/julienlapka/
2.  Inner Chapter Website:  http://innerchapter.co/
3.  The Revolving Door:  https://www.thatsmags.com/shanghai/directory/1799099/revolving-door

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan
Campaign Asia:  https://www.campaignasia.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac
Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Tue, 10 Jan 2023 05:04:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2006 Encore Performance: (Recorded, Feb 8, 2022) - Our #1 most downloaded episode from Season 1! What's the future of influencer marketing in China? To insights expert Julien Lapka, successful brands focus on influencer groups rather than KOL powerhouses such as Austin Li. It comes down to uncovering unique insights not often found in databases. Julien is the founder of Inner Chapter, an agency that turns insights into commercial IP. Julien is also co-owner of Revolving Door, a speakeasy behind a small coffee shop located near XinTianDi in Shanghai. Encore Performance: (Recorded, Feb 8, 2022) - Our #1 most downloaded episode from Season 1! What's the future of influencer marketing in China? To insights expert Julien Lapka, successful brands focus on influencer groups rather than KOL powerhouses such as Austin Li. It comes down to uncovering unique insights not often found in databases. Julien is the founder of Inner Chapter, an agency that turns insights into commercial IP. Julien is also co-owner of Revolving Door, a speakeasy behind a small coffee shop located near XinTianDi in Shanghai. Influencers, KOLs, Launching brands No No (ENCORE PERFORMANCE): Annie Su & the Intersection of Food & Advertising https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/1n27vy38-encore-performance-annie-su-the-intersection-of-food-advertising (ENCORE PERFORMANCE): Annie Su & the Intersection of Food & Advertising 34 1 No No 219nwjz0 Meet Annie Su, she's a full-time marketing executive and part-time foodie. Originally from Taiwan, most of her career has been in advertising agencies before recently joining the client side. She spent the prime of her career with Ogilvy, first in Taipei, then Beijing, and finally, Shanghai. Annie is also the author of 2 books, 1. 日尝时光：下班陪你进厨房 2. 当冰箱：只剩下乌鱼子, books about food, stories, culture, and the human experience. You learn why Annie has had a successful career in the fine art of listening to others. 1. Food & advertising: how are they connected 2. Cooking food & telling stories: about Annie's first book 3. Traveling, Conversations & Stories: about Annies 2nd book 4. A future in advertising? Annie's advice for her younger self: Forever Young 5. Join the client or agency after university?: Annie's answer will surprise you Meet Annie Su:  she's a full-time marketing executive and part-time foodie.  Originally from Taiwan, most of her career has been in advertising agencies before recently joining the client side.  She spent the prime of her career with Ogilvy, first in Taipei, then Beijing, and finally, Shanghai.   Annie is also the author of 2 books, 1.  日尝时光：下班陪你进厨房  2. 当冰箱：只剩下乌鱼子, books about food, stories, culture, and the human experience.  You learn why Annie has had a successful career in the fine art of listening to others.


1.  Food & advertising: how are they connected
2.  Cooking food & telling stories:  about Annie's first book
3.  Traveling, Conversations & Stories:  about Annies 2nd book
4.  A future in advertising?  Annie's advice for her younger self:  Forever Young
5.  Join the client or agency after university?:  Annie's answer will surprise you

Annie's book on food & friendship:   当冰箱：只剩下乌鱼子Taiwan Only:  https://www.eslite.com/product/1001110932843108

Annie's (蘇宇鈴) book on food, travel & conversations:  日尝时光 (日嚐時光)
China:  https://item.jd.com/10026526933108.html
Taiwan:  https://www.eslite.com/product/1001287122410609


About Annie :  https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-su-758a281b/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan
Campaign Asia:  https://www.campaignasia.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac
Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Tue, 17 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 1398 Meet Annie Su, she's a full-time marketing executive and part-time foodie. Originally from Taiwan, most of her career has been in advertising agencies before recently joining the client side. She spent the prime of her career with Ogilvy, first in Taipei, then Beijing, and finally, Shanghai. Annie is also the author of 2 books, 1. 日尝时光：下班陪你进厨房 2. 当冰箱：只剩下乌鱼子, books about food, stories, culture, and the human experience. You learn why Annie has had a successful career in the fine art of listening to others. 1. Food & advertising: how are they connected 2. Cooking food & telling stories: about Annie's first book 3. Traveling, Conversations & Stories: about Annies 2nd book 4. A future in advertising? Annie's advice for her younger self: Forever Young 5. Join the client or agency after university?: Annie's answer will surprise you Meet Annie Su, she's a full-time marketing executive and part-time foodie. Originally from Taiwan, most of her career has been in advertising agencies before recently joining the client side. She spent the prime of her career with Ogilvy, first in Taipei, then Beijing, and finally, Shanghai. Annie is also the author of 2 books, 1. 日尝时光：下班陪你进厨房 2. 当冰箱：只剩下乌鱼子, books about food, stories, culture, and the human experience. You learn why Annie has had a successful career in the fine art of listening to others. 1. Food & advertising: how are they connected 2. Cooking food & telling stories: about Annie's first book 3. Traveling, Conversations & Stories: about Annies 2nd book 4. A future in advertising? Annie's advice for her younger self: Forever Young 5. Join the client or agency after university?: Annie's answer will surprise you Advertising, China Advertising No No Civilization's Andrew Lok & the Business of Creativity https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/v8w6y2xn-civilization-s-andrew-lok-the-business-of-creativity Civilization's Andrew Lok & the Business of Creativity 35 2 No No 80xp53l0 Welcome to Season 2! Today we are talking about creativity in the marketing and advertising industry, and we’re honored to have one of China’s most award-winning Creative Directors, Andrew Lok, on today’s show. He started his career in Singapore as a journalist for UPI, but decided it was more fun to create news than report it, so he joined the advertising industry. After stints raising the creative rankings of Ogilvy China, based in Guangzhou and Beijing, he moved to Shanghai, where he served as Executive Creative Director for BBDO. In 2012, he founded Civilization, based in Shanghai, now one of China’s top independent agencies. Andrew is among the most awarded Creatives in China and speaks Mandarin, English, and German. Welcome to Season 2!

Today we are talking about creativity in the marketing and advertising industry, and we’re honored to have one of China’s most award-winning Creative Directors, Andrew Lok, on today’s show.  He started his career in Singapore as a journalist for UPI, but decided it was more fun to create news than report it, so he joined the advertising industry.  After stints raising the creative rankings of Ogilvy China, based in Guangzhou and Beijing, he moved to Shanghai, where he served as Executive Creative Director for BBDO.  In 2012, he founded Civilization, based in Shanghai, now one of China’s top independent agencies.  Andrew is among the most awarded Creatives in China and speaks Mandarin, English, and German. 

1.  What's with the name, "Loksmith?"
2.  What's the most compelling work that you've ever done?  The story of Visa & Pepsi's most famous ads
3.  Should young Creatives consider China as a market to flourish? It takes a lot of luck
4.  Andrew's beginnings started with telling stories
5.  Is VR helping or harming creative stories, or is it telling too much?
6.  How music has changed my perspective on storytelling
7.  Has social media created greater intimacy for brand storytelling?: Andrew's story of fandom gone crazy
8.  Has the style of China advertising evolved and changed as people have changed?
9.  Can emotional ads survive the power of KOLs?
10. Origins of Civilization and surviving in China
11.  A poem from "I am a Tourist" - about family
12.  A/B Test:


About Andrew Lok:

Andrew on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-lok-b45b413b/

Andrew's book of poetry, "I am a Tourist":  https://www.amazon.com/I-am-tourist-Andrew-Lok/dp/1466343877/ref=sr_1_1?crid=30UMH74JKID67&keywords=Andrew+Lok&qid=1674567881&sprefix=andrew+lok%2Caps%2C81&sr=8-1

Andrew's song, "Whatever": https://open.spotify.com/track/1oL4LalnvFNC7kNiVMeHJN?si=889953d9d9564893

About Civilization:  http://www.civilization.link/en/

Pepsi's "Bring Happiness Home":  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ_B-Nh5bHk

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhan
Campaign Asia:  https://www.campaignasia.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Fri, 27 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2865 Welcome to Season 2! Today we are talking about creativity in the marketing and advertising industry, and we’re honored to have one of China’s most award-winning Creative Directors, Andrew Lok, on today’s show. He started his career in Singapore as a journalist for UPI, but decided it was more fun to create news than report it, so he joined the advertising industry. After stints raising the creative rankings of Ogilvy China, based in Guangzhou and Beijing, he moved to Shanghai, where he served as Executive Creative Director for BBDO. In 2012, he founded Civilization, based in Shanghai, now one of China’s top independent agencies. Andrew is among the most awarded Creatives in China and speaks Mandarin, English, and German. Welcome to Season 2! Today we are talking about creativity in the marketing and advertising industry, and we’re honored to have one of China’s most award-winning Creative Directors, Andrew Lok, on today’s show. He started his career in Singapore as a journalist for UPI, but decided it was more fun to create news than report it, so he joined the advertising industry. After stints raising the creative rankings of Ogilvy China, based in Guangzhou and Beijing, he moved to Shanghai, where he served as Executive Creative Director for BBDO. In 2012, he founded Civilization, based in Shanghai, now one of China’s top independent agencies. Andrew is among the most awarded Creatives in China and speaks Mandarin, English, and German. No No Tapping into China's Great Outdoors - Matthew Jung of Jack Wolfskin https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/08jzw498-tapping-into-china-s-great-outdoors-matthew-jung-of-jack-wolfskin Tapping into China's Great Outdoors - Matthew Jung of Jack Wolfskin 36 2 No No 41pkl780 Recreational camping used to be a niche in China, but now it's become a bit of a rage. The China outdoor market reached $60 billion in 2018 and is expected to hit $100 billion by 2025. By all estimates, around 100 million Chinese go camping every year, which is a small number relevant to the population, but that's a higher number than the 40 million Americans who go camping! What's causing the sudden rise in interest for camping? To discuss this, we have industry veteran Matthew Jung, General Manager Greater China for German outdoor brand, Jack Wolfskin. Mathew, or as his friends call him, MJ, has been in Asia for close to 25 years, first starting in the hotel industry at Starwood in Hong Kong, before he moved to Taiwan with Nike where he was Marketing Director. He then moved to Shanghai in 2010 with Nike and later to the Converse brand in 2018, where he was VP and General Manager. MJ later joined Jack Wolfskin in January 2022. Recreational camping used to be a niche in China, but now it's become a bit of a rage. The China outdoor market reached $60 billion in 2018 and is expected to hit $100 billion by 2025. By all estimates, around 100 million Chinese go camping every year, which is a small number relevant to the population, but that's a higher number than the 40 million Americans who go camping!

What's causing the sudden rise in interest in camping?

To discuss this, we have industry veteran Matthew Jung, General Manager Greater China for the German outdoor brand Jack Wolfskin.  Mathew, or as his friends call him, MJ, has been in Asia for close to 25 years, first starting in the hotel industry at Starwood in Hong Kong, before he moved to Taiwan with Nike where he was Marketing Director.  He then moved to Shanghai in 2010 with Nike and later moved to the Converse brand in 2018, where he was VP and General Manager. MJ later joined Jack Wolfskin in January 2022.

1.  MJ's journey to Asia through basketball and a one-way ticket
2.  How long have you stayed relevant and what makes you stay in China?
3.  How did you make the Converse brand successful in China?
4.  Converse: a pioneer in inclusion with ShanghaiPride
5.  What's made camping a thing in China, and where is Wolfskin fit in?
6.  What's Wolfskin's plan? 
7.  What does outdoor mean for Chinese consumers?
8.  Will there be any product innovation specifically for China in the outdoor category?
9.  Do foreign brands still have an opportunity in this category or will they lose to the local competitors?
10. Any recommendations to get a cool career path like MJ's?  One word: sacrifice
11.  A/B Test:  Basketball, Victoria Harbor & Chicago Deep Dish

MJ on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjfor3/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Fri, 10 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2688 Recreational camping used to be a niche in China, but now it's become a bit of a rage. The China outdoor market reached $60 billion in 2018 and is expected to hit $100 billion by 2025. By all estimates, around 100 million Chinese go camping every year, which is a small number relevant to the population, but that's a higher number than the 40 million Americans who go camping! What's causing the sudden rise in interest for camping? To discuss this, we have industry veteran Matthew Jung, General Manager Greater China for German outdoor brand, Jack Wolfskin. Mathew, or as his friends call him, MJ, has been in Asia for close to 25 years, first starting in the hotel industry at Starwood in Hong Kong, before he moved to Taiwan with Nike where he was Marketing Director. He then moved to Shanghai in 2010 with Nike and later to the Converse brand in 2018, where he was VP and General Manager. MJ later joined Jack Wolfskin in January 2022. Recreational camping used to be a niche in China, but now it's become a bit of a rage. The China outdoor market reached $60 billion in 2018 and is expected to hit $100 billion by 2025. By all estimates, around 100 million Chinese go camping every year, which is a small number relevant to the population, but that's a higher number than the 40 million Americans who go camping! What's causing the sudden rise in interest for camping? To discuss this, we have industry veteran Matthew Jung, General Manager Greater China for German outdoor brand, Jack Wolfskin. Mathew, or as his friends call him, MJ, has been in Asia for close to 25 years, first starting in the hotel industry at Starwood in Hong Kong, before he moved to Taiwan with Nike where he was Marketing Director. He then moved to Shanghai in 2010 with Nike and later to the Converse brand in 2018, where he was VP and General Manager. MJ later joined Jack Wolfskin in January 2022. Sports Apparel, Outdoor Marketing, Camping No No Marketing Consumer Occasions on Douyin/Tik Tok with VMLY&R's JJ Wang https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/x8v31pyn-marketing-consumer-occasions-on-douyin-tik-tok-with-vmly-r-s-jj-wang Marketing Consumer Occasions on Douyin/Tik Tok with VMLY&R's JJ Wang 37 2 No No 70ynqw41 Can Tik Tok market to specific consumer occasions, encouraging trial and purchase? Meet JJ Wang, Senior Business Leader at WPP agency VMLY&R, based in Shanghai. She's the recent author of an interesting whitepaper about occasion marketing, co-authored with Douyin/Tik Tok. JJ has been in the industry for about 10 years and believes in building brand culture, even in digital times. For Myers Briggs fans, JJ is an ESFJ. 1. What's Occasion Marketing, and how is it different from Mass Marketing? 2. How does Occasion Marketing work in the digital space? 3. The evolution of China beverage products and the need for multiple occasion moments 4. The Pick, Plan, and Lock Model Explained 5. How many content posts are needed for Occasion Marketing 6. Could Occasion Marketing apply to other categories? 7. Is this more effective than paying an influencer to sell your product? 8. Does this extend to other platforms besides Tik Tok? 9. Any good insights from the white paper? Gamers love powdered beverages 10. How does impulsiveness work on a social media platform in China? 11. How does Occasion Marketing work for smaller-budget brands? 12. Does creativity have a role in Occasion Marketing? 13. Is the ad business still a good place to start for young women? 14. A/B Test: Shanghai, Social, RED, Insights Can Tik Tok market to specific consumer occasions, encouraging trial and purchase? 

Meet JJ Wang, Senior Business Leader at WPP agency VMLY&R, based in Shanghai. She's the recent author of an interesting whitepaper about occasion marketing, co-authored with Douyin/Tik Tok.  JJ has been in the industry for about 10 years and believes in building brand culture, even in digital times.  For Myers Briggs fans, JJ is an ESFJ.

1.  What's Occasion Marketing, and how is it different from Mass Marketing?
2. How does Occasion Marketing work in the digital space?
3.  The evolution of China beverage products and the need for multiple occasion moments
4. The Pick, Plan, and Lock Model Explained
5.  How many content posts are needed for Occasion Marketing
6.  Could Occasion Marketing apply to other categories?
7.  Is this more effective than paying an influencer to sell your product?
8. Does this extend to other platforms besides Tik Tok?
9. Any good insights from the white paper? Gamers love powdered beverages
10.  How does impulsiveness work on a social media platform in China?
11.  How does Occasion Marketing work for smaller-budget brands?
12. Does creativity have a role in Occasion Marketing? 
13. Is the ad business still a good place to start for young women?
14. A/B Test:  Shanghai, Social, RED, Insights

JJ Wang on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.cn/in/jjwangweijia

VMLY&R: https://www.vmlyr.com/


For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Fri, 24 Feb 2023 16:37:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2262 Can Tik Tok market to specific consumer occasions, encouraging trial and purchase? Meet JJ Wang, Senior Business Leader at WPP agency VMLY&R, based in Shanghai. She's the recent author of an interesting whitepaper about occasion marketing, co-authored with Douyin/Tik Tok. JJ has been in the industry for about 10 years and believes in building brand culture, even in digital times. For Myers Briggs fans, JJ is an ESFJ. 1. What's Occasion Marketing, and how is it different from Mass Marketing? 2. How does Occasion Marketing work in the digital space? 3. The evolution of China beverage products and the need for multiple occasion moments 4. The Pick, Plan, and Lock Model Explained 5. How many content posts are needed for Occasion Marketing 6. Could Occasion Marketing apply to other categories? 7. Is this more effective than paying an influencer to sell your product? 8. Does this extend to other platforms besides Tik Tok? 9. Any good insights from the white paper? Gamers love powdered beverages 10. How does impulsiveness work on a social media platform in China? 11. How does Occasion Marketing work for smaller-budget brands? 12. Does creativity have a role in Occasion Marketing? 13. Is the ad business still a good place to start for young women? 14. A/B Test: Shanghai, Social, RED, Insights Can Tik Tok market to specific consumer occasions, encouraging trial and purchase? Meet JJ Wang, Senior Business Leader at WPP agency VMLY&R, based in Shanghai. She's the recent author of an interesting whitepaper about occasion marketing, co-authored with Douyin/Tik Tok. JJ has been in the industry for about 10 years and believes in building brand culture, even in digital times. For Myers Briggs fans, JJ is an ESFJ. 1. What's Occasion Marketing, and how is it different from Mass Marketing? 2. How does Occasion Marketing work in the digital space? 3. The evolution of China beverage products and the need for multiple occasion moments 4. The Pick, Plan, and Lock Model Explained 5. How many content posts are needed for Occasion Marketing 6. Could Occasion Marketing apply to other categories? 7. Is this more effective than paying an influencer to sell your product? 8. Does this extend to other platforms besides Tik Tok? 9. Any good insights from the white paper? Gamers love powdered beverages 10. How does impulsiveness work on a social media platform in China? 11. How does Occasion Marketing work for smaller-budget brands? 12. Does creativity have a role in Occasion Marketing? 13. Is the ad business still a good place to start for young women? 14. A/B Test: Shanghai, Social, RED, Insights No No How China is Leading in Innovation & How the West Can Catch Up: Author, Joanna Hutchins https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/1n3l9958-how-china-is-leading-in-innovation-how-the-west-can-catch-up-author-joanna-hutchins How China is Leading in Innovation & How the West Can Catch Up: Author, Joanna Hutchins 38 2 No No m1j5xxn0 Joanna Hitchins is the recent author of "Chinafy: How China is Leading In Innovation and How the Rest of the World Can Catch Up," now available on Amazon & Kinokuniya. In the book, Joanna explores 9 key catalysts that all businesses can effectively "Chinafy" their business. Joanna has over 25 years of experience leading B2B and B2C businesses globally, with over 20 years of experience in China. In addition to her many agency roles, Joanna spent over 9 years at Unilever, rising to a Global Brand Director based in Shanghai. 1. What's the reason for the book, and why are you writing it now? 2. What's the cultural lens of the 9 catalysts, and are these innovations just a question of circumstances? 3. Are Western companies becoming too topical in their strategic planning? Do we romanticize invention? 4. Does the size of China makes conditions for small players to compete with big ones? China remains the world's most competitive market 5. What are Big S and Small S? How can Western companies be more Small S? 6. How does China take advantage of Reverse Innovation, and why is it a big win for the masses? 7. China's Small S example: BYD: would America be ready for a $16,000 electric car? 8. Should global brands embrace the catalysts if they are doing business in China? 9. Embracing China Innovation: KFC 10. A/B: Small S, Data, Year 2023, KFC, BYD & Unilever! Joanna Hutchins is the author of "Chinafy:  How China is Leading In Innovation and How the Rest of the World Can Catch Up," now available on Amazon & Kinokuniya.  In the book, Joanna explores 9 key catalysts that all businesses can effectively "Chinafy" their business.  Joanna has over 25 years of experience leading B2B and B2C businesses globally, with over 20 years of experience in China.  In addition to her many agency roles, Joanna spent over 9 years at Unilever, rising to a Global Brand Director, based in Shanghai.

1.  What's the reason for the book, and why are you writing it now?
2.  What's the cultural lens of the 9 catalysts, and are these innovations just a question of circumstances?
3.  Are Western companies becoming too topical in their strategic planning?  Do we romanticize invention?
4.   Does the size of China makes conditions for small players to compete with big ones?  China remains the world's most competitive market
5. What are Big S and Small S?  How can Western companies be more Small S?
6.  How does China take advantage of Reverse Innovation, and why is it a big win for the masses?
7.  China's Small S example: BYD: would America be ready for a $16,000 electric car?
8. Should global brands embrace the catalysts if they do business in China?
9.  Embracing China Innovation: KFC
10. A/B:  Small S, Data, Year 2023, KFC, BYD & Unilever!


Joanna Hutchins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-hutchins-aa10772/

Buy the book: https://www.amazon.sg/Chinafy-Joanna-Hutchins/dp/9815044508

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Sun, 26 Mar 2023 01:55:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2804 Joanna Hitchins is the recent author of "Chinafy: How China is Leading In Innovation and How the Rest of the World Can Catch Up," now available on Amazon & Kinokuniya. In the book, Joanna explores 9 key catalysts that all businesses can effectively "Chinafy" their business. Joanna has over 25 years of experience leading B2B and B2C businesses globally, with over 20 years of experience in China. In addition to her many agency roles, Joanna spent over 9 years at Unilever, rising to a Global Brand Director based in Shanghai. 1. What's the reason for the book, and why are you writing it now? 2. What's the cultural lens of the 9 catalysts, and are these innovations just a question of circumstances? 3. Are Western companies becoming too topical in their strategic planning? Do we romanticize invention? 4. Does the size of China makes conditions for small players to compete with big ones? China remains the world's most competitive market 5. What are Big S and Small S? How can Western companies be more Small S? 6. How does China take advantage of Reverse Innovation, and why is it a big win for the masses? 7. China's Small S example: BYD: would America be ready for a $16,000 electric car? 8. Should global brands embrace the catalysts if they are doing business in China? 9. Embracing China Innovation: KFC 10. A/B: Small S, Data, Year 2023, KFC, BYD & Unilever! Joanna Hitchins is the recent author of "Chinafy: How China is Leading In Innovation and How the Rest of the World Can Catch Up," now available on Amazon & Kinokuniya. In the book, Joanna explores 9 key catalysts that all businesses can effectively "Chinafy" their business. Joanna has over 25 years of experience leading B2B and B2C businesses globally, with over 20 years of experience in China. In addition to her many agency roles, Joanna spent over 9 years at Unilever, rising to a Global Brand Director based in Shanghai. 1. What's the reason for the book, and why are you writing it now? 2. What's the cultural lens of the 9 catalysts, and are these innovations just a question of circumstances? 3. Are Western companies becoming too topical in their strategic planning? Do we romanticize invention? 4. Does the size of China makes conditions for small players to compete with big ones? China remains the world's most competitive market 5. What are Big S and Small S? How can Western companies be more Small S? 6. How does China take advantage of Reverse Innovation, and why is it a big win for the masses? 7. China's Small S example: BYD: would America be ready for a $16,000 electric car? 8. Should global brands embrace the catalysts if they are doing business in China? 9. Embracing China Innovation: KFC 10. A/B: Small S, Data, Year 2023, KFC, BYD & Unilever! No No The Future of Brands, Creativity, & Technology: A Conversation with Ogilvy China CEO, Chris Reitermann https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/q80xxy28-the-future-of-brands-creativity-technology-a-conversation-with-ogilvy-china-ceo-chris-reitermann The Future of Brands, Creativity, & Technology: A Conversation with Ogilvy China CEO, Chris Reitermann 39 2 No No p0kjj7r1 We recently had the opportunity to speak with Chris Reitermann, the Co-Chief Executive of Ogilvy Asia and CEO of Greater China, about the role of AI in the advertising business in China. With an impressive 28-year career at Ogilvy, Chris has been instrumental in the successful rise of advertising in China. Ogilvy China is one of the largest and most respected agencies in the country, and it was awarded Integrated Marketing Agency of the Year by Campaign Asia in 2022. So, what does Chris have to say about the future of AI in branding in China? 1. Are we at another crossroads with the rise of AI? How will AI impact the business of advertising in China? Are agencies still relevant? 2. Will AI fully automate the advertising process? What will be the human role in the creative process? 3. Once far ahead, is China behind the AI curve now? 4. The agency's role has fundamentally not changed, despite the mediums and tools that have changed. 5. Where will China evolve post-Covid, and how has this changed the country's optimism? 6. Where does work/life balance fit into post-Covid agency culture? 7. Is an agency a place for a new recruit, or should they join the brand side? 8. How does Ogilvy balance experts and integration under a single office network? 9. Good growth is just around the corner for both agencies and brands in China 10. Local clients vs. global client needs are different - it's the local clients that want brand building 11. What are the biggest challenges for Chinese brands going global? 12. What's the importance of technology for agency services in China? 13. What's your favorite David Ogilvy quote? 14. Hey, are you still in China? Is China a regional hub? 15. A/B Test: Creatvity, Shanghai, MidJourney & KFC We recently had the opportunity to speak with Chris Reitermann, the Co-Chief Executive of Ogilvy Asia and CEO of Greater China, about the role of AI in the advertising business in China. With an impressive 28-year career at Ogilvy, Chris has been instrumental in the successful rise of advertising in China. Ogilvy China is one of the country's largest and most respected agencies, and it was awarded Integrated Marketing Agency of the Year by Campaign Asia in 2022. So, what does Chris have to say about the future of AI in branding in China?

1.  Are we at another crossroads with the rise of AI? How will AI impact the business of advertising in China? Are agencies still relevant?
2.  Will AI fully automate the advertising process?  What will be the human role in the creative process?
3.  Once far ahead, is China behind the AI curve now?
4.  The agency's role has fundamentally not changed, despite the mediums and tools that have changed.
5.   Where will China evolve post-Covid, and how has this changed the country's optimism?
6.  Where does work/life balance fit into post-Covid agency culture?
7.   Is an agency a place for a new recruit, or should they join the brand side?
8.  How does Ogilvy balance experts and integration under a single office network?
9.  Good growth is just around the corner for both agencies and brands in China
10.  Local clients vs. global client needs are different - it's the local clients that want brand building
11. What are the biggest challenges for Chinese brands going global?
12.  What's the importance of technology for agency services in China? 
13.  What's your favorite David Ogilvy quote?
14.  Hey, are you still in China? Is China a regional hub?
15.  A/B Test:  Creatvity, Shanghai, MidJourney & KFC

Chris Reitermann on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisreitermann/
About Ogilvy China:  https://www.ogilvy.com/cn/eng#work
Ogilvy China on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/ogilvychina/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Fri, 28 Apr 2023 09:55:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3265 We recently had the opportunity to speak with Chris Reitermann, the Co-Chief Executive of Ogilvy Asia and CEO of Greater China, about the role of AI in the advertising business in China. With an impressive 28-year career at Ogilvy, Chris has been instrumental in the successful rise of advertising in China. Ogilvy China is one of the largest and most respected agencies in the country, and it was awarded Integrated Marketing Agency of the Year by Campaign Asia in 2022. So, what does Chris have to say about the future of AI in branding in China? 1. Are we at another crossroads with the rise of AI? How will AI impact the business of advertising in China? Are agencies still relevant? 2. Will AI fully automate the advertising process? What will be the human role in the creative process? 3. Once far ahead, is China behind the AI curve now? 4. The agency's role has fundamentally not changed, despite the mediums and tools that have changed. 5. Where will China evolve post-Covid, and how has this changed the country's optimism? 6. Where does work/life balance fit into post-Covid agency culture? 7. Is an agency a place for a new recruit, or should they join the brand side? 8. How does Ogilvy balance experts and integration under a single office network? 9. Good growth is just around the corner for both agencies and brands in China 10. Local clients vs. global client needs are different - it's the local clients that want brand building 11. What are the biggest challenges for Chinese brands going global? 12. What's the importance of technology for agency services in China? 13. What's your favorite David Ogilvy quote? 14. Hey, are you still in China? Is China a regional hub? 15. A/B Test: Creatvity, Shanghai, MidJourney & KFC We recently had the opportunity to speak with Chris Reitermann, the Co-Chief Executive of Ogilvy Asia and CEO of Greater China, about the role of AI in the advertising business in China. With an impressive 28-year career at Ogilvy, Chris has been instrumental in the successful rise of advertising in China. Ogilvy China is one of the largest and most respected agencies in the country, and it was awarded Integrated Marketing Agency of the Year by Campaign Asia in 2022. So, what does Chris have to say about the future of AI in branding in China? 1. Are we at another crossroads with the rise of AI? How will AI impact the business of advertising in China? Are agencies still relevant? 2. Will AI fully automate the advertising process? What will be the human role in the creative process? 3. Once far ahead, is China behind the AI curve now? 4. The agency's role has fundamentally not changed, despite the mediums and tools that have changed. 5. Where will China evolve post-Covid, and how has this changed the country's optimism? 6. Where does work/life balance fit into post-Covid agency culture? 7. Is an agency a place for a new recruit, or should they join the brand side? 8. How does Ogilvy balance experts and integration under a single office network? 9. Good growth is just around the corner for both agencies and brands in China 10. Local clients vs. global client needs are different - it's the local clients that want brand building 11. What are the biggest challenges for Chinese brands going global? 12. What's the importance of technology for agency services in China? 13. What's your favorite David Ogilvy quote? 14. Hey, are you still in China? Is China a regional hub? 15. A/B Test: Creatvity, Shanghai, MidJourney & KFC No No Inside China's Beauty Business with Stéphane Wilmet https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/x81v23xn-inside-china-s-beauty-business-with-stephane-wilmet Inside China's Beauty Business with Stéphane Wilmet 40 2 No No 7134r9j0 Stéphane Wilmet, a highly accomplished executive in the consumer beauty industry, joins our show today. With over 30 years of experience, Wilmet has held prominent positions in the United States and China. Notably, he served as the Chief Consumer Officer at L'Oréal China, overseeing consumer strategic branding, insights, foresight, and M&A activities, playing a crucial role in shaping the company's brand strategies and understanding the Chinese market. During the pandemic, Wilmet returned to the United States and worked as the Senior Vice President, of M&A, at L'Oréal USA in New York. He works as an advisor to private equity firms and shares his expertise as a guest lecturer at various business schools. 1. Off-topic, but any interest in buying a motorcycle? 2. We know that the beauty business in China is big, but are market nuances that the world can learn from China regarding how business is run here? (Hint: scale and speed) 3. How did L'Oreal stay vigilant with new product development? 4. How do we continue to build brands in a deep discount live stream environment? 5. Livestream help cast a net to recruit new consumers, but how do brands deal with high returns? 6. Will Western and Chinese beauty shopping behavior converge? Are shopping patterns becoming the same as digital ecosystems become similar? 7. Do beauty brands need an offline presence given the power of online? 8. Will we have a time that Chinese beauty brands will go global? 9. Any amazing Chinese beauty brands that you have your eye on? 10. How do young people get into the beauty industry? 11. Are men welcome in the beauty industry? 12. A/B Test: Authentic/New York/C/K/J-Beauty - what's C-Beauty's role?/ Virtual KOLs Stéphane Wilmet, a highly accomplished executive in the consumer beauty industry, joins our show today. With over 30 years of experience, Wilmet has held prominent positions in both the United States and China. Notably, he served as the Chief Consumer Officer at L'Oréal China, where he oversaw consumer strategic branding, insights, foresight, and M&A activities, playing a crucial role in shaping the company's brand strategies and understanding the Chinese market. 

During the pandemic, Wilmet returned to the United States and worked as the Senior Vice President, of M&A, at L'Oréal USA in New York. He works as an advisor to private equity firms and shares his expertise as a guest lecturer at various business schools.

1.  Off-topic, but any interest in buying a motorcycle?

2. We know that the beauty business in China is big, but are market nuances that the world can learn from China regarding how business is run here? (Hint:  scale and speed)

3.  How did L'Oreal stay vigilant with new product development?

4.  How do we continue to build brands in a deep discount live stream environment?

5.  Livestream help cast a net to recruit new consumers, but how do brands deal with high returns?

6.  Will Western and Chinese beauty shopping behavior converge? Are shopping patterns becoming the same as digital ecosystems become similar?

7.  Do beauty brands need an offline presence given the power of online?

8.  Will we have a time that Chinese beauty brands will go global?

9.  Any amazing Chinese beauty brands that you have your eye on?

10.  How do young people get into the beauty industry?

11.  Are men welcome in the beauty industry?

12. A/B Test:  Authentic/New York/C/K/J-Beauty - what's C-Beauty's role?/ Virtual KOLs

Stéphane on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/st%C3%A9phane-wilmet-2121452/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/
]]> Sat, 27 May 2023 10:48:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3044 Stéphane Wilmet, a highly accomplished executive in the consumer beauty industry, joins our show today. With over 30 years of experience, Wilmet has held prominent positions in the United States and China. Notably, he served as the Chief Consumer Officer at L'Oréal China, overseeing consumer strategic branding, insights, foresight, and M&A activities, playing a crucial role in shaping the company's brand strategies and understanding the Chinese market. During the pandemic, Wilmet returned to the United States and worked as the Senior Vice President, of M&A, at L'Oréal USA in New York. He works as an advisor to private equity firms and shares his expertise as a guest lecturer at various business schools. 1. Off-topic, but any interest in buying a motorcycle? 2. We know that the beauty business in China is big, but are market nuances that the world can learn from China regarding how business is run here? (Hint: scale and speed) 3. How did L'Oreal stay vigilant with new product development? 4. How do we continue to build brands in a deep discount live stream environment? 5. Livestream help cast a net to recruit new consumers, but how do brands deal with high returns? 6. Will Western and Chinese beauty shopping behavior converge? Are shopping patterns becoming the same as digital ecosystems become similar? 7. Do beauty brands need an offline presence given the power of online? 8. Will we have a time that Chinese beauty brands will go global? 9. Any amazing Chinese beauty brands that you have your eye on? 10. How do young people get into the beauty industry? 11. Are men welcome in the beauty industry? 12. A/B Test: Authentic/New York/C/K/J-Beauty - what's C-Beauty's role?/ Virtual KOLs Stéphane Wilmet, a highly accomplished executive in the consumer beauty industry, joins our show today. With over 30 years of experience, Wilmet has held prominent positions in the United States and China. Notably, he served as the Chief Consumer Officer at L'Oréal China, overseeing consumer strategic branding, insights, foresight, and M&A activities, playing a crucial role in shaping the company's brand strategies and understanding the Chinese market. During the pandemic, Wilmet returned to the United States and worked as the Senior Vice President, of M&A, at L'Oréal USA in New York. He works as an advisor to private equity firms and shares his expertise as a guest lecturer at various business schools. 1. Off-topic, but any interest in buying a motorcycle? 2. We know that the beauty business in China is big, but are market nuances that the world can learn from China regarding how business is run here? (Hint: scale and speed) 3. How did L'Oreal stay vigilant with new product development? 4. How do we continue to build brands in a deep discount live stream environment? 5. Livestream help cast a net to recruit new consumers, but how do brands deal with high returns? 6. Will Western and Chinese beauty shopping behavior converge? Are shopping patterns becoming the same as digital ecosystems become similar? 7. Do beauty brands need an offline presence given the power of online? 8. Will we have a time that Chinese beauty brands will go global? 9. Any amazing Chinese beauty brands that you have your eye on? 10. How do young people get into the beauty industry? 11. Are men welcome in the beauty industry? 12. A/B Test: Authentic/New York/C/K/J-Beauty - what's C-Beauty's role?/ Virtual KOLs C-Beauty, L'Oreal, Chinese Beauty Brands, Careers in Beauty No No Unmasking China's Underrepresentation at Cannes: A Missed Opportunity? https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/2nxjvkrn-unmasking-china-s-underrepresentation-at-cannes-a-missed-opportunity Unmasking China's Underrepresentation at Cannes: A Missed Opportunity? 41 2 No No 61mpz7q0 Why was China a no-show at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity this year? Is it the quality of the work, or is it because China is no longer interested in participating on the global stage? We talk to 2 people who have just come back from Cannes Lions, and they give us their unique perspective. Our guests today are Robert Sawatzky, Asia Editor Director at Campaign Asia, a part of Haymarket Media. Robert's work has been showcased across various platforms, from CNN to Campaign UK, highlighting his significant influence in the media landscape. Joining Robert, we have Rogier Bikker; Rogier moved to China at the young age of 21 and has made his mark on the digital sector in China over the past 15 years. Known for pushing creative boundaries and winning medals at the Campaign Agency of the Year shows, he sold his agency TOMORROW to S4 Capital's MediaMonks and is now the Managing Director of Greater China. 1. Are awards shows still important? Do they translate to business results? 2. What were your high and low points of Cannes? 3. Cannes is still the "World Cup" of the industry and sets the bar for the industry's best. 4. Why didn't China show up? Only 1% of the submissions from China 5. Is Cannes now becoming a tech show? 6. Cannes is still under-represented by young creatives who can be inspired by the show. 7. Is it because Global doesn't understand Chinese creativity, or the creativity is too executional? 8. Was any cool AI stuff, or was it in the work? 9. What was your favorite campaign of this show? 10. Is China's global conundrum about framing China's innovation for a global audience? 11. A/B Test: Awesome or Average? Of Course, Awesome! Why was China almost a no-show at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity this year?  Is it the quality of the work, or is it because China is no longer interested in participating on the global stage? We talk to 2 people who have just returned from Cannes Lions, and they give us their unique perspectives.

Today's guests are Robert Sawatzky, Asia Editor Director at Campaign Asia, a part of Haymarket Media. Robert's work has been showcased across various platforms, from CNN to Campaign UK, highlighting his significant influence in the media landscape.

Joining Robert, we have Rogier Bikker; Rogier moved to China at age 21 and has made his mark on the digital sector in China over the past 15 years. Known for pushing creative boundaries and winning medals at the Campaign Agency of the Year shows, he sold his agency TOMORROW to S4 Capital's MediaMonks and is now the Managing Director of Greater China.

1.  Are awards shows still important? Do they translate to business results?
2. What were your high and low points of Cannes?
3.  Cannes is still the "World Cup" of the industry and sets the bar for the industry's best.
4.  Why didn't China show up?  Only 1% of the submissions from China
5.  Is Cannes now becoming a tech show?
6. Cannes is still under-represented by young creatives who can be inspired by the show.
7.  Is it because Global doesn't understand Chinese creativity, or the creativity is too executional?
8.  Was any cool AI stuff, or was it in the work?
9. What was your favorite campaign of this show?
10. Is China's global conundrum about framing China's innovation for a global audience?
11. A/B Test:  Awesome or Average? Of Course, Awesome!


Grand Prix Winners We Liked:
Cadbury India: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=US_1qLyOmUc&t=73s
Argentina World Cup Ad (PedidosYa):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoGh0-RlrI8
Serena Williams Nike Ad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ehJczf2FEk


Rogier on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogierbikker/
About Mediamonks: https://media.monks.com/

Robert on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-sawatzky-80864b4/
About Campaign Asia:  https://www.campaignasia.com/


For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/


]]> Fri, 07 Jul 2023 14:11:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2827 Why was China a no-show at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity this year? Is it the quality of the work, or is it because China is no longer interested in participating on the global stage? We talk to 2 people who have just come back from Cannes Lions, and they give us their unique perspective. Our guests today are Robert Sawatzky, Asia Editor Director at Campaign Asia, a part of Haymarket Media. Robert's work has been showcased across various platforms, from CNN to Campaign UK, highlighting his significant influence in the media landscape. Joining Robert, we have Rogier Bikker; Rogier moved to China at the young age of 21 and has made his mark on the digital sector in China over the past 15 years. Known for pushing creative boundaries and winning medals at the Campaign Agency of the Year shows, he sold his agency TOMORROW to S4 Capital's MediaMonks and is now the Managing Director of Greater China. 1. Are awards shows still important? Do they translate to business results? 2. What were your high and low points of Cannes? 3. Cannes is still the "World Cup" of the industry and sets the bar for the industry's best. 4. Why didn't China show up? Only 1% of the submissions from China 5. Is Cannes now becoming a tech show? 6. Cannes is still under-represented by young creatives who can be inspired by the show. 7. Is it because Global doesn't understand Chinese creativity, or the creativity is too executional? 8. Was any cool AI stuff, or was it in the work? 9. What was your favorite campaign of this show? 10. Is China's global conundrum about framing China's innovation for a global audience? 11. A/B Test: Awesome or Average? Of Course, Awesome! Why was China a no-show at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity this year? Is it the quality of the work, or is it because China is no longer interested in participating on the global stage? We talk to 2 people who have just come back from Cannes Lions, and they give us their unique perspective. Our guests today are Robert Sawatzky, Asia Editor Director at Campaign Asia, a part of Haymarket Media. Robert's work has been showcased across various platforms, from CNN to Campaign UK, highlighting his significant influence in the media landscape. Joining Robert, we have Rogier Bikker; Rogier moved to China at the young age of 21 and has made his mark on the digital sector in China over the past 15 years. Known for pushing creative boundaries and winning medals at the Campaign Agency of the Year shows, he sold his agency TOMORROW to S4 Capital's MediaMonks and is now the Managing Director of Greater China. 1. Are awards shows still important? Do they translate to business results? 2. What were your high and low points of Cannes? 3. Cannes is still the "World Cup" of the industry and sets the bar for the industry's best. 4. Why didn't China show up? Only 1% of the submissions from China 5. Is Cannes now becoming a tech show? 6. Cannes is still under-represented by young creatives who can be inspired by the show. 7. Is it because Global doesn't understand Chinese creativity, or the creativity is too executional? 8. Was any cool AI stuff, or was it in the work? 9. What was your favorite campaign of this show? 10. Is China's global conundrum about framing China's innovation for a global audience? 11. A/B Test: Awesome or Average? Of Course, Awesome! No No China Transforming Digital: Insights from Wiredcraft's CEO, Ronan Berder https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/rnkr7l58-china-transforming-digital-insights-from-wiredcraft-s-ceo-ronan-berder China Transforming Digital: Insights from Wiredcraft's CEO, Ronan Berder 42 2 No No 70wn6jk1 What does it take for brands in China to transform their businesses to be digital-ready? We asked Wiredcraft CEO and Co-founder Ronan Berder to provide his insights into what companies need to evolve their businesses. Ronan has been instrumental in driving digital innovation and transformation for such brands as Starbucks, Nike, and Hilton and provides us with stories and strategies behind China's digital revolution. 1. What is digital transformation? How can you work with these major companies and what lessons can other businesses learn? 2. What has led to such rapid adoption of digital transformation in China? How have payments and digital wallets forced companies to change? 3. How much of China is exportable now that you're doing regional markets? 4. How much of the type of transformation will help Chinese brands export outside of China? 5. How successful have brands done to do it on their own without the big e-commerce platforms? 6. Are there specific categories that benefit from direct-to-consumer business? 7. Is direct-to-consumer too hard, and is it much easier to push media to consumers? 8. What are your thoughts about AI, and how can brands use it to maximize their digital transformation plans? 9. What recommendations to get into a business like yours? Is this truly the future of the advertising industry? 10. A/B Test: Mini-Programs/Shanghai/Wechat & Burberry What does it take for brands in China to transform their businesses to be digital-ready?  We asked Wiredcraft CEO and Co-founder Ronan Berder to provide his insights into what companies need to evolve their businesses. Ronan has been instrumental in driving digital innovation and transformation for such brands as Starbucks, Nike, and Hilton and provides us with stories and strategies behind China's digital revolution.

1.  What is digital transformation?  How can you work with these major companies, and what lessons can other businesses learn?

2. What has led to such rapid adoption of digital transformation in China? How have payments and digital wallets forced companies to change?

3. How much of China is exportable now that you're doing regional markets?

4. How much of the type of transformation will help Chinese brands export outside of China?

5. How successful have brands done to do it on their own without the big e-commerce platforms?

6.  Are there specific categories that benefit from direct-to-consumer business?

7.  Is direct-to-consumer too hard, and is it much easier to push media to consumers?

8. What are your thoughts about AI, and how can brands use it to maximize their digital transformation plans?

9.  What recommendations to get into a business like yours?  Is this truly the future of the advertising industry?

10.  A/B Test:  Mini-Programs/Shanghai/Wechat & Burberry


Ronan on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronanberder/
About Wiredcraft:  https://wiredcraft.com/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Thu, 27 Jul 2023 23:00:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3262 What does it take for brands in China to transform their businesses to be digital-ready? We asked Wiredcraft CEO and Co-founder Ronan Berder to provide his insights into what companies need to evolve their businesses. Ronan has been instrumental in driving digital innovation and transformation for such brands as Starbucks, Nike, and Hilton and provides us with stories and strategies behind China's digital revolution. 1. What is digital transformation? How can you work with these major companies and what lessons can other businesses learn? 2. What has led to such rapid adoption of digital transformation in China? How have payments and digital wallets forced companies to change? 3. How much of China is exportable now that you're doing regional markets? 4. How much of the type of transformation will help Chinese brands export outside of China? 5. How successful have brands done to do it on their own without the big e-commerce platforms? 6. Are there specific categories that benefit from direct-to-consumer business? 7. Is direct-to-consumer too hard, and is it much easier to push media to consumers? 8. What are your thoughts about AI, and how can brands use it to maximize their digital transformation plans? 9. What recommendations to get into a business like yours? Is this truly the future of the advertising industry? 10. A/B Test: Mini-Programs/Shanghai/Wechat & Burberry What does it take for brands in China to transform their businesses to be digital-ready? We asked Wiredcraft CEO and Co-founder Ronan Berder to provide his insights into what companies need to evolve their businesses. Ronan has been instrumental in driving digital innovation and transformation for such brands as Starbucks, Nike, and Hilton and provides us with stories and strategies behind China's digital revolution. 1. What is digital transformation? How can you work with these major companies and what lessons can other businesses learn? 2. What has led to such rapid adoption of digital transformation in China? How have payments and digital wallets forced companies to change? 3. How much of China is exportable now that you're doing regional markets? 4. How much of the type of transformation will help Chinese brands export outside of China? 5. How successful have brands done to do it on their own without the big e-commerce platforms? 6. Are there specific categories that benefit from direct-to-consumer business? 7. Is direct-to-consumer too hard, and is it much easier to push media to consumers? 8. What are your thoughts about AI, and how can brands use it to maximize their digital transformation plans? 9. What recommendations to get into a business like yours? Is this truly the future of the advertising industry? 10. A/B Test: Mini-Programs/Shanghai/Wechat & Burberry Digital Transformation No No Rocking China with Dr. Andrew Field https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/28x3wpqn-rocking-china-with-dr-andrew-field Rocking China with Dr. Andrew Field 43 2 No No 60m48231 We're talking rock and roll with Dr. Andrew Field, Associate Professor of Chinese History at Duke Kunshan University. Andrew is the recent author of "Rocking China", a book that traces the rise and spread of indie rock from the rock capital of Beijing to Shanghai and to other places in China. Through interviews with key players, Dr. Field explores the meanings of rock music in China society and many obstacles to developing indie rock in the country. We're talking rock and roll with Dr. Andrew Field, Associate Professor of Chinese History at Duke Kunshan University.  Andrew is the recent author of "Rocking China", a book that traces the rise and spread of indie rock from the rock capital of Beijing to Shanghai and other places in China. Through interviews with key players, Dr. Field explores the meanings of rock music in China society and the many obstacles to developing indie rock in the country.

1.  Let's start from the beginning of the "Chinese New Wave" :  how did indie rock make it to China?
2.  Why Beijing? Why not Shanghai?
3.  The Nirvana/Sonic Youth Effect - where were the rockers getting their ideas?
4.  The Wudaokao scene & the cut CDs.
5.  What was the main transformation from covers to original music?
6.  The Michael Pettis & D-22 Effect
7.   What's the government's influence on the rock scene?
8.  What were some of the challenges in writing the book? (it was originally a movie!)
9.   What was the impact of the rock festivals?
10.  Is the scene coming back post-Covid? Will foreigners come back and play again?
11.  A/B Test:  Favorite Cui Jian Song, Yuyintang, Hedgehog & Shanghai

Get the book:  https://www.amazon.com/Rocking-China-scenes-Beijing-beyond/dp/9888769936

Bryce's 1991 Rock Moment with Cui Jian:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvn8Ql5GOYA

Andrew's Chinese Indie Mixtape based on the show: 

On Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7lpk51moJkyxvQXSEiWzrr? si=a2acd26cb50f401c
On QQ
https://y.qq.com/n/ryqq/playlist/8899639769

Andrew Field's Blog:  http://shanghaisojourns.net/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/



]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 23:20:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3242 We're talking rock and roll with Dr. Andrew Field, Associate Professor of Chinese History at Duke Kunshan University. Andrew is the recent author of "Rocking China", a book that traces the rise and spread of indie rock from the rock capital of Beijing to Shanghai and to other places in China. Through interviews with key players, Dr. Field explores the meanings of rock music in China society and many obstacles to developing indie rock in the country. We're talking rock and roll with Dr. Andrew Field, Associate Professor of Chinese History at Duke Kunshan University. Andrew is the recent author of "Rocking China", a book that traces the rise and spread of indie rock from the rock capital of Beijing to Shanghai and to other places in China. Through interviews with key players, Dr. Field explores the meanings of rock music in China society and many obstacles to developing indie rock in the country. No No Shanghai Ning in NYC: Estee Lauder's Gary Chu & Mark Jiang https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/q803z90n-shanghai-ning-in-nyc-estee-lauder-s-gary-chu-mark-jiang Shanghai Ning in NYC: Estee Lauder's Gary Chu & Mark Jiang 44 2 No No p0k43y61 Ali and Bryce were expats in Shanghai; what's it like for two Chinese senior global marketing executives living in New York? Today's podcast interviews Gary Chu and Mark Jiang from the Estee Lauder Companies, based in New York. ELC includes brands such as Estee Lauder, Clinique, MAC, La Mer, and Tom Ford Beauty. Gary was VP for the Online business from 2014 to 2020 and was responsible for leading the company's dominance in China e-commerce across 12 flagship stores. Mark was previously VP and Brand General Manager for MAC Cosmetics China. Mark and Gary are now senior VPs leading Estee Lauder's global online ambition. Ali and Bryce were expats in Shanghai; what's it like for two Chinese senior global marketing executives working and living in New York?  

Today's podcast interviews Gary Chu and Mark Jiang from the Estee Lauder Companies, based in New York. ELC includes brands such as Estee Lauder, Clinique, MAC, La Mer, and Tom Ford Beauty. Gary was VP for the Online business from 2014 to 2020 and was responsible for leading the company's dominance in China e-commerce across 12 flagship stores. Mark was previously VP and Brand General Manager for MAC Cosmetics China. Mark and Gary are now senior VPs leading Estee Lauder's global online ambition. 

1.  What are you responsible for in your current global capacity with the company?
2. Where do you think your experiences in China have helped you in your current capacity at ELC?
3. How is China now contributing to global beauty? Where do you think it leads to innovation? 
4.  Tell us about the super-app phenomenon and how it's spreading globally. 
5.  How much of what you're doing related to younger consumers that you did in China?
6.  Why can't digital trends in China translate to other markets?
7.  What about product innovation from China?
8.  Can you explain Chinese beauty, and will it spread to the rest of the world?
9.  Any advice for Chinese students now studying in the U.S.? Any tips?
10.  How has your NYC experience made you a better and future China leader?
11.  Why are American brands better storytellers?  Gary talks about NYC restaurants
12. Given the diversity of the market, do you see yourself using more AI tools?
13.  Gary's passion for living in NYC: museums, walking and parks
14. What do you miss particularly about Shanghai? What do you NOT miss about Shanghai?
15.  A/B: Ambiguity, Speed, Fushing or Fujian?]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 23:00:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3341 Ali and Bryce were expats in Shanghai; what's it like for two Chinese senior global marketing executives living in New York? Today's podcast interviews Gary Chu and Mark Jiang from the Estee Lauder Companies, based in New York. ELC includes brands such as Estee Lauder, Clinique, MAC, La Mer, and Tom Ford Beauty. Gary was VP for the Online business from 2014 to 2020 and was responsible for leading the company's dominance in China e-commerce across 12 flagship stores. Mark was previously VP and Brand General Manager for MAC Cosmetics China. Mark and Gary are now senior VPs leading Estee Lauder's global online ambition. Ali and Bryce were expats in Shanghai; what's it like for two Chinese senior global marketing executives living in New York? Today's podcast interviews Gary Chu and Mark Jiang from the Estee Lauder Companies, based in New York. ELC includes brands such as Estee Lauder, Clinique, MAC, La Mer, and Tom Ford Beauty. Gary was VP for the Online business from 2014 to 2020 and was responsible for leading the company's dominance in China e-commerce across 12 flagship stores. Mark was previously VP and Brand General Manager for MAC Cosmetics China. Mark and Gary are now senior VPs leading Estee Lauder's global online ambition. No No Managing Businesses & Talent in Low Growth China - Mark Wang of Grace Blue https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/489vx71n-managing-businesses-talent-in-low-growth-china-mark-wang-of-grace-blue Managing Businesses & Talent in Low Growth China - Mark Wang of Grace Blue 45 2 No No v175z6x1 For 20 years, China was about speed and scale, but it seems now that era has ended for many agencies and companies. Sales are dropping; budgets are being cut. Project pitching is now weekly for many agencies as brands focus solely on performance marketing. How should China businesses adjust for times that may not go as quickly as before? This week we speak to Mark Wang, Senior Consultant at Grace Blue, focusing on executive talent in marketing and communications in China. Mark previously led Edelman China and was Managing Director at OgilvyOne Beijing. Mark has also held positions at Lenovo, IBM and Dell. For 20 years, China was about speed and scale, but it seems now that era has ended for many agencies and companies. Sales are dropping; budgets are being cut.  Project pitching is now a weekly thing for many agencies as brands focus solely on performance marketing. How should China businesses adjust for times that may not go as quickly as before? This week we speak to Mark Wang, Senior Consultant at Grace Blue, focusing on executive talent in marketing and communications in China. Mark previously led Edelman China and was Managing Director at OgilvyOne Beijing. Mark has also held positions at Lenovo, IBM and Dell.

1.  How do your experiences in tech helped you transition to roles in Ogilvy and Edelman?
2.  How different is it managing agencies versus managing business on the client side?
3. How do you see the recent China economic trajectories influencing China's market & communications landscape?
4. How will strategic planning impact businesses? It's about getting back to the core.
5.  How have the agency CEOs reacted to the market and reacted to the changes?
6.  Do local agencies have advantages over international ones during these times?
7.  What strategies are you recommending to advertisers and advertising agencies for hiring talent in 2024?
8. Any advice for those looking for a job out of college?
9. A/B Test: People as a Service! Shenzhen & Shanghai (It depends)

Mark Wang on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdwang/
About Grace Blue: https://graceblue.com/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

]]> Thu, 19 Oct 2023 23:55:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2505 For 20 years, China was about speed and scale, but it seems now that era has ended for many agencies and companies. Sales are dropping; budgets are being cut. Project pitching is now weekly for many agencies as brands focus solely on performance marketing. How should China businesses adjust for times that may not go as quickly as before? This week we speak to Mark Wang, Senior Consultant at Grace Blue, focusing on executive talent in marketing and communications in China. Mark previously led Edelman China and was Managing Director at OgilvyOne Beijing. Mark has also held positions at Lenovo, IBM and Dell. For 20 years, China was about speed and scale, but it seems now that era has ended for many agencies and companies. Sales are dropping; budgets are being cut. Project pitching is now weekly for many agencies as brands focus solely on performance marketing. How should China businesses adjust for times that may not go as quickly as before? This week we speak to Mark Wang, Senior Consultant at Grace Blue, focusing on executive talent in marketing and communications in China. Mark previously led Edelman China and was Managing Director at OgilvyOne Beijing. Mark has also held positions at Lenovo, IBM and Dell. No No Charting China's Hotel & Travel Industry's Post-Pandemic Course https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/1np46xwn-charting-china-s-hotel-travel-industry-s-post-pandemic-course Charting China's Hotel & Travel Industry's Post-Pandemic Course 46 2 No No z0r9k521 We're talking about the Chinese hotel and travel industry today and are joined by Hugh Xu, a veteran in the travel and hospitality sectors with over 20 years of experience. Hugh has held critical roles in several Fortune 500 companies. Most recently, he served as the General Manager of Sales & Marketing at Sunmei Hotel Group, overseeing over 500 properties and 28 brands. Before that, he was with the Huazhu Hotel Group, managing sales and marketing for their upscale brands. Hugh's expertise extends to digital marketing and e-commerce, having driven significant initiatives at the NH Hotel Group and Hyatt Hotels Corporation. We're talking about the Chinese hotel and travel industry today and are joined by Hugh Xu, a veteran in the travel and hospitality sectors with over 20 years of experience. Hugh has held critical roles in several Fortune 500 companies. Most recently, he served as the General Manager of Sales & Marketing at Sunmei Hotel Group, overseeing over 500 properties and 28 brands. Before that, he was with the Huazhu Hotel Group, managing sales and marketing for their upscale brands. Hugh's expertise extends to digital marketing and e-commerce, having driven significant initiatives at the NH Hotel Group and Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

1.  How do all your experiences shape and contribute to your expertise in hotel marketing?

2.  How are the local and international hotel chains currently competing? Who has the advantage?

3.  How did the 3-year Covid-19 period impact the China hotel industry? What has changed?

4.  What is the #1 outbound travel choice for Chinese nowadays?

5.  Is there still fear of COVID-related illness amongst Chinese tourists traveling abroad?

6. Is safety abroad a big issue?

7.  How has digital transformation landed in the Chinese hotel industry?

8.  How have the OTA platform and social media influencers impacted the hotel promotion?

9.  Would it be accurate to say that money earmarked for a hotel on an OTA is actually spent on the OTA's own advertising?

10.  What's your favorite hotel, and who does the best marketing?

11.  Any suggestions for mid-tier hotel brands surviving to get noticed in China?

12. A/B Test:  Guest Experience, Shopping, & Boutique Hotels

Hugh Xu on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughxu/


For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

]]> Sat, 18 Nov 2023 02:51:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3506 We're talking about the Chinese hotel and travel industry today and are joined by Hugh Xu, a veteran in the travel and hospitality sectors with over 20 years of experience. Hugh has held critical roles in several Fortune 500 companies. Most recently, he served as the General Manager of Sales & Marketing at Sunmei Hotel Group, overseeing over 500 properties and 28 brands. Before that, he was with the Huazhu Hotel Group, managing sales and marketing for their upscale brands. Hugh's expertise extends to digital marketing and e-commerce, having driven significant initiatives at the NH Hotel Group and Hyatt Hotels Corporation. We're talking about the Chinese hotel and travel industry today and are joined by Hugh Xu, a veteran in the travel and hospitality sectors with over 20 years of experience. Hugh has held critical roles in several Fortune 500 companies. Most recently, he served as the General Manager of Sales & Marketing at Sunmei Hotel Group, overseeing over 500 properties and 28 brands. Before that, he was with the Huazhu Hotel Group, managing sales and marketing for their upscale brands. Hugh's expertise extends to digital marketing and e-commerce, having driven significant initiatives at the NH Hotel Group and Hyatt Hotels Corporation. China hotel industry, China travel, China Tourism No No Chinese Design & the Making of a Multinational Brand: Danny Du https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/1n234kz8-chinese-design-the-making-of-a-multinational-brand-danny-du Chinese Design & the Making of a Multinational Brand: Danny Du 47 2 No No 219z7xv0 This episode focuses on the elements behind Chinese design, its unique characteristics, and how it's shaping global design ethos. Please welcome Danny Du, whose work in Shanghai, particularly with the Geely Design Global and now at BASF's Creation Center has marked him as a leader, bringing Chinese design aesthetics to the world. This episode focuses on the elements behind Chinese design, its unique characteristics, and how it's shaping global design ethos. Please welcome Danny Du, whose work in Shanghai, particularly with the Geely Design Global and now at BASF's Creation Center as APAC design lead, has marked him as a leader, bringing Chinese design aesthetics to the world.

1.  What does it take for a Chinese brand to be truly multinational? Do they design for China or a global audience?  Which comes first?

2.  Is "less is more" now more accepted by Chinese consumers, or do they prefer design elements that are touched up?

3.  Is there an expectation that Chinese consumers want everything that impacts design?

4.  How important are product partnerships and brand collaborations?

5.   What's a design brainstorming session look like? How do you inspire your team to be creative?

6. Does designing sustainable products deter design innovation or help it?

7.  Any advice for young designers getting into the business? Will AI impact it?

8.  A/B Test: Brand, Brand, Brand

Danny Du on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannydu/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Mon, 18 Dec 2023 13:37:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2860 This episode focuses on the elements behind Chinese design, its unique characteristics, and how it's shaping global design ethos. Please welcome Danny Du, whose work in Shanghai, particularly with the Geely Design Global and now at BASF's Creation Center has marked him as a leader, bringing Chinese design aesthetics to the world. This episode focuses on the elements behind Chinese design, its unique characteristics, and how it's shaping global design ethos. Please welcome Danny Du, whose work in Shanghai, particularly with the Geely Design Global and now at BASF's Creation Center has marked him as a leader, bringing Chinese design aesthetics to the world. No No Will Livestream Commerce Become a Hit Outside China? Agree or Disagree? https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/28647w28-will-livestream-commerce-become-a-hit-outside-china-agree-or-disagree Will Livestream Commerce Become a Hit Outside China? Agree or Disagree? 48 3 No No j12zmjk1 Welcome to Season 3 of ShanghaiZhan! We thought for this season, we would try something a bit different. In addition to our popular interviews, Ali and I will cover pressing issues ourselves in a series called Agree or Disagree. Will live stream commerce become a hit outside of China? Livestreaming is projected to hit $65 billion in the U.S., representing 5% of total e-commerce. Livestream channels on TikTok have made it more approachable to consumers outside of China, and viewer numbers, although still relatively small, are growing. In China, live streaming is an enigma, with over 500 million consumers regularly engaging in live streaming. Chinese shoppers use live streams to find their favorite brands and get deals, while in the West, it is considered a form of entertainment. Bryce thinks it will take off big time, especially when celebrity influencers get involved, and the production values improve. Ali disagrees. Live stream will have its place in the media mix, but it won't be as big as in China. What do you think? Agree or Disagree? Welcome to Season 3 of ShanghaiZhan!  We thought for this season, we would try something a bit different. In addition to our popular interviews, Ali and I will cover pressing issues ourselves in a series called Agree or Disagree.

Will live stream commerce become a hit outside of China?  Livestreaming is projected to hit $65 billion in the U.S., representing 5% of total e-commerce. Livestream channels on TikTok have made it more approachable to consumers outside of China, and viewer numbers, although still relatively small, are growing. In China, live streaming is an enigma, with over 500 million consumers regularly engaging in live streaming. Chinese shoppers use live streams to find their favorite brands and get deals, while in the West, it is considered a form of entertainment.

Bryce thinks it will take off big time, especially when celebrity influencers get involved, and the production values improve.  Ali disagrees. Live stream will have its place in the media mix, but it won't be as big as in China.

What do you think? Agree or Disagree?

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Thu, 28 Dec 2023 23:00:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 1764 Welcome to Season 3 of ShanghaiZhan! We thought for this season, we would try something a bit different. In addition to our popular interviews, Ali and I will cover pressing issues ourselves in a series called Agree or Disagree. Will live stream commerce become a hit outside of China? Livestreaming is projected to hit $65 billion in the U.S., representing 5% of total e-commerce. Livestream channels on TikTok have made it more approachable to consumers outside of China, and viewer numbers, although still relatively small, are growing. In China, live streaming is an enigma, with over 500 million consumers regularly engaging in live streaming. Chinese shoppers use live streams to find their favorite brands and get deals, while in the West, it is considered a form of entertainment. Bryce thinks it will take off big time, especially when celebrity influencers get involved, and the production values improve. Ali disagrees. Live stream will have its place in the media mix, but it won't be as big as in China. What do you think? Agree or Disagree? Welcome to Season 3 of ShanghaiZhan! We thought for this season, we would try something a bit different. In addition to our popular interviews, Ali and I will cover pressing issues ourselves in a series called Agree or Disagree. Will live stream commerce become a hit outside of China? Livestreaming is projected to hit $65 billion in the U.S., representing 5% of total e-commerce. Livestream channels on TikTok have made it more approachable to consumers outside of China, and viewer numbers, although still relatively small, are growing. In China, live streaming is an enigma, with over 500 million consumers regularly engaging in live streaming. Chinese shoppers use live streams to find their favorite brands and get deals, while in the West, it is considered a form of entertainment. Bryce thinks it will take off big time, especially when celebrity influencers get involved, and the production values improve. Ali disagrees. Live stream will have its place in the media mix, but it won't be as big as in China. What do you think? Agree or Disagree? Livestream Commerce China United States Europe No No The China Entrepreneur Show: Jing-A Beer & the Making of a Local Brand https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/p8lmyjpn-the-china-entrepreneur-show-jing-a-beer-the-making-of-a-local-brand The China Entrepreneur Show: Jing-A Beer & the Making of a Local Brand 49 3 No No x1l7rlx0 What does starting a successful brand from ZERO in the Middle Kingdom take? We spoke to Alex Acker and Kristian Li, co-founders of Jing A Beer. Based in Beijing, Jing-A now has 10 tap rooms in the capital, with one in Shenzhen. Jing-A is also available in Singapore. Jing-A describes itself as a brewery that is in constant motion. Started by Kris and Alex in 2012, Jing-A is obsessed with hunting down rare ingredients and unexpected flavours to brew beers, intertwining its distinctive Beijing roots. Alex and Kris also collaborate with brewers from all over the world with the goal of making Beijing one of the great beer brewing capitals of the world. China is, after all, the world's largest beer market, generating $125.6 billion a year in sales. 1. Why did you first come to China, and how did two corporate guys quit their jobs and start a brewery? 2. Can you explain the meaning behind the name, Jing-A? It's the OG of Beijing. 3. How did you get started? What were some challenges for expats living in Beijing setting up a business? How did you overcome them? 4. What are the specific cultural nuances of drinking craft beer in China? Is beer drinking similar to how it is in the West? 5. What does it take to leap into entrepreneurship out of the corporate world? Be Conservative 6. What did the competition look like for you? How did you move people from the competition? 7. What marketing tips can you provide to brands that want to get started? 8. What is the difference between Shanghai's and Beijing's experiences? 9. The AQI beer idea: how to connect the culture to the product 10. What's the situation post-COVID? Has there been a return? How did COVID impact you? 11. Tell us about the 8 X 8 Brewing Project 12. If you did it all over again....would you still do it? How much did timing and luck impact your success? 13. A/B Test: Community, Worker Pale Ale, China 2008! What does starting a successful brand from ZERO in the Middle Kingdom take?  We spoke to Alex Acker and Kristian Li, co-founders of Jing A Beer. Based in Beijing, Jing-A now has ten tap rooms in the capital, with one in Shenzhen. Jing-A is also available in Singapore.

Jing-A describes itself as a brewery that is in constant motion. Started by Kris and Alex in 2012, Jing-A is obsessed with hunting down rare ingredients and unexpected flavors to brew beers, intertwining its distinctive Beijing roots. Alex and Kris also collaborate with brewers from all over the world with the goal of making Beijing one of the great beer brewing capitals of the world.  China is, after all, the world's largest beer market, generating $125.6 billion a year in sales.

Are there still entrepreneurial opportunities in China for expats?  We talked to the experts!

1. Why did you first come to China, and how did two corporate guys quit their jobs and start a brewery?
2.  Can you explain the meaning behind the name, Jing-A?  It's the OG of Beijing.
3. How did you get started? What were some challenges for expats living in Beijing setting up a business? How did you overcome them?
4. What are the specific cultural nuances of drinking craft beer in China? Is beer drinking similar to how it is in the West?
5.  What does it take to leap into entrepreneurship out of the corporate world?  Be Conservative
6. What did the competition look like for you? How did you move people from the competition?
7.  What marketing tips can you provide to brands wanting to start?
8. What is the difference between Shanghai's and Beijing's experiences?
9.  The AQI beer idea: how to connect the culture to the product
10. What's the situation post-COVID? Has there been a return?  How did COVID impact you?
11. Tell us about the 8 X 8 Brewing Project
12. If you did it all over again....would you still do it? How much did timing and luck impact your success?
13. A/B Test: Community, Worker Pale Ale, China 2008!

Jing-A Corporate History Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muHDKlqHP6M
Jing-A Website: https://jingabrewing.com/

Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-acker-475b14/
Kris on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/krisli/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

]]> Thu, 11 Jan 2024 23:00:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3331 What does starting a successful brand from ZERO in the Middle Kingdom take? We spoke to Alex Acker and Kristian Li, co-founders of Jing A Beer. Based in Beijing, Jing-A now has 10 tap rooms in the capital, with one in Shenzhen. Jing-A is also available in Singapore. Jing-A describes itself as a brewery that is in constant motion. Started by Kris and Alex in 2012, Jing-A is obsessed with hunting down rare ingredients and unexpected flavours to brew beers, intertwining its distinctive Beijing roots. Alex and Kris also collaborate with brewers from all over the world with the goal of making Beijing one of the great beer brewing capitals of the world. China is, after all, the world's largest beer market, generating $125.6 billion a year in sales. 1. Why did you first come to China, and how did two corporate guys quit their jobs and start a brewery? 2. Can you explain the meaning behind the name, Jing-A? It's the OG of Beijing. 3. How did you get started? What were some challenges for expats living in Beijing setting up a business? How did you overcome them? 4. What are the specific cultural nuances of drinking craft beer in China? Is beer drinking similar to how it is in the West? 5. What does it take to leap into entrepreneurship out of the corporate world? Be Conservative 6. What did the competition look like for you? How did you move people from the competition? 7. What marketing tips can you provide to brands that want to get started? 8. What is the difference between Shanghai's and Beijing's experiences? 9. The AQI beer idea: how to connect the culture to the product 10. What's the situation post-COVID? Has there been a return? How did COVID impact you? 11. Tell us about the 8 X 8 Brewing Project 12. If you did it all over again....would you still do it? How much did timing and luck impact your success? 13. A/B Test: Community, Worker Pale Ale, China 2008! What does starting a successful brand from ZERO in the Middle Kingdom take? We spoke to Alex Acker and Kristian Li, co-founders of Jing A Beer. Based in Beijing, Jing-A now has 10 tap rooms in the capital, with one in Shenzhen. Jing-A is also available in Singapore. Jing-A describes itself as a brewery that is in constant motion. Started by Kris and Alex in 2012, Jing-A is obsessed with hunting down rare ingredients and unexpected flavours to brew beers, intertwining its distinctive Beijing roots. Alex and Kris also collaborate with brewers from all over the world with the goal of making Beijing one of the great beer brewing capitals of the world. China is, after all, the world's largest beer market, generating $125.6 billion a year in sales. 1. Why did you first come to China, and how did two corporate guys quit their jobs and start a brewery? 2. Can you explain the meaning behind the name, Jing-A? It's the OG of Beijing. 3. How did you get started? What were some challenges for expats living in Beijing setting up a business? How did you overcome them? 4. What are the specific cultural nuances of drinking craft beer in China? Is beer drinking similar to how it is in the West? 5. What does it take to leap into entrepreneurship out of the corporate world? Be Conservative 6. What did the competition look like for you? How did you move people from the competition? 7. What marketing tips can you provide to brands that want to get started? 8. What is the difference between Shanghai's and Beijing's experiences? 9. The AQI beer idea: how to connect the culture to the product 10. What's the situation post-COVID? Has there been a return? How did COVID impact you? 11. Tell us about the 8 X 8 Brewing Project 12. If you did it all over again....would you still do it? How much did timing and luck impact your success? 13. A/B Test: Community, Worker Pale Ale, China 2008! No No Performance Marketing China: The End of Advertising as We Know It? https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/08j47328-performance-marketing-china-the-end-of-advertising-as-we-know-it Performance Marketing China: The End of Advertising as We Know It? 50 3 No No 41p7wj40 Has performance marketing signaled the end of traditional marketing in China? Traditional marketing focuses more on slowly building brand awareness, creating a slow burn, and driving an emotional connection with consumers. On the other hand, performance marketing is more about results in the quest to drive sales and leads. Thanks to digital platforms, China's advertising is now 79% devoted to performance marketing. Brands are throwing away long-term emotive ads and are going for communications that quickly drive the bottom line. Is this simply lazy marketing? Can advertising be both emotive AND performance-led? Ali and I debate this on today's episode, providing insights for small brands and countline brands to break through the clutter. Has performance marketing signaled the end of traditional marketing in China? Traditional marketing focuses more on slowly building brand awareness, creating a slow burn, and driving an emotional connection with consumers.  On the other hand, performance marketing is more about results in the quest to drive sales and leads. Thanks to digital platforms, China's advertising is now 79% devoted to performance marketing. Brands are throwing away long-term emotive ads and are going for communications that quickly drive the bottom line.

Is this simply lazy marketing? Can advertising be both emotive AND performance-led?  Ali and I debate this on today's episode, providing insights for small brands and countline brands to break through the clutter.

What do you think? Agree or disagree?


For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Thu, 25 Jan 2024 23:00:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2042 Has performance marketing signaled the end of traditional marketing in China? Traditional marketing focuses more on slowly building brand awareness, creating a slow burn, and driving an emotional connection with consumers. On the other hand, performance marketing is more about results in the quest to drive sales and leads. Thanks to digital platforms, China's advertising is now 79% devoted to performance marketing. Brands are throwing away long-term emotive ads and are going for communications that quickly drive the bottom line. Is this simply lazy marketing? Can advertising be both emotive AND performance-led? Ali and I debate this on today's episode, providing insights for small brands and countline brands to break through the clutter. Has performance marketing signaled the end of traditional marketing in China? Traditional marketing focuses more on slowly building brand awareness, creating a slow burn, and driving an emotional connection with consumers. On the other hand, performance marketing is more about results in the quest to drive sales and leads. Thanks to digital platforms, China's advertising is now 79% devoted to performance marketing. Brands are throwing away long-term emotive ads and are going for communications that quickly drive the bottom line. Is this simply lazy marketing? Can advertising be both emotive AND performance-led? Ali and I debate this on today's episode, providing insights for small brands and countline brands to break through the clutter. Performance Marketing, advertising, China Marketing No No Future Proofing the China Agency: Mindshare China's CEO: Ben Condit https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/rnk016k8-building-the-future-china-agency-mindshare-china-s-ceo-ben-condit Future Proofing the China Agency: Mindshare China's CEO: Ben Condit 51 3 No No 70wp5mz1 Will AI become a hindrance or a revolution to Chinese media? Mindshare China CEO Ben Condit says bring it on! Condit sees AI as the answer to much of the overcomplexity in China's tech platforms, some of which require over 11 stops to book a single piece of media. Ben gives us an insider perspective of why Mindshare China is constantly recognized as one of China's largest, most successful, and awarded agencies. 1. Why is your life like a box of chocolates as China CEO? Or is it a roller coaster? 2. Map out the evolution of Mindshare China and the reason for its success. 3. How important is low cost in media pitches? Cost is not always the most important factor. 4. Are media agencies becoming digital agencies? Where's the line drawn these days? 5. How do client leaders navigate a huge relationship with the client C-suite? How do you rally an organization? 6. Where do you see Mindshare's growth opportunities? 7. Why are the big media platforms becoming so complex? Surprisingly, it's easier in China. 8. Given the complexity, where is the body of the talent coming from? 9. Why are you so excited about AI? Isn't this a bad thing for talent? What new talent will you be looking for? 10. How do you stay an expert in an international leadership role? 11. A/B Test: Partners, Economics, & Strategy & LIFE! Will AI become a hindrance or a revolution to Chinese media?  Mindshare China CEO Ben Condit says bring it on!  Condit sees AI as the answer to much of the overcomplexity in China's tech platforms, some of which require over 11 stops to book a single piece of media. Ben gives us an insider perspective of why Mindshare China is constantly recognized as one of China's largest, most successful, and awarded agencies.

1. Why is your life like a box of chocolates as China CEO?  Or is it a roller coaster?
2. Map out the evolution of Mindshare China and the reason for its success.
3. How important is low cost in media pitches?  Cost is not always the most important factor.
4. Are media agencies becoming digital agencies? Where's the line drawn these days?
5.  How do client leaders navigate a huge relationship with the client C-suite? How do you rally an organization?
6. Where do you see Mindshare's growth opportunities?
7. Why are the big media platforms becoming so complex? Surprisingly, it's easier in China.
8. Given the complexity, where is the body of the talent coming from?
9. Why are you so excited about AI? Isn't this a bad thing for talent? What new talent will you be looking for?
10. How do you stay an expert in an international leadership role?
11. A/B Test: Partners, Economics, & Strategy & LIFE!

About Mindshare:  https://www.mindshareworld.com/china
Ben Condit on LI:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-condit-4a4111/
For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

]]> Thu, 08 Feb 2024 23:00:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3101 Will AI become a hindrance or a revolution to Chinese media? Mindshare China CEO Ben Condit says bring it on! Condit sees AI as the answer to much of the overcomplexity in China's tech platforms, some of which require over 11 stops to book a single piece of media. Ben gives us an insider perspective of why Mindshare China is constantly recognized as one of China's largest, most successful, and awarded agencies. 1. Why is your life like a box of chocolates as China CEO? Or is it a roller coaster? 2. Map out the evolution of Mindshare China and the reason for its success. 3. How important is low cost in media pitches? Cost is not always the most important factor. 4. Are media agencies becoming digital agencies? Where's the line drawn these days? 5. How do client leaders navigate a huge relationship with the client C-suite? How do you rally an organization? 6. Where do you see Mindshare's growth opportunities? 7. Why are the big media platforms becoming so complex? Surprisingly, it's easier in China. 8. Given the complexity, where is the body of the talent coming from? 9. Why are you so excited about AI? Isn't this a bad thing for talent? What new talent will you be looking for? 10. How do you stay an expert in an international leadership role? 11. A/B Test: Partners, Economics, & Strategy & LIFE! Will AI become a hindrance or a revolution to Chinese media? Mindshare China CEO Ben Condit says bring it on! Condit sees AI as the answer to much of the overcomplexity in China's tech platforms, some of which require over 11 stops to book a single piece of media. Ben gives us an insider perspective of why Mindshare China is constantly recognized as one of China's largest, most successful, and awarded agencies. 1. Why is your life like a box of chocolates as China CEO? Or is it a roller coaster? 2. Map out the evolution of Mindshare China and the reason for its success. 3. How important is low cost in media pitches? Cost is not always the most important factor. 4. Are media agencies becoming digital agencies? Where's the line drawn these days? 5. How do client leaders navigate a huge relationship with the client C-suite? How do you rally an organization? 6. Where do you see Mindshare's growth opportunities? 7. Why are the big media platforms becoming so complex? Surprisingly, it's easier in China. 8. Given the complexity, where is the body of the talent coming from? 9. Why are you so excited about AI? Isn't this a bad thing for talent? What new talent will you be looking for? 10. How do you stay an expert in an international leadership role? 11. A/B Test: Partners, Economics, & Strategy & LIFE! No No The Best of the Best 2024 China Marketing Trends Show https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/m84jjmr8-the-best-of-the-best-2024-china-marketing-trends-show The Best of the Best 2024 China Marketing Trends Show 52 3 No No x16zz6p1 What are the big marketing, advertising, and technology trends facing China in 2024? Ali and Bryce scoured the internet so you don't have to, uncovering 3 trends we think everyone should be paying attention to. What are the "meh" trends - the ones we have seen before, ones without context or thought, or ones simply that won't happen at all? We call these "BS Trends." Ali's Trends: 1. China's Rise of Mindful Consumption: How can brands take advantage of this trend? 2. Personalization & AI: What do you win/lose as a marketer with hyper-personalization? Bryce's Trend: The Revenge of Creative Mediocrity in social media + Quiet Selling: Chinese are getting bored & brands are getting lost. What to do about it? The BS Trends...you'll have to listen and find out! What are the big marketing, advertising, and technology trends facing China in 2024?  Ali and Bryce scoured the internet so you don't have to, uncovering  3 trends we think everyone should be paying attention to.  What are the "meh" trends - the ones we have seen before, ones without context or thought, or ones simply that won't happen at all?  We call these "BS Trends."

Ali's Trends:
1.  China's Rise of Mindful Consumption:  How can brands take advantage of this trend?
2. Personalization & AI:  What do you win/lose as a marketer with hyper-personalization?

Bryce's Trend:  The Revenge of Creative Mediocrity in social media + Quiet Selling:  Chinese are getting bored & brands are getting lost. What to do about it?

The BS Trends...you'll have to listen and find out!


Mintel Trends Report:  https://www.mintel.com/?_bt=652169658476&_bk=mintel%20trends&_bm=p&_bn=g&_bg=150165006951&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_content=Threepipe-GO19856573414~GO150165006951&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA_tuuBhAUEiwAvxkgTvkVPvsy56pxR5h3wIfFmLRBy9F-gTDJZCbpQT6sFl0SRM6Ws-H07hoCTF8QAvD_BwE

Mindshare Trends Report:  https://www.mindshareworld.com/news/weekly-prompt-top-trends-to-watch-in-2024

Accenture Live Trends 2024: https://www.accenture.com/us-en/insights/song/accenture-life-trends?c=acn_glb_accenturelifetrgoogle_13981689&n=psgs_1023&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA_tuuBhAUEiwAvxkgTvHAYU5lQVbFgftuuzMTd-Q0a-yYYQ85cacRLNQTS5-PEuy9Wth2aBoC-bMQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Determ PR Trends 2024:  https://www.determ.com/ebook/pr-trends-and-challenges-in-2024/


For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Thu, 22 Feb 2024 22:53:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 1861 What are the big marketing, advertising, and technology trends facing China in 2024? Ali and Bryce scoured the internet so you don't have to, uncovering 3 trends we think everyone should be paying attention to. What are the "meh" trends - the ones we have seen before, ones without context or thought, or ones simply that won't happen at all? We call these "BS Trends." Ali's Trends: 1. China's Rise of Mindful Consumption: How can brands take advantage of this trend? 2. Personalization & AI: What do you win/lose as a marketer with hyper-personalization? Bryce's Trend: The Revenge of Creative Mediocrity in social media + Quiet Selling: Chinese are getting bored & brands are getting lost. What to do about it? The BS Trends...you'll have to listen and find out! What are the big marketing, advertising, and technology trends facing China in 2024? Ali and Bryce scoured the internet so you don't have to, uncovering 3 trends we think everyone should be paying attention to. What are the "meh" trends - the ones we have seen before, ones without context or thought, or ones simply that won't happen at all? We call these "BS Trends." Ali's Trends: 1. China's Rise of Mindful Consumption: How can brands take advantage of this trend? 2. Personalization & AI: What do you win/lose as a marketer with hyper-personalization? Bryce's Trend: The Revenge of Creative Mediocrity in social media + Quiet Selling: Chinese are getting bored & brands are getting lost. What to do about it? The BS Trends...you'll have to listen and find out! Marketing Trends, China Trends, AI, Mindful Consumption No No Ad Fraud: How Bad is it? With FouAnalytics Founder, Dr. Augustine Fou https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/2nxkzm78-ad-fraud-how-bad-is-it-with-fouanalytics-founder-dr-augustine-fou Ad Fraud: How Bad is it? With FouAnalytics Founder, Dr. Augustine Fou 53 3 No No 61m7k5n1 China ad fraud has been in the headlines recently, and we wanted to have a show about it. As expected, getting someone on the show to discuss this sensitive topic has been impossible. But we finally found one: Dr. Augustine Fou. He is the Founder of Fou Analytics and a leading expert in the field, boasting a profound understanding of digital marketing, cybersecurity, and advertising. With a Ph.D. from MIT, Dr. Fou has been on the frontline of programmatic and digital marketing for three decades. 1. What is ad fraud? What is it, and how does it work? 2. What's the motivation to buy fraudulent ads? 3. Are impressions still an important measure of advertisement effectiveness? 4. Can we buy on the big platforms where the humans go? 5. Why do they engage in ad fraud if they're not getting the results? The marketing/sales disconnect 6. Is there an opportunity for new and emerging brands to use advertising as it was meant to be used? 7. Can AI help relieve the ad fraud problem? The answer is no. 8. How do brand relieve their addiction to ad fraud practices? 9. How do you drop in tags that may reveal ad fraud (that may ultimately rejected by some publishers)? 10. Where do you think ad fraud relief will go? Enter the CFO. 11. A/B Test: Humans, 1 Billion, Platforms, and Humans China ad fraud has been in the headlines recently, and we wanted to have a show about it. As expected, getting someone on the show to discuss this sensitive topic has been impossible. But we finally found one: Dr. Augustine Fou. He is the Founder of Fou Analytics and a leading expert in the field, boasting a profound understanding of digital marketing, cybersecurity, and advertising. With a Ph.D. from MIT, Dr. Fou has been on the frontline of programmatic and digital marketing for three decades.

1.  What is ad fraud? What is it, and how does it work?
2. What's the motivation to buy fraudulent ads?
3. Are impressions still an important measure of advertisement effectiveness?
4. Can we buy on the big platforms where the humans go?
5. Why do they engage in ad fraud if they're not getting the results?  The marketing/sales disconnect
6.  Is there an opportunity for new and emerging brands to use advertising as it was meant to be used?
7.  Can AI help relieve the ad fraud problem?  The answer is no.
8. How do brand relieve their addiction to ad fraud practices?
9.  How do you drop in tags that may reveal ad fraud (that may ultimately rejected by some publishers)?
10.  Where do you think ad fraud relief will go? Enter the CFO.
11.  A/B Test: Humans, 1 Billion, Platforms, and Humans

Dr Fou on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/augustinefou/
Try FouAnalytics Platform Yourself (it's free):  https://fouanalytics.com/

SIGN UP FOR THE MARCH 14 LIVECAST EPISODE HERE:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7171380204160888834
or MS Teams:https://bit.ly/438gmvv

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/



]]> Fri, 08 Mar 2024 14:23:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2953 China ad fraud has been in the headlines recently, and we wanted to have a show about it. As expected, getting someone on the show to discuss this sensitive topic has been impossible. But we finally found one: Dr. Augustine Fou. He is the Founder of Fou Analytics and a leading expert in the field, boasting a profound understanding of digital marketing, cybersecurity, and advertising. With a Ph.D. from MIT, Dr. Fou has been on the frontline of programmatic and digital marketing for three decades. 1. What is ad fraud? What is it, and how does it work? 2. What's the motivation to buy fraudulent ads? 3. Are impressions still an important measure of advertisement effectiveness? 4. Can we buy on the big platforms where the humans go? 5. Why do they engage in ad fraud if they're not getting the results? The marketing/sales disconnect 6. Is there an opportunity for new and emerging brands to use advertising as it was meant to be used? 7. Can AI help relieve the ad fraud problem? The answer is no. 8. How do brand relieve their addiction to ad fraud practices? 9. How do you drop in tags that may reveal ad fraud (that may ultimately rejected by some publishers)? 10. Where do you think ad fraud relief will go? Enter the CFO. 11. A/B Test: Humans, 1 Billion, Platforms, and Humans China ad fraud has been in the headlines recently, and we wanted to have a show about it. As expected, getting someone on the show to discuss this sensitive topic has been impossible. But we finally found one: Dr. Augustine Fou. He is the Founder of Fou Analytics and a leading expert in the field, boasting a profound understanding of digital marketing, cybersecurity, and advertising. With a Ph.D. from MIT, Dr. Fou has been on the frontline of programmatic and digital marketing for three decades. 1. What is ad fraud? What is it, and how does it work? 2. What's the motivation to buy fraudulent ads? 3. Are impressions still an important measure of advertisement effectiveness? 4. Can we buy on the big platforms where the humans go? 5. Why do they engage in ad fraud if they're not getting the results? The marketing/sales disconnect 6. Is there an opportunity for new and emerging brands to use advertising as it was meant to be used? 7. Can AI help relieve the ad fraud problem? The answer is no. 8. How do brand relieve their addiction to ad fraud practices? 9. How do you drop in tags that may reveal ad fraud (that may ultimately rejected by some publishers)? 10. Where do you think ad fraud relief will go? Enter the CFO. 11. A/B Test: Humans, 1 Billion, Platforms, and Humans ad fraud, China, programmatic buy, ad networks No No Livestream Recap Episode: 2024 China at the Crossroads: What Stood Out to Us https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/xn1rk9k8-livestream-recap-episode-2024-china-at-the-crossroads-what-stood-out-to-us Livestream Recap Episode: 2024 China at the Crossroads: What Stood Out to Us 54 3 No No 703zm8m1 Where is China heading in 2024? Ali and Bryce decided to do a quick recap of our livestream event last week to highlight a couple of the major trends that stood out for us. You can watch the livestream event by clicking below OR download the entire report yourself. Check out the link below. 1. What surprised you? How will advertisers react based on the trends based on the investment scenarios? Brands will spend a lot more on last-mile. 2. The reconfiguration of media spending blew Bryce away, especially. the rise of Xiaohongshu and Douyin and the importance of social commerce over traditional commerce. People are taking more time to decide on what they want to buy. 3. What's the magic behind Xiaohongshu (RED)? Could it go global? 4. How will brands embrace more loyalty/private traffic? Will this help them overcome the economic slump and slowdown in sales, or should they continue to focus on acquisition? 5. How do you define loyalty in the new China? 6. What should be the priority for brand spend? Is this a good time for brands to take a longer-term approach? Where is China heading in 2024?  Ali and Bryce decided to do a quick recap of our livestream event last week to highlight a couple of the major trends that stood out for us.  You can watch the livestream event by clicking below OR download the entire report yourself.  Check out the link below.

1.  What surprised you? How will advertisers react based on the trends based on the investment scenarios?  Brands will spend a lot more on last-mile.

2. The reconfiguration of media spending blew Bryce away, especially. the rise of Xiaohongshu and Douyin and the importance of social commerce over traditional commerce.  People are taking more time to decide on what they want to buy.

3.  What's the magic behind Xiaohongshu (RED)?  Could it go global?

4.  How will brands embrace more loyalty/private traffic? Will this help them overcome the economic slump and slowdown in sales, or should they continue to focus on acquisition?

5.  How do you define loyalty in the new China?

6.  What should be the priority for brand spend? Is this a good time for brands to take a longer-term approach?


Watch the China Crossroads Livestream:  https://www.linkedin.com/events/livewebcast-2024-chinamarketing7171380198657912832/comments/

Download the entire 10 Considerations Report report: https://www.talktototem.com/china-insights/2024-china-marketing-and-media-review

Campaign Asia Article: https://www.campaignasia.com/article/survey-reveals-red-and-douyin-are-priority-growth-channels-for-chinese-brands/494946

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Sat, 23 Mar 2024 03:07:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2021 Where is China heading in 2024? Ali and Bryce decided to do a quick recap of our livestream event last week to highlight a couple of the major trends that stood out for us. You can watch the livestream event by clicking below OR download the entire report yourself. Check out the link below. 1. What surprised you? How will advertisers react based on the trends based on the investment scenarios? Brands will spend a lot more on last-mile. 2. The reconfiguration of media spending blew Bryce away, especially. the rise of Xiaohongshu and Douyin and the importance of social commerce over traditional commerce. People are taking more time to decide on what they want to buy. 3. What's the magic behind Xiaohongshu (RED)? Could it go global? 4. How will brands embrace more loyalty/private traffic? Will this help them overcome the economic slump and slowdown in sales, or should they continue to focus on acquisition? 5. How do you define loyalty in the new China? 6. What should be the priority for brand spend? Is this a good time for brands to take a longer-term approach? Where is China heading in 2024? Ali and Bryce decided to do a quick recap of our livestream event last week to highlight a couple of the major trends that stood out for us. You can watch the livestream event by clicking below OR download the entire report yourself. Check out the link below. 1. What surprised you? How will advertisers react based on the trends based on the investment scenarios? Brands will spend a lot more on last-mile. 2. The reconfiguration of media spending blew Bryce away, especially. the rise of Xiaohongshu and Douyin and the importance of social commerce over traditional commerce. People are taking more time to decide on what they want to buy. 3. What's the magic behind Xiaohongshu (RED)? Could it go global? 4. How will brands embrace more loyalty/private traffic? Will this help them overcome the economic slump and slowdown in sales, or should they continue to focus on acquisition? 5. How do you define loyalty in the new China? 6. What should be the priority for brand spend? Is this a good time for brands to take a longer-term approach? China marketing, Private Traffic, Last Mile Investment, RED, Douyin No No Made Better by China: Authors, Bessie Lee & Peter Bomer https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/1npk9zv8-made-better-by-china-authors-bessie-lee-peter-bomer Made Better by China: Authors, Bessie Lee & Peter Bomer 55 3 No No z0rywm31 Ali and Bryce welcome authors Bessie Lee and Peter Bomer of the book, "China Inside Out," which explores themes of innovation, entrepreneurship, and challenges through interviews with some of China's leading business minds. The interviews were taken from Bessie's popular podcast, Bei Wang Lu(贝望录). Bei Wang Lu showcases the thoughts and actions of leading market and business leaders in China. Bessie is the former CEO of WPP and GroupM and is currently CEO of JLL. Peter is currently CEO of The China Hack. China Inside Out explores themes such as the digital transformation in Chinese retail, the distinctive characteristics of Chinese entrepreneurs, innovation strategies, and the challenges and opportunities within China's unique business environment with guests like Wang Zhimin, is Founder & Chairman of Nova Vision, Liu Xiaolu co-founder NEIWAI, and Hou Yongpu, Founder of Yongpu Coffee. 1. What's behind the Bei Wang Lu(贝望录) name? 2. What inspired you to write a book, and why did you choose these stories? 3. How do Chinese entrepreneurs handle trial and error, and how is it different from the Western model? 4. Is entrepreneurship still alive in China now that the country is experiencing a slowdown? 5. The small-scale scope for Chinese entrepreneurs: Is there a system that allows flexibility? 6. How do Chinese brands adapt so well to consumer needs? 7. How do foreign brands create success in today's China? What does it take to win? 8. How do you describe China brand growth - is it niche' or is it about scale? 9. A/B: Memos, New Shores, China Innovation & Restless Experimentation Ali and Bryce welcome authors Bessie Lee and Peter Bomer of the book, "China Inside Out," which explores themes of innovation, entrepreneurship, and challenges through interviews with some of China's leading business minds.  The interviews were taken from Bessie's popular podcast, Bei Wang Lu(贝望录). Bei Wang Lu showcases the thoughts and actions of leading market and business leaders in China. Bessie is the former CEO of WPP and GroupM and is currently CEO of JLL. Peter is currently CEO of The China Hack.

China Inside Out explores themes such as the digital transformation in Chinese retail, the distinctive characteristics of Chinese entrepreneurs, innovation strategies, and the challenges and opportunities within China's unique business environment with guests like Wang Zhimin, is Founder & Chairman of Nova Vision, Liu Xiaolu co-founder NEIWAI, and Hou Yongpu, Founder of Yongpu Coffee.

1.  What's behind the Bei Wang Lu(贝望录) name?
2. What inspired you to write a book, and why did you choose these stories?
3. How do Chinese entrepreneurs handle trial and error, and how is it different from the Western model?
4. Is entrepreneurship still alive in China now that the country is experiencing a slowdown?
5.  The small-scale scope for Chinese entrepreneurs: Is there a system that allows flexibility?
6.  How do Chinese brands adapt so well to consumer needs?
7.  How do foreign brands create success in today's China? What does it take to win?
8.  How do you describe China brand growth - is it niche' or is it about scale?
9.  A/B: Memos, New Shores, China Innovation & Restless Experimentation

Buy the book:  https://amzn.to/43MTzWw
Bessie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bessielee/
Peter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-bomer-8b652a3/
Bei Wang Lu(贝望录) Podcast (Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/%E8%B4%9D%E6%9C%9B%E5%BD%95/id1492415440


For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Mon, 08 Apr 2024 23:00:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3140 Ali and Bryce welcome authors Bessie Lee and Peter Bomer of the book, "China Inside Out," which explores themes of innovation, entrepreneurship, and challenges through interviews with some of China's leading business minds. The interviews were taken from Bessie's popular podcast, Bei Wang Lu(贝望录). Bei Wang Lu showcases the thoughts and actions of leading market and business leaders in China. Bessie is the former CEO of WPP and GroupM and is currently CEO of JLL. Peter is currently CEO of The China Hack. China Inside Out explores themes such as the digital transformation in Chinese retail, the distinctive characteristics of Chinese entrepreneurs, innovation strategies, and the challenges and opportunities within China's unique business environment with guests like Wang Zhimin, is Founder & Chairman of Nova Vision, Liu Xiaolu co-founder NEIWAI, and Hou Yongpu, Founder of Yongpu Coffee. 1. What's behind the Bei Wang Lu(贝望录) name? 2. What inspired you to write a book, and why did you choose these stories? 3. How do Chinese entrepreneurs handle trial and error, and how is it different from the Western model? 4. Is entrepreneurship still alive in China now that the country is experiencing a slowdown? 5. The small-scale scope for Chinese entrepreneurs: Is there a system that allows flexibility? 6. How do Chinese brands adapt so well to consumer needs? 7. How do foreign brands create success in today's China? What does it take to win? 8. How do you describe China brand growth - is it niche' or is it about scale? 9. A/B: Memos, New Shores, China Innovation & Restless Experimentation Ali and Bryce welcome authors Bessie Lee and Peter Bomer of the book, "China Inside Out," which explores themes of innovation, entrepreneurship, and challenges through interviews with some of China's leading business minds. The interviews were taken from Bessie's popular podcast, Bei Wang Lu(贝望录). Bei Wang Lu showcases the thoughts and actions of leading market and business leaders in China. Bessie is the former CEO of WPP and GroupM and is currently CEO of JLL. Peter is currently CEO of The China Hack. China Inside Out explores themes such as the digital transformation in Chinese retail, the distinctive characteristics of Chinese entrepreneurs, innovation strategies, and the challenges and opportunities within China's unique business environment with guests like Wang Zhimin, is Founder & Chairman of Nova Vision, Liu Xiaolu co-founder NEIWAI, and Hou Yongpu, Founder of Yongpu Coffee. 1. What's behind the Bei Wang Lu(贝望录) name? 2. What inspired you to write a book, and why did you choose these stories? 3. How do Chinese entrepreneurs handle trial and error, and how is it different from the Western model? 4. Is entrepreneurship still alive in China now that the country is experiencing a slowdown? 5. The small-scale scope for Chinese entrepreneurs: Is there a system that allows flexibility? 6. How do Chinese brands adapt so well to consumer needs? 7. How do foreign brands create success in today's China? What does it take to win? 8. How do you describe China brand growth - is it niche' or is it about scale? 9. A/B: Memos, New Shores, China Innovation & Restless Experimentation China Innovation, China Entrepreneurship No No China's 10 Considerations for Marketers in 2024: Chris Baker & Minnie Wang https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/v855pwj8-china-s-10-considerations-for-marketers-in-2024-chris-baker-minnie-wang China's 10 Considerations for Marketers in 2024: Chris Baker & Minnie Wang 56 3 No No 81qqpj31 How can brands take advantage of China's new transformation? We decided to invite our livestream episode guests, Chris Baker, founder of Totem, and Minne Wang, Senior Reporter with Campaign Asia, for an in-depth discussion on 5 of the 10 considerations in Totem Media's 2024 report. The report (with links below) is a must-read for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of marketing in China for the next few years. 1. Consideration 1: Value Purchases rule - will this impact brands with weak value propositions? We think so. 2. Consideration 2: Wealth Divides Growing - are we seeing changes in the ever-important middle class? 3. Consideration 3: Trust is Under Pressure: Consumers increasingly scrutinize their purchase decisions, including those in CPG categories. How should brands respond? 4. Consideration 4: Social Commerce is Still Key - are we seeing a move away from Taobao and a greater focus on RED and Douyin? 5. Consideration 5: Brands Need Impact (and not just impressions): How do brands simultaneously focus on brand building while driving sales? How do we prioritize with fewer brand campaigns? 6. A/B Test How can brands take advantage of China's new transformation?  We decided to invite our livestream episode guests, Chris Baker, founder of Totem, and Minne Wang, Senior Reporter with Campaign Asia, for an in-depth discussion on 5 of the 10 considerations in Totem Media's 2024 report.  The report (with links below) is a must-read for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of marketing in China for the next few years.

1. Consideration 1:  Value Purchases rule - will this impact brands with weak value propositions? We think so.
2. Consideration 2: Wealth Divides Growing - are we seeing changes in the ever-important middle class?
3. Consideration 3: Trust is Under Pressure: Consumers increasingly scrutinize their purchase decisions, including those in CPG categories. How should brands respond?
4. Consideration 4: Social Commerce is Still Key - are we seeing a move away from Taobao and a greater focus on RED and Douyin?
5.  Consideration 5: Brands Need Impact (and not just impressions): How do brands simultaneously focus on brand building while driving sales? How do we prioritize with fewer brand campaigns?
6. A/B Test


Download the Full Report Here:  https://www.talktototem.com/china-insights/2024-china-marketing-and-media-review
Watch the China at the Crossroads Livestream Event: https://www.linkedin.com/company/78441421/admin/feed/posts/

About Totem: https://www.talktototem.com/
About Campaign Asia:  https://www.campaignasia.com/

Chris Baker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbaker19/
Minnie Wang on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/minniew/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

]]> Tue, 23 Apr 2024 12:01:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3266 How can brands take advantage of China's new transformation? We decided to invite our livestream episode guests, Chris Baker, founder of Totem, and Minne Wang, Senior Reporter with Campaign Asia, for an in-depth discussion on 5 of the 10 considerations in Totem Media's 2024 report. The report (with links below) is a must-read for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of marketing in China for the next few years. 1. Consideration 1: Value Purchases rule - will this impact brands with weak value propositions? We think so. 2. Consideration 2: Wealth Divides Growing - are we seeing changes in the ever-important middle class? 3. Consideration 3: Trust is Under Pressure: Consumers increasingly scrutinize their purchase decisions, including those in CPG categories. How should brands respond? 4. Consideration 4: Social Commerce is Still Key - are we seeing a move away from Taobao and a greater focus on RED and Douyin? 5. Consideration 5: Brands Need Impact (and not just impressions): How do brands simultaneously focus on brand building while driving sales? How do we prioritize with fewer brand campaigns? 6. A/B Test How can brands take advantage of China's new transformation? We decided to invite our livestream episode guests, Chris Baker, founder of Totem, and Minne Wang, Senior Reporter with Campaign Asia, for an in-depth discussion on 5 of the 10 considerations in Totem Media's 2024 report. The report (with links below) is a must-read for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of marketing in China for the next few years. 1. Consideration 1: Value Purchases rule - will this impact brands with weak value propositions? We think so. 2. Consideration 2: Wealth Divides Growing - are we seeing changes in the ever-important middle class? 3. Consideration 3: Trust is Under Pressure: Consumers increasingly scrutinize their purchase decisions, including those in CPG categories. How should brands respond? 4. Consideration 4: Social Commerce is Still Key - are we seeing a move away from Taobao and a greater focus on RED and Douyin? 5. Consideration 5: Brands Need Impact (and not just impressions): How do brands simultaneously focus on brand building while driving sales? How do we prioritize with fewer brand campaigns? 6. A/B Test China marketing, China trends, China transformation No No The Temu + Shein Chinese E-commerce Invasion https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/2n61zw38-the-temu-shein-chinese-e-commerce-invasion The Temu + Shein Chinese E-commerce Invasion 57 3 No No j0228jx0 Welcome to the latest invasion, no it's not TikTok but Shein & Temu! It's hard to imagine that 4 of the top 8 U.S. iPhone App Store apps are from China. While TikTok and Capcut make the list, the two big surprises are e-commerce juggernauts Temu and Shein. These companies operate unique, manufacturer-to-customer business models and do not manufacture products but simply work with armies of factories throughout China to use powerful algorithms to serve up a plethora of options. Shein reached an estimated $24 billion in revenue in 2022, while Temu reached 161 million users throughout the world. What's the future of these two platforms? How will Amazon respond? 1. Why have these two platforms become so popular? How do they work? How are they different? 2. What makes these platforms uniquely Chinese? What things are similar to their Chinese platforms? 3. How is Temu disrupting the market, given that it doesn't sell recognized brands and people have to wait to get its stuff? 4. Advantage Shein: consumer-responsive fashion 5. Given its incredibly responsive manufacturing model, will Shein develop more up-market products, or will it stay on the low end? 6. Morgan Stanley says that Temu's growth is non-sustainable. Will Amazon pick up the slack? 7. How will Temu impact China's manufacturing tiers? Will it enable them to sell name brands and compete against Amazon? 8. Does Temu need to deliver a group-buy model to survive against Amazon? 9. Will Costco-style value brands emerge from the Temu model? 10. The importance of time spent on the platform and how it will impact Temu/Shein business performance. Welcome to the latest invasion; it's not TikTok but Shein & Temu!

It's hard to imagine that 4 of the top 8 U.S. iPhone App Store apps are from China. While TikTok and Capcut make the list, the two big surprises are e-commerce juggernauts Temu and Shein.  These companies operate unique, manufacturer-to-customer business models and do not manufacture products; they simply work with armies of factories throughout China to use powerful algorithms to serve up a plethora of options. Shein reached an estimated $24 billion in revenue in 2022, while Temu reached 161 million users worldwide. What's the future of these two platforms? How will Amazon respond? Ali and Bryce discuss this phenomenon. 


1. Why have these two platforms become so popular? How do they work? How are they different?
2. What makes these platforms uniquely Chinese? What things are similar to their Chinese platforms?
3.  How is Temu disrupting the market, given that it doesn't sell recognized brands and people have to wait to get its stuff?
4.  Advantage Shein: consumer-responsive fashion
5. Given its incredibly responsive manufacturing model, will Shein develop more up-market products or stay on the low end?
6. Morgan Stanley says that Temu's growth is non-sustainable. Will Amazon pick up the slack?
7.  How will Temu impact China's manufacturing tiers? Will it enable them to sell name brands and compete against Amazon?
8.  Does Temu need to deliver a group-buy model to survive against Amazon?
9. Will Costco-style value brands emerge from the Temu model?
10.  The importance of time spent on the platform and how it will impact Temu/Shein's business performance.

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Thu, 09 May 2024 19:08:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2740 Welcome to the latest invasion, no it's not TikTok but Shein & Temu! It's hard to imagine that 4 of the top 8 U.S. iPhone App Store apps are from China. While TikTok and Capcut make the list, the two big surprises are e-commerce juggernauts Temu and Shein. These companies operate unique, manufacturer-to-customer business models and do not manufacture products but simply work with armies of factories throughout China to use powerful algorithms to serve up a plethora of options. Shein reached an estimated $24 billion in revenue in 2022, while Temu reached 161 million users throughout the world. What's the future of these two platforms? How will Amazon respond? 1. Why have these two platforms become so popular? How do they work? How are they different? 2. What makes these platforms uniquely Chinese? What things are similar to their Chinese platforms? 3. How is Temu disrupting the market, given that it doesn't sell recognized brands and people have to wait to get its stuff? 4. Advantage Shein: consumer-responsive fashion 5. Given its incredibly responsive manufacturing model, will Shein develop more up-market products, or will it stay on the low end? 6. Morgan Stanley says that Temu's growth is non-sustainable. Will Amazon pick up the slack? 7. How will Temu impact China's manufacturing tiers? Will it enable them to sell name brands and compete against Amazon? 8. Does Temu need to deliver a group-buy model to survive against Amazon? 9. Will Costco-style value brands emerge from the Temu model? 10. The importance of time spent on the platform and how it will impact Temu/Shein business performance. Welcome to the latest invasion, no it's not TikTok but Shein & Temu! It's hard to imagine that 4 of the top 8 U.S. iPhone App Store apps are from China. While TikTok and Capcut make the list, the two big surprises are e-commerce juggernauts Temu and Shein. These companies operate unique, manufacturer-to-customer business models and do not manufacture products but simply work with armies of factories throughout China to use powerful algorithms to serve up a plethora of options. Shein reached an estimated $24 billion in revenue in 2022, while Temu reached 161 million users throughout the world. What's the future of these two platforms? How will Amazon respond? 1. Why have these two platforms become so popular? How do they work? How are they different? 2. What makes these platforms uniquely Chinese? What things are similar to their Chinese platforms? 3. How is Temu disrupting the market, given that it doesn't sell recognized brands and people have to wait to get its stuff? 4. Advantage Shein: consumer-responsive fashion 5. Given its incredibly responsive manufacturing model, will Shein develop more up-market products, or will it stay on the low end? 6. Morgan Stanley says that Temu's growth is non-sustainable. Will Amazon pick up the slack? 7. How will Temu impact China's manufacturing tiers? Will it enable them to sell name brands and compete against Amazon? 8. Does Temu need to deliver a group-buy model to survive against Amazon? 9. Will Costco-style value brands emerge from the Temu model? 10. The importance of time spent on the platform and how it will impact Temu/Shein business performance. No No The 2024 Beijing Autoshow: an Auto Industry Wake-up Call, with Bill Russo https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/v8w416rn-the-2024-beijing-autoshow-an-auto-industry-wake-up-call-with-bill-russo The 2024 Beijing Autoshow: an Auto Industry Wake-up Call, with Bill Russo 58 3 No No 80x7mp61 According to this week's guest, automobile industry expert Bill Russo, this year's Autoshow China, held in Beijing, was a wake-up call to the global automobile industry. China has clearly leapfrogged the global auto industry, making products that aren't just transportation vehicles but literally smartphones on wheels. According to Russo, the global auto industry is still living in the 20th century. With the EV tariffs looming in the U.S., are Westerners deprived of owning the next and best iPhone? 1. What was big at this year's Beijing auto show compared to previous ones? What made this year's show a real "wake-up call" to the auto industry? 2. What is "smartness" in EVs, and how does it differ from putting a simple plug-in EV car? 3. Why is Tesla falling behind the curve? 4. What is the smartness experience? Can you describe what it's like inside a truly smart Chinese EV? 5. What's the difference between "national security" and a "security blanket?" Will the tariffs deprive Western automakers of competition that will lead to better and more competitive innovation for their customers? 6. What is a more practical solution besides tariffs for the U.S. and Europe? Bill calls it " flipping the script." 7. How can Chinese EV auto companies stay competitive With so many new NEV brands? According to this week's guest, automobile industry expert Bill Russo, this year's Autoshow China, held in Beijing, was a wake-up call to the global automobile industry. China has clearly leapfrogged the global auto industry, making products that aren't just transportation vehicles but literally smartphones on wheels. According to Russo, the global auto industry is still living in the 20th century. With the EV tariffs looming in the U.S., are Westerners deprived of owning the next and best iPhone?

1.  What was big at this year's Beijing auto show compared to previous ones?  What made this year's show a real "wake-up call" to the auto industry?

2.  What is "smartness" in EVs, and how does it differ from putting a simple plug-in EV car?

3.  Why is Tesla falling behind the curve?

4. What is the smartness experience?  Can you describe what it's like inside a truly smart Chinese EV?

5. What's the difference between "national security" and a "security blanket?"  Will the tariffs deprive Western automakers of competition that will lead to better and more competitive innovation for their customers?

6. What is a more practical solution for the U.S. and Europe besides tariffs? Bill calls it " flipping the script."

7. How can Chinese EV auto companies stay competitive With so many new NEV brands?

Bill & Bryce's Book:  "Selling To China:" https://amzn.to/3UXBrVQ

About Automobility:  http://automobility.io/

Bill on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamrusso/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/
 ]]> Fri, 24 May 2024 01:57:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3363 According to this week's guest, automobile industry expert Bill Russo, this year's Autoshow China, held in Beijing, was a wake-up call to the global automobile industry. China has clearly leapfrogged the global auto industry, making products that aren't just transportation vehicles but literally smartphones on wheels. According to Russo, the global auto industry is still living in the 20th century. With the EV tariffs looming in the U.S., are Westerners deprived of owning the next and best iPhone? 1. What was big at this year's Beijing auto show compared to previous ones? What made this year's show a real "wake-up call" to the auto industry? 2. What is "smartness" in EVs, and how does it differ from putting a simple plug-in EV car? 3. Why is Tesla falling behind the curve? 4. What is the smartness experience? Can you describe what it's like inside a truly smart Chinese EV? 5. What's the difference between "national security" and a "security blanket?" Will the tariffs deprive Western automakers of competition that will lead to better and more competitive innovation for their customers? 6. What is a more practical solution besides tariffs for the U.S. and Europe? Bill calls it " flipping the script." 7. How can Chinese EV auto companies stay competitive With so many new NEV brands? According to this week's guest, automobile industry expert Bill Russo, this year's Autoshow China, held in Beijing, was a wake-up call to the global automobile industry. China has clearly leapfrogged the global auto industry, making products that aren't just transportation vehicles but literally smartphones on wheels. According to Russo, the global auto industry is still living in the 20th century. With the EV tariffs looming in the U.S., are Westerners deprived of owning the next and best iPhone? 1. What was big at this year's Beijing auto show compared to previous ones? What made this year's show a real "wake-up call" to the auto industry? 2. What is "smartness" in EVs, and how does it differ from putting a simple plug-in EV car? 3. Why is Tesla falling behind the curve? 4. What is the smartness experience? Can you describe what it's like inside a truly smart Chinese EV? 5. What's the difference between "national security" and a "security blanket?" Will the tariffs deprive Western automakers of competition that will lead to better and more competitive innovation for their customers? 6. What is a more practical solution besides tariffs for the U.S. and Europe? Bill calls it " flipping the script." 7. How can Chinese EV auto companies stay competitive With so many new NEV brands? EVs, China Auto Industry, Tesla, Smart Vehicles, Autonomous Driving No No Idea to Launch & Beyond: Introducing "The Map" of Shenzhen: Henk Werner https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/183m0lm8-idea-to-launch-beyond-introducing-the-map-of-shenzhen-hank-werner Idea to Launch & Beyond: Introducing "The Map" of Shenzhen: Henk Werner 59 3 No No m0j2k520 How do you bring a product idea to life in the area of the world that produces over 80% of the world's electronic consumer products? Meet Troublemakers' founder, Henk Werner. He's lived in Shenzhen for almost 12 years and guides many worldwide who might have a cool product idea but don't know how to make it a reality. Henk serves as their guide to the Greater Bay network of over 270,000 factories, connecting them with experts in product design, product development, and manufacturing. He's not called "The Map" for nothing. How do you bring a product idea to life in the area of the world that produces over 80% of the world's electronic consumer products?  Meet Troublemakers'  founder, Henk Werner. He's lived in Shenzhen for almost 12 years and guides many worldwide who might have a cool product idea but don't know how to make it a reality. Henk serves as their guide to the Greater Bay network of over 270,000 factories, connecting them with experts in product design, product development, and manufacturing.  He's not called "The Map" for nothing.

1. Why are you called "the Map"?
2.  Why Shenzhen?  What makes Shenzhen so magical?
3.  Why does the competitive nature serve to promote innovation?
4.  What is the path to moving from an idea to an actual product?
5.  Can you give us examples of some product successes?
6. How do you protect yourself from someone stealing your idea?  The NDA doesn't work.
7. How do Chinese brands move from being an OEM to recognized brands?
8.  What about big corporates, or are the advantages of Shenzhen for smaller brands?
9. How does Troublemakers work?
10.  A/B Test:  Product Teams vs. Marketing Teams - MUST LISTEN!

About Henk Werner:  https://henkwerner.com/
About Troublemakers: https://troublemakershenzhen.com/
Henk Werner On LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/henkwerner/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/


]]> Fri, 07 Jun 2024 12:24:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3396 How do you bring a product idea to life in the area of the world that produces over 80% of the world's electronic consumer products? Meet Troublemakers' founder, Henk Werner. He's lived in Shenzhen for almost 12 years and guides many worldwide who might have a cool product idea but don't know how to make it a reality. Henk serves as their guide to the Greater Bay network of over 270,000 factories, connecting them with experts in product design, product development, and manufacturing. He's not called "The Map" for nothing. How do you bring a product idea to life in the area of the world that produces over 80% of the world's electronic consumer products? Meet Troublemakers' founder, Henk Werner. He's lived in Shenzhen for almost 12 years and guides many worldwide who might have a cool product idea but don't know how to make it a reality. Henk serves as their guide to the Greater Bay network of over 270,000 factories, connecting them with experts in product design, product development, and manufacturing. He's not called "The Map" for nothing. Shenzhen, Electronics Startup, Product Development, Innovation No No Navigating Chinese Beauty Slang for Growing Niche Brands: Red Ant's Elisa Harca & Ching Xie https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/1n205m0n-navigating-chinese-beauty-slang-for-growing-niche-brands-elisa-harca-ching-xie Navigating Chinese Beauty Slang for Growing Niche Brands: Red Ant's Elisa Harca & Ching Xie 60 3 No No 219q3yq1 Episode 60! To talk to beauty consumers on social media, beauty brands have to be adept at Chinese social media beauty slang. What's the difference between the #Boiled Water Look (白开水妆容) and #Rich Daughter Makeup (富家千金妆) )? Elisa Harca, Co-Founder and Asia CEO of Red Ant, and Ching Xie, Client Partner at Red Ant Asia, join us to unpack the important lingo. Red Ant is an award-winning agency that specializes in fashion and beauty, working with some of the world's coolest brands, including LUSH, tarte, CREED, and Amika, to name a few. 1. What's the deal with Red Ant? How did you get into myrmecology? 2. Tell us more about Chinese internet beauty slang. Are these slang terms important for connecting with Chinese consumers? 3. Where did these terms originate from? Can they be artificially created by celebrities and influencers? 4. Give us some examples of how brands may use beauty slang in their social media campaigns. 5. Can my looks have different slang references, or am I tied to one of them? 6. You deal with a lot of niche beauty brands? What's the secret to launching a beauty brand in China these days? 7. Which beauty categories provide the greatest opportunity for growth? 8. Beauty in China is still dominated by the big global players but the local brands are catching up. Which local brands do you see as truly stand out? What are they doing that impresses you? 9. A/B Test: Red Book or TikTok, Brands or Products, Speed or Strength? Episode 60!  Yeah!  To talk to beauty consumers on social media, beauty brands have to be adept at Chinese social media beauty slang. What's the difference between the #Boiled Water Look (白开水妆容) and #Rich Daughter Makeup (富家千金妆) )?  Elisa Harca, Co-Founder and Asia CEO of Red Ant, and Ching Xie, Client Partner at Red Ant Asia, join us in unpacking the important lingo.  Red Ant is an award-winning agency that specializes in fashion and beauty, working with some of the world's coolest brands, including LUSH, tarte, CREED, and Amika, to name a few.

1.  What's the deal with Red Ant?  How did you get into myrmecology?
2.  Tell us more about Chinese internet beauty slang. Are these slang terms important for connecting with Chinese consumers?
3.  Where did these terms originate from?  Can they be artificially created by celebrities and influencers?
4.  Give us some examples of how brands may use beauty slang in their social media campaigns.
5.  Can my looks have different slang references, or am I tied to one of them?
6.  You deal with a lot of niche beauty brands? What's the secret to launching a beauty brand in China these days?
7.  Which beauty categories provide the greatest opportunity for growth?
8. Beauty in China is still dominated by the big global players but the local brands are catching up.  Which local brands do you see as truly stand out?  What are they doing that impresses you?
9. A/B Test:  Red Book or TikTok, Brands or Products, Speed or Strength?

About Red Ant:  https://asia.redant.com/
Red Ant on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/red-ant-asia/
Elisa Harca on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisaharca/
Ching Xie on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chingxie/


For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/
]]> Mon, 24 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3208 Episode 60! To talk to beauty consumers on social media, beauty brands have to be adept at Chinese social media beauty slang. What's the difference between the #Boiled Water Look (白开水妆容) and #Rich Daughter Makeup (富家千金妆) )? Elisa Harca, Co-Founder and Asia CEO of Red Ant, and Ching Xie, Client Partner at Red Ant Asia, join us to unpack the important lingo. Red Ant is an award-winning agency that specializes in fashion and beauty, working with some of the world's coolest brands, including LUSH, tarte, CREED, and Amika, to name a few. 1. What's the deal with Red Ant? How did you get into myrmecology? 2. Tell us more about Chinese internet beauty slang. Are these slang terms important for connecting with Chinese consumers? 3. Where did these terms originate from? Can they be artificially created by celebrities and influencers? 4. Give us some examples of how brands may use beauty slang in their social media campaigns. 5. Can my looks have different slang references, or am I tied to one of them? 6. You deal with a lot of niche beauty brands? What's the secret to launching a beauty brand in China these days? 7. Which beauty categories provide the greatest opportunity for growth? 8. Beauty in China is still dominated by the big global players but the local brands are catching up. Which local brands do you see as truly stand out? What are they doing that impresses you? 9. A/B Test: Red Book or TikTok, Brands or Products, Speed or Strength? Episode 60! To talk to beauty consumers on social media, beauty brands have to be adept at Chinese social media beauty slang. What's the difference between the #Boiled Water Look (白开水妆容) and #Rich Daughter Makeup (富家千金妆) )? Elisa Harca, Co-Founder and Asia CEO of Red Ant, and Ching Xie, Client Partner at Red Ant Asia, join us to unpack the important lingo. Red Ant is an award-winning agency that specializes in fashion and beauty, working with some of the world's coolest brands, including LUSH, tarte, CREED, and Amika, to name a few. 1. What's the deal with Red Ant? How did you get into myrmecology? 2. Tell us more about Chinese internet beauty slang. Are these slang terms important for connecting with Chinese consumers? 3. Where did these terms originate from? Can they be artificially created by celebrities and influencers? 4. Give us some examples of how brands may use beauty slang in their social media campaigns. 5. Can my looks have different slang references, or am I tied to one of them? 6. You deal with a lot of niche beauty brands? What's the secret to launching a beauty brand in China these days? 7. Which beauty categories provide the greatest opportunity for growth? 8. Beauty in China is still dominated by the big global players but the local brands are catching up. Which local brands do you see as truly stand out? What are they doing that impresses you? 9. A/B Test: Red Book or TikTok, Brands or Products, Speed or Strength? China Beauty, Social Media, Global Beauty Brands No No Working for a Local Agency or Brand- China PR Expert: Harriet Gaywood https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/vnw4jwk8-work-for-a-local-agency-china-pr-expert-harriet-gaywood Working for a Local Agency or Brand- China PR Expert: Harriet Gaywood 61 3 No No 81x7vkn0 Have you ever considered working for a local Chinese company? We thought we would ask 20-plus-year PR expert, ultra-marathon runner, and ethnic musicologist Harriet Gaywood, who previously worked at Blue Focus and recently was the VP of Public Relations at Huawei. How is it different from working at a foreign firm? What are the challenges? Is this a viable career option for new recruits? Have you ever considered working for a local Chinese company? We thought we would ask 20-plus-year PR expert, ultra-marathon runner, and ethnic musicologist Harriet Gaywood, who previously worked at Chinese firm Blue Focus and recently was the VP of Public Relations at Huawei. How is it different from working at a foreign firm? What are the challenges? Is this a viable career option for new recruits?

1. What's your elevator pitch?
2. What's the state of the Chinese PR industry?  Is there room for advertising and PR agencies in today's social media world?
3. What was it like working for a local PR agency? Is there big differences?
4. How is public relations different from advertising? Is there space for both PR and advertising agencies to exist?
5.  How did Blue Focus pivot so quickly into social media?  How has its transformation been different from foreign firms?
6. What are the advantages that international agencies have over a local agency?
7.  Are language skills important?  What does it take to work at a local firm?
8.  How can foreign agencies work better with global and local Chinese companies? 
9.  Do you see the role of foreigners changing within local companies?
10. A/B Test: Strategy, Partnership & 2028 (the future!)

Harriet Gaywood On LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/harriet-gaywood/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

]]> Sat, 13 Jul 2024 11:26:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3135 Have you ever considered working for a local Chinese company? We thought we would ask 20-plus-year PR expert, ultra-marathon runner, and ethnic musicologist Harriet Gaywood, who previously worked at Blue Focus and recently was the VP of Public Relations at Huawei. How is it different from working at a foreign firm? What are the challenges? Is this a viable career option for new recruits? Have you ever considered working for a local Chinese company? We thought we would ask 20-plus-year PR expert, ultra-marathon runner, and ethnic musicologist Harriet Gaywood, who previously worked at Blue Focus and recently was the VP of Public Relations at Huawei. How is it different from working at a foreign firm? What are the challenges? Is this a viable career option for new recruits? No No China Livestream Commerce 2.0: This Next Evolution Will Go Global https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/5nzxjl1n-china-livestream-commerce-2-0-this-next-evolution-will-go-global China Livestream Commerce 2.0: This Next Evolution Will Go Global 62 3 No No 80z7vyw1 What's the new evolution of Chinese e-commerce, and why will it impact how Westerners shop? Today, Ali and Bryce discuss China's new livestream e-commerce transformation. It has evolved from the days of the big livestreamers to hundreds of thousands of mini-livestreamers competing for attention with only several hundred viewers. This evolution is happening on Douyin, TikTok China's cousin, which has used its sophisticated algorithm to serve just-in-time content that intuitively knows what you might just want to buy. 1. Overview of Bryce's recent trip back to Shanghai 2. Who did Bryce interview for his live stream study? What were some of the key findings? 3. What channels do they use to engage live stream commerce? 4. Why are people gravitating towards Xiaonhongshu and Douyin? 5. The growth of mini-livestream influencers (and the decline of the big players) 6. How do mini-influencers disrupt the mass influencer model in China? 7. The importance and definition of authenticity in live stream has changed. 8. What do people buy on Douyin and what's the role of brands in this space? 9. How do brands make money on Douyin/TikTok these days? 10. Will Livestream 2.0 Commerce impact the West? 11. What will happen when we have AI influencers? Will this impact China's live stream experience? What's the new evolution of Chinese e-commerce, and why will it impact how Westerners shop?

Ali and Bryce discuss China's new livestream e-commerce transformation. It has evolved from the days of the big livestreamers to hundreds of thousands of mini-livestreamers competing for attention with only several hundred viewers. This evolution is happening on Douyin, TikTok China's cousin, which has used its sophisticated algorithm to serve just-in-time content that intuitively knows what you might just want to buy.

1. Overview of Bryce's recent trip back to Shanghai
2. Who did Bryce interview for his live stream study? What were some of the key findings?
3. What channels do they use to engage live stream commerce?
4. Why are people gravitating towards Xiaonhongshu and Douyin?
5. The growth of mini-livestream influencers (and the decline of the big players)
6.  How do mini-influencers disrupt the mass influencer model in China?
7. The importance and definition of authenticity in live streams have changed.
8. What do people buy on Douyin, and what's the role of brands in this space?
9.  How do brands make money on Douyin/TikTok these days?
10.  Will Livestream 2.0 Commerce impact the West?
11. What will happen when we have AI influencers?  Will this impact China's live stream experience?

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Mon, 29 Jul 2024 01:23:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2151 What's the new evolution of Chinese e-commerce, and why will it impact how Westerners shop? Today, Ali and Bryce discuss China's new livestream e-commerce transformation. It has evolved from the days of the big livestreamers to hundreds of thousands of mini-livestreamers competing for attention with only several hundred viewers. This evolution is happening on Douyin, TikTok China's cousin, which has used its sophisticated algorithm to serve just-in-time content that intuitively knows what you might just want to buy. 1. Overview of Bryce's recent trip back to Shanghai 2. Who did Bryce interview for his live stream study? What were some of the key findings? 3. What channels do they use to engage live stream commerce? 4. Why are people gravitating towards Xiaonhongshu and Douyin? 5. The growth of mini-livestream influencers (and the decline of the big players) 6. How do mini-influencers disrupt the mass influencer model in China? 7. The importance and definition of authenticity in live stream has changed. 8. What do people buy on Douyin and what's the role of brands in this space? 9. How do brands make money on Douyin/TikTok these days? 10. Will Livestream 2.0 Commerce impact the West? 11. What will happen when we have AI influencers? Will this impact China's live stream experience? What's the new evolution of Chinese e-commerce, and why will it impact how Westerners shop? Today, Ali and Bryce discuss China's new livestream e-commerce transformation. It has evolved from the days of the big livestreamers to hundreds of thousands of mini-livestreamers competing for attention with only several hundred viewers. This evolution is happening on Douyin, TikTok China's cousin, which has used its sophisticated algorithm to serve just-in-time content that intuitively knows what you might just want to buy. 1. Overview of Bryce's recent trip back to Shanghai 2. Who did Bryce interview for his live stream study? What were some of the key findings? 3. What channels do they use to engage live stream commerce? 4. Why are people gravitating towards Xiaonhongshu and Douyin? 5. The growth of mini-livestream influencers (and the decline of the big players) 6. How do mini-influencers disrupt the mass influencer model in China? 7. The importance and definition of authenticity in live stream has changed. 8. What do people buy on Douyin and what's the role of brands in this space? 9. How do brands make money on Douyin/TikTok these days? 10. Will Livestream 2.0 Commerce impact the West? 11. What will happen when we have AI influencers? Will this impact China's live stream experience? No No The China Outbound Education Industry & the Impact of AI: Jimmy Lim https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/08j04zl8-the-china-outbound-education-industry-the-impact-of-ai-jimmy-lim The China Outbound Education Industry & the Impact of AI: Jimmy Lim 63 3 No No 41pm7kr0 In 2023, over 1 million Chinese students went abroad to study, and this number is increasing as the job market sours back home. Today, we speak with Sydney-based Jimmy Lim, co-founder and Managing Director of AIG Education Group, about the Chinese overseas education phenomenon and why it shows no signs of slowing down. AI will come into play in the application process as Australian universities are now flooded with applications. 1. Why is Australia still popular for Chinese students studying abroad? 2. Who is applying? What are the roles of the international schools in China? 3. How do you get into a competitive program in Australia? 4. Are they coming from the Chinese Gaokao or the "international track school"? 5. How important is a "ranked university" in China? 6. Why is Australia restricting the number of international students? 7. is international education important in China, given increased competition? 8. How is AI going to improve the education recruitment process? 9. How will new AI tools change how Chinese students prepare for university? 10. Why do Chinese parents still use consultants to help their children get into university? 11. How can international schools in China do better to prepare students? 12. What are the biggest educational AI innovations coming out of China? In 2023, over 1 million Chinese students went abroad to study, and this number is increasing as the job market sours back home. Today, we speak with Sydney-based Jimmy Lim, co-founder and Managing Director of AIG Education Group, about the Chinese overseas education phenomenon and why it shows no signs of slowing down. AI will come into play in the application process as Australian universities are now flooded with applications. 

1. Why is Australia still popular for Chinese students studying abroad?
2. Who is applying? What are the roles of the international schools in China? 
3. How do you get into a competitive program in Australia?
4. Are they coming from the Chinese Gaokao or the "international track school"?
5.  How important is a "ranked university" in China?
6. Why is Australia restricting the number of international students?
7.  is international education important in China, given increased competition?
8. How is AI going to improve the education recruitment process?
9. How will new AI tools change how Chinese students prepare for university?
10. Why do Chinese parents still use consultants to help their children get into university?
11. How can international schools in China do better to prepare students?
12.  What are the biggest educational AI innovations coming out of China?

Jimmy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmylimaig/

About AIG Education:  https://www.aigeducation.com/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

]]> Mon, 19 Aug 2024 13:26:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2581 In 2023, over 1 million Chinese students went abroad to study, and this number is increasing as the job market sours back home. Today, we speak with Sydney-based Jimmy Lim, co-founder and Managing Director of AIG Education Group, about the Chinese overseas education phenomenon and why it shows no signs of slowing down. AI will come into play in the application process as Australian universities are now flooded with applications. 1. Why is Australia still popular for Chinese students studying abroad? 2. Who is applying? What are the roles of the international schools in China? 3. How do you get into a competitive program in Australia? 4. Are they coming from the Chinese Gaokao or the "international track school"? 5. How important is a "ranked university" in China? 6. Why is Australia restricting the number of international students? 7. is international education important in China, given increased competition? 8. How is AI going to improve the education recruitment process? 9. How will new AI tools change how Chinese students prepare for university? 10. Why do Chinese parents still use consultants to help their children get into university? 11. How can international schools in China do better to prepare students? 12. What are the biggest educational AI innovations coming out of China? In 2023, over 1 million Chinese students went abroad to study, and this number is increasing as the job market sours back home. Today, we speak with Sydney-based Jimmy Lim, co-founder and Managing Director of AIG Education Group, about the Chinese overseas education phenomenon and why it shows no signs of slowing down. AI will come into play in the application process as Australian universities are now flooded with applications. 1. Why is Australia still popular for Chinese students studying abroad? 2. Who is applying? What are the roles of the international schools in China? 3. How do you get into a competitive program in Australia? 4. Are they coming from the Chinese Gaokao or the "international track school"? 5. How important is a "ranked university" in China? 6. Why is Australia restricting the number of international students? 7. is international education important in China, given increased competition? 8. How is AI going to improve the education recruitment process? 9. How will new AI tools change how Chinese students prepare for university? 10. Why do Chinese parents still use consultants to help their children get into university? 11. How can international schools in China do better to prepare students? 12. What are the biggest educational AI innovations coming out of China? No No The Post-Olympics Show: Opportunities for Chinese Brands https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/vnw44vr8-the-post-olympics-show-opportunities-for-chinese-brands The Post-Olympics Show: Opportunities for Chinese Brands 64 3 No No 81x77z60 What opportunities exist for Chinese brands post-Olympics? In this world of micro-targeting and community building, smaller brands can take advantage of sponsoring Chinese athletes who may not be as expensive as sports celebrities like Eileen Gu. Did the Paris Olympics help break China's overseas travel slump? Ali and Bryce take a China marketing take on the recent Paris games. What opportunities exist for Chinese brands post-Olympics?  In this world of micro-targeting and community building, smaller brands can take advantage of sponsoring Chinese athletes who may not be as expensive as sports celebrities like Eileen Gu. Did the Paris Olympics help break China's overseas travel slump?  Ali and Bryce take a China marketing take on the recent Paris games.

1. Opening Ceremony: Was it successful for a social media audience?
2. Will the Paris Olympics encourage more Chinese to travel abroad?
3.  Ali talks about Yili Milk and his POV on their alternative sponsorship strategy
4.  Social media advertising Olympics vs. CCTV 5 advertisements
5. Sponsoring Olympics vs. Sponsoring Athletes - another win for Nike
6. Can micro-targeting and niche' marketing take advantage of lesser Olympic stars?
7.  How long can China Olympics winners maintain brand power potential?
8. Chinese brands using international sports stars: global expansion or Chinese association?


Ali's article in Campaign Asia: https://www.campaignasia.com/article/brand-health-check-will-yilis-meme-marketing-continue-to-succeed-post-olympics/497815

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Wed, 04 Sep 2024 13:15:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 1835 What opportunities exist for Chinese brands post-Olympics? In this world of micro-targeting and community building, smaller brands can take advantage of sponsoring Chinese athletes who may not be as expensive as sports celebrities like Eileen Gu. Did the Paris Olympics help break China's overseas travel slump? Ali and Bryce take a China marketing take on the recent Paris games. What opportunities exist for Chinese brands post-Olympics? In this world of micro-targeting and community building, smaller brands can take advantage of sponsoring Chinese athletes who may not be as expensive as sports celebrities like Eileen Gu. Did the Paris Olympics help break China's overseas travel slump? Ali and Bryce take a China marketing take on the recent Paris games. Paris Olympics, China Brands, Olympics Sponsorship No No China CRM Redefined: Navigating Clienteling with Aurelien Rigart https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/xnymm32n-china-crm-redefined-navigating-clienteling-with-auerlien-rigart China CRM Redefined: Navigating Clienteling with Aurelien Rigart 65 3 No No l14nn5q1 Welcome to the world of Clienteling: it's a world where the brand manages the client relationship. It's an online/offline integration ecosystem that is alive in China, but the West has no equivalent. In the clienteling world, retail sales become online sales associates, and brands promote their products directly to the customer database, all possible thanks to WeChat. Aurelien Rigart, managing director and co-founder of Shanghai-based digital transformation consultancy IT Consultis (ITC), takes us on this journey. When will Clienteling come to the rest of the world? Listen and discover! 1. What are the biggest challenges for foreign brands embracing digital transformation in China? 2. Is there an equivalent to the Chinese ecosystem in the West? Will WhatsApp catch up? 3. Is Clienteling only for luxury and high-end brands? Will it work for FMCG? 4. How do you calculate ROI in Clienteling? Answer: It depends 5. Are there more luxury buyers, or have luxury brands kept their loyal followers? 6. Who owns the data in a Clienteling relationship? 7. Is there a separate Clienteling app for store personnel, or do they all connect through WeCom? 8. How do the stores get involved, and what's the social media connection? 9. Is Xiaohongshu more for awareness and WeChat more for the bottom funnel? 10. I don't have much money; where do I start? 11. Why are brands still behind in digital transformation? It's China! 12. Should the CRM manager run the sales department? 13. A/B Test: Ye all the way! (sorry, Taylor) Welcome to the world of Clienteling: it's a world where the brand manages the client relationship. It's an online/offline integration ecosystem that is alive in China, but the West has no equivalent. In the clienteling world, retail sales become online sales associates, and brands promote their products directly to the customer database, all possible thanks to WeChat.  Aurelien Rigart, managing director and co-founder of Shanghai-based digital transformation consultancy IT Consultis (ITC), takes us on this journey. When will Clienteling come to the rest of the world?
Listen and discover!

1.  What are the biggest challenges for foreign brands embracing digital transformation in China?
2.  Is there an equivalent to the Chinese ecosystem in the West?  Will WhatsApp catch up?
3.  Is Clienteling only for luxury and high-end brands? Will it work for FMCG?
4. How do you calculate ROI in Clienteling? Answer: It depends
5.  Are there more luxury buyers, or have luxury brands kept their loyal followers?
6.  Who owns the data in a Clienteling relationship?
7.  Is there a separate Clienteling app for store personnel, or do they all connect through WeCom?
8. How do the stores get involved, and what's the social media connection?
9. Is Xiaohongshu more for awareness and WeChat more for the bottom funnel?
10.  I don't have much money; where do I start?
11. Why are brands still behind in digital transformation? It's China!
12. Should the CRM manager run the sales department?
13. A/B Test: Ye all the way! (sorry, Taylor)


Aurelien on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/aurelienrigart/
About IT Consultis:  https://it-consultis.com/
Clienteling White Paper: https://it-consultis.com/blog/empowering-digital-transformation-for-elevated-clienteling-in-china/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Mon, 23 Sep 2024 03:28:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3825 Welcome to the world of Clienteling: it's a world where the brand manages the client relationship. It's an online/offline integration ecosystem that is alive in China, but the West has no equivalent. In the clienteling world, retail sales become online sales associates, and brands promote their products directly to the customer database, all possible thanks to WeChat. Aurelien Rigart, managing director and co-founder of Shanghai-based digital transformation consultancy IT Consultis (ITC), takes us on this journey. When will Clienteling come to the rest of the world? Listen and discover! 1. What are the biggest challenges for foreign brands embracing digital transformation in China? 2. Is there an equivalent to the Chinese ecosystem in the West? Will WhatsApp catch up? 3. Is Clienteling only for luxury and high-end brands? Will it work for FMCG? 4. How do you calculate ROI in Clienteling? Answer: It depends 5. Are there more luxury buyers, or have luxury brands kept their loyal followers? 6. Who owns the data in a Clienteling relationship? 7. Is there a separate Clienteling app for store personnel, or do they all connect through WeCom? 8. How do the stores get involved, and what's the social media connection? 9. Is Xiaohongshu more for awareness and WeChat more for the bottom funnel? 10. I don't have much money; where do I start? 11. Why are brands still behind in digital transformation? It's China! 12. Should the CRM manager run the sales department? 13. A/B Test: Ye all the way! (sorry, Taylor) Welcome to the world of Clienteling: it's a world where the brand manages the client relationship. It's an online/offline integration ecosystem that is alive in China, but the West has no equivalent. In the clienteling world, retail sales become online sales associates, and brands promote their products directly to the customer database, all possible thanks to WeChat. Aurelien Rigart, managing director and co-founder of Shanghai-based digital transformation consultancy IT Consultis (ITC), takes us on this journey. When will Clienteling come to the rest of the world? Listen and discover! 1. What are the biggest challenges for foreign brands embracing digital transformation in China? 2. Is there an equivalent to the Chinese ecosystem in the West? Will WhatsApp catch up? 3. Is Clienteling only for luxury and high-end brands? Will it work for FMCG? 4. How do you calculate ROI in Clienteling? Answer: It depends 5. Are there more luxury buyers, or have luxury brands kept their loyal followers? 6. Who owns the data in a Clienteling relationship? 7. Is there a separate Clienteling app for store personnel, or do they all connect through WeCom? 8. How do the stores get involved, and what's the social media connection? 9. Is Xiaohongshu more for awareness and WeChat more for the bottom funnel? 10. I don't have much money; where do I start? 11. Why are brands still behind in digital transformation? It's China! 12. Should the CRM manager run the sales department? 13. A/B Test: Ye all the way! (sorry, Taylor) No No Chinese Women in Tech with Dr. Susan Zhang https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/xn144p08-chinese-women-in-tech-with-dr-susan-zhang Chinese Women in Tech with Dr. Susan Zhang 66 3 No No 703ppl21 What are China's technology opportunities for Chinese women? Are Chinese companies becoming more gender diverse, or are coveted STEM careers still largely avoided by Chinese women? We asked Dr. Susan Zhang about the state of Chinese women in tech. Dr. Zhang is a high-energy business executive and serial entrepreneur. Her journey has taken her to incredible heights in Australia, China and the UK. She has inspired many young entrepreneurs with her legacy at Google, ByteDance (TikTok), Amazon, and Canva. She is the book author of 'Life Outside My Comfort Zone', a TEDx speaker, and an award-winning role model for Women in Leadership and STEM Education. What are China's technology opportunities for Chinese women? Are Chinese companies becoming more gender diverse, or are coveted STEM careers still largely avoided by Chinese women? We asked Dr. Susan Zhang about the state of Chinese women in tech. Dr. Zhang is a high-energy business executive and serial entrepreneur.  Her journey has taken her to incredible heights in Australia, China, and the UK. She has inspired many young entrepreneurs with her legacy at Google, ByteDance (TikTok), Amazon, and Canva.  She is the book author of 'Life Outside My Comfort Zone', a TEDx speaker, and an award-winning role model for Women in Leadership and STEM Education.

1. What's your career journey, and what are the milestones?
2. What's it like working in big tech companies?  How did it impact your leadership style?
3.  What's the difference between Western and Chinese work cultures?
4.  Why do people want to work so late in a Chinese company?
5.  What is stopping women from going into tech roles?
6.  What is the importance of gender diversity in tech?
7.  Tell us about your book, "Life Outside My Comfort Zone"
8.  How should the next generation of women prepare themselves in an AI-tech world?
9.  Any Chinese proverb to live by?

NEW SEGMENT:  Shanghaizhan Mailbox:  Listener Mail!

Dr. Zhang on LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhangsusan/
Susan's Website:  https://www.xiaochenzhang.com/
"Life Outside My Comfort Zone": https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1794103422

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Got a Question? Access Our Mailbox:  https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6StjsljIEPkXt3M

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/


]]> Thu, 17 Oct 2024 18:34:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2397 What are China's technology opportunities for Chinese women? Are Chinese companies becoming more gender diverse, or are coveted STEM careers still largely avoided by Chinese women? We asked Dr. Susan Zhang about the state of Chinese women in tech. Dr. Zhang is a high-energy business executive and serial entrepreneur. Her journey has taken her to incredible heights in Australia, China and the UK. She has inspired many young entrepreneurs with her legacy at Google, ByteDance (TikTok), Amazon, and Canva. She is the book author of 'Life Outside My Comfort Zone', a TEDx speaker, and an award-winning role model for Women in Leadership and STEM Education. What are China's technology opportunities for Chinese women? Are Chinese companies becoming more gender diverse, or are coveted STEM careers still largely avoided by Chinese women? We asked Dr. Susan Zhang about the state of Chinese women in tech. Dr. Zhang is a high-energy business executive and serial entrepreneur. Her journey has taken her to incredible heights in Australia, China and the UK. She has inspired many young entrepreneurs with her legacy at Google, ByteDance (TikTok), Amazon, and Canva. She is the book author of 'Life Outside My Comfort Zone', a TEDx speaker, and an award-winning role model for Women in Leadership and STEM Education. STEM, women in tech, China technology, Google, Bytedance No No Targeting Outbound Chinese Travelers with Subramania Bhatt and Mark Shrives https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/qn0qvkp8-targeting-outbound-chinese-travelers-with-subramania-bhatt-and-mark-shrives Targeting Outbound Chinese Travelers with Subramania Bhatt and Mark Shrives 67 3 No No p1kpn9v0 Chinese outbound travel is returning, which is great news for luxury brands. To many brands, overseas travel has always been a source of awareness, validation and purchase. How can brands take advantage of this opportunity? We speak to Subramania Bhatt, CEO of the China Trading Desk, a digital marketing and research firm targeting these travelers. Subbu's company recently published a travel insights study that shows a changing Chinese travel demographic. Joining Subramania is Mark Shrives. Mark leads Marriott Digital Services for Asia, which is based in Bangkok. Alongside his team of 35 digital consultants, Mark guides Marriott International's APEC portfolio of hotels in directly implementing cutting-edge digital strategies. 1. What's the latest about the Chinese overseas travel situation? Has it bounced back to its pre-COVID levels? 2. From the hotel side, how might travelers be changing? 3. How have influencers impacted travel experiences? 4. What's a typical traveler customer journey? 5. What's the hotel's strategy in targeting Chinese tour groups to overseas hotels? 6. How much differentiation can you offer on an OTA platform? 7. What motivates people to shop outside China? Is it all about saving money? 8. What is the importance of using influencers to target travel experiences? 9. How have hotels integrated their offerings to the new wave of Chinese tourists looking for experiences? 10. Are we seeing an overlap in age groups and craving experiences? And why so many Chinese women? 11. Are we seeing more Chinese taking advantage of hotel loyalty platforms? 12. Do you have a hidden gem travel destination? 13. Shanghai Zhan Mailbox: Will Xiaohongshu go global? Chinese outbound travel is returning, which is great news for luxury brands. To many brands, overseas travel has always been a source of awareness, validation and purchase. How can brands take advantage of this opportunity?  We speak to Subramania Bhatt, CEO of the China Trading Desk, a digital marketing and research firm targeting these travelers. Subbu's company recently published a travel insights study that shows a changing Chinese travel demographic. Joining Subramania is Mark Shrives. Mark leads Marriott Digital Services for Asia, which is based in Bangkok. Alongside his team of 35 digital consultants, Mark guides Marriott International's APEC portfolio of hotels in directly implementing cutting-edge digital strategies.

1. What's the latest about the Chinese overseas travel situation? Has it bounced back to its pre-COVID levels?
2. From the hotel side, how might travelers be changing?
3. How have influencers impacted travel experiences?
4. What's a typical traveler customer journey?
5. What's the hotel's strategy in targeting Chinese tour groups to overseas hotels?
6. How much differentiation can you offer on an OTA platform?
7.  What motivates people to shop outside China? Is it all about saving money?
8.  What is the importance of using influencers to target travel experiences?
9. How have hotels integrated their offerings to the new wave of Chinese tourists looking for experiences?
10. Are we seeing an overlap in age groups and craving experiences? And why so many Chinese women?
11.  Are we seeing more Chinese taking advantage of hotel loyalty platforms?
12. Do you have a hidden gem travel destination?
13. Shanghai Zhan Mailbox: Will Xiaohongshu go global?

Subbu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/subramania/
The China Trading Desk:  https://www.chinatradingdesk.com/
Travel Survey Link:  https://survey.chinatradingdesk.com/

Mark on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/markedwardshrives/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Sun, 03 Nov 2024 13:08:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3102 Chinese outbound travel is returning, which is great news for luxury brands. To many brands, overseas travel has always been a source of awareness, validation and purchase. How can brands take advantage of this opportunity? We speak to Subramania Bhatt, CEO of the China Trading Desk, a digital marketing and research firm targeting these travelers. Subbu's company recently published a travel insights study that shows a changing Chinese travel demographic. Joining Subramania is Mark Shrives. Mark leads Marriott Digital Services for Asia, which is based in Bangkok. Alongside his team of 35 digital consultants, Mark guides Marriott International's APEC portfolio of hotels in directly implementing cutting-edge digital strategies. 1. What's the latest about the Chinese overseas travel situation? Has it bounced back to its pre-COVID levels? 2. From the hotel side, how might travelers be changing? 3. How have influencers impacted travel experiences? 4. What's a typical traveler customer journey? 5. What's the hotel's strategy in targeting Chinese tour groups to overseas hotels? 6. How much differentiation can you offer on an OTA platform? 7. What motivates people to shop outside China? Is it all about saving money? 8. What is the importance of using influencers to target travel experiences? 9. How have hotels integrated their offerings to the new wave of Chinese tourists looking for experiences? 10. Are we seeing an overlap in age groups and craving experiences? And why so many Chinese women? 11. Are we seeing more Chinese taking advantage of hotel loyalty platforms? 12. Do you have a hidden gem travel destination? 13. Shanghai Zhan Mailbox: Will Xiaohongshu go global? Chinese outbound travel is returning, which is great news for luxury brands. To many brands, overseas travel has always been a source of awareness, validation and purchase. How can brands take advantage of this opportunity? We speak to Subramania Bhatt, CEO of the China Trading Desk, a digital marketing and research firm targeting these travelers. Subbu's company recently published a travel insights study that shows a changing Chinese travel demographic. Joining Subramania is Mark Shrives. Mark leads Marriott Digital Services for Asia, which is based in Bangkok. Alongside his team of 35 digital consultants, Mark guides Marriott International's APEC portfolio of hotels in directly implementing cutting-edge digital strategies. 1. What's the latest about the Chinese overseas travel situation? Has it bounced back to its pre-COVID levels? 2. From the hotel side, how might travelers be changing? 3. How have influencers impacted travel experiences? 4. What's a typical traveler customer journey? 5. What's the hotel's strategy in targeting Chinese tour groups to overseas hotels? 6. How much differentiation can you offer on an OTA platform? 7. What motivates people to shop outside China? Is it all about saving money? 8. What is the importance of using influencers to target travel experiences? 9. How have hotels integrated their offerings to the new wave of Chinese tourists looking for experiences? 10. Are we seeing an overlap in age groups and craving experiences? And why so many Chinese women? 11. Are we seeing more Chinese taking advantage of hotel loyalty platforms? 12. Do you have a hidden gem travel destination? 13. Shanghai Zhan Mailbox: Will Xiaohongshu go global? No No Time for Brands to Do a Discount Detox? With Jacques Roizen https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/1820r128-post-11-11-the-need-for-a-china-discount-detox-with-jacques-roizen Time for Brands to Do a Discount Detox? With Jacques Roizen 68 3 No No 209q9p40 We’re unpacking a critical issue affecting luxury and prestige brands operating in China’s discount-heavy e-commerce landscape. With platforms like Tmall and JD and emerging competitors like Douyin and Pinduoduo, brands are constantly pressured to use aggressive discounting strategies to boost sales and visibility. Jacques Roizen, managing director of China Consulting at Digital Luxury Group, joins us as an industry expert who guides some of the world’s top prestige and luxury brands through these challenges. Together, we’ll explore the long-term impact of discount culture on brand equity, why some brands are starting to ‘detox’ from discounts, and how the rise of the gray market is reshaping consumer expectations. 1. How did you enter the e-commerce luxury business in China? 2. Give us the history of premium/luxury e-commerce and how it evolved from its early days. 3. How important is e-commerce for new consumers to learn about new brands? 4. Where's the pressure for brands to discount so much? 5. Is GMV still an effective measure of performance in e-commerce? 6. How can brands discount detox? 7. Who in the organization can orchestrate a discount detox? 8. What should brands do to improve brand equity? Is livestream a way to do this? We’re unpacking a critical issue affecting luxury and prestige brands operating in China’s discount-heavy e-commerce landscape. With platforms like Tmall and JD and emerging competitors like Douyin and Pinduoduo, brands are constantly pressured to use aggressive discounting strategies to boost sales and visibility.

Jacques Roizen, managing director of China Consulting at Digital Luxury Group, joins us as an industry expert who guides some of the world’s top prestige and luxury brands through these challenges. Together, we’ll explore the long-term impact of discount culture on brand equity, why some brands are starting to ‘detox’ from discounts, and how the rise of the gray market is reshaping consumer expectations.

1. How did you enter the e-commerce luxury business in China?
2. Give us the history of premium/luxury e-commerce and how it evolved from its early days.
3. How important is e-commerce for new consumers to learn about new brands?
4. Where's the pressure for brands to discount so much?
5. Is GMV still an effective measure of performance in e-commerce?
6. How can brands discount detox?
7.  Who in the organization can orchestrate a discount detox?
8.  What should brands do to improve brand equity? Is livestream a way to do this?

Jacques on LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquesroizen/
About DLG:  http://www.digitalluxurygroup.com/


For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Got a Question? Access Our Mailbox:  https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6StjsljIEPkXt3M

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Got a Question? Access Our Mailbox:  https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6StjsljIEPkXt3M

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

]]> Fri, 15 Nov 2024 15:36:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2460 We’re unpacking a critical issue affecting luxury and prestige brands operating in China’s discount-heavy e-commerce landscape. With platforms like Tmall and JD and emerging competitors like Douyin and Pinduoduo, brands are constantly pressured to use aggressive discounting strategies to boost sales and visibility. Jacques Roizen, managing director of China Consulting at Digital Luxury Group, joins us as an industry expert who guides some of the world’s top prestige and luxury brands through these challenges. Together, we’ll explore the long-term impact of discount culture on brand equity, why some brands are starting to ‘detox’ from discounts, and how the rise of the gray market is reshaping consumer expectations. 1. How did you enter the e-commerce luxury business in China? 2. Give us the history of premium/luxury e-commerce and how it evolved from its early days. 3. How important is e-commerce for new consumers to learn about new brands? 4. Where's the pressure for brands to discount so much? 5. Is GMV still an effective measure of performance in e-commerce? 6. How can brands discount detox? 7. Who in the organization can orchestrate a discount detox? 8. What should brands do to improve brand equity? Is livestream a way to do this? We’re unpacking a critical issue affecting luxury and prestige brands operating in China’s discount-heavy e-commerce landscape. With platforms like Tmall and JD and emerging competitors like Douyin and Pinduoduo, brands are constantly pressured to use aggressive discounting strategies to boost sales and visibility. Jacques Roizen, managing director of China Consulting at Digital Luxury Group, joins us as an industry expert who guides some of the world’s top prestige and luxury brands through these challenges. Together, we’ll explore the long-term impact of discount culture on brand equity, why some brands are starting to ‘detox’ from discounts, and how the rise of the gray market is reshaping consumer expectations. 1. How did you enter the e-commerce luxury business in China? 2. Give us the history of premium/luxury e-commerce and how it evolved from its early days. 3. How important is e-commerce for new consumers to learn about new brands? 4. Where's the pressure for brands to discount so much? 5. Is GMV still an effective measure of performance in e-commerce? 6. How can brands discount detox? 7. Who in the organization can orchestrate a discount detox? 8. What should brands do to improve brand equity? Is livestream a way to do this? No No From Mass Appeal to Micro Moments: The Future of China Livestream E-Commerce https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/1npv7qpn-from-mass-appeal-to-micro-moments-the-future-of-livestream-e-commerce From Mass Appeal to Micro Moments: The Future of China Livestream E-Commerce 69 3 No No z0r348v1 We're thrilled to re-broadcast an insightful episode from the Sinica Podcast, where host Kaiser Kuo sits down with Bryce Whitwam to delve into the ever-evolving world of Chinese livestream e-commerce. Bryce's latest research highlights a fascinating shift: Chinese consumers increasingly gravitate toward smaller, more personalized livestream shows that foster greater interaction with hosts. While large-scale shows with millions of viewers still exist, they’re gradually being replaced by micro-targeted streams on platforms like Xiaohongshu and Douyin, which offer a more authentic and engaging experience. This evolution carries significant implications for brands looking to connect with highly targeted audiences in China. It could hint at the future of livestream shopping in the West, especially as TikTok explores similar trends. 1. How did you first engage with the livestream e-commerce trend in China? 2. What’s the history of livestream commerce, and how has it evolved since its inception? 3. How does livestreaming contribute to consumer engagement compared to traditional retail? 4. What differentiates Douyin, Xiaohongshu, and Taobao as livestream platforms? 5. What role does authenticity play in driving consumer trust in livestreaming? 6. How do demographics like age, gender, and location influence livestream shopping behavior? 7. What are the key differences between China’s livestream strategies and the U.S.’s early adoption of TikTok Shop? 8. How are niche and microtargeted livestreams reshaping consumer behavior? 9. What challenges or disruptions could affect livestream commerce’s growth in China? 10. What does the rise of livestreaming tell us about broader changes in Chinese consumer culture? 11. Recommendations We're thrilled to re-broadcast an insightful episode from the Sinica Podcast, where host Kaiser Kuo sits down with Bryce Whitwam to delve into the ever-evolving world of Chinese livestream e-commerce. Bryce's latest research highlights a fascinating shift: Chinese consumers increasingly gravitate toward smaller, more personalized livestream shows that foster greater interaction with hosts. While large-scale shows with millions of viewers still exist, they’re gradually being replaced by micro-targeted streams on platforms like Xiaohongshu and Douyin, which offer a more authentic and engaging experience. This evolution carries significant implications for brands looking to connect with highly targeted audiences in China. It could hint at the future of livestream shopping in the West, especially as TikTok explores similar trends.

1. How did you first engage with the livestream e-commerce trend in China?
2.  What’s the history of livestream commerce, and how has it evolved since its inception?
3.  How does livestreaming contribute to consumer engagement compared to traditional retail?
4.  What differentiates Douyin, Xiaohongshu, and Taobao as livestream platforms?
5.  What role does authenticity play in driving consumer trust in livestreaming?
6. How do demographics like age, gender, and location influence livestream shopping behavior?
7. What are the key differences between China’s livestream strategies and the U.S.’s early adoption of TikTok Shop?
8. How are niche and microtargeted livestreams reshaping consumer behavior?
9. What challenges or disruptions could affect livestream commerce’s growth in China?
10. What does the rise of livestreaming tell us about broader changes in Chinese consumer culture?
11. Recommendations

Sinica Podcast on Substack:  https://www.sinicapodcast.com/
Sinica Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sinica-podcast/id1121407665

Sinica Podcast on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/sinicapodcast/posts/
Kaiser Kuo on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaiserkuo/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Got a Question? Access Our Mailbox:  https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6StjsljIEPkXt3M

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/


]]> Tue, 26 Nov 2024 13:11:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3493 We're thrilled to re-broadcast an insightful episode from the Sinica Podcast, where host Kaiser Kuo sits down with Bryce Whitwam to delve into the ever-evolving world of Chinese livestream e-commerce. Bryce's latest research highlights a fascinating shift: Chinese consumers increasingly gravitate toward smaller, more personalized livestream shows that foster greater interaction with hosts. While large-scale shows with millions of viewers still exist, they’re gradually being replaced by micro-targeted streams on platforms like Xiaohongshu and Douyin, which offer a more authentic and engaging experience. This evolution carries significant implications for brands looking to connect with highly targeted audiences in China. It could hint at the future of livestream shopping in the West, especially as TikTok explores similar trends. 1. How did you first engage with the livestream e-commerce trend in China? 2. What’s the history of livestream commerce, and how has it evolved since its inception? 3. How does livestreaming contribute to consumer engagement compared to traditional retail? 4. What differentiates Douyin, Xiaohongshu, and Taobao as livestream platforms? 5. What role does authenticity play in driving consumer trust in livestreaming? 6. How do demographics like age, gender, and location influence livestream shopping behavior? 7. What are the key differences between China’s livestream strategies and the U.S.’s early adoption of TikTok Shop? 8. How are niche and microtargeted livestreams reshaping consumer behavior? 9. What challenges or disruptions could affect livestream commerce’s growth in China? 10. What does the rise of livestreaming tell us about broader changes in Chinese consumer culture? 11. Recommendations We're thrilled to re-broadcast an insightful episode from the Sinica Podcast, where host Kaiser Kuo sits down with Bryce Whitwam to delve into the ever-evolving world of Chinese livestream e-commerce. Bryce's latest research highlights a fascinating shift: Chinese consumers increasingly gravitate toward smaller, more personalized livestream shows that foster greater interaction with hosts. While large-scale shows with millions of viewers still exist, they’re gradually being replaced by micro-targeted streams on platforms like Xiaohongshu and Douyin, which offer a more authentic and engaging experience. This evolution carries significant implications for brands looking to connect with highly targeted audiences in China. It could hint at the future of livestream shopping in the West, especially as TikTok explores similar trends. 1. How did you first engage with the livestream e-commerce trend in China? 2. What’s the history of livestream commerce, and how has it evolved since its inception? 3. How does livestreaming contribute to consumer engagement compared to traditional retail? 4. What differentiates Douyin, Xiaohongshu, and Taobao as livestream platforms? 5. What role does authenticity play in driving consumer trust in livestreaming? 6. How do demographics like age, gender, and location influence livestream shopping behavior? 7. What are the key differences between China’s livestream strategies and the U.S.’s early adoption of TikTok Shop? 8. How are niche and microtargeted livestreams reshaping consumer behavior? 9. What challenges or disruptions could affect livestream commerce’s growth in China? 10. What does the rise of livestreaming tell us about broader changes in Chinese consumer culture? 11. Recommendations livestream e-commerce No No Spring Festival to Singles Day: Festivals in Modern China Marketing: Hope Hong https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/4892mz5n-spring-festival-to-singles-day-festivals-in-modern-china-marketing-hope-hong Spring Festival to Singles Day: Festivals in Modern China Marketing: Hope Hong 70 3 No No v17vrk80 Are traditional festivals still essential drivers in the Chinese marketing calendar? Or are they overshadowing the modern shopping days that seemingly overpower attention? We welcome Hope Hong, founder of Chuanmer, a non-profit organization specializing in cross-cultural marketing consulting, experience planning, curation, and promotion. Hope is based in Vienna. Besides being a cultural ambassador, Hope is a mom and a digital marketing leader working at Austria's largest telco. 1. What is Chuanmener? 2. How important is Chuanmener rooted in being a Chinese mother? 3. Do you see Chinese festivals as being more critical when you're living abroad? 4. Are the modern shopping festivals diluting the traditional festivals? 5. How did Bryce connect his children to American culture while living in China? 6. How can brands effectively connect with consumers during festivals in a modern way? 7. Which brands are doing festivals differently? 8. Who is not doing festivals properly? 9. What's your favorite Chinese festival? Are traditional festivals still essential drivers in the Chinese marketing calendar?  Or are they overshadowing the modern shopping days that seemingly overpower attention?  We welcome Hope Hong, founder of Chuanmer, a non-profit organization specializing in cross-cultural marketing consulting, experience planning, curation, and promotion. Hope is based in Vienna. Besides being a cultural ambassador, Hope is a mom and a digital marketing leader working at Austria's largest telco.

1.  What is Chuanmener?
2. How important is Chuanmener rooted in being a Chinese mother?
3.  Do you see Chinese festivals as being more critical when you're living abroad?
4.  Are the modern shopping festivals diluting the traditional festivals?
5.  How did Bryce connect his children to American culture while living in China?
6. How can brands effectively connect with consumers during festivals in a modern way?
7. Which brands are doing festivals differently?
8.  Who is not doing festivals properly?
9.  What's your favorite Chinese festival?

About Chuanmener:  https://www.chuanmener.world/
Hope on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/hopeyanhong/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Got a Question? Access Our Mailbox:  https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6StjsljIEPkXt3M

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Tue, 10 Dec 2024 00:55:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2222 Are traditional festivals still essential drivers in the Chinese marketing calendar? Or are they overshadowing the modern shopping days that seemingly overpower attention? We welcome Hope Hong, founder of Chuanmer, a non-profit organization specializing in cross-cultural marketing consulting, experience planning, curation, and promotion. Hope is based in Vienna. Besides being a cultural ambassador, Hope is a mom and a digital marketing leader working at Austria's largest telco. 1. What is Chuanmener? 2. How important is Chuanmener rooted in being a Chinese mother? 3. Do you see Chinese festivals as being more critical when you're living abroad? 4. Are the modern shopping festivals diluting the traditional festivals? 5. How did Bryce connect his children to American culture while living in China? 6. How can brands effectively connect with consumers during festivals in a modern way? 7. Which brands are doing festivals differently? 8. Who is not doing festivals properly? 9. What's your favorite Chinese festival? Are traditional festivals still essential drivers in the Chinese marketing calendar? Or are they overshadowing the modern shopping days that seemingly overpower attention? We welcome Hope Hong, founder of Chuanmer, a non-profit organization specializing in cross-cultural marketing consulting, experience planning, curation, and promotion. Hope is based in Vienna. Besides being a cultural ambassador, Hope is a mom and a digital marketing leader working at Austria's largest telco. 1. What is Chuanmener? 2. How important is Chuanmener rooted in being a Chinese mother? 3. Do you see Chinese festivals as being more critical when you're living abroad? 4. Are the modern shopping festivals diluting the traditional festivals? 5. How did Bryce connect his children to American culture while living in China? 6. How can brands effectively connect with consumers during festivals in a modern way? 7. Which brands are doing festivals differently? 8. Who is not doing festivals properly? 9. What's your favorite Chinese festival? Cultural Marketing, Festival Advertising, China Festivals, Chinese New Year No No Social Media Intelligence vs. Traditional Research: Target Social's Wang Tao on the Future of Consumer Insights https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/x8ym7vp8-social-media-intelligence-vs-traditional-research-target-social-s-wang-tao-on-the-future-of-consumer-insights Social Media Intelligence vs. Traditional Research: Target Social's Wang Tao on the Future of Consumer Insights 71 3 No No l04nr6j0 How has consumer research evolved since the advent of social media? Can social media drive insights, or do we still need interviews and focus groups? We speak with Wang Tao, who is the Head of Strategy & Innovation for the Shanghai-based agency Target Social. Target Social is China's largest full-service social performance consultancy, providing a complete range of services that help brands take control of their social media investment. How has consumer research evolved since the advent of social media? Can social media drive insights, or do we still need interviews and focus groups?  We speak with Wang Tao, who is the Head of Strategy & Innovation for the Shanghai-based agency Target Social 仟传网络. Target Social is China's largest full-service social performance consultancy, providing a complete range of services that help brands take control of their social media investment.

1.  What's your current job, and what does Target Social do?
2. What's the difference between your consulting role at your current vs. previous job?
3. How do you extract data from social media platforms that help deliver insights?
4.  How is market research evolving?  Is it just social listening, or is there more to it?
5.  Is social listening a good measurement, and you don't need focus groups or interviews?
6.  How do social platforms collect data for passive users?
7.  Why do the algorithms seem incorrect about one's profile?
8.  Pushing surprise content remains an advantage for advertisers.
9.  What are the skills necessary for modern market researchers?
10. How do you teach insights, and how is it possible to identify them?
 
About Target Social (仟传网络): https://tarsocial.com/en/international
Wang Tao on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tao-wang-b602619b/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Got a Question? Access Our Mailbox:  https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6StjsljIEPkXt3M

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Thu, 26 Dec 2024 16:32:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3075 How has consumer research evolved since the advent of social media? Can social media drive insights, or do we still need interviews and focus groups? We speak with Wang Tao, who is the Head of Strategy & Innovation for the Shanghai-based agency Target Social. Target Social is China's largest full-service social performance consultancy, providing a complete range of services that help brands take control of their social media investment. How has consumer research evolved since the advent of social media? Can social media drive insights, or do we still need interviews and focus groups? We speak with Wang Tao, who is the Head of Strategy & Innovation for the Shanghai-based agency Target Social. Target Social is China's largest full-service social performance consultancy, providing a complete range of services that help brands take control of their social media investment. marketing research, social media research No No The 2025 China Brand Equity & ROI Paradox - Totem's Chris Baker & OMD's Ahle Kuang https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/68rr7z68-the-2025-china-brand-equity-roi-paradox-totem-s-chris-baker-omd-s-ahle-kuang The 2025 China Brand Equity & ROI Paradox - Totem's Chris Baker & OMD's Ahle Kuang 72 3 No No 8056r4v1 Welcome to Season 4! Today, we're also celebrating the 10th anniversary of the 2025 Totem China's Marketing & Media Trends Report, hoping to solve the biggest challenge in China marketing: is performance marketing, and are brands nowadays just focused on short-term sales gains? According to Totem's report, 48% of marketers plan to decrease their 2025 marketing budgets, and 31% now rank sales conversion as their top objective. Amid this, an economy that's shaping up to be the "new normal," a normal that surprisingly looks like everywhere else in the world. To discuss, Totem's Chris Baker joins us again this year, along with OMD China's General Manager, Ahle Kuang. We try to solve all the marketing problems in 50 minutes! 1. What are some of the big things that stood out for you in this year's report? 2. Are some categories safe, or are there decreases across the board? 3. Have local companies found a way to grow brands and increase market share simultaneously? 4. How do you balance the desire for short-term sales with building long-term brand equity? 5. For China, is brand equity purely driven by product innovation? 6. Do Chinese products need to live beyond a certain period to be considered a brand? 7. Are there things brands should avoid doing in the 2025 context?: Positioning is Everything 8. Can signature global brands in China grow with products designed for a global audience? Welcome to Season 4!  Today, we're also celebrating the 10th anniversary of the 2025 Totem China's Marketing & Media Trends Report. We hope to solve the biggest challenge in China marketing: is performance marketing, and are brands nowadays just focused on short-term sales gains?  According to Totem's report, 48% of marketers plan to decrease their 2025 marketing budgets, and 31% now rank sales conversion as their top objective. Amid this, an economy that's shaping up to be the "new normal," a normal that surprisingly looks like everywhere else in the world.  To discuss, Totem's Chris Baker joins us again this year, along with OMD China's General Manager, Ahle Kuang.  We try to solve all the marketing problems in 50 minutes!

1.  What are some of the big things that stood out for you in this year's report?
2.  Are some categories safe, or are there decreases across the board?
3. Have local companies found a way to grow brands and increase market share simultaneously?
4. How do you balance the desire for short-term sales with building long-term brand equity?
5.  For China, is brand equity purely driven by product innovation?
6. Do Chinese products need to live beyond a certain period to be considered a brand?
7. Are there things brands should avoid doing in the 2025 context?: Positioning is Everything
8. Can signature global brands in China grow with products designed for a global audience?

About Totem Media: https://www.talktototem.com/
Download the Totem 2025 Report Here:  https://www.talktototem.com/china-insights/2025-china-marketing-and-media-review
About OMD:  https://www.omd.com/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Got a Question? Access Our Mailbox:  https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6StjsljIEPkXt3M

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Fri, 10 Jan 2025 01:59:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3323 Welcome to Season 4! Today, we're also celebrating the 10th anniversary of the 2025 Totem China's Marketing & Media Trends Report, hoping to solve the biggest challenge in China marketing: is performance marketing, and are brands nowadays just focused on short-term sales gains? According to Totem's report, 48% of marketers plan to decrease their 2025 marketing budgets, and 31% now rank sales conversion as their top objective. Amid this, an economy that's shaping up to be the "new normal," a normal that surprisingly looks like everywhere else in the world. To discuss, Totem's Chris Baker joins us again this year, along with OMD China's General Manager, Ahle Kuang. We try to solve all the marketing problems in 50 minutes! 1. What are some of the big things that stood out for you in this year's report? 2. Are some categories safe, or are there decreases across the board? 3. Have local companies found a way to grow brands and increase market share simultaneously? 4. How do you balance the desire for short-term sales with building long-term brand equity? 5. For China, is brand equity purely driven by product innovation? 6. Do Chinese products need to live beyond a certain period to be considered a brand? 7. Are there things brands should avoid doing in the 2025 context?: Positioning is Everything 8. Can signature global brands in China grow with products designed for a global audience? Welcome to Season 4! Today, we're also celebrating the 10th anniversary of the 2025 Totem China's Marketing & Media Trends Report, hoping to solve the biggest challenge in China marketing: is performance marketing, and are brands nowadays just focused on short-term sales gains? According to Totem's report, 48% of marketers plan to decrease their 2025 marketing budgets, and 31% now rank sales conversion as their top objective. Amid this, an economy that's shaping up to be the "new normal," a normal that surprisingly looks like everywhere else in the world. To discuss, Totem's Chris Baker joins us again this year, along with OMD China's General Manager, Ahle Kuang. We try to solve all the marketing problems in 50 minutes! 1. What are some of the big things that stood out for you in this year's report? 2. Are some categories safe, or are there decreases across the board? 3. Have local companies found a way to grow brands and increase market share simultaneously? 4. How do you balance the desire for short-term sales with building long-term brand equity? 5. For China, is brand equity purely driven by product innovation? 6. Do Chinese products need to live beyond a certain period to be considered a brand? 7. Are there things brands should avoid doing in the 2025 context?: Positioning is Everything 8. Can signature global brands in China grow with products designed for a global audience? 2025 China Trends, Brand Equity, The New Normal No No The Decline of TikTok, the Rise of Rednote, and End of App Loyalty - With Olivia Plotnick https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/1820rjz8-the-decline-of-tiktok-the-rise-of-rednote-and-end-of-app-loyalty-with-olivia-plotnick The Decline of TikTok, the Rise of Rednote, and End of App Loyalty - With Olivia Plotnick 73 3 No No 209q92v0 Word on the street that Chinese app Xiaohongshu or Rednote, as it is now called, was not expecting nor prepared for the 500K and counting American TikTok Refugees that have downloaded and migrated to the app. Is Rednote a short-lived thing? Will people eventually move back to TikTok, or has the West entered the world of "App Fluidity," where communities move from place to place without little concern for the platform they are on? To discuss this, we are joined by Shanghai-based Wai Social's Founder, Olivia Plotnick. 1. What is Xiaohongshu or Rednote? How is it different from TikTok? 2. What sparked people to migrate there, and why Rednote and not Lemon8? 3. Are we ready for a truly global platform, returning to the LinkedIn days? 4. Have we come to the point where we will see more fluidity of platform users? 5. Are people abandoning Meta platforms because of their complexity or is this the preferred GenZ user experience? 6. What about the role of community and express authenticity? 7. Will YouTube have a resurgence in the U.S.? Who will win out? 8. How can Xiaohongshu become such a community place? 9. What are the most important aspects of this incredible cultural collision? 10. How will the Chinese authority react to this amazing soft power opportunity? 11. What keeps people back when very few people post? What's the role of entertainment? Is there a balance? 12. Is this the right time for Chinese brands to reach out to Western audiences? 13. Is the whole "Rednote movement" a passing fad? 14. Will App Fluidity kill brands? Word on the street that Chinese app Xiaohongshu or Rednote, as it is now called, was not expecting nor prepared for the 500K and counting American TikTok Refugees that have downloaded and migrated to the app.  Is Rednote a short-lived thing? Will people eventually move back to TikTok, or has the West entered the world of "App Fluidity," where communities move from place to place without little concern for the platform they are on?  To discuss this, we are joined by Shanghai-based Wai Social's Founder, Olivia Plotnick. 

1.  What is Xiaohongshu or Rednote? How is it different from TikTok?
2. What sparked people to migrate there, and why Rednote and not Lemon8?
3.  Are we ready for a truly global platform, returning to the LinkedIn days?
4.  Have we come to the point where we will see more fluidity of platform users?
5.  Are people abandoning Meta platforms because of their complexity or is this the preferred GenZ user experience?
6.  What about the role of community and express authenticity?
7.  Will YouTube have a resurgence in the U.S.? Who will win out?
8.  How can Xiaohongshu become such a community place?
9.  What are the most important aspects of this incredible cultural collision?
10.  How will the Chinese authority react to this amazing soft power opportunity?
11.  What keeps people back when very few people post? What's the role of entertainment? Is there a balance?
12. Is this the right time for Chinese brands to reach out to Western audiences?
13. Is the whole "Rednote movement" a passing fad?
14. Will App Fluidity kill brands?


Olivia on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-plotnick/
About Wai Social: https://www.waisocial.com/
Who What Wai on Substack: https://whowhatwai.substack.com/


For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Got a Question? Access Our Mailbox:  https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6StjsljIEPkXt3M

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Sat, 18 Jan 2025 15:52:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2976 Word on the street that Chinese app Xiaohongshu or Rednote, as it is now called, was not expecting nor prepared for the 500K and counting American TikTok Refugees that have downloaded and migrated to the app. Is Rednote a short-lived thing? Will people eventually move back to TikTok, or has the West entered the world of "App Fluidity," where communities move from place to place without little concern for the platform they are on? To discuss this, we are joined by Shanghai-based Wai Social's Founder, Olivia Plotnick. 1. What is Xiaohongshu or Rednote? How is it different from TikTok? 2. What sparked people to migrate there, and why Rednote and not Lemon8? 3. Are we ready for a truly global platform, returning to the LinkedIn days? 4. Have we come to the point where we will see more fluidity of platform users? 5. Are people abandoning Meta platforms because of their complexity or is this the preferred GenZ user experience? 6. What about the role of community and express authenticity? 7. Will YouTube have a resurgence in the U.S.? Who will win out? 8. How can Xiaohongshu become such a community place? 9. What are the most important aspects of this incredible cultural collision? 10. How will the Chinese authority react to this amazing soft power opportunity? 11. What keeps people back when very few people post? What's the role of entertainment? Is there a balance? 12. Is this the right time for Chinese brands to reach out to Western audiences? 13. Is the whole "Rednote movement" a passing fad? 14. Will App Fluidity kill brands? Word on the street that Chinese app Xiaohongshu or Rednote, as it is now called, was not expecting nor prepared for the 500K and counting American TikTok Refugees that have downloaded and migrated to the app. Is Rednote a short-lived thing? Will people eventually move back to TikTok, or has the West entered the world of "App Fluidity," where communities move from place to place without little concern for the platform they are on? To discuss this, we are joined by Shanghai-based Wai Social's Founder, Olivia Plotnick. 1. What is Xiaohongshu or Rednote? How is it different from TikTok? 2. What sparked people to migrate there, and why Rednote and not Lemon8? 3. Are we ready for a truly global platform, returning to the LinkedIn days? 4. Have we come to the point where we will see more fluidity of platform users? 5. Are people abandoning Meta platforms because of their complexity or is this the preferred GenZ user experience? 6. What about the role of community and express authenticity? 7. Will YouTube have a resurgence in the U.S.? Who will win out? 8. How can Xiaohongshu become such a community place? 9. What are the most important aspects of this incredible cultural collision? 10. How will the Chinese authority react to this amazing soft power opportunity? 11. What keeps people back when very few people post? What's the role of entertainment? Is there a balance? 12. Is this the right time for Chinese brands to reach out to Western audiences? 13. Is the whole "Rednote movement" a passing fad? 14. Will App Fluidity kill brands? No No The Big China Market Correction of 2025: Trend Spotting with Chris Baker & Minnie Wang https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/1820r0z8-the-big-china-market-correction-of-2025-trend-spotting-with-chris-baker-minnie-wang The Big China Market Correction of 2025: Trend Spotting with Chris Baker & Minnie Wang 74 3 No No 209q9qv0 In this report, it's called the 20/80 rule. Are we going to see a lot of brands exiting the Chinese market, or are there still opportunities? We're back for round #2, covering Totem Media's 2025 Marketing & Media Trends. Today, we talk about the 25 considerations, although we go through all of them, just the key ones. We're honored to have Totem Media Founder Chris Baker back on the show. Joining Chris is Minnie Wang, Senior Reporter for Campaign Asia. Minnie covers the marketing and advertising issues of Greater China for the magazine. 1. Looking at the considerations, #4 "Brands Still in Disbelief" - Can you explain this one? 2. Consideration #6: Experiences on the Upswing & #7 Active Hobbies are Growing - How will this translate for brands? 3. What's the 20/80 Rule? Will we expect many brands to leave the China market? 4. #14: The Great Retail Remix - How will retail survive the economic crunch? Is there anyone winning? 5. And for a bit of optimism...'#21 - China is Stil a Growth Market' - are you still bullish on China? In this report, it's called the 20/80 rule. Are we going to see a lot of brands exiting the Chinese market, or are there still opportunities?  We're back for round #2, covering Totem Media's 2025 Marketing & Media Trends. Today, we talk about the 25 considerations, although we go through all of them, just the key ones. We're honored to have Totem Media Founder Chris Baker back on the show. Joining Chris is Minnie Wang, Senior Reporter for Campaign Asia. Minnie covers the marketing and advertising issues of Greater China for the magazine.

1.  Looking at the considerations, #4 "Brands Still in Disbelief" - Can you explain this one?
2. Consideration #6: Experiences on the Upswing & #7 Active Hobbies are Growing - How will this translate for brands?
3. What's the 20/80 Rule? Will we expect many brands to leave the China market?
4. #14: The Great Retail Remix - How will retail survive the economic crunch?  Is there anyone winning?
5.  And for a bit of optimism...'#21 - China is Stil a Growth Market' - are you still bullish on China?


About Totem Media: https://www.talktototem.com/
Download the Totem 2025 Report Here:  https://www.talktototem.com/china-insights/2025-china-marketing-and-media-review
About Campaign Asia:  https://www.campaignasia.com/

Chris Baker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbaker19/
Minnie Wang on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/minniew/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Got a Question? Access Our Mailbox:  https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6StjsljIEPkXt3M

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Sun, 02 Feb 2025 04:53:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2716 In this report, it's called the 20/80 rule. Are we going to see a lot of brands exiting the Chinese market, or are there still opportunities? We're back for round #2, covering Totem Media's 2025 Marketing & Media Trends. Today, we talk about the 25 considerations, although we go through all of them, just the key ones. We're honored to have Totem Media Founder Chris Baker back on the show. Joining Chris is Minnie Wang, Senior Reporter for Campaign Asia. Minnie covers the marketing and advertising issues of Greater China for the magazine. 1. Looking at the considerations, #4 "Brands Still in Disbelief" - Can you explain this one? 2. Consideration #6: Experiences on the Upswing & #7 Active Hobbies are Growing - How will this translate for brands? 3. What's the 20/80 Rule? Will we expect many brands to leave the China market? 4. #14: The Great Retail Remix - How will retail survive the economic crunch? Is there anyone winning? 5. And for a bit of optimism...'#21 - China is Stil a Growth Market' - are you still bullish on China? In this report, it's called the 20/80 rule. Are we going to see a lot of brands exiting the Chinese market, or are there still opportunities? We're back for round #2, covering Totem Media's 2025 Marketing & Media Trends. Today, we talk about the 25 considerations, although we go through all of them, just the key ones. We're honored to have Totem Media Founder Chris Baker back on the show. Joining Chris is Minnie Wang, Senior Reporter for Campaign Asia. Minnie covers the marketing and advertising issues of Greater China for the magazine. 1. Looking at the considerations, #4 "Brands Still in Disbelief" - Can you explain this one? 2. Consideration #6: Experiences on the Upswing & #7 Active Hobbies are Growing - How will this translate for brands? 3. What's the 20/80 Rule? Will we expect many brands to leave the China market? 4. #14: The Great Retail Remix - How will retail survive the economic crunch? Is there anyone winning? 5. And for a bit of optimism...'#21 - China is Stil a Growth Market' - are you still bullish on China? No No A China Slowdown: From Patience to Profit with Alex Duncan https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/28x0z1w8-the-great-china-slowdown-from-patience-to-profit A China Slowdown: From Patience to Profit with Alex Duncan 75 3 No No 60m6kl81 We challenge the narrative surrounding China's economic slowdown to reveal an unexpected truth: today's market conditions might be ideal for patient brand builders. Alex Duncan, marketing consultant, former co-founder of a Chinese social media platform and a 15-year China veteran, shares fresh insights from his recent return to Shanghai, making a compelling case for why now – when consumer confidence is at historic lows and competitors are scrambling for quick sales – might be the perfect moment for strategic brand entry. This episode offers a masterclass on turning market challenges into long-term opportunities in the world's second-largest economy, from the paradox of convenience-killing convenience stores to why discounting is destroying brand value. 1. After 15 years away from China and 18 months away, what dramatic changes did you see? 2. How are people coping with the economic slowdown? 3. What aspects of China Speed do you miss now living abroad? 4. Does China speed equate to China efficiency? 5. Does China's slowdown turn into a spark moment to become more efficient? 6. Is the slowdown a reflection of China becoming more of a mature market? 7. Should this all be about brand building during slower times? 8. Will this impact lower funnel sales and less brand search as consumers spend less and save more? 9. Have the digital platforms made it too easy (and challenging) to build brands, and as a result, brands have become too complacent? 10. Is this the best time to enter the China market? 11. How do you encourage consumers to spend money during times like this? 12. What's with your book, Alex? When can we see it? 6. We challenge the narrative surrounding China's economic slowdown to reveal an unexpected truth: today's market conditions might be ideal for patient brand builders. Alex Duncan, marketing consultant, former co-founder of a Chinese social media platform and a 15-year China veteran, shares fresh insights from his recent return to Shanghai, making a compelling case for why now – when consumer confidence is at historic lows and competitors are scrambling for quick sales – might be the perfect moment for strategic brand entry. This episode offers a masterclass on turning market challenges into long-term opportunities in the world's second-largest economy, from the paradox of convenience-killing convenience stores to why discounting is destroying brand value.

1. After 15 years away from China and 18 months away, what dramatic changes did you see?
2. How are people coping with the economic slowdown?
3.  What aspects of China Speed do you miss now living abroad?
4. Does China speed equate to China efficiency?
5. Does China's slowdown turn into a spark moment to become more efficient?
6. Is the slowdown a reflection of China becoming more of a mature market?
7. Should this all be about brand building during slower times?
8. Will this impact lower funnel sales and less brand search as consumers spend less and save more?
9.  Have the digital platforms made it too easy (and challenging) to build brands, and as a result, brands have become too complacent?
10. Is this the best time to enter the China market?
11. How do you encourage consumers to spend money during times like this?
12. What's with your book, Alex? When can we see it?

Alex Duncan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acjduncan/
HBR Article Mentioned in Episode: https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=35885

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/
Got a Question? Access Our Mailbox:  https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6StjsljIEPkXt3M

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Sun, 16 Feb 2025 14:57:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3159 We challenge the narrative surrounding China's economic slowdown to reveal an unexpected truth: today's market conditions might be ideal for patient brand builders. Alex Duncan, marketing consultant, former co-founder of a Chinese social media platform and a 15-year China veteran, shares fresh insights from his recent return to Shanghai, making a compelling case for why now – when consumer confidence is at historic lows and competitors are scrambling for quick sales – might be the perfect moment for strategic brand entry. This episode offers a masterclass on turning market challenges into long-term opportunities in the world's second-largest economy, from the paradox of convenience-killing convenience stores to why discounting is destroying brand value. 1. After 15 years away from China and 18 months away, what dramatic changes did you see? 2. How are people coping with the economic slowdown? 3. What aspects of China Speed do you miss now living abroad? 4. Does China speed equate to China efficiency? 5. Does China's slowdown turn into a spark moment to become more efficient? 6. Is the slowdown a reflection of China becoming more of a mature market? 7. Should this all be about brand building during slower times? 8. Will this impact lower funnel sales and less brand search as consumers spend less and save more? 9. Have the digital platforms made it too easy (and challenging) to build brands, and as a result, brands have become too complacent? 10. Is this the best time to enter the China market? 11. How do you encourage consumers to spend money during times like this? 12. What's with your book, Alex? When can we see it? 6. We challenge the narrative surrounding China's economic slowdown to reveal an unexpected truth: today's market conditions might be ideal for patient brand builders. Alex Duncan, marketing consultant, former co-founder of a Chinese social media platform and a 15-year China veteran, shares fresh insights from his recent return to Shanghai, making a compelling case for why now – when consumer confidence is at historic lows and competitors are scrambling for quick sales – might be the perfect moment for strategic brand entry. This episode offers a masterclass on turning market challenges into long-term opportunities in the world's second-largest economy, from the paradox of convenience-killing convenience stores to why discounting is destroying brand value. 1. After 15 years away from China and 18 months away, what dramatic changes did you see? 2. How are people coping with the economic slowdown? 3. What aspects of China Speed do you miss now living abroad? 4. Does China speed equate to China efficiency? 5. Does China's slowdown turn into a spark moment to become more efficient? 6. Is the slowdown a reflection of China becoming more of a mature market? 7. Should this all be about brand building during slower times? 8. Will this impact lower funnel sales and less brand search as consumers spend less and save more? 9. Have the digital platforms made it too easy (and challenging) to build brands, and as a result, brands have become too complacent? 10. Is this the best time to enter the China market? 11. How do you encourage consumers to spend money during times like this? 12. What's with your book, Alex? When can we see it? 6. China Speed, China Marketing, Brand Building, Economic Downturn No No Opening the Mailbox: Branding, Retail, Livestreaming, Media & More: Stephen Drummond https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/1npv704n-opening-the-mailbox-branding-retail-livestreaming-media-more-stephen-drummond Opening the Mailbox: Branding, Retail, Livestreaming, Media & More: Stephen Drummond 76 3 No No z0r34q91 It's time to open our listener mail! We solicited questions on LinkedIn and WeChat and are ready to answer your questions about China marketing and advertising. We're joined with China's leading brand strategist consultant, Stephen Drummond. Steve is an industry legend who has worked for agencies and clients. He's now a freelance brand consultant, based in Shanghai: 1. Question: 1 : Are brands in China talking more about brand building these days? 2. Question 2: How do we keep our brand at the top of people's minds when most people ignore ads? 3. Question 3: Do eCommerce systems in China with immediate links from ads and offer purchases mean that Chinese marketers are performance-based and do not need long-term brand building? 4. Question 4: Would you say livestreaming is overhyped? Does it cheapen the brand? 5. Question 5: We're an electronics brand. Should we build a loyalty platform? 6. Question 6: What's the future of traditional retail in Shanghai? Will more stores close? 7. Question 7: Given today's economic climate, what types of brands or categories show growth in China? It's time to open our listener mail! We solicited questions on LinkedIn and WeChat and are ready to answer your questions about China marketing and advertising. We're joined with China's leading brand strategist consultant, Stephen Drummond. Steve is an industry legend who has worked for agencies and clients. He's now a freelance brand consultant, based in Shanghai:

1. Question: 1: Are brands in China talking more about brand building these days?
2. Question 2:  How do we keep our brand at the top of people's minds when most people ignore ads?
3. Question 3:  Do eCommerce systems in China with immediate links from ads and offer purchases mean that Chinese marketers are performance-based and do not need long-term brand building?
4. Question 4: Would you say livestreaming is overhyped? Does it cheapen the brand?
5. Question 5: We're an electronics brand. Should we build a loyalty platform?
6. Question 6: What's the future of traditional retail in Shanghai? Will more stores close?
7. Question 7: Given today's economic climate, what types of brands or categories show growth in China?

Steve Drummond on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephendrummond/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

Got a Question? Access Our Mailbox:  https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6StjsljIEPkXt3M

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Tue, 04 Mar 2025 20:27:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2617 It's time to open our listener mail! We solicited questions on LinkedIn and WeChat and are ready to answer your questions about China marketing and advertising. We're joined with China's leading brand strategist consultant, Stephen Drummond. Steve is an industry legend who has worked for agencies and clients. He's now a freelance brand consultant, based in Shanghai: 1. Question: 1 : Are brands in China talking more about brand building these days? 2. Question 2: How do we keep our brand at the top of people's minds when most people ignore ads? 3. Question 3: Do eCommerce systems in China with immediate links from ads and offer purchases mean that Chinese marketers are performance-based and do not need long-term brand building? 4. Question 4: Would you say livestreaming is overhyped? Does it cheapen the brand? 5. Question 5: We're an electronics brand. Should we build a loyalty platform? 6. Question 6: What's the future of traditional retail in Shanghai? Will more stores close? 7. Question 7: Given today's economic climate, what types of brands or categories show growth in China? It's time to open our listener mail! We solicited questions on LinkedIn and WeChat and are ready to answer your questions about China marketing and advertising. We're joined with China's leading brand strategist consultant, Stephen Drummond. Steve is an industry legend who has worked for agencies and clients. He's now a freelance brand consultant, based in Shanghai: 1. Question: 1 : Are brands in China talking more about brand building these days? 2. Question 2: How do we keep our brand at the top of people's minds when most people ignore ads? 3. Question 3: Do eCommerce systems in China with immediate links from ads and offer purchases mean that Chinese marketers are performance-based and do not need long-term brand building? 4. Question 4: Would you say livestreaming is overhyped? Does it cheapen the brand? 5. Question 5: We're an electronics brand. Should we build a loyalty platform? 6. Question 6: What's the future of traditional retail in Shanghai? Will more stores close? 7. Question 7: Given today's economic climate, what types of brands or categories show growth in China? No No China's Retail Revolution: How SHEIN, Temu, and TikTok are Reshaping Global Commerce - Ed Sander https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/x8ymyxz8-the-coming-of-china-s-online-retail-domination-with-ed-sander China's Retail Revolution: How SHEIN, Temu, and TikTok are Reshaping Global Commerce - Ed Sander 77 3 No No l04n43x0 4 out of the top 8 Apps on the US Apple Store come from China. Many are shopping platforms such as SHEIN, Temu and TikTok Shop. These platforms have strong algorithms, massive supply chain networks, and seemingly bottomless investment pockets. Is the West slowly becoming addicted to Chinese-style online shopping? We talked to Ed Sander, who is the co-founder of ChinaTalk, a Dutch service provider specializing in knowledge transfer about China. Ed also writes for the TechBuzz China substack. 1. You arrange business tours in China. Tell us about the upcoming Spring Exclusive Investor Electric Vehicle Trip. Is it too late to sign up? 2. Why has TikTok Shop struggled to get traction in the U.S. while it's been so wildly successful in SE Asia? 3. How can brands make TikTok Shop work in the U.S.? What's the magic formula? Will it come from live commerce? 4. Are some markets more influenced by cultural differences that help drive livestream shopping success? Or are Chinese just more open to new experiences? Do you think brands should engage in livestream shopping? 5. Do you think TikTok Shop makes adjustments on their platform to make shopping more palatable? 6. Is there still a place for brands or livestream commerce for cheap, impulsive products? 7. Why are you so bullish on the growth of Temu? How will they adjust for impending Trump tariffs? 8. How will Temu and SHEIN impact global markets in Europe? 9. Who has the best chance of success, SHEIN, Temu or TikTok Shop? 10. What is happening with Meituan's Keeta? How will it dominate in food delivery? 4 out of the top 8 Apps on the US Apple Store come from China. Many are shopping platforms such as SHEIN, Temu and TikTok Shop.  These platforms have strong algorithms, massive supply chain networks, and seemingly bottomless investment pockets. Is the West slowly becoming addicted to Chinese-style online shopping?  We talked to Ed Sander, who is the co-founder of ChinaTalk, a Dutch service provider specializing in knowledge transfer about China. Ed also writes for the TechBuzz China substack.

1. You arrange business tours in China. Tell us about the upcoming Spring Exclusive Investor Electric Vehicle Trip.  Is it too late to sign up?

2. Why has TikTok Shop struggled to get traction in the U.S. while it's been so wildly successful in SE Asia? 

3. How can brands make TikTok Shop work in the U.S.?  What's the magic formula?  Will it come from live commerce?

4.  Are some markets more influenced by cultural differences that help drive livestream shopping success?  Or are Chinese just more open to new experiences? Do you think brands should engage in livestream shopping?

5. Do you think TikTok Shop makes adjustments on their platform to make shopping more palatable?

6. Is there still a place for brands or livestream commerce for cheap, impulsive products?

7.  Why are you so bullish on the growth of Temu?  How will they adjust for impending Trump tariffs?

8.  How will Temu and SHEIN impact global markets in Europe?

9. Who has the best chance of success, SHEIN, Temu or TikTok Shop?

10. What is happening with Meituan's Keeta?  How will it dominate in food delivery?

Ed Sander on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/edsander/
Tech Buzz China:  https://substack.com/@techbuzzchina
Exclusive Investor EV Trip Details:  https://techbuzzchina.substack.com/p/join-the-tech-buzz-china-spring-2025

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

Got a Question? Access Our Mailbox:  https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6StjsljIEPkXt3M

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Sat, 22 Mar 2025 16:50:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3230 4 out of the top 8 Apps on the US Apple Store come from China. Many are shopping platforms such as SHEIN, Temu and TikTok Shop. These platforms have strong algorithms, massive supply chain networks, and seemingly bottomless investment pockets. Is the West slowly becoming addicted to Chinese-style online shopping? We talked to Ed Sander, who is the co-founder of ChinaTalk, a Dutch service provider specializing in knowledge transfer about China. Ed also writes for the TechBuzz China substack. 1. You arrange business tours in China. Tell us about the upcoming Spring Exclusive Investor Electric Vehicle Trip. Is it too late to sign up? 2. Why has TikTok Shop struggled to get traction in the U.S. while it's been so wildly successful in SE Asia? 3. How can brands make TikTok Shop work in the U.S.? What's the magic formula? Will it come from live commerce? 4. Are some markets more influenced by cultural differences that help drive livestream shopping success? Or are Chinese just more open to new experiences? Do you think brands should engage in livestream shopping? 5. Do you think TikTok Shop makes adjustments on their platform to make shopping more palatable? 6. Is there still a place for brands or livestream commerce for cheap, impulsive products? 7. Why are you so bullish on the growth of Temu? How will they adjust for impending Trump tariffs? 8. How will Temu and SHEIN impact global markets in Europe? 9. Who has the best chance of success, SHEIN, Temu or TikTok Shop? 10. What is happening with Meituan's Keeta? How will it dominate in food delivery? 4 out of the top 8 Apps on the US Apple Store come from China. Many are shopping platforms such as SHEIN, Temu and TikTok Shop. These platforms have strong algorithms, massive supply chain networks, and seemingly bottomless investment pockets. Is the West slowly becoming addicted to Chinese-style online shopping? We talked to Ed Sander, who is the co-founder of ChinaTalk, a Dutch service provider specializing in knowledge transfer about China. Ed also writes for the TechBuzz China substack. 1. You arrange business tours in China. Tell us about the upcoming Spring Exclusive Investor Electric Vehicle Trip. Is it too late to sign up? 2. Why has TikTok Shop struggled to get traction in the U.S. while it's been so wildly successful in SE Asia? 3. How can brands make TikTok Shop work in the U.S.? What's the magic formula? Will it come from live commerce? 4. Are some markets more influenced by cultural differences that help drive livestream shopping success? Or are Chinese just more open to new experiences? Do you think brands should engage in livestream shopping? 5. Do you think TikTok Shop makes adjustments on their platform to make shopping more palatable? 6. Is there still a place for brands or livestream commerce for cheap, impulsive products? 7. Why are you so bullish on the growth of Temu? How will they adjust for impending Trump tariffs? 8. How will Temu and SHEIN impact global markets in Europe? 9. Who has the best chance of success, SHEIN, Temu or TikTok Shop? 10. What is happening with Meituan's Keeta? How will it dominate in food delivery? livestream commerce, Temu, SHEIN, TikTok Shop, Keeta No No The Rise of Female Automobile Power in China: Grey/AKQA's Janice Kok & Reiko Wu https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/xn14j118-the-rise-of-female-automobile-power-in-china-grey-aqka-s-janice-kok-reiko-wu The Rise of Female Automobile Power in China: Grey/AKQA's Janice Kok & Reiko Wu 78 3 No No 703p3ww1 Over the past decade, women in China have become a driving force (pun intended) in car purchases, from compact EVs to high-end luxury vehicles. But how are brands adapting their marketing to meet the needs of female consumers? What trends are shaping their buying decisions? To help us unpack this, we’re joined by Janice Kok, Head of Strategy, and Reiko Wu, Planning Director, both at GREY & AKQA China. Janice is a seasoned strategist with over 20 years of experience in brand and marketing strategy, particularly in the Chinese market. Janice and Reiko recently released a white paper, “Her Choice, Her Ride, The Rise of Female Automobile Power in China.” 1. What's the big macro trend in the Chinese auto market right now? Are Gen Z turning away from car ownership? 2. Can you tell us about the methodology of the study? Who did you talk to, and why did you release this report? 3. What are the essential things you focus on to appeal to women in advertising? How do you keep a gender balance? 4. How do you specifically communicate attributes to women in social media? What's the role of influencers? 5. Does domestic travel and China's discovery influence car purchase amongst women? What's the role of domestic well-being? 6. Are there some brands or particular models that are more female-oriented? 7. Foreign brands are taking a beating in China, can targeting specific groups improve sales? 8. How are Chinese consumers different from their counterparts in other parts of the world? Over the past decade, women in China have become a driving force (pun intended) in car purchases, from compact EVs to high-end luxury vehicles. But how are brands adapting their marketing to meet the needs of female consumers? What trends are shaping their buying decisions?  

To help us unpack this, we’re joined by Janice Kok, Head of Strategy, and Reiko Wu, Planning Director, both at GREY & AKQA China. Janice is a seasoned strategist with over 20 years of experience in brand and marketing strategy, particularly in the Chinese market. Janice and Reiko recently released a white paper, “Her Choice, Her Ride, The Rise of Female Automobile Power in China.”

1.  What's the big macro trend in the Chinese auto market right now?  Are Gen Z turning away from car ownership?
2. Can you tell us about the methodology of the study? Who did you talk to, and why did you release this report?
3.  What are the essential things you focus on to appeal to women in advertising?  How do you keep a gender balance?
4.  How do you specifically communicate attributes to women in social media? What's the role of influencers?
5. Does domestic travel and China's discovery influence car purchase amongst women?  What's the role of domestic well-being?
6. Are there some brands or particular models that are more female-oriented?
7.  Foreign brands are taking a beating in China, can targeting specific groups improve sales?
8.  How are Chinese consumers different from their counterparts in other parts of the world?

Janice Kok on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janicekok/
Reiko Wu on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/reikowu/
White Paper Link: https://bit.ly/3XKHRtR

About GREY & AKQA CHINA: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grey-china/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

Got a Question? Access Our Mailbox:  https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6StjsljIEPkXt3M

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/
]]> Mon, 07 Apr 2025 14:46:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2968 Over the past decade, women in China have become a driving force (pun intended) in car purchases, from compact EVs to high-end luxury vehicles. But how are brands adapting their marketing to meet the needs of female consumers? What trends are shaping their buying decisions? To help us unpack this, we’re joined by Janice Kok, Head of Strategy, and Reiko Wu, Planning Director, both at GREY & AKQA China. Janice is a seasoned strategist with over 20 years of experience in brand and marketing strategy, particularly in the Chinese market. Janice and Reiko recently released a white paper, “Her Choice, Her Ride, The Rise of Female Automobile Power in China.” 1. What's the big macro trend in the Chinese auto market right now? Are Gen Z turning away from car ownership? 2. Can you tell us about the methodology of the study? Who did you talk to, and why did you release this report? 3. What are the essential things you focus on to appeal to women in advertising? How do you keep a gender balance? 4. How do you specifically communicate attributes to women in social media? What's the role of influencers? 5. Does domestic travel and China's discovery influence car purchase amongst women? What's the role of domestic well-being? 6. Are there some brands or particular models that are more female-oriented? 7. Foreign brands are taking a beating in China, can targeting specific groups improve sales? 8. How are Chinese consumers different from their counterparts in other parts of the world? Over the past decade, women in China have become a driving force (pun intended) in car purchases, from compact EVs to high-end luxury vehicles. But how are brands adapting their marketing to meet the needs of female consumers? What trends are shaping their buying decisions? To help us unpack this, we’re joined by Janice Kok, Head of Strategy, and Reiko Wu, Planning Director, both at GREY & AKQA China. Janice is a seasoned strategist with over 20 years of experience in brand and marketing strategy, particularly in the Chinese market. Janice and Reiko recently released a white paper, “Her Choice, Her Ride, The Rise of Female Automobile Power in China.” 1. What's the big macro trend in the Chinese auto market right now? Are Gen Z turning away from car ownership? 2. Can you tell us about the methodology of the study? Who did you talk to, and why did you release this report? 3. What are the essential things you focus on to appeal to women in advertising? How do you keep a gender balance? 4. How do you specifically communicate attributes to women in social media? What's the role of influencers? 5. Does domestic travel and China's discovery influence car purchase amongst women? What's the role of domestic well-being? 6. Are there some brands or particular models that are more female-oriented? 7. Foreign brands are taking a beating in China, can targeting specific groups improve sales? 8. How are Chinese consumers different from their counterparts in other parts of the world? No No Tapping into China's Wellness Revolution: Strategic Opportunities for Brands with Henry Shen https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/x8ymywz8-tapping-into-china-s-wellness-revolution-strategic-opportunities-for-brands-with-henry-shen Tapping into China's Wellness Revolution: Strategic Opportunities for Brands with Henry Shen 79 3 No No l04n4kx0 China has become a country obsessed with wellness. Over the past few episodes, we have had several guests highlight the growing importance of wellness, whether it relates to fitness or changes in the country's demographics. We thought we'd take the opportunity to take a deeper look at wellness. According to a McKinsey study, 87% of Chinese consumers consider wellness a top priority in their lives. Why is wellness such an important topic these days in China? Is this something that all brands should be incorporating into their communications? To discuss the growing importance of wellness for brands, we are proud to welcome back Henry Shen, Chief Strategy Officer at McCann Health Greater China. Henry brings over 19 years of experience that includes business strategy, brand communication, and digital integration. Henry and the team at McCann Health serve many of the leading pharma brands and is based in Shanghai. Henry is not just a supporter of physical, but also mental wellness. Henry truly embraces wellness as a licensed holistic therapist. China has become a country obsessed with wellness.  Over the past few episodes, we have had several guests highlight the growing importance of wellness, whether it relates to fitness or changes in the country's demographics.  We thought we'd take the opportunity to take a deeper look at wellness.  According to a McKinsey study, 87% of Chinese consumers consider wellness a top priority in their lives.  Why is wellness such an important topic these days in China?  Is this something that all brands should be incorporating into their communications? 

To discuss the growing importance of wellness for brands, we are proud to welcome back Henry Shen, Chief Strategy Officer at McCann Health Greater China. Henry brings over 19 years of experience, including business strategy, brand communication, and digital integration. Henry and the team at McCann Health serve many of the leading pharma brands and are based in Shanghai. Henry is not just a supporter of physical, but also mental wellness.  Henry truly embraces wellness as a licensed holistic therapist.

1.  Why has wellness become a thing in China?

2.  What do you see as some of the significant trends as consumers are prioritizing wellness?

3. What?  A Sleep Retreat?  Let's Go!

4.  What is meant by a Health Operating System? Where is the HOS?

5. Is wellness just a young person's thing, or is it embraced by all age and income groups?

6. If wellness is increasing, why are gyms closing?

7.  How can companies embrace mental wellness in China? How important is it?

8. How can young students transferring into the working world manage stress, esp. in the advertising business?

9. How can non-wellness-focused brands embrace wellness? Can you give me some examples?

10.  How can you be innovative in wellness?

11. What can brands do to take advantage of China's aging population?


Henry Shen On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shenhan/

About McCann Health China: https://ipghealth.com/network/mccann-health-china


For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

Got a Question? Access Our Mailbox:  https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6StjsljIEPkXt3M

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Mon, 21 Apr 2025 00:57:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2878 China has become a country obsessed with wellness. Over the past few episodes, we have had several guests highlight the growing importance of wellness, whether it relates to fitness or changes in the country's demographics. We thought we'd take the opportunity to take a deeper look at wellness. According to a McKinsey study, 87% of Chinese consumers consider wellness a top priority in their lives. Why is wellness such an important topic these days in China? Is this something that all brands should be incorporating into their communications? To discuss the growing importance of wellness for brands, we are proud to welcome back Henry Shen, Chief Strategy Officer at McCann Health Greater China. Henry brings over 19 years of experience that includes business strategy, brand communication, and digital integration. Henry and the team at McCann Health serve many of the leading pharma brands and is based in Shanghai. Henry is not just a supporter of physical, but also mental wellness. Henry truly embraces wellness as a licensed holistic therapist. China has become a country obsessed with wellness. Over the past few episodes, we have had several guests highlight the growing importance of wellness, whether it relates to fitness or changes in the country's demographics. We thought we'd take the opportunity to take a deeper look at wellness. According to a McKinsey study, 87% of Chinese consumers consider wellness a top priority in their lives. Why is wellness such an important topic these days in China? Is this something that all brands should be incorporating into their communications? To discuss the growing importance of wellness for brands, we are proud to welcome back Henry Shen, Chief Strategy Officer at McCann Health Greater China. Henry brings over 19 years of experience that includes business strategy, brand communication, and digital integration. Henry and the team at McCann Health serve many of the leading pharma brands and is based in Shanghai. Henry is not just a supporter of physical, but also mental wellness. Henry truly embraces wellness as a licensed holistic therapist. China wellness, Health Marketing, McCann Health No No Decoding Brand China Using Semiotics: Panos Dimitropoulos https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/q80q6jqn-decoding-brand-china-using-semiotics-panos-dimitropoulos Decoding Brand China Using Semiotics: Panos Dimitropoulos 80 3 No No p0kpzxp1 How can brands visually connect with Chinese consumers? What cultural codes effectively resonate with consumers, leading to trial and purchase? Today we speak with Panos Dimitropoulos, a seasoned semiotician and cultural strategy expert. Panos helps brands culturally connect in China. He spent over a decade in China, leading Kantar's cultural intelligence team, guiding clients through China's evolving symbolic landscape. He's also the founder of Two Words Agency. How can brands visually connect with Chinese consumers? What cultural codes effectively resonate with consumers, leading to trial and purchase? Today, we speak with Panos Dimitropoulos, a seasoned semiotician and cultural strategy expert. Panos helps brands connect culturally in China. He spent over a decade in China, leading Kantar's cultural intelligence team and guiding clients through China's evolving symbolic landscape. He's also the founder of Two Words Agency.

1. What exactly is semiotics? Why should marketers care?
2. What does it mean to see cultural codes in daily life? How can strategists start training themselves to do this, or should they leave it to the experts?
3. Why are brands looking so similar? Is social media making an impact?
4. How influential is the format to semiotics?
5. Why are semiotic interpretations subject to context?
6. Has the Chinese cultural codified context changed or resurfaced over time?
7. How do semiotics work in bottom funnel communications?
8.  Can you provide some cultural semiotic examples?
9.  How can semiotics help Brand China export itself to the world?
10. How can one learn more about semiotics?
11. What's behind your agency name, "Two Words"?
12. What's the difference between brand anthropology and semiotics?
13. Can brands influence culture?
14. Is there a glimpse into the future of Brand China?
15. Any recommendations for BFAs who may be interested in semiotics?
16. What's the impact of AI on semiotics?

Panos on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepdconcept/
Two Words Agency: https://www.twowords.agency/

Read more about Semiotics:
1. Roland Barthes: "Image-Music Text" https://www.amazon.com/Image-Music-Text-Roland-Barthes/dp/0374521360
2.  Jean Baudrillard: "Simulacra and Simulations"
https://www.amazon.com/Simulacra-Simulation-Body-Theory-Materialism/dp/0472065211
3.  Walter Benjamin:  "The Work of Art in the Age of Its Technological Reproductibilty" https://www.amazon.com/Technological-Reproducibility-Other-Writings-Media/dp/0674024451

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

]]> Tue, 06 May 2025 12:41:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3367 How can brands visually connect with Chinese consumers? What cultural codes effectively resonate with consumers, leading to trial and purchase? Today we speak with Panos Dimitropoulos, a seasoned semiotician and cultural strategy expert. Panos helps brands culturally connect in China. He spent over a decade in China, leading Kantar's cultural intelligence team, guiding clients through China's evolving symbolic landscape. He's also the founder of Two Words Agency. How can brands visually connect with Chinese consumers? What cultural codes effectively resonate with consumers, leading to trial and purchase? Today we speak with Panos Dimitropoulos, a seasoned semiotician and cultural strategy expert. Panos helps brands culturally connect in China. He spent over a decade in China, leading Kantar's cultural intelligence team, guiding clients through China's evolving symbolic landscape. He's also the founder of Two Words Agency. No No AI as Co-Creator: Redefining the Marketing Process with Pierre Berard https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/q80q6rrn-ai-as-co-creator-redefining-the-marketing-process-with-pierre-berard AI as Co-Creator: Redefining the Marketing Process with Pierre Berard 81 3 No No p0kpzqq1 How will AI impact marketing teams, agencies, and processes? While 85% of marketers report using AI tools, they struggle to integrate AI into the workplace. How can you make work? We’re joined by Pierre Berard, former China hand and a senior marketing executive who’s led some of the world’s top luxury and consumer brands and is now the founder of alphabrand.ai. This new platform helps marketers work faster, smarter, and more creatively with AI. How will AI impact marketing teams, agencies, and processes?  While 85% of marketers report using AI tools, they struggle to integrate AI into the workplace. How can you make work?  We’re joined by Pierre Berard, former China hand and a senior marketing executive who’s led some of the world’s top luxury and consumer brands and is now the founder of alphabrand.ai. This new platform helps marketers work faster, smarter, and more creatively with AI.

1. What parts of marketing are most impacted by AI right now?
2. Is it the way that content is created? How will it impact work teams?
3.  How will marketing teams prepare for the AI revolution? Is it more than just ChatGPT?
4.  Should you bespoke build something or adapt an open standard?
5.  How can people who will become accustomed to AI solutions have the critical skills to question results?
6.  How do you create guidance that effectively manages the AI solution integration?
7.  Do you need to create stop-points that integrate the human perspective?
8. Are people welcoming or fearing AI integration within marketing organizations?
9. Will there be a return of authentic experiences in marketing as people become overwhelmed with AI-generated communications?
10. What are some AI misconceptions in marketing teams?
11. Will small brands be more potent in an AI-integrated marketing world?
12.  Will agencies eventually be replaced? What's the place for them?

Pierre Berard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierre-berard-02222b33/
About Alphabrand.ai:  https://alphabrand.ai/home


For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Fri, 23 May 2025 02:35:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3185 How will AI impact marketing teams, agencies, and processes? While 85% of marketers report using AI tools, they struggle to integrate AI into the workplace. How can you make work? We’re joined by Pierre Berard, former China hand and a senior marketing executive who’s led some of the world’s top luxury and consumer brands and is now the founder of alphabrand.ai. This new platform helps marketers work faster, smarter, and more creatively with AI. How will AI impact marketing teams, agencies, and processes? While 85% of marketers report using AI tools, they struggle to integrate AI into the workplace. How can you make work? We’re joined by Pierre Berard, former China hand and a senior marketing executive who’s led some of the world’s top luxury and consumer brands and is now the founder of alphabrand.ai. This new platform helps marketers work faster, smarter, and more creatively with AI. AI Marketing, AI Marketing Integration, AI Fear No No The Dark Side of the China Media Business https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/r87y5238-the-dark-side-of-the-china-media-business The Dark Side of the China Media Business 82 3 No No k08m9p71 Today's episode explores a side of the China media business that everyone knows exists but few are willing to discuss. Media corruption was so prevalent in the early days of the digital industry in 2010 that it became a competitive advantage for some companies. We all knew that it was big, but how big? Today's guest goes by the pseudonym "F. B." and is the author of the memoir, "Confessions of a Chinese American Swindler: My Rise, Fall, and Exile from the Cutthroat World of Chinese Advertising." The book takes the readers deep into the heart of China's media underworld, where ambition, opportunity, and moral compromise collide. 9. Today's episode delves into a facet of the China media business that everyone is aware of, but few are willing to discuss. Media corruption was so prevalent in the early days of the digital industry in 2010 that it became a competitive advantage for some companies. We all knew that it was big, but how big?  We discovered this later, following the news about the GroupM scandal in 2023. Today's guest goes by the pseudonym "F. B." and is the author of the memoir, "Confessions of a Chinese American Swindler: My Rise, Fall, and Exile from the Cutthroat World of Chinese Advertising." The book takes the readers deep into the heart of China's media underworld, where ambition, opportunity, and moral compromise collide.

1.  Please outline a typical media deal with rebates. What's the role of the broker, and why do rebates exist?
2.  What's the business advantage of going through the brokers? Why not go through the agency?
3.  Did it ever become counter-productive to growing the business?
4.  Are there any cultural implications, or is it just inherent conflicts between global and local teams?
5.  What's the relationship between the media buyer and the corruption circles?
6.  Has the industry transformed? Is it easier now that you can book directly on the platform?
7.  Does media validation and data transparency impact the ability for corruption to exist?
8. What would take to get this to stop? It's about financial auditing.
9. What if you booked the media directly on the platform?
10. Did you ever think you were over your head and might face jail time?
11. Have the agency networks tightened their processes and improved their operations?
12. Why did you write the book?
13.  How did you reconcile your ethical limitations?

The Book:  https://www.amazon.com/Confessions-Chinese-American-Swindler-Advertising-ebook/dp/B0DVXC2PWL

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

]]> Sat, 07 Jun 2025 13:17:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2937 Today's episode explores a side of the China media business that everyone knows exists but few are willing to discuss. Media corruption was so prevalent in the early days of the digital industry in 2010 that it became a competitive advantage for some companies. We all knew that it was big, but how big? Today's guest goes by the pseudonym "F. B." and is the author of the memoir, "Confessions of a Chinese American Swindler: My Rise, Fall, and Exile from the Cutthroat World of Chinese Advertising." The book takes the readers deep into the heart of China's media underworld, where ambition, opportunity, and moral compromise collide. 9. Today's episode explores a side of the China media business that everyone knows exists but few are willing to discuss. Media corruption was so prevalent in the early days of the digital industry in 2010 that it became a competitive advantage for some companies. We all knew that it was big, but how big? Today's guest goes by the pseudonym "F. B." and is the author of the memoir, "Confessions of a Chinese American Swindler: My Rise, Fall, and Exile from the Cutthroat World of Chinese Advertising." The book takes the readers deep into the heart of China's media underworld, where ambition, opportunity, and moral compromise collide. 9. No No Being an Innovative Leader in Today's New Reality with Nishtha Mehta https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/v855m598-being-an-innovative-leader-in-today-s-new-reality-with-nishta-mehta Being an Innovative Leader in Today's New Reality with Nishtha Mehta 83 3 No No 81qqzql1 China's business landscape in 2025 is unforgiving—consumer spending is down, competition is fiercer than ever, and companies face a brutal reality: adapt or die. The old playbooks aren't working, traditional marketing approaches are falling flat, and while everyone knows they need to change, most don't know what to do or how to do it. In this environment, the difference between companies that thrive and those that merely survive comes down to one thing: innovative leadership that can actually navigate the messy, uncomfortable process of transformation in real-time. Today, we're diving deep into what it takes to transition into your innovative superpowers with Nishtha Mehta, a sought-after international change facilitator and ICF PCC innovation coach who has been helping Fortune 500 companies and startups do exactly that for the past two decades from her base in Shanghai. China's business landscape in 2025 is unforgiving—consumer spending is down, competition is fiercer than ever, and companies face a brutal reality: adapt or die. The old playbooks aren't working, traditional marketing approaches are falling flat, and while everyone knows they need to change, most don't know what to do or how to do it. In this environment, the difference between companies that thrive and those that merely survive comes down to one thing: innovative leadership that can actually navigate the messy, uncomfortable process of transformation in real-time. Today, we're diving deep into what it takes to transition into your innovative superpowers with Nishtha Mehta, a sought-after international change facilitator and ICF PCC innovation coach who has been helping Fortune 500 companies and startups do exactly that for the past two decades from her base in Shanghai.

1.  What have you observed about different cultural approaches to innovation?
2.  What makes a successful transition from leader to innovative leader?
3.  What triggers innovation?
4.  How do you introduce innovation thinking to companies?
5.  Introducing innovative change through melting, mounting, and mating
6. How much do you change or morph into someone else?
7. What goes about creating collaborations to impact innovation?
8. How can leaders effectively shed their existing responsibilities to avail themselves to innovation?
9. How resourceful do you need to be to embrace someone else's innovation?
10. How does the model work for a start-up? Start by envisioning failure.
11.  Will fear of failure result in inaction?
12. Your phrase, "committing to uncomfortable" - Any advice for new jobbers?
13. Who inspires you?

Nistha Mehta on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishthamehta/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

]]> Thu, 26 Jun 2025 02:22:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3003 China's business landscape in 2025 is unforgiving—consumer spending is down, competition is fiercer than ever, and companies face a brutal reality: adapt or die. The old playbooks aren't working, traditional marketing approaches are falling flat, and while everyone knows they need to change, most don't know what to do or how to do it. In this environment, the difference between companies that thrive and those that merely survive comes down to one thing: innovative leadership that can actually navigate the messy, uncomfortable process of transformation in real-time. Today, we're diving deep into what it takes to transition into your innovative superpowers with Nishtha Mehta, a sought-after international change facilitator and ICF PCC innovation coach who has been helping Fortune 500 companies and startups do exactly that for the past two decades from her base in Shanghai. China's business landscape in 2025 is unforgiving—consumer spending is down, competition is fiercer than ever, and companies face a brutal reality: adapt or die. The old playbooks aren't working, traditional marketing approaches are falling flat, and while everyone knows they need to change, most don't know what to do or how to do it. In this environment, the difference between companies that thrive and those that merely survive comes down to one thing: innovative leadership that can actually navigate the messy, uncomfortable process of transformation in real-time. Today, we're diving deep into what it takes to transition into your innovative superpowers with Nishtha Mehta, a sought-after international change facilitator and ICF PCC innovation coach who has been helping Fortune 500 companies and startups do exactly that for the past two decades from her base in Shanghai. innovation, leadership change, being uncomfortable No No The Uncertain Future of the Agency Holdco Model with Mark Heap https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/rn7y55ln-the-uncertain-future-of-the-agency-holdco-model-with-mark-heap The Uncertain Future of the Agency Holdco Model with Mark Heap 84 3 No No k18m99j0 Has agency consolidation begun to backfire? The media agency is undergoing a massive transformation as holding companies consolidate their operations & rebrand around unified entities. What does this seismic shift mean for the future of the industry? Will the industry's current path lead to better outcomes or just more cost-cutting? Joining us is Mark Heap, Founder of Mark Heap Consulting. Mark advises businesses on growth strategy, organization transformation & leadership development. He's the former CEO of Mindshare in EMEA and Mediacom in APAC. He spent 10 years in China from 2003 to 2013 serving roles at PHD and Mindshare. Has agency consolidation begun to backfire?  The media agency is undergoing a massive transformation as holding companies consolidate their operations & rebrand around unified entities. What does this seismic shift mean for the future of the industry? Will the industry's current path lead to better outcomes or just more cost-cutting? Is this the independent agency's big moment?

Joining us is Mark Heap, Founder of Mark Heap Consulting. Mark advises businesses on growth strategy, organization transformation & leadership development. He's the former CEO of Mindshare in EMEA and Mediacom in APAC.  He spent 10 years in China from 2003 to 2013 serving roles at PHD and Mindshare.

1. What's driving all the consolidation, and where will it lead?
2. Are the agencies losing client leaders, or should it be up to the local office?
3. Does this all have to do with AI implementation?
4. Has all this consolidation resulted in the loss of critical thinking and discourse?
5. Does this open the field up to independent agencies to shine?
6.  Who is doing it right? Is there a good model?
7.  Are we moving to a world where everything is small, nimble, and independent?
8.  How do you reflect on your China experience? Has it helped you throughout your career?

About Mark Heap Consulting: https://www.markheapconsulting.com/
Mark Heap on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/markheap/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

]]> Sun, 13 Jul 2025 02:31:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3358 Has agency consolidation begun to backfire? The media agency is undergoing a massive transformation as holding companies consolidate their operations & rebrand around unified entities. What does this seismic shift mean for the future of the industry? Will the industry's current path lead to better outcomes or just more cost-cutting? Joining us is Mark Heap, Founder of Mark Heap Consulting. Mark advises businesses on growth strategy, organization transformation & leadership development. He's the former CEO of Mindshare in EMEA and Mediacom in APAC. He spent 10 years in China from 2003 to 2013 serving roles at PHD and Mindshare. Has agency consolidation begun to backfire? The media agency is undergoing a massive transformation as holding companies consolidate their operations & rebrand around unified entities. What does this seismic shift mean for the future of the industry? Will the industry's current path lead to better outcomes or just more cost-cutting? Joining us is Mark Heap, Founder of Mark Heap Consulting. Mark advises businesses on growth strategy, organization transformation & leadership development. He's the former CEO of Mindshare in EMEA and Mediacom in APAC. He spent 10 years in China from 2003 to 2013 serving roles at PHD and Mindshare. WPP, Publicis, Holding Companies, Agency Consolidation No No Opening the Mailbox: Chinese Innovation, Chinese Dating Apps, Learning Chinese & Labubu https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/vn55mqwn-opening-the-mailbox-chinese-innovation-chinese-dating-apps-learning-chinese-labubu Opening the Mailbox: Chinese Innovation, Chinese Dating Apps, Learning Chinese & Labubu 85 3 No No 80qqznj0 We bring back ShanghaiMailbox! Thanks for your questions. Here are the questions you submitted that Ali and I answered on today's podcast. 1. If you had your own money, what’s one Chinese startup or trend you’d invest in right now that most foreigners have never heard of? 2. Learning Mandarin used to be the rage, but now it’s less popular. With all the powerful apps and AI is it still worth learning a second language? 3. How do you think of online dating in China? That is, the online “Relationship-shopping” culture. 4. What differentiates agencies if everyone is using the same AI tools or platform? 5. What lessons have been learned from the latest and successful Coca-Cola + Pop Mart Labubu collaboration? We bring back ShanghaiMailbox!   Thanks for your questions. Here are the questions you submitted that Ali and I answered on today's podcast. Enjoy!

1.  If you had your own money, what’s one Chinese startup or trend you’d invest in right now that most foreigners have never heard of?

2. Learning Mandarin used to be the rage, but now it’s less popular. With all the powerful apps and AI is it still worth learning a second language?

3. How do you think of online dating in China? That is, the online “Relationship-shopping” culture.

4. What differentiates agencies if everyone is using the same AI tools or platform? 

5. What lessons have been learned from the latest and successful Coca-Cola + Pop Mart Labubu collaboration? 

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

Got a Question? Access Our Mailbox:  https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6StjsljIEPkXt3M

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Mon, 04 Aug 2025 18:15:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2314 We bring back ShanghaiMailbox! Thanks for your questions. Here are the questions you submitted that Ali and I answered on today's podcast. 1. If you had your own money, what’s one Chinese startup or trend you’d invest in right now that most foreigners have never heard of? 2. Learning Mandarin used to be the rage, but now it’s less popular. With all the powerful apps and AI is it still worth learning a second language? 3. How do you think of online dating in China? That is, the online “Relationship-shopping” culture. 4. What differentiates agencies if everyone is using the same AI tools or platform? 5. What lessons have been learned from the latest and successful Coca-Cola + Pop Mart Labubu collaboration? We bring back ShanghaiMailbox! Thanks for your questions. Here are the questions you submitted that Ali and I answered on today's podcast. 1. If you had your own money, what’s one Chinese startup or trend you’d invest in right now that most foreigners have never heard of? 2. Learning Mandarin used to be the rage, but now it’s less popular. With all the powerful apps and AI is it still worth learning a second language? 3. How do you think of online dating in China? That is, the online “Relationship-shopping” culture. 4. What differentiates agencies if everyone is using the same AI tools or platform? 5. What lessons have been learned from the latest and successful Coca-Cola + Pop Mart Labubu collaboration? No No China's Digital Marketing Revolution: From Foreign Brands to Guo Chao: Bryce Whitwam https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/m84xvz18-china-s-digital-marketing-revolution-from-foreign-brands-to-guo-chao-bryce-whitwam China's Digital Marketing Revolution: From Foreign Brands to Guo Chao: Bryce Whitwam 86 3 No No x16l4xq1 Special treat this week! We're sharing an interview Bryce made with Wenchi Yu on Perspectives. Host Wenchi Yu speaks with Bryce Whitwam, a seasoned marketing professional with extensive experience in Asia, including 17 years in China, where he led major advertising agencies and founded his own. Bryce highlights the "seismic shift" in marketing and consumer behavior brought about by the rise of multifunctional digital platforms such as WeChat, Taobao, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu (also known as Red Note). The conversation also covers the rise of Chinese domestic brands, a phenomenon known as "Guo Chao 国潮," like Luckin Coffee, which have challenged foreign brands such as Starbucks. Whitwam argues that while consumers may sometimes boycott foreign brands like H&M for nationalistic reasons, they generally base their purchasing decisions on product quality and trust. Despite tariffs and the closure of the "de minimis" loophole, Whitwam predicts an increase in direct-to-consumer sales from Chinese manufacturers to the U.S.. He views these tariffs as a "failed policy" that will lead to higher prices for consumers. Bryce Whitwam contributed a chapter, MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA: Staying Ahead of the Most Dynamic Market on Earth, for Ker Gibbs' Selling to China: Stories of Success, Failure, and Constant Change. Bryce Whitwam is also a co-host of ShanghaiZhan, a podcast about all things China marketing, advertising, tech and platforms. 00:00 The Digital Revolution in China 02:46 Bryce's Journey in Marketing and Advertising 05:40 E-commerce and Social Commerce Transformation 08:38 The Shift in Advertising Strategies 11:40 The Rise of Short-Form Video and Influencer Marketing 14:32 Understanding Chinese Social Media Platforms 17:42 The Impact of Domestic Brands and Guo Chao 20:08 Navigating Geopolitical Tensions and Consumer Preferences 23:12 The Future of US-China Business Relations 25:43 Conclusion: The Competitive Landscape Ahead Special treat this week!  We're sharing an interview Bryce made with Wenchi Yu on Perspectives.

Subscribe to Perspectives:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perspectives-with-wenchi-yu/id1793854395
Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Wenchi Yu on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/wenchi-yu-5099b04/

"Selling to China" Book:  https://a.co/d/g9SJEOk

Host Wenchi Yu speaks with Bryce Whitwam, a seasoned marketing professional with extensive experience in Asia, including 17 years in China, where he led major advertising agencies and founded his own. Bryce highlights the "seismic shift" in marketing and consumer behavior brought about by the rise of multifunctional digital platforms such as WeChat, Taobao, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu (also known as Red Note). The conversation also covers the rise of Chinese domestic brands, a phenomenon known as "Guo Chao 国潮," like Luckin Coffee, which have challenged foreign brands such as Starbucks. 

Whitwam argues that while consumers may sometimes boycott foreign brands like H&M for nationalistic reasons, they generally base their purchasing decisions on product quality and trust. Despite tariffs and the closure of the "de minimis" loophole, Whitwam predicts an increase in direct-to-consumer sales from Chinese manufacturers to the U.S.. He views these tariffs as a "failed policy" that will lead to higher prices for consumers. 

Bryce Whitwam contributed a chapter, MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA: Staying Ahead of the Most Dynamic Market on Earth, for Ker Gibbs' Selling to China: Stories of Success, Failure, and Constant Change.

Bryce Whitwam is also a co-host of ShanghaiZhan, a podcast about all things China marketing, advertising, tech and platforms.  

00:00 The Digital Revolution in China

02:46 Bryce's Journey in Marketing and Advertising

05:40 E-commerce and Social Commerce Transformation

08:38 The Shift in Advertising Strategies

11:40 The Rise of Short-Form Video and Influencer Marketing

14:32 Understanding Chinese Social Media Platforms

17:42 The Impact of Domestic Brands and Guo Chao

20:08 Navigating Geopolitical Tensions and Consumer Preferences

23:12 The Future of US-China Business Relations

25:43 Conclusion: The Competitive Landscape Ahead

Host Wenchi Yu speaks with Bryce Whitwam, a seasoned marketing professional with extensive experience in Asia, including 17 years in China, where he led major advertising agencies and founded his own. Bryce highlights the "seismic shift" in marketing and consumer behavior brought about by the rise of multifunctional digital platforms such as WeChat, Taobao, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu (also known as Red Note). The conversation also covers the rise of Chinese domestic brands, a phenomenon known as "Guo Chao 国潮," like Luckin Coffee, which have challenged foreign brands such as Starbucks. 

Whitwam argues that while consumers may sometimes boycott foreign brands like H&M for nationalistic reasons, they generally base their purchasing decisions on product quality and trust. Despite tariffs and the closure of the "de minimis" loophole, Whitwam predicts an increase in direct-to-consumer sales from Chinese manufacturers to the U.S.. He views these tariffs as a "failed policy" that will lead to higher prices for consumers. 

Bryce Whitwam contributed a chapter, MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA: Staying Ahead of the Most Dynamic Market on Earth, for Ker Gibbs' Selling to China: Stories of Success, Failure, and Constant Change.

Bryce Whitwam is also a co-host of ShanghaiZhan, a podcast about all things China marketing, advertising, tech and platforms.  

00:00 The Digital Revolution in China

02:46 Bryce's Journey in Marketing and Advertising

05:40 E-commerce and Social Commerce Transformation

08:38 The Shift in Advertising Strategies

11:40 The Rise of Short-Form Video and Influencer Marketing

14:32 Understanding Chinese Social Media Platforms

17:42 The Impact of Domestic Brands and Guo Chao

20:08 Navigating Geopolitical Tensions and Consumer Preferences

23:12 The Future of US-China Business Relations

25:43 Conclusion: The Competitive Landscape Ahead]]> Mon, 18 Aug 2025 13:09:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2810 Special treat this week! We're sharing an interview Bryce made with Wenchi Yu on Perspectives. Host Wenchi Yu speaks with Bryce Whitwam, a seasoned marketing professional with extensive experience in Asia, including 17 years in China, where he led major advertising agencies and founded his own. Bryce highlights the "seismic shift" in marketing and consumer behavior brought about by the rise of multifunctional digital platforms such as WeChat, Taobao, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu (also known as Red Note). The conversation also covers the rise of Chinese domestic brands, a phenomenon known as "Guo Chao 国潮," like Luckin Coffee, which have challenged foreign brands such as Starbucks. Whitwam argues that while consumers may sometimes boycott foreign brands like H&M for nationalistic reasons, they generally base their purchasing decisions on product quality and trust. Despite tariffs and the closure of the "de minimis" loophole, Whitwam predicts an increase in direct-to-consumer sales from Chinese manufacturers to the U.S.. He views these tariffs as a "failed policy" that will lead to higher prices for consumers. Bryce Whitwam contributed a chapter, MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA: Staying Ahead of the Most Dynamic Market on Earth, for Ker Gibbs' Selling to China: Stories of Success, Failure, and Constant Change. Bryce Whitwam is also a co-host of ShanghaiZhan, a podcast about all things China marketing, advertising, tech and platforms. 00:00 The Digital Revolution in China 02:46 Bryce's Journey in Marketing and Advertising 05:40 E-commerce and Social Commerce Transformation 08:38 The Shift in Advertising Strategies 11:40 The Rise of Short-Form Video and Influencer Marketing 14:32 Understanding Chinese Social Media Platforms 17:42 The Impact of Domestic Brands and Guo Chao 20:08 Navigating Geopolitical Tensions and Consumer Preferences 23:12 The Future of US-China Business Relations 25:43 Conclusion: The Competitive Landscape Ahead Special treat this week! We're sharing an interview Bryce made with Wenchi Yu on Perspectives. Host Wenchi Yu speaks with Bryce Whitwam, a seasoned marketing professional with extensive experience in Asia, including 17 years in China, where he led major advertising agencies and founded his own. Bryce highlights the "seismic shift" in marketing and consumer behavior brought about by the rise of multifunctional digital platforms such as WeChat, Taobao, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu (also known as Red Note). The conversation also covers the rise of Chinese domestic brands, a phenomenon known as "Guo Chao 国潮," like Luckin Coffee, which have challenged foreign brands such as Starbucks. Whitwam argues that while consumers may sometimes boycott foreign brands like H&M for nationalistic reasons, they generally base their purchasing decisions on product quality and trust. Despite tariffs and the closure of the "de minimis" loophole, Whitwam predicts an increase in direct-to-consumer sales from Chinese manufacturers to the U.S.. He views these tariffs as a "failed policy" that will lead to higher prices for consumers. Bryce Whitwam contributed a chapter, MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA: Staying Ahead of the Most Dynamic Market on Earth, for Ker Gibbs' Selling to China: Stories of Success, Failure, and Constant Change. Bryce Whitwam is also a co-host of ShanghaiZhan, a podcast about all things China marketing, advertising, tech and platforms. 00:00 The Digital Revolution in China 02:46 Bryce's Journey in Marketing and Advertising 05:40 E-commerce and Social Commerce Transformation 08:38 The Shift in Advertising Strategies 11:40 The Rise of Short-Form Video and Influencer Marketing 14:32 Understanding Chinese Social Media Platforms 17:42 The Impact of Domestic Brands and Guo Chao 20:08 Navigating Geopolitical Tensions and Consumer Preferences 23:12 The Future of US-China Business Relations 25:43 Conclusion: The Competitive Landscape Ahead China Marketing, Guochao, Perspectives, Bryce Whitwam No No The Changing Influencer Marketing Landscape + the Rise of Influencer Brands-Majid Bahi https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/x8ym21r8-the-changing-influencer-marketing-landscape-the-rise-of-influencer-brands-majid-bahi The Changing Influencer Marketing Landscape + the Rise of Influencer Brands-Majid Bahi 87 3 No No l04nql20 In the influencer economy, it has become increasingly common for influencers to go beyond promoting other brands and create their own. There are several challenges. Product quality could backfire, the product itself may not be the right fit. Given the risks of product sales and influencer reputation, are influencer brands worth the investment? We are joined by Dr. Majid Bahi, Global CEO of Socially Powerful, a global, award-winning, social-first marketing agency powered by technology and creativity. Founded in 2017, the agency operates across the UK, US, Europe, UAE and China. Majid has a PhD in Bioelectronics. 1. Majid's journey & Harry Styles' Sex Toy Brand 2. How do influencers handle sensitive topics? Is it important to find someone who's squeaky clean to represent your brand? 3. Where do you still see brands/agencies failing at creating effective influencer marketing? 4. How do we measure expectations with established influencers who still may not understand the power of influencer marketing? 5. When is the time when influencers decide to launch their own brand? 6. What's the insight process that helps influencers decide to go into the branding business? 7. Can small, niche brands actually compete with big companies that have massive R&D departments? 8. What's your POV on synthetic or virtual influencers? Does it conflict with authenticity? 9. Do you think China is still important in terms of seeing global trends? 10. What recommendation do you give to those who want to be influencers? In the influencer economy, it has become increasingly common for influencers to go beyond promoting other brands and create their own. There are several challenges. Product quality could backfire; the product itself may not be the right fit. Given the risks of product sales and influencer reputation, are influencer brands worth the investment?

We are joined by Dr. Majid Bahi, Global CEO of Socially Powerful, a global, award-winning, social-first marketing agency powered by technology and creativity. Founded in 2017, the agency operates across the UK, US, Europe, UAE, and China.  Majid has a PhD in Bioelectronics.

1. Majid's journey & Harry Styles' Sex Toy Brand
2. How do influencers handle sensitive topics? Is it essential to find someone who's squeaky clean to represent your brand?
3.  Where do you still see brands/agencies failing at creating effective influencer marketing?
4.  How do we measure expectations with established influencers who still may not understand the power of influencer marketing?
5.  When is the time when influencers decide to launch their own brand?
6. What's the insight process that helps influencers decide to go into the branding business?
7.  Can small, niche brands actually compete with big companies that have massive R&D departments?
8. What's your POV on synthetic or virtual influencers?  Does it conflict with authenticity?
9. Do you think China is still important in terms of seeing global trends?
10. What recommendation do you give to those who want to be influencers?

About Majid:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahadjimajidbahi/
About Socially Powerful: https://sociallypowerful.com/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

]]> Thu, 04 Sep 2025 03:25:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2980 In the influencer economy, it has become increasingly common for influencers to go beyond promoting other brands and create their own. There are several challenges. Product quality could backfire, the product itself may not be the right fit. Given the risks of product sales and influencer reputation, are influencer brands worth the investment? We are joined by Dr. Majid Bahi, Global CEO of Socially Powerful, a global, award-winning, social-first marketing agency powered by technology and creativity. Founded in 2017, the agency operates across the UK, US, Europe, UAE and China. Majid has a PhD in Bioelectronics. 1. Majid's journey & Harry Styles' Sex Toy Brand 2. How do influencers handle sensitive topics? Is it important to find someone who's squeaky clean to represent your brand? 3. Where do you still see brands/agencies failing at creating effective influencer marketing? 4. How do we measure expectations with established influencers who still may not understand the power of influencer marketing? 5. When is the time when influencers decide to launch their own brand? 6. What's the insight process that helps influencers decide to go into the branding business? 7. Can small, niche brands actually compete with big companies that have massive R&D departments? 8. What's your POV on synthetic or virtual influencers? Does it conflict with authenticity? 9. Do you think China is still important in terms of seeing global trends? 10. What recommendation do you give to those who want to be influencers? In the influencer economy, it has become increasingly common for influencers to go beyond promoting other brands and create their own. There are several challenges. Product quality could backfire, the product itself may not be the right fit. Given the risks of product sales and influencer reputation, are influencer brands worth the investment? We are joined by Dr. Majid Bahi, Global CEO of Socially Powerful, a global, award-winning, social-first marketing agency powered by technology and creativity. Founded in 2017, the agency operates across the UK, US, Europe, UAE and China. Majid has a PhD in Bioelectronics. 1. Majid's journey & Harry Styles' Sex Toy Brand 2. How do influencers handle sensitive topics? Is it important to find someone who's squeaky clean to represent your brand? 3. Where do you still see brands/agencies failing at creating effective influencer marketing? 4. How do we measure expectations with established influencers who still may not understand the power of influencer marketing? 5. When is the time when influencers decide to launch their own brand? 6. What's the insight process that helps influencers decide to go into the branding business? 7. Can small, niche brands actually compete with big companies that have massive R&D departments? 8. What's your POV on synthetic or virtual influencers? Does it conflict with authenticity? 9. Do you think China is still important in terms of seeing global trends? 10. What recommendation do you give to those who want to be influencers? Influencer Marketing, Influencer Brands, Influencer Strategy No No Rising from the Ashes: the Advertising Agency Model for the Future: Jacco ter Schegget https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/rn7y36kn-rising-from-the-ashes-the-advertising-agency-model-for-the-future-jacco-ter-schegget Rising from the Ashes: the Advertising Agency Model for the Future: Jacco ter Schegget 88 3 No No k18m72q0 What would a new model agency look like today if we were going to build it from the ground up? There's been a lot of news about the decline of the agency network model. In a landscape defined by AI disruption, platform dominance and the collapse of legacy holding structures, agencies are being forced to reinvent themselves - fast. We are honored to have our good friend, Jacco ter Schegget, now a board-level advisor and consultant. He was a former CEO of Publicis Groupe Benelux, JWT Asia, and was our colleague in China as President of OgilvyOne from 2014-2017. This episode is not about nostalgia, but provides practical ideas on how to move forward. 1. Besides AI, what do you believe are the biggest forces shaping the future of marketing agencies today? 2. Are the changes all about technology, or do traditional organizational structures impact it? 3. Does a single P&L mean that senior heads will roll, or can you manage this more effectively? 4. What made agencies so big in the first place? 5. Is there a correlation between the decline of the agency and the loss of its strategic value? 6. If you were building a marketing services platform from scratch today—with your own money—what would it look like? 7. Do we see the services stripped down, given the simplicity of the new OEM manufacturing model? 8. Where do you see the strategist's role in the new agency model? 9. What's the role of the creative leader? 10. What will happen to entry-level executional staff if AI replaces them? Will new agencies just consist of senior-level people? 11. What should we be teaching young people who want to get into the new agency? 12. What would you keep and kill from the previous model for the new one? What would a new model agency look like today if we were going to build it from the ground up? 

There's been a lot of news about the decline of the agency network model. In a landscape defined by AI disruption, platform dominance and the collapse of legacy holding structures, agencies are being forced to reinvent themselves - fast.

We are honored to have our good friend, Jacco ter Schegget, now a board-level advisor and consultant.  He was a former CEO of Publicis Groupe Benelux, JWT Asia, and was our colleague in China as President of OgilvyOne from 2014-2017.  This episode is not about nostalgia, but provides practical ideas on how to move forward.
1. Besides AI, what do you believe are the biggest forces shaping the future of marketing agencies today?
2. Are the changes all about technology, or do traditional organizational structures impact it?
3. Does a single P&L mean that senior heads will roll, or can you manage this more effectively?
4. What made agencies so big in the first place?
5. Is there a correlation between the decline of the agency and the loss of its strategic value?
6. If you were building a marketing services platform from scratch today—with your own money—what would it look like?
7.  Do we see the services stripped down, given the simplicity of the new OEM manufacturing model?
8. Where do you see the strategist's role in the new agency model?
9. What's the role of the creative leader?
10. What will happen to entry-level executional staff if AI replaces them?  Will new agencies just consist of senior-level people?
11. What should we be teaching young people who want to get into the new agency?
12. What would you keep and kill from the previous model for the new one?

Jacco on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaccoterschegget/
About Jacco: https://hanare.nl/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Sat, 20 Sep 2025 12:38:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2327 What would a new model agency look like today if we were going to build it from the ground up? There's been a lot of news about the decline of the agency network model. In a landscape defined by AI disruption, platform dominance and the collapse of legacy holding structures, agencies are being forced to reinvent themselves - fast. We are honored to have our good friend, Jacco ter Schegget, now a board-level advisor and consultant. He was a former CEO of Publicis Groupe Benelux, JWT Asia, and was our colleague in China as President of OgilvyOne from 2014-2017. This episode is not about nostalgia, but provides practical ideas on how to move forward. 1. Besides AI, what do you believe are the biggest forces shaping the future of marketing agencies today? 2. Are the changes all about technology, or do traditional organizational structures impact it? 3. Does a single P&L mean that senior heads will roll, or can you manage this more effectively? 4. What made agencies so big in the first place? 5. Is there a correlation between the decline of the agency and the loss of its strategic value? 6. If you were building a marketing services platform from scratch today—with your own money—what would it look like? 7. Do we see the services stripped down, given the simplicity of the new OEM manufacturing model? 8. Where do you see the strategist's role in the new agency model? 9. What's the role of the creative leader? 10. What will happen to entry-level executional staff if AI replaces them? Will new agencies just consist of senior-level people? 11. What should we be teaching young people who want to get into the new agency? 12. What would you keep and kill from the previous model for the new one? What would a new model agency look like today if we were going to build it from the ground up? There's been a lot of news about the decline of the agency network model. In a landscape defined by AI disruption, platform dominance and the collapse of legacy holding structures, agencies are being forced to reinvent themselves - fast. We are honored to have our good friend, Jacco ter Schegget, now a board-level advisor and consultant. He was a former CEO of Publicis Groupe Benelux, JWT Asia, and was our colleague in China as President of OgilvyOne from 2014-2017. This episode is not about nostalgia, but provides practical ideas on how to move forward. 1. Besides AI, what do you believe are the biggest forces shaping the future of marketing agencies today? 2. Are the changes all about technology, or do traditional organizational structures impact it? 3. Does a single P&L mean that senior heads will roll, or can you manage this more effectively? 4. What made agencies so big in the first place? 5. Is there a correlation between the decline of the agency and the loss of its strategic value? 6. If you were building a marketing services platform from scratch today—with your own money—what would it look like? 7. Do we see the services stripped down, given the simplicity of the new OEM manufacturing model? 8. Where do you see the strategist's role in the new agency model? 9. What's the role of the creative leader? 10. What will happen to entry-level executional staff if AI replaces them? Will new agencies just consist of senior-level people? 11. What should we be teaching young people who want to get into the new agency? 12. What would you keep and kill from the previous model for the new one? Advertising Agencies, Holding Companies, New Agency Model, Agency Platforms No No Beyond the Holding Company: Thriving in the Ad Talent Shake-Up with Jean-Michel Wu https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/rnkm6wjn-beyond-the-holding-company-thriving-in-the-ad-talent-shake-up-with-jean-michel-wu Beyond the Holding Company: Thriving in the Ad Talent Shake-Up with Jean-Michel Wu 89 3 No No 70w7m490 The advertising industry's talent crisis isn't coming—it's here. As AI automates junior roles, consolidation eliminates mid-level positions, and holding companies restructure at unprecedented speed, professionals at every level are asking: what's next? We're joined by Jean-Michel Wu, a two-decade talent expert who has held leadership roles at creative and media agencies, including WPP, IPG, and beyond. Now the founder of Tripitakka Consulting, he coaches individuals and organizations navigating this transformation. This conversation isn't about doom-scrolling the industry's decline—it's about the practical shifts happening right now and how to position yourself for what comes next. 1. What shift in the talent market are agencies not seeing yet—and why do talent people see trends before the headlines? 2. Publicis restructured dramatically a decade ago. Were they right to move fast, and what can we learn from that now? 3. What type of senior leaders are successfully evolving their skill sets, and what are they doing differently? 4. From entry-level to executive—what's the one skill that matters most in this new landscape? 5. Are we moving toward generalist roles powered by AI, or specialist experts with AI support? 6. How does the consulting model compare to agencies when it comes to talent structure and compensation? 7. What's the fundamental role of talent management in 2025—and how must it change? 8. Why is psychological safety suddenly a talent function priority? 9. If clients change how they pay agencies, will that finally force the "one P&L" issue? 10. You coach people who've been laid off. What limiting beliefs do you encounter, and how do they break through? 11. The fractional/consulting life—is it actually viable, or just a nice story we tell ourselves? 12. What advice do you have for entry-level professionals when agencies don't know what to do with them anymore? The advertising industry's talent crisis isn't coming—it's here.

As AI automates junior roles, consolidation eliminates mid-level positions, and holding companies restructure at unprecedented speed, professionals at every level are asking: what's next? We're joined by Jean-Michel Wu, a two-decade talent expert who has held leadership roles at creative and media agencies, including WPP, IPG, and beyond. Now the founder of Tripitakka Consulting, he coaches individuals and organizations navigating this transformation. This conversation isn't about doom-scrolling the industry's decline—it's about the practical shifts happening right now and how to position yourself for what comes next.

1. What shift in the talent market are agencies not seeing yet—and why do talent people see trends before the headlines?
2. Publicis restructured dramatically a decade ago. Were they right to move fast, and what can we learn from that now?
3. What type of senior leaders are successfully evolving their skill sets, and what are they doing differently?
4. From entry-level to executive—what's the one skill that matters most in this new landscape?
5. Are we moving toward generalist roles powered by AI, or specialist experts with AI support?
6. How does the consulting model compare to agencies when it comes to talent structure and compensation?
7. What's the fundamental role of talent management in 2025—and how must it change?
8. Why is psychological safety suddenly a talent function priority?
9. If clients change how they pay agencies, will that finally force the "one P&L" issue?
10. You coach people who've been laid off. What limiting beliefs do you encounter, and how do they break through?
11. The fractional/consulting life—is it actually viable, or just a nice story we tell ourselves?
12. What advice do you have for entry-level professionals when agencies don't know what to do with them anymore?

About Tripitakka: https://www.tripitakka.com/
Jean-Michel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanmichelwu/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Sun, 05 Oct 2025 16:02:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2583 The advertising industry's talent crisis isn't coming—it's here. As AI automates junior roles, consolidation eliminates mid-level positions, and holding companies restructure at unprecedented speed, professionals at every level are asking: what's next? We're joined by Jean-Michel Wu, a two-decade talent expert who has held leadership roles at creative and media agencies, including WPP, IPG, and beyond. Now the founder of Tripitakka Consulting, he coaches individuals and organizations navigating this transformation. This conversation isn't about doom-scrolling the industry's decline—it's about the practical shifts happening right now and how to position yourself for what comes next. 1. What shift in the talent market are agencies not seeing yet—and why do talent people see trends before the headlines? 2. Publicis restructured dramatically a decade ago. Were they right to move fast, and what can we learn from that now? 3. What type of senior leaders are successfully evolving their skill sets, and what are they doing differently? 4. From entry-level to executive—what's the one skill that matters most in this new landscape? 5. Are we moving toward generalist roles powered by AI, or specialist experts with AI support? 6. How does the consulting model compare to agencies when it comes to talent structure and compensation? 7. What's the fundamental role of talent management in 2025—and how must it change? 8. Why is psychological safety suddenly a talent function priority? 9. If clients change how they pay agencies, will that finally force the "one P&L" issue? 10. You coach people who've been laid off. What limiting beliefs do you encounter, and how do they break through? 11. The fractional/consulting life—is it actually viable, or just a nice story we tell ourselves? 12. What advice do you have for entry-level professionals when agencies don't know what to do with them anymore? The advertising industry's talent crisis isn't coming—it's here. As AI automates junior roles, consolidation eliminates mid-level positions, and holding companies restructure at unprecedented speed, professionals at every level are asking: what's next? We're joined by Jean-Michel Wu, a two-decade talent expert who has held leadership roles at creative and media agencies, including WPP, IPG, and beyond. Now the founder of Tripitakka Consulting, he coaches individuals and organizations navigating this transformation. This conversation isn't about doom-scrolling the industry's decline—it's about the practical shifts happening right now and how to position yourself for what comes next. 1. What shift in the talent market are agencies not seeing yet—and why do talent people see trends before the headlines? 2. Publicis restructured dramatically a decade ago. Were they right to move fast, and what can we learn from that now? 3. What type of senior leaders are successfully evolving their skill sets, and what are they doing differently? 4. From entry-level to executive—what's the one skill that matters most in this new landscape? 5. Are we moving toward generalist roles powered by AI, or specialist experts with AI support? 6. How does the consulting model compare to agencies when it comes to talent structure and compensation? 7. What's the fundamental role of talent management in 2025—and how must it change? 8. Why is psychological safety suddenly a talent function priority? 9. If clients change how they pay agencies, will that finally force the "one P&L" issue? 10. You coach people who've been laid off. What limiting beliefs do you encounter, and how do they break through? 11. The fractional/consulting life—is it actually viable, or just a nice story we tell ourselves? 12. What advice do you have for entry-level professionals when agencies don't know what to do with them anymore? No No The Gen Z Agency Talent Paradox with Shane McEwen https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/58zxrl68-the-gen-z-agency-talent-paradox-with-shane-mcewen The Gen Z Agency Talent Paradox with Shane McEwen 90 3 No No 81z74y20 Research from NYU Stern professor Suzy Welch shows that only 2% of Generation Z possess the core values that hiring managers value most: achievement, learning, and an "unbridled desire to work." Instead, Gen Z emphasizes self-care, authentic self-expression, and helping others—a values mismatch that Welch suggests could "reshape the future of work." However, this clash of generational values occurs at a critical moment for advertising: AI tools are replacing the entry-level roles that once served as the industry's training ground, while agencies claim they desperately need young talent for cultural insights and fresh perspectives. To help us understand this paradox, we're joined by Shane McEwen, Global Talent Acquisition Director at Stagwell—one of the challenger holding companies actively reimagining what a modern agency network looks like. With over 15 years of experience building teams across technology, media, and advertising sectors, Shane is at the center of this generational showdown. At Stagwell, he's responsible for attracting and developing talent across their portfolio of modern marketing agencies, from Assembly to 72andSunny. His role forces him to confront the key question: If young people don't value "workcentrism" and AI can perform their traditional tasks anyway, what is the business case for hiring Gen Z? 1. How has your China experience impact your career now in New York? 2. Are we misunderstanding Gen Z or are they misunderstanding us? 3. How do you establish a corporate culture when everyone is remote working? 4. What about going to clients? How do you establish connections with clients? 5. How do you get feedback from different teams and agencies? 6. How do you keep that junior/senior mentorship that's fundamental to agency culture? 7. Which of the interns will you end up hiring for full-time gigs? 8. How do you maintain the passion after the first 2-year "honeymoon period"? 9. What do you see the skills changing now that the AI is in play? 10. What about displaced senior talent? How can they stay in the industry? 11. Are ad agencies confining themselves to a small part of the marketing mix? 12. Any advice for educators? Research from NYU Stern professor Suzy Welch shows that only 2% of Generation Z possess the core values that hiring managers value most: achievement, learning, and an "unbridled desire to work." Instead, Gen Z emphasizes self-care, authentic self-expression, and helping others—a values mismatch that Welch suggests could "reshape the future of work." However, this clash of generational values occurs at a critical moment for advertising: AI tools are replacing the entry-level roles that once served as the industry's training ground, while agencies claim they desperately need young talent for cultural insights and fresh perspectives.

To help us understand this paradox, we're joined by Shane McEwen, Global Talent Acquisition Director at Stagwell—one of the challenger holding companies actively reimagining what a modern agency network looks like. With over 15 years of experience building teams across technology, media, and advertising sectors, Shane is at the center of this generational showdown. At Stagwell, he's responsible for attracting and developing talent across their portfolio of modern marketing agencies, from Assembly to 72andSunny. 

1. How has your China experience impact your career now in New York?
2. Are we misunderstanding Gen Z or are they misunderstanding us?
3.  How do you establish a corporate culture when everyone is remote working?
4.  What about going to clients? How do you establish connections with clients?
5.  How do you get feedback from different teams and agencies?
6.  How do you keep that junior/senior mentorship that's fundamental to agency culture?
7.  Which of the interns will you end up hiring for full-time gigs?
8. How do you maintain the passion after the first 2-year "honeymoon period"?
9.  What do you see the skills changing now that the AI is in play?
10.  What about displaced senior talent? How can they stay in the industry?
11. Are ad agencies confining themselves to a small part of the marketing mix?
12. Any advice for educators?

Shane on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanemcewen/
About Stagwell: https://www.stagwellglobal.com/

Donate to Shanghaizhan: https://patreon.com/shanghaizhan?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link 

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Tue, 28 Oct 2025 03:03:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2510 Research from NYU Stern professor Suzy Welch shows that only 2% of Generation Z possess the core values that hiring managers value most: achievement, learning, and an "unbridled desire to work." Instead, Gen Z emphasizes self-care, authentic self-expression, and helping others—a values mismatch that Welch suggests could "reshape the future of work." However, this clash of generational values occurs at a critical moment for advertising: AI tools are replacing the entry-level roles that once served as the industry's training ground, while agencies claim they desperately need young talent for cultural insights and fresh perspectives. To help us understand this paradox, we're joined by Shane McEwen, Global Talent Acquisition Director at Stagwell—one of the challenger holding companies actively reimagining what a modern agency network looks like. With over 15 years of experience building teams across technology, media, and advertising sectors, Shane is at the center of this generational showdown. At Stagwell, he's responsible for attracting and developing talent across their portfolio of modern marketing agencies, from Assembly to 72andSunny. His role forces him to confront the key question: If young people don't value "workcentrism" and AI can perform their traditional tasks anyway, what is the business case for hiring Gen Z? 1. How has your China experience impact your career now in New York? 2. Are we misunderstanding Gen Z or are they misunderstanding us? 3. How do you establish a corporate culture when everyone is remote working? 4. What about going to clients? How do you establish connections with clients? 5. How do you get feedback from different teams and agencies? 6. How do you keep that junior/senior mentorship that's fundamental to agency culture? 7. Which of the interns will you end up hiring for full-time gigs? 8. How do you maintain the passion after the first 2-year "honeymoon period"? 9. What do you see the skills changing now that the AI is in play? 10. What about displaced senior talent? How can they stay in the industry? 11. Are ad agencies confining themselves to a small part of the marketing mix? 12. Any advice for educators? Research from NYU Stern professor Suzy Welch shows that only 2% of Generation Z possess the core values that hiring managers value most: achievement, learning, and an "unbridled desire to work." Instead, Gen Z emphasizes self-care, authentic self-expression, and helping others—a values mismatch that Welch suggests could "reshape the future of work." However, this clash of generational values occurs at a critical moment for advertising: AI tools are replacing the entry-level roles that once served as the industry's training ground, while agencies claim they desperately need young talent for cultural insights and fresh perspectives. To help us understand this paradox, we're joined by Shane McEwen, Global Talent Acquisition Director at Stagwell—one of the challenger holding companies actively reimagining what a modern agency network looks like. With over 15 years of experience building teams across technology, media, and advertising sectors, Shane is at the center of this generational showdown. At Stagwell, he's responsible for attracting and developing talent across their portfolio of modern marketing agencies, from Assembly to 72andSunny. His role forces him to confront the key question: If young people don't value "workcentrism" and AI can perform their traditional tasks anyway, what is the business case for hiring Gen Z? 1. How has your China experience impact your career now in New York? 2. Are we misunderstanding Gen Z or are they misunderstanding us? 3. How do you establish a corporate culture when everyone is remote working? 4. What about going to clients? How do you establish connections with clients? 5. How do you get feedback from different teams and agencies? 6. How do you keep that junior/senior mentorship that's fundamental to agency culture? 7. Which of the interns will you end up hiring for full-time gigs? 8. How do you maintain the passion after the first 2-year "honeymoon period"? 9. What do you see the skills changing now that the AI is in play? 10. What about displaced senior talent? How can they stay in the industry? 11. Are ad agencies confining themselves to a small part of the marketing mix? 12. Any advice for educators? No No Pirates in the Navy: David Mayo on the Role of Creativity in the Future of Advertising https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/q80qy3mn-pirates-in-the-navy-david-mayo-on-the-future-of-advertising-creativity Pirates in the Navy: David Mayo on the Role of Creativity in the Future of Advertising 91 3 No No p0kp74k1 The agency model isn’t just unraveling — it’s turning into a navy full of pirates. As holding companies consolidate century-old brands, AI accelerates production, and CMOs prioritize short-term numbers over long-term brand building, the industry is entering its most radical reinvention yet. The ships are getting bigger… but the real action is happening on the pirate boats circling them. To unpack what this means for creativity, talent, and the future of agencies, we’re joined by David Mayo — veteran strategist, former WPP leader, founder of ADNA/NADA, and long-time provocateur behind some of the industry’s most iconic brand transformations. David’s mantra, “Think like the Navy, act like the pirates,” becomes a lens for everything we discuss. This conversation cuts past nostalgia and into what’s actually changing — how consolidation alters creativity, why small senior “pirate crews” may beat giant fleets, where AI elevates (and flattens) taste, and why brave clients still make the bravest work. This isn’t about mourning the old model — it’s a blueprint for how pirates and navies will coexist in what comes next. 1. Where did this mantra come from, and what does it really mean for how agencies should operate? 2. Has efficiency quietly become the enemy of originality? 3. In consolidation, what are CMOs really buying — governance, speed, convenience, or safety? 4. What gets lost when rosters shrink and risk disappears? 5. Are century-old creative agencies closing because of economics, structure, or culture? 6. Are today’s brands less emotional and more functional — and is that a permanent consumer shift? 7. In markets like China, where consumers hop between thousands of product options, does traditional brand building still matter? 8. How do challenger products (like black toothpaste with gold) disrupt giants such as Colgate — and why do big brands often miss these trends? 9. Will creative differentiation increasingly come from influencers rather than brands themselves? 10. Are small, senior “boutique crews” better positioned than holding companies to deliver breakthrough work? 11. What type of senior leaders are thriving right now — and what skill sets are actually evolving? 12. How will in-house studios, AI tools, and brand-side agency veterans reshape the future creative ecosystem? 13. Are we moving toward generalists powered by AI, or specialists supported by AI? 14. Is the “Uberization” of agencies — on-demand teams assembled per brief — a viable future model? 15. How should marketers think about risk, creativity, and the narrowing “corridors of freedom”? 16. Why do brave marketers still create the best work — and how can today’s CMOs champion creativity amid shrinking timelines and rising pressure? The agency model isn’t just unraveling — it’s turning into a navy full of pirates.

As holding companies consolidate century-old brands, AI accelerates production, and CMOs prioritize short-term numbers over long-term brand building, the industry is entering its most radical reinvention yet. The ships are getting bigger… but the real action is happening on the pirate boats circling them.

To unpack what this means for creativity, talent, and the future of agencies, we’re joined by David Mayo — veteran strategist, former WPP leader, founder of ADNA/NADA, and long-time provocateur behind some of the industry’s most iconic brand transformations. David’s mantra, “Think like the Navy, act like the pirates,” becomes a lens for everything we discuss.

This conversation cuts past nostalgia and into what’s actually changing — how consolidation alters creativity, why small senior “pirate crews” may beat giant fleets, where AI elevates (and flattens) taste, and why brave clients still make the bravest work.

This isn’t about mourning the old model — it’s a blueprint for how pirates and navies will coexist in what comes next.
1. Where did this mantra come from, and what does it really mean for how agencies should operate?
2. Has efficiency quietly become the enemy of originality?
3. In consolidation, what are CMOs really buying — governance, speed, convenience, or safety?
4. What gets lost when rosters shrink and risk disappears?
5. Are century-old creative agencies closing because of economics, structure, or culture?
6. Are today’s brands less emotional and more functional — and is that a permanent consumer shift?
7. In markets like China, where consumers hop between thousands of product options, does traditional brand building still matter?
8. How do challenger products (like black toothpaste with gold) disrupt giants such as Colgate — and why do big brands often miss these trends?
9. Will creative differentiation increasingly come from influencers rather than brands themselves?
10. Are small, senior “boutique crews” better positioned than holding companies to deliver breakthrough work?
11. What type of senior leaders are thriving right now — and what skill sets are actually evolving?
12. How will in-house studios, AI tools, and brand-side agency veterans reshape the future creative ecosystem?
13. Are we moving toward generalists powered by AI, or specialists supported by AI?
14. Is the “Uberization” of agencies — on-demand teams assembled per brief — a viable future model?
15. How should marketers think about risk, creativity, and the narrowing “corridors of freedom”?
16. Why do brave marketers still create the best work — and how can today’s CMOs champion creativity amid shrinking timelines and rising pressure?

David Mayo on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mayo-frgs-3b0232/
Buy David's Book, "Raw: Persuasive Creativity in Asia": https://a.co/d/dRfgbmN

Donate to Shanghaizhan:  https://www.patreon.com/8001836/join

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Thu, 13 Nov 2025 05:58:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3220 The agency model isn’t just unraveling — it’s turning into a navy full of pirates. As holding companies consolidate century-old brands, AI accelerates production, and CMOs prioritize short-term numbers over long-term brand building, the industry is entering its most radical reinvention yet. The ships are getting bigger… but the real action is happening on the pirate boats circling them. To unpack what this means for creativity, talent, and the future of agencies, we’re joined by David Mayo — veteran strategist, former WPP leader, founder of ADNA/NADA, and long-time provocateur behind some of the industry’s most iconic brand transformations. David’s mantra, “Think like the Navy, act like the pirates,” becomes a lens for everything we discuss. This conversation cuts past nostalgia and into what’s actually changing — how consolidation alters creativity, why small senior “pirate crews” may beat giant fleets, where AI elevates (and flattens) taste, and why brave clients still make the bravest work. This isn’t about mourning the old model — it’s a blueprint for how pirates and navies will coexist in what comes next. 1. Where did this mantra come from, and what does it really mean for how agencies should operate? 2. Has efficiency quietly become the enemy of originality? 3. In consolidation, what are CMOs really buying — governance, speed, convenience, or safety? 4. What gets lost when rosters shrink and risk disappears? 5. Are century-old creative agencies closing because of economics, structure, or culture? 6. Are today’s brands less emotional and more functional — and is that a permanent consumer shift? 7. In markets like China, where consumers hop between thousands of product options, does traditional brand building still matter? 8. How do challenger products (like black toothpaste with gold) disrupt giants such as Colgate — and why do big brands often miss these trends? 9. Will creative differentiation increasingly come from influencers rather than brands themselves? 10. Are small, senior “boutique crews” better positioned than holding companies to deliver breakthrough work? 11. What type of senior leaders are thriving right now — and what skill sets are actually evolving? 12. How will in-house studios, AI tools, and brand-side agency veterans reshape the future creative ecosystem? 13. Are we moving toward generalists powered by AI, or specialists supported by AI? 14. Is the “Uberization” of agencies — on-demand teams assembled per brief — a viable future model? 15. How should marketers think about risk, creativity, and the narrowing “corridors of freedom”? 16. Why do brave marketers still create the best work — and how can today’s CMOs champion creativity amid shrinking timelines and rising pressure? The agency model isn’t just unraveling — it’s turning into a navy full of pirates. As holding companies consolidate century-old brands, AI accelerates production, and CMOs prioritize short-term numbers over long-term brand building, the industry is entering its most radical reinvention yet. The ships are getting bigger… but the real action is happening on the pirate boats circling them. To unpack what this means for creativity, talent, and the future of agencies, we’re joined by David Mayo — veteran strategist, former WPP leader, founder of ADNA/NADA, and long-time provocateur behind some of the industry’s most iconic brand transformations. David’s mantra, “Think like the Navy, act like the pirates,” becomes a lens for everything we discuss. This conversation cuts past nostalgia and into what’s actually changing — how consolidation alters creativity, why small senior “pirate crews” may beat giant fleets, where AI elevates (and flattens) taste, and why brave clients still make the bravest work. This isn’t about mourning the old model — it’s a blueprint for how pirates and navies will coexist in what comes next. 1. Where did this mantra come from, and what does it really mean for how agencies should operate? 2. Has efficiency quietly become the enemy of originality? 3. In consolidation, what are CMOs really buying — governance, speed, convenience, or safety? 4. What gets lost when rosters shrink and risk disappears? 5. Are century-old creative agencies closing because of economics, structure, or culture? 6. Are today’s brands less emotional and more functional — and is that a permanent consumer shift? 7. In markets like China, where consumers hop between thousands of product options, does traditional brand building still matter? 8. How do challenger products (like black toothpaste with gold) disrupt giants such as Colgate — and why do big brands often miss these trends? 9. Will creative differentiation increasingly come from influencers rather than brands themselves? 10. Are small, senior “boutique crews” better positioned than holding companies to deliver breakthrough work? 11. What type of senior leaders are thriving right now — and what skill sets are actually evolving? 12. How will in-house studios, AI tools, and brand-side agency veterans reshape the future creative ecosystem? 13. Are we moving toward generalists powered by AI, or specialists supported by AI? 14. Is the “Uberization” of agencies — on-demand teams assembled per brief — a viable future model? 15. How should marketers think about risk, creativity, and the narrowing “corridors of freedom”? 16. Why do brave marketers still create the best work — and how can today’s CMOs champion creativity amid shrinking timelines and rising pressure? No No Why China Still Can’t Crack the World Cup: Cameron Wilson https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/rn7y3y0n-why-china-still-can-t-crack-the-world-cup-cameron-wilson Why China Still Can’t Crack the World Cup: Cameron Wilson 92 3 No No k18m7mz0 The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner, and Asia will be sending eight teams to the biggest tournament in football history — expanded to 48 nations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Japan, South Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Qatar, Iraq, and Uzbekistan have all secured their spots, representing a continent where football passion runs deep. But there's one glaring absence from this list: China. The world's most populous nation will once again watch from the sidelines. It's a paradox that becomes more puzzling with each passing tournament — how can a country with such resources, ambition, and a president who personally dreams of World Cup glory, fail so consistently at the world's most popular sport? To help us unpack this mystery, we're joined by Cameron Wilson — a longtime China resident, cultural observer, and arguably the most passionate voice in English-language Chinese football coverage. 1. Let’s start with the basics: What first drew you into Chinese football? 2. You've long argued that football is a reflection of society. What do you mean by that? 3. What role does fandom play in Chinese football today? Is it the same as Europe? 4. What's the difference between basketball and football in China? 5. What's the culture of success for football in China? 4. Is the gap between watching football and building football widening in China? 5. Let’s flip it: What has China done right in football? 6. You also release music under the alias Shanghai Ultra, and your latest album is called Wavering Loyalty. Why that title? The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner, and Asia will be sending eight teams to the biggest tournament in football history — expanded to 48 nations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Japan, South Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Qatar, Iraq, and Uzbekistan have all secured their spots, representing a continent where football passion runs deep. But there's one glaring absence from this list: China. The world's most populous nation will once again watch from the sidelines. It's a paradox that becomes more puzzling with each passing tournament — how can a country with such resources, ambition, and a president who personally dreams of World Cup glory, fail so consistently at the world's most popular sport? To help us unpack this mystery, we're joined by Cameron Wilson — a longtime China resident, cultural observer, and arguably the most passionate voice in English-language Chinese football coverage.

1. Let’s start with the basics: What first drew you into Chinese football?
2. You've long argued that football is a reflection of society. What do you mean by that?
3. What role does fandom play in Chinese football today? Is it the same as Europe?
4. What's the difference between basketball and football in China?
5. What's the culture of success for football in China?
4. Will bringing in big global players help grow Chinese football?
5. Let’s flip it: What has China done right in football?
6. You also release music under the alias Shanghai Ultra, and your latest album is called Wavering Loyalty. Why that title?


Cameron on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-wilson-75805017/
Cameron's Dance Album "Wavering Loyalty:" https://prismaticforce.bandcamp.com/album/wavering-loyalty

Donate to Shanghaizhan:  https://www.patreon.com/8001836/join

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Sun, 30 Nov 2025 06:18:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2373 The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner, and Asia will be sending eight teams to the biggest tournament in football history — expanded to 48 nations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Japan, South Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Qatar, Iraq, and Uzbekistan have all secured their spots, representing a continent where football passion runs deep. But there's one glaring absence from this list: China. The world's most populous nation will once again watch from the sidelines. It's a paradox that becomes more puzzling with each passing tournament — how can a country with such resources, ambition, and a president who personally dreams of World Cup glory, fail so consistently at the world's most popular sport? To help us unpack this mystery, we're joined by Cameron Wilson — a longtime China resident, cultural observer, and arguably the most passionate voice in English-language Chinese football coverage. 1. Let’s start with the basics: What first drew you into Chinese football? 2. You've long argued that football is a reflection of society. What do you mean by that? 3. What role does fandom play in Chinese football today? Is it the same as Europe? 4. What's the difference between basketball and football in China? 5. What's the culture of success for football in China? 4. Is the gap between watching football and building football widening in China? 5. Let’s flip it: What has China done right in football? 6. You also release music under the alias Shanghai Ultra, and your latest album is called Wavering Loyalty. Why that title? The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner, and Asia will be sending eight teams to the biggest tournament in football history — expanded to 48 nations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Japan, South Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Qatar, Iraq, and Uzbekistan have all secured their spots, representing a continent where football passion runs deep. But there's one glaring absence from this list: China. The world's most populous nation will once again watch from the sidelines. It's a paradox that becomes more puzzling with each passing tournament — how can a country with such resources, ambition, and a president who personally dreams of World Cup glory, fail so consistently at the world's most popular sport? To help us unpack this mystery, we're joined by Cameron Wilson — a longtime China resident, cultural observer, and arguably the most passionate voice in English-language Chinese football coverage. 1. Let’s start with the basics: What first drew you into Chinese football? 2. You've long argued that football is a reflection of society. What do you mean by that? 3. What role does fandom play in Chinese football today? Is it the same as Europe? 4. What's the difference between basketball and football in China? 5. What's the culture of success for football in China? 4. Is the gap between watching football and building football widening in China? 5. Let’s flip it: What has China done right in football? 6. You also release music under the alias Shanghai Ultra, and your latest album is called Wavering Loyalty. Why that title? FIFA, World Cup, Chinese Football No No From Brand Building to Selling on TikTok: Danni Lin https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/rnkm69zn-from-brand-building-to-selling-on-tiktok-danni-lin From Brand Building to Selling on TikTok: Danni Lin 93 3 No No 70w7mx20 We discuss the evolving landscape of social commerce, with a particular focus on TikTok Shop and its impact on brands and consumers. We explore the role of brand accelerators, the importance of creativity in marketing, and the effectiveness of live stream shopping in the U.S. with guest Danni Lin, co-founder of Nextt Group. Danni shares insights on how brands can leverage creators, the significance of branded versus shoppable videos, and the challenges of consumer behavior in a coupon-driven economy. The conversation also highlights a successful case study of Toy Zero Plus, an art toy brand, and its strategies for thriving in the competitive TikTok marketplace. We unpack what it really takes for brands to win on TikTok Shop—beyond discounts, virality, and short-term sales spikes. Joined by Danni Lin, co-founder of NEXTT Brand Accelerator, the conversation explores how social commerce is evolving in the U.S., why most brands misunderstand the platform, and where creativity—not coupons—creates lasting advantage.

Danni shares a behind-the-scenes look at how brand accelerators operate inside TikTok Shop, the critical differences between branded content and shoppable video, and how creators function as both media channels and community builders. The episode also examines live stream shopping’s uneven adoption in the U.S., the realities of a coupon-driven consumer economy, and why quality content consistently outperforms volume.

Through the case of Toy Zero Plus, an emerging art toy brand, the discussion reveals how distinctive IP, creator partnerships, and entertainment-first thinking can help brands stand out—and stay relevant—in one of the most competitive social commerce environments today.


Takeaways

  • Social commerce is projected to grow significantly in the U.S.
  • TikTok Shop is a viable option for brands targeting Gen Z.
  • Creativity is essential for effective marketing on social media.
  • Brands need to focus on building community, not just sales.
  • Coupons can attract customers but may not ensure loyalty.
  • Understanding the difference between brand and shoppable videos is crucial.
  • Live stream shopping requires a balance of entertainment and sales.
  • Quality content is more important than quantity for virality.
  • AI-generated content may face challenges in gaining traction.
  • Building a unique IP can enhance brand recognition and loyalty.
]]> Tue, 16 Dec 2025 04:50:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 3482 We discuss the evolving landscape of social commerce, with a particular focus on TikTok Shop and its impact on brands and consumers. We explore the role of brand accelerators, the importance of creativity in marketing, and the effectiveness of live stream shopping in the U.S. with guest Danni Lin, co-founder of Nextt Group. Danni shares insights on how brands can leverage creators, the significance of branded versus shoppable videos, and the challenges of consumer behavior in a coupon-driven economy. The conversation also highlights a successful case study of Toy Zero Plus, an art toy brand, and its strategies for thriving in the competitive TikTok marketplace. We discuss the evolving landscape of social commerce, with a particular focus on TikTok Shop and its impact on brands and consumers. We explore the role of brand accelerators, the importance of creativity in marketing, and the effectiveness of live stream shopping in the U.S. with guest Danni Lin, co-founder of Nextt Group. Danni shares insights on how brands can leverage creators, the significance of branded versus shoppable videos, and the challenges of consumer behavior in a coupon-driven economy. The conversation also highlights a successful case study of Toy Zero Plus, an art toy brand, and its strategies for thriving in the competitive TikTok marketplace. social commerce, TikTok shop, brand accelerator, marketing strategies, live stream shopping, creator economy, consumer behavior, digital marketing, e-commerce trends, brand loyalty No No Is Asia Really Leapfrogging the West? Breaking the Myth: Krishnan Menon https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/lnq2xm78-is-asia-really-leapfrogging-the-west-breaking-the-myth-krishnan-menon Is Asia Really Leapfrogging the West? Breaking the Myth: Krishnan Menon 94 4 No No 81nk96m0 In this episode of ShanghaiZhan, hosts Bryce Whitwam and Ali Kazmi discuss the evolving landscape of branding and marketing, particularly focusing on the cultural leapfrogging of Asia over the West. Joined by APAC marketing expert Krishnan Menon, they explore the implications of consumer behavior, the role of AI in branding, and the importance of differentiation in a saturated market. The conversation also touches on predictions for 2026, emphasizing the need for brands to adapt to changing consumer expectations and the significance of building meaningful connections with audiences. Happy 2026!  Has Asia really leapfrogged the West, or is this just a hyped up myth?

In this episode, we discuss the evolving landscape of branding and marketing, particularly the leapfrogging of Asia over the West. Joined by marketing consultant and APAC agency leader, Krishnan Menon, we explore the implications of consumer behavior, the role of AI in branding, and the importance of differentiation in a saturated market. The conversation also touches on predictions for 2026, emphasizing the need for brands to adapt to changing consumer expectations and the significance of building meaningful connections with audiences.

Takeaways:
1. Asia has leapfrogged the West in marketing and commerce, but you may not see it.
2. Cultural transformation happens from the edges, not the center.
3. Sales growth is often confused with brand growth.
4. Brands need to invest in building experiences, not just products.
5. Longevity in branding may not be as relevant anymore.
6. Consumer behavior is rapidly changing with technology.
7. Differentiation is key for brands to stand out.
8. The future of branding will involve meaningful partnerships with creators.
9. Brands must live up to their values to succeed.
10. The consumer ultimately decides what a brand is.

Krishnan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/menonk/

Donate to Shanghaizhan:  https://www.patreon.com/8001836/join

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

ShanghaiZhan Theme Music:  by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/]]> Sun, 11 Jan 2026 17:38:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2610 In this episode of ShanghaiZhan, hosts Bryce Whitwam and Ali Kazmi discuss the evolving landscape of branding and marketing, particularly focusing on the cultural leapfrogging of Asia over the West. Joined by APAC marketing expert Krishnan Menon, they explore the implications of consumer behavior, the role of AI in branding, and the importance of differentiation in a saturated market. The conversation also touches on predictions for 2026, emphasizing the need for brands to adapt to changing consumer expectations and the significance of building meaningful connections with audiences. In this episode of ShanghaiZhan, hosts Bryce Whitwam and Ali Kazmi discuss the evolving landscape of branding and marketing, particularly focusing on the cultural leapfrogging of Asia over the West. Joined by APAC marketing expert Krishnan Menon, they explore the implications of consumer behavior, the role of AI in branding, and the importance of differentiation in a saturated market. The conversation also touches on predictions for 2026, emphasizing the need for brands to adapt to changing consumer expectations and the significance of building meaningful connections with audiences. Marketing, Asia vs. West, Brand Building No No Navigating The New Normal: Big China Trends for 2026: Chris Baker & Minnie Wang https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/xn14pxq8-navigating-the-new-normal-big-china-trends-for-2026-chris-baker-minnie-wang Navigating The New Normal: Big China Trends for 2026: Chris Baker & Minnie Wang 95 4 No No 703plj61 In this episode, we engage in a lively discussion about the evolving landscape of marketing and consumer behavior in China, particularly in light of Totem Media's China Marketing and Trends Report. They explore the increasing negative market sentiment, the shift from offline to online retail, and the rise of social commerce. The conversation also highlights the importance of brand positioning and innovation in a competitive market, with insights from guests Chris Baker and Minnie Wang, who share their expertise on the current trends and challenges facing brands in China. The episode delves into the concept of 'happy spending' among Gen Z consumers and the growing significance of experiential consumption over traditional product purchases, emphasizing the need for brands to adapt to these changing consumer preferences. takeaways Shanghai has matured significantly since the last visit. Social commerce is key for brand marketers in China. Consumers are becoming more choosy and rational in their purchases. Experience consumption is outpacing product consumption. Brands need to demonstrate value and innovation to stay relevant. In this episode, we engage in a lively discussion about the evolving landscape of marketing and consumer behavior in China, particularly in light of Totem Media's China Marketing and Trends Report. They explore the increasing negative market sentiment, the shift from offline to online retail, and the rise of social commerce. The conversation also highlights the importance of brand positioning and innovation in a competitive market, with insights from Totem Media founder Chris Baker and Campaign Asia's Minnie Wang, who share their expertise on the current trends and challenges facing brands in China. The episode delves into the concept of 'happy spending' among Gen Z consumers and the growing significance of experiential consumption over traditional product purchases, emphasizing the need for brands to adapt to these changing consumer preferences.

takeaways
Shanghai has matured significantly since the last visit.
Social commerce is key for brand marketers in China.
Consumers are becoming more choosy and rational in their purchases.
Experience consumption is outpacing product consumption.
Brands need to demonstrate value and innovation to stay relevant.

About Totem Media: https://www.talktototem.com/
Download the Totem 2026 Report Here:  https://www.talktototem.com/china-insights/2026-china-marketing-and-media-review
About Campaign Asia:  https://www.campaignasia.com/

Chris Baker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbaker19/
Minnie Wang on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/minniew/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

]]> Sun, 01 Feb 2026 22:10:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2662 In this episode, we engage in a lively discussion about the evolving landscape of marketing and consumer behavior in China, particularly in light of Totem Media's China Marketing and Trends Report. They explore the increasing negative market sentiment, the shift from offline to online retail, and the rise of social commerce. The conversation also highlights the importance of brand positioning and innovation in a competitive market, with insights from guests Chris Baker and Minnie Wang, who share their expertise on the current trends and challenges facing brands in China. The episode delves into the concept of 'happy spending' among Gen Z consumers and the growing significance of experiential consumption over traditional product purchases, emphasizing the need for brands to adapt to these changing consumer preferences. takeaways Shanghai has matured significantly since the last visit. Social commerce is key for brand marketers in China. Consumers are becoming more choosy and rational in their purchases. Experience consumption is outpacing product consumption. Brands need to demonstrate value and innovation to stay relevant. In this episode, we engage in a lively discussion about the evolving landscape of marketing and consumer behavior in China, particularly in light of Totem Media's China Marketing and Trends Report. They explore the increasing negative market sentiment, the shift from offline to online retail, and the rise of social commerce. The conversation also highlights the importance of brand positioning and innovation in a competitive market, with insights from guests Chris Baker and Minnie Wang, who share their expertise on the current trends and challenges facing brands in China. The episode delves into the concept of 'happy spending' among Gen Z consumers and the growing significance of experiential consumption over traditional product purchases, emphasizing the need for brands to adapt to these changing consumer preferences. takeaways Shanghai has matured significantly since the last visit. Social commerce is key for brand marketers in China. Consumers are becoming more choosy and rational in their purchases. Experience consumption is outpacing product consumption. Brands need to demonstrate value and innovation to stay relevant. Shanghai Zhan, China marketing, consumer behavior, social commerce, brand positioning, happy spending, marketing trends, Total Media report, Gen Z, retail evolution No No The Chinese Railway Revolution with David Feng https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/r87yjk18-the-chinese-railway-revolution-with-david-feng The Chinese Railway Revolution with David Feng 96 4 No No k08m6qr1 Welcome, David Feng, a railway visionary, explores the transformative impact of China's high-speed rail system. They discuss the sociological implications, the changing nature of work, the competition between air travel and rail, and the future of urbanization in China. David shares insights on the sustainability of railway growth, the potential for exporting China's railway model, and the integration of electric vehicles with rail systems. The conversation culminates in David's recommendations for must-try railway journeys in China. Takeaways China's railway system is a model for urbanization. High-speed rail is reshaping social dynamics in cities. Work habits are changing due to improved rail connectivity. Air travel is declining in favor of high-speed rail. Domestic tourism is on the rise thanks to rail access. Railway growth faces sustainability challenges amid debt. Exporting China's railway model is complex but possible. Future rail projects may connect more Asian countries. EVs and rail systems can complement each other. Urbanization will evolve with changing population dynamics. 00:00 Introduction to Shanghai Zhan and the Railway Miracle 02:17 David Feng's Journey into Railway Systems 04:55 Sociological Impact of High-Speed Rail 07:43 Changing Work Habits and the Gig Economy 10:08 The Future of Airlines in a Rail-Dominated Landscape 12:36 Domestic Travel Trends and Tourism in China 14:58 Financial Sustainability of China's Railway System 17:25 The Evolution of Urban Identity and Hukou System 25:12 The Evolution of China's Rail Network 25:53 Exporting Railway Technology: Opportunities and Challenges 26:57 Integrating Local Transport with Chinese Rail Systems 31:33 Competitive Advantages in Global Railway Infrastructure 33:34 The Future of EVs and Railways: A Complementary Relationship 38:29 The Future of Railway Infrastructure in Asia 40:03 Memorable Railway Journeys: Recommendations and Experiences 41:29 Urbanization and the Future of Railway Infrastructure We engage with David Feng, a railway visionary, to explore the transformative impact of China's high-speed rail system. They discuss the sociological implications, the changing nature of work, the competition between air travel and rail, and the future of urbanization in China. David shares insights on the sustainability of railway growth, the potential for exporting China's railway model, and the integration of electric vehicles with rail systems. The conversation culminates in David's recommendations for must-try railway journeys in China.

Takeaways
China's railway system is a model for urbanization.
High-speed rail is reshaping social dynamics in cities.
Work habits are changing due to improved rail connectivity.
Air travel is declining in favor of high-speed rail.
Domestic tourism is on the rise thanks to rail access.
Railway growth faces sustainability challenges amid debt.
Exporting China's railway model is complex but possible.
Future rail projects may connect more Asian countries.
EVs and rail systems can complement each other.
Urbanization will evolve with changing population dynamics.

About David Feng: http://en.davidfengtrains.com/
David Feng on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidfeng/

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

]]> Fri, 13 Feb 2026 17:24:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2503 Welcome, David Feng, a railway visionary, explores the transformative impact of China's high-speed rail system. They discuss the sociological implications, the changing nature of work, the competition between air travel and rail, and the future of urbanization in China. David shares insights on the sustainability of railway growth, the potential for exporting China's railway model, and the integration of electric vehicles with rail systems. The conversation culminates in David's recommendations for must-try railway journeys in China. Takeaways China's railway system is a model for urbanization. High-speed rail is reshaping social dynamics in cities. Work habits are changing due to improved rail connectivity. Air travel is declining in favor of high-speed rail. Domestic tourism is on the rise thanks to rail access. Railway growth faces sustainability challenges amid debt. Exporting China's railway model is complex but possible. Future rail projects may connect more Asian countries. EVs and rail systems can complement each other. Urbanization will evolve with changing population dynamics. 00:00 Introduction to Shanghai Zhan and the Railway Miracle 02:17 David Feng's Journey into Railway Systems 04:55 Sociological Impact of High-Speed Rail 07:43 Changing Work Habits and the Gig Economy 10:08 The Future of Airlines in a Rail-Dominated Landscape 12:36 Domestic Travel Trends and Tourism in China 14:58 Financial Sustainability of China's Railway System 17:25 The Evolution of Urban Identity and Hukou System 25:12 The Evolution of China's Rail Network 25:53 Exporting Railway Technology: Opportunities and Challenges 26:57 Integrating Local Transport with Chinese Rail Systems 31:33 Competitive Advantages in Global Railway Infrastructure 33:34 The Future of EVs and Railways: A Complementary Relationship 38:29 The Future of Railway Infrastructure in Asia 40:03 Memorable Railway Journeys: Recommendations and Experiences 41:29 Urbanization and the Future of Railway Infrastructure Welcome, David Feng, a railway visionary, explores the transformative impact of China's high-speed rail system. They discuss the sociological implications, the changing nature of work, the competition between air travel and rail, and the future of urbanization in China. David shares insights on the sustainability of railway growth, the potential for exporting China's railway model, and the integration of electric vehicles with rail systems. The conversation culminates in David's recommendations for must-try railway journeys in China. Takeaways China's railway system is a model for urbanization. High-speed rail is reshaping social dynamics in cities. Work habits are changing due to improved rail connectivity. Air travel is declining in favor of high-speed rail. Domestic tourism is on the rise thanks to rail access. Railway growth faces sustainability challenges amid debt. Exporting China's railway model is complex but possible. Future rail projects may connect more Asian countries. EVs and rail systems can complement each other. Urbanization will evolve with changing population dynamics. 00:00 Introduction to Shanghai Zhan and the Railway Miracle 02:17 David Feng's Journey into Railway Systems 04:55 Sociological Impact of High-Speed Rail 07:43 Changing Work Habits and the Gig Economy 10:08 The Future of Airlines in a Rail-Dominated Landscape 12:36 Domestic Travel Trends and Tourism in China 14:58 Financial Sustainability of China's Railway System 17:25 The Evolution of Urban Identity and Hukou System 25:12 The Evolution of China's Rail Network 25:53 Exporting Railway Technology: Opportunities and Challenges 26:57 Integrating Local Transport with Chinese Rail Systems 31:33 Competitive Advantages in Global Railway Infrastructure 33:34 The Future of EVs and Railways: A Complementary Relationship 38:29 The Future of Railway Infrastructure in Asia 40:03 Memorable Railway Journeys: Recommendations and Experiences 41:29 Urbanization and the Future of Railway Infrastructure China Railway, High-Speed Rail, Urbanization, Infrastructure, David Feng, Transportation, Gig Economy, Air Travel, Exporting Railways, EV Integration No No The Art of Cultural Resonance in an AI Enabled World: Bassam Qureshi https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/0nj0r74n-the-art-of-cultural-resonance-in-an-ai-enabled-world-bassam-qureshi The Art of Cultural Resonance in an AI Enabled World: Bassam Qureshi 97 4 No No 40pmvw71 In this episode, the hosts engage in a lively discussion with Bassam Qureshi about the complexities of cultural resonance in marketing. They explore whether brands can create cultural moments or merely reflect existing cultural trends. The conversation delves into the impact of personalization and AI on marketing strategies, the importance of understanding cultural insights, and the lessons learned from global markets like China and Japan. The episode emphasizes the need for brands to have a strong point of view as they navigate the challenges of a fragmented cultural landscape. In this episode, the hosts engage in a lively discussion with Coca-Cola NPAC Director Bassam Qureshi about the complexities of cultural resonance in marketing. They explore whether brands can create cultural moments or merely reflect existing cultural trends. The conversation delves into the impact of personalization and AI on marketing strategies, the importance of understanding cultural insights, and the lessons learned from global markets like China and Japan. The episode emphasizes the need for brands to have a strong point of view as they navigate the challenges of a fragmented cultural landscape.


Takeaways

  • Cultural resonance is a delicate balance of reflecting and driving culture.
  • Brands often play it safe, losing the bravery to create cultural anchors.
  • Cultural insights should be purposeful and insightful, not just surface-level.
  • Personalization in marketing is becoming akin to fast fashion.
  • Virality requires a different approach than personalization.
  • Understanding local and universal cultural insights is crucial for resonance.
  • Brands need to have a clear point of view to connect with audiences.
  • Cultural moments are becoming more fragmented due to niche creators.
  • The role of AI in marketing is growing, impacting how brands connect with consumers.
  • Lessons from global markets can inform local marketing strategies.
]]> Sun, 08 Mar 2026 18:11:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2717 In this episode, the hosts engage in a lively discussion with Bassam Qureshi about the complexities of cultural resonance in marketing. They explore whether brands can create cultural moments or merely reflect existing cultural trends. The conversation delves into the impact of personalization and AI on marketing strategies, the importance of understanding cultural insights, and the lessons learned from global markets like China and Japan. The episode emphasizes the need for brands to have a strong point of view as they navigate the challenges of a fragmented cultural landscape. In this episode, the hosts engage in a lively discussion with Bassam Qureshi about the complexities of cultural resonance in marketing. They explore whether brands can create cultural moments or merely reflect existing cultural trends. The conversation delves into the impact of personalization and AI on marketing strategies, the importance of understanding cultural insights, and the lessons learned from global markets like China and Japan. The episode emphasizes the need for brands to have a strong point of view as they navigate the challenges of a fragmented cultural landscape. No No China's Soft Power Revolution: How Digital Platforms and Grassroots Movements are Reshaping the World: Brian Wong https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/p8lx6p28-china-s-soft-power-revolution-how-digital-platforms-and-grassroots-movements-are-reshaping-the-world-brian-wong China's Soft Power Revolution: How Digital Platforms and Grassroots Movements are Reshaping the World: Brian Wong 98 4 No No x1lnpxj1 China is now #2 in the soft power rankings. How is this possible? In recent years, China’s influence on the world stage has grown significantly, now ranking second in global soft power right behind the United States. This post delves into the factors contributing to this rise, including the unique blend of government initiatives and grassroots movements, as discussed in our latest episode with Brian Wong, chairman and founder of Radii Media. China’s recent ascent in the Global Soft Power Index reflects its evolving cultural narrative, driven by a mixture of state-led initiatives and organic grassroots movements. Its rise in global soft power is a multifaceted phenomenon shaped by both government initiatives and grassroots movements. China is still navigating cultural narrative, with its unique blend of traditional values and modern influences, which will play a crucial role in how it is perceived internationally. China is now #2 in the soft power rankings. How is this possible?
 
In recent years, China’s influence on the world stage has grown significantly, now ranking second in global soft power right behind the United States. This post delves into the factors contributing to this rise, including the unique blend of government initiatives and grassroots movements, as discussed in our latest episode with Brian Wong, chairman and founder of Radii Media.

China’s recent ascent in the Global Soft Power Index reflects its evolving cultural narrative, driven by a mixture of state-led initiatives and organic grassroots movements. Its rise in global soft power is a multifaceted phenomenon shaped by both government initiatives and grassroots movements. China is still navigating cultural narrative, with its unique blend of traditional values and modern influences, which will play a crucial role in how it is perceived internationally.


Brian Wong on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bwong/
Brian's Article :https://radii.co/article/chinas-cultural-breakout-understanding-the-generation-rewriting-the-rules
About RADII: https://radii.co/
The Tao of Alibaba: https://a.co/d/0fYnTE5p


For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/



]]> Sat, 21 Mar 2026 16:24:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2480 China is now #2 in the soft power rankings. How is this possible? In recent years, China’s influence on the world stage has grown significantly, now ranking second in global soft power right behind the United States. This post delves into the factors contributing to this rise, including the unique blend of government initiatives and grassroots movements, as discussed in our latest episode with Brian Wong, chairman and founder of Radii Media. China’s recent ascent in the Global Soft Power Index reflects its evolving cultural narrative, driven by a mixture of state-led initiatives and organic grassroots movements. Its rise in global soft power is a multifaceted phenomenon shaped by both government initiatives and grassroots movements. China is still navigating cultural narrative, with its unique blend of traditional values and modern influences, which will play a crucial role in how it is perceived internationally. China is now #2 in the soft power rankings. How is this possible? In recent years, China’s influence on the world stage has grown significantly, now ranking second in global soft power right behind the United States. This post delves into the factors contributing to this rise, including the unique blend of government initiatives and grassroots movements, as discussed in our latest episode with Brian Wong, chairman and founder of Radii Media. China’s recent ascent in the Global Soft Power Index reflects its evolving cultural narrative, driven by a mixture of state-led initiatives and organic grassroots movements. Its rise in global soft power is a multifaceted phenomenon shaped by both government initiatives and grassroots movements. China is still navigating cultural narrative, with its unique blend of traditional values and modern influences, which will play a crucial role in how it is perceived internationally. No No Enter the Fragile Dragon: China's New Opportunities & Challenges: Ker Gibbs & Manoj Mehta https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/68rrx348-enter-the-fragile-dragon-china-s-new-opportunities-challenges-ker-gibbs-manoj-mehta Enter the Fragile Dragon: China's New Opportunities & Challenges: Ker Gibbs & Manoj Mehta 99 4 No No 80562x91 In this episode of Shanghai Zhan, we delve into China’s innovation paradox, exploring how the landscape has shifted from a gold-rush mentality to highly competitive, sophisticated market dynamics. As we discuss the challenges and opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs, you’ll gain insights from industry leaders who have firsthand experience navigating this complex terrain. We're joined by Manoj Mehta who is the CEO of Naked Group, a Shanghai-based company that promotes a sustainable lifestyle through luxury resorts and shared workplaces. With over 15 years of experience in China, Manoj shares his insights on the evolving consumer demands and competitive landscape. Returning guest Ker Gibbs is a seasoned expert, author of "Selling to China," and former president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai. Is China both powerful and vulnerable? 

We delve into China’s innovation paradox, exploring how the landscape has shifted from a gold-rush mentality to highly competitive, sophisticated market dynamics. As we discuss the challenges and opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs, you’ll gain insights from industry leaders who have firsthand experience navigating this complex terrain. We're joined by Manoj Mehta, who is the CEO of Naked Group, a Shanghai-based company that promotes a sustainable lifestyle through luxury resorts and shared workplaces. With over 15 years of experience in China, Manoj shares his insights on the evolving consumer demands and competitive landscape. Returning guest Ker Gibbs is a seasoned expert, author of "The Fragile Dragon," and former president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai. 

Key Topics
  • China's market evolution from copycat to innovator
  • Impact of local competition and imitation
  • Regulatory environment and government relations
  • Success stories of foreign brands like KFC, Pizza Hut
  • Failures of eBay, Uber, and others in China
  • Strategies for foreign companies to succeed in China
  • The importance of local knowledge and partnerships
  • Market shifts due to consumer sophistication and economic factors

Manoj on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/manoj-mehta-86a08a4/
Ker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kergibbs/
Ker's Latest Book, "The Fragile Dragon:" https://a.co/d/0i40GyQb

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/
]]> Sat, 04 Apr 2026 20:41:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2804 In this episode of Shanghai Zhan, we delve into China’s innovation paradox, exploring how the landscape has shifted from a gold-rush mentality to highly competitive, sophisticated market dynamics. As we discuss the challenges and opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs, you’ll gain insights from industry leaders who have firsthand experience navigating this complex terrain. We're joined by Manoj Mehta who is the CEO of Naked Group, a Shanghai-based company that promotes a sustainable lifestyle through luxury resorts and shared workplaces. With over 15 years of experience in China, Manoj shares his insights on the evolving consumer demands and competitive landscape. Returning guest Ker Gibbs is a seasoned expert, author of "Selling to China," and former president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai. In this episode of Shanghai Zhan, we delve into China’s innovation paradox, exploring how the landscape has shifted from a gold-rush mentality to highly competitive, sophisticated market dynamics. As we discuss the challenges and opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs, you’ll gain insights from industry leaders who have firsthand experience navigating this complex terrain. We're joined by Manoj Mehta who is the CEO of Naked Group, a Shanghai-based company that promotes a sustainable lifestyle through luxury resorts and shared workplaces. With over 15 years of experience in China, Manoj shares his insights on the evolving consumer demands and competitive landscape. Returning guest Ker Gibbs is a seasoned expert, author of "Selling to China," and former president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai. China Global, China Innovation, China Entry Strategy No No The End of Digital Transformation As We Know It: Mariano Bosaz https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/xnympvyn-the-end-of-digital-transformation-as-we-know-it-mariano-bosaz The End of Digital Transformation As We Know It: Mariano Bosaz 100 4 No No l14nj641 Episode 99!: Mariano Bosaz, author of Digital Mindset: Marketing Strategies in the Age of AI, joins the podcast to argue that “digital transformation” is no longer a department, a buzzword, or a consultant’s slide deck. It is now a personal survival skill. Mariano explains why leaders who treat AI as optional are already behind, why analog mindsets still dominate large organizations, and why brands must shift from chasing attention to creating real consumer involvement. From Formula One simulations and AI agents to synthetic creators, disclosure anxiety, and China’s speed-at-scale, this episode asks whether marketers are ready for a world where disruption hits individuals rather than companies themselves. Episode 99!: Mariano Bosaz, author of Digital Mindset: Marketing Strategies in the Age of AI, joins the podcast to argue that “digital transformation” is no longer a department, a buzzword, or a consultant’s slide deck. It is now a personal survival skill. 

Mariano explains why leaders who treat AI as optional are already behind, why analog mindsets still dominate large organizations, and why brands must shift from chasing attention to creating real consumer involvement. From Formula One simulations and AI agents to synthetic creators, disclosure anxiety, and China’s speed-at-scale, this episode asks whether marketers are ready for a world where disruption hits individuals rather than companies themselves.

Key takeaways:

  •  Digital transformation now starts with individual behavior, not corporate teams. 
  •  AI turns productivity into a competitive weapon. 
  •  Data advantage matters more than generic AI access. 
  •  Brands must move from engagement to involvement. 
  •  China still shows the future before the West.

Mariano on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianobosaz/
Mariano's Book: "Digital Mindset:"   https://a.co/d/0f73bFOH

For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/

Bryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/
]]> Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:05:00 +0000 Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam Ali Kazmi & Bryce Whitwam 2808 Episode 99!: Mariano Bosaz, author of Digital Mindset: Marketing Strategies in the Age of AI, joins the podcast to argue that “digital transformation” is no longer a department, a buzzword, or a consultant’s slide deck. It is now a personal survival skill. Mariano explains why leaders who treat AI as optional are already behind, why analog mindsets still dominate large organizations, and why brands must shift from chasing attention to creating real consumer involvement. From Formula One simulations and AI agents to synthetic creators, disclosure anxiety, and China’s speed-at-scale, this episode asks whether marketers are ready for a world where disruption hits individuals rather than companies themselves. Episode 99!: Mariano Bosaz, author of Digital Mindset: Marketing Strategies in the Age of AI, joins the podcast to argue that “digital transformation” is no longer a department, a buzzword, or a consultant’s slide deck. It is now a personal survival skill. Mariano explains why leaders who treat AI as optional are already behind, why analog mindsets still dominate large organizations, and why brands must shift from chasing attention to creating real consumer involvement. From Formula One simulations and AI agents to synthetic creators, disclosure anxiety, and China’s speed-at-scale, this episode asks whether marketers are ready for a world where disruption hits individuals rather than companies themselves. No No