China Flexpat (Francis Kremer & Patrick Frick)

Hsiao is heading JP Contagi, a leading international search consultancy with offices in China, Switzerland and Germany. In his long career as a headhunter in China he shares his insights in the current job market. In this episode he points out challenges as well as opportunities for foreigners seeking work in China. We are talking about interesting details such as salaries, regional differences and sought-after skill sets.  Connect with Hsiao on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hsiao-j-chiu-7a92621a/ Check out his company's website: https://jp-contagi.com

Peter Becker, a 73 year old General Manager currently working in Changzhou, first arrived in China 25 years ago. In this episode Peter shares his vast experiences of working and living China and gives practical advice for the next generation of Flexpats. Topics answered in this interview: What do Chinese people expect from you? What kind of team do you need to be successful in China? Differences in communication between foreigners and Chinese What are the basic requirements to get hired in China? Do you really need Chinese language skills? Connect with Peter Becker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-becker-61204281/

During his 10-year stay in China, Simon has become an expert on cross-border trade and logistics from and to China. For the past few years he is especially focused on Dropshipping at www.hypersku.com, a niche in the global eCommerce market. After completing his China dream it was time to move back, but that move turned out to be tougher than expected. Tune in to learn more... 

 • What are the reasons to leave China?

 • How can your family prepare for the relocation to Europe? 

 • What is crucial for successful repatriation? 

 • How can a Chinese family integrate into Europe?

 • What are the main business challenges for continuing your career in Europe?

 • How does Flexpat experience help in working with Chinese companies in Europe?

 • Main advice for moving back

Check out Simons' first episode 35.

Simon mentioned Episode 99 with Gianni about sending his kids to a Chinese school.

Find Simon on LinkedIn

We recommend the following episodes to get more input on Cross-Border Trade, Sales, eCommerce, and working for Chinese companies:

116 Cross-Border Sales Director in Chinese company (Francis)

39 eCommerce for international brands in China

113 Young China - Chinese companies going global

99 Work for Chinese companies abroad

46 Lead Chinese teams

Build and grow a China subsidiary to be successful and integrate it into the global company structure.

- What can go wrong if European companies expand to China?

- Who is the best fit for the GM role: Chinese, Expat, or Flexpat?

- How should a flexpat prepare for a new GM role?

- How can Chinese leaders ask for freedom to react to local requirements?

- How should European companies prevent compliance issues in China?

- How can you create a company culture which allows the global business to grow?

Eric Voigt has been working in Asia and Europe for corporations and private equity funds for 25+ years, occupying senior roles and managing facilities. At the heart of these jobs has been the establishment of new production facilities, the recruitment of entire workforces, and the ongoing day-to-day management of these companies.

LinkedIn: Eric Voigt

Email: contact-de@one-pointzero.com

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Please also tune in to episode

20 Start your Flexpat career

21 From Entry Level to Top Management

100 Get your first Management Job in China

107 Transition from Expat to Flexpat

111 Prepare expat assignment

46 Lead Chinese teams

96 German Center Taicang

Contact Francis (Wechat: Flexpat2020) if you want to join our Flexpat wechat community

Study in China! Start your international career while you are in university.

- How do German universities cooperate with Tongji University in China?

- What is the cost of studying in China to German students?

- How can they get scholarships?

- How should they plan their study semester and internship in China?

- How can students start work in China as a flexpat and get a work visa?

Links Oliver mentioned:

CDHAWA - Tongji University: https://cdhaw.tongji.edu.cn/zde/main.htm

DHIK: https://www.dhik.org/ueber-uns/netzwerk/

Campus China: https://www.campuschina.org/

The 3 different types of CSC scholarship: https://tribe.cucas.cn/question/97

Oliver Schirmer is Vice Director of the Sino-German University of Applied Sciences "Chinesisch Deutsche Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften (CDHAW)" of the Tongji University Shanghai. He got his double degree with Tongji in Business and Engineering. Holds an MBA in International Business and is currently working on his Ph.D. Life-long learning!

LinkedIn: Oliver Schirmer

Email: oliver.schirmer@outlook.com

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Please also tune in to episode

125 Study in China and start your career

2 Study and do an Internship in China (also at Tongji)

19, 60 Find entry-level jobs in China

20 Start your Flexpat career

21 From Entry Level to Top Management

33 Prepare for job interviews

99 Work for Chinese companies abroad

100 Get your first Management Job in China

113 Young China - Chinese companies going global

Contact Francis (Wechat: Flexpat2020) if you want to join our Flexpat Wechat community

How can young professionals transform their careers to reach their targets and live their dream life? It's hard work. But there are also best practices to learn from.

• What are the challenges of a professional English teacher? 
• How can young English teachers plan a career change?
• Which career paths and industries are more open to getting in without a specific background?
• How important are Chinese skills?
• How important are university degrees?
• How can flexpats differentiate from local professionals?
• How can flexpats really integrate in China?

Follow Alan on LinkedIn and read his articles on career development. You can learn so much!

We recommend the following episodes to get more input on Sales Management in China, learning Chinese, or working for Chinese companies:

• 57 Advice for teachers
• 112 Plan your Flexpat career
• 73, 66, 59 Sales Management
• 101, 62, 34 Business Development
• 102 Bridge Cultures
• 99 Work for Chinese companies abroad
• 46 Lead Chinese teams
• 80 Salaries
• 114 Learn Chinese

During his 10 year stay in China Simon has become an expert on cross-border trade and logistics from and to China. Although E-commerce has been booming for years there are still many online sellers struggling with their sourcing and shipping out of China. Simon is making a difference and creates a seamless and transparent supply chain to empower online sellers. In this episode he shares his personal advice to newcomers in this field and provides an outlook for flexpat opportunities in Chinese e-commerce going global.

This is what you'll learn:

• Do’s and Don’ts while communicating with Chinese customers 
• What e-commerce jobs are done by foreigners?
• How long it takes to make your business profitable in China
• Europe vs. China - better place to start a business?
• Leading cities for a career in e-commerce
• Outlook for flexpat jobs in e-commerce in Asia

Connect with Simon on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-de-raadt-西蒙）-56b0048/

French FinTec expert, Yassine Regragui, has worked at Alibaba and Alipay for several years and was responsible for launching the multi-lingual version of Alipay. This task has been a huge challenge, which Yassine succesfully overcame because he had the right mindset and was able to embrace change quickly. He adapted to Jack Ma's core values. To succeed at Alibaba you need an IQ, EQ and the LQ. What exactly these values are, we have discussed in an exciting 16 minutes episode. This episode has a strong focus on soft skills which are crucial for your success in China.

Food for thought:

• Ask yourself - do I have a network and do I add value?
  
• Having a foreigner in a Chinese company system is a positive provocation and keeps the system developing!
  
• Beside my hard skills - do I have the necessary soft skills?
  
• Am I emotionally intelligent?
  
• Can I adapt to new teams 12 times in a short time?
  
• Can I speak to people in their mother tongue?
  

Follow Yassine on LinkedIn:

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

www.yassineregragui.com

Kai held several top management positions in China for many years before he decided to start his own business.

In this episode, you will learn what it is like living in the same neighborhood as Tesla in Shanghai and what that means for daily life.

You`ll understand several reasons why it is essential to start your business while still being employed elsewhere. (Guanxi, Visa, Language, etc.)

You`ll get insights on how to find the right business partner and how to navigate the Chinese business landscape as a foreigner, especially being a first-time entrepreneur.

Connect with Kai on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kai-marcel-dodel-64987467/

Steven’s Steps To Starting From Scratch in China:

1. Set your long-term goals the moment you set foot in the country.

2. Whatever anyone says to you, you must learn Chinese.

3. Research, research, research.

4. Pursue a diverse set of paths within the direction that you are heading in.

5. Get out of the foreigner bubble and meet new people.

6. Embrace difference, but don’t lose yourself.

Find Steven on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stevensenshan

Find Steven on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevensenshan/

Find Steven on Weibo: https://weibo.com/u/5546669710

Find Steven on RED: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/user/profile/5c7cf3420000000010013513

Many expats have left China and international companies struggle to replace them with experienced professionals from HQs. What does this mean for the company both in China and in the corporate office?

- What is the main reason why expats return home and new expats are not coming here?

- What choices do European companies have to deal with this?

- Can Chinese teams achieve the same output as international teams?

- What is the main risk when European companies don’t have any foreigners in China?

- What is the value of a flexpat?

- How can flexpats build a network in HQs and learn important company know-how?

- How can flexpats justify their salary package?

LinkedIn: Christian M. Göttker

Wechat: CMG-GSA

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Please also tune in to episode 126, where Eric Voigt explains exactly how Flexpats or Chinese professionals are suited for Top Management positions in China for international companies.

Other episodes:

20 Leadership advice for flexpats

21 From Entry Level to Top Management

100 Get your first Management Job in China

107 Transition from Expat to Flexpat

111 Prepare expat assignment

46 Lead Chinese teams

96 German Center Taicang

Contact Francis (Wechat: Flexpat2020) if you want to join our Flexpat Wechat community

Andy Klump is a renewable energy executive with 20 years of solar energy, storage, and technology experience. He has been living and working in China since 2002. He is the founder, owner, and CEO of Clean Energy Associates, a solar energy and storage technical due diligence and engineering services firm with a presence in 13 countries with over 170 employees. Developing his company, he has hired many flexpats over the years and knows exactly how and why foreigners should work in China. That's what you'll learn in this leadership episode.

Connect with Andy Klump on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aklump/

Visit his company's website: https://www.cea3.com

What is it like to work in a Chinese company?

Francis is usually the host, today he is the guest. He shares what it is like to be working in a Chinese company, in an industry very much influenced by China, the EV car industry.

How can flexpats...

• fit into a Chinese company?
• measure their success and progress?
• communicate with their Chinese boss?
• lead a Chinese team? 

Francis grew up in an international family in Germany with a mum from Ireland. From a very young age, he developed a great interest in international business and foreign languages. He decided to study business administration and took the opportunity to learn Chinese and work in China during his studies.

After graduation, he started to work in technology marketing - mostly representing international companies to German customers. After ten years in business, he changes sides. He relocated to China and represented a European technology company to Chinese customers. During the past 6 years, he has tried his best to fit into his new surrounding, improve his Chinese, and inspire his Chinese team to get international.

We recommend the following episodes to get more input on Sales Management in China, learning Chinese, or working for Chinese companies:

114 Learn Chinese with Francis and Sofia

73 Sales Management with c.j. (today`s host)

99 Work for Chinese companies abroad

46 Lead Chinese teams

59, 66 Sales Management

62, 101 Business Development

If you want to get Francis` book on learning Chinese, check out episode 114.

Wechat: Flexpat2020

Jan Smejkal aka #yourchinaguy is originally from the Czech Republic and has shaped and fostered the startup community in China like no other person at a young age. In this episode he shares his many insights in this ecosystem and gives clear advice to foreigners looking for work opportunities at Chinese startups. This is what you’ll learn: The most prominent place for innovation right now Three types of Chinese startups that hire foreigners Can foreigners even compete with Chinese talent? Opportunities arise as many foreigners left China recently How NOT to apply for a job in China Pros and cons of working at startups Connect with Jan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yourchinaguy/

• Por que estudar na China? Como essa experiência pode te diferenciar de outros profissionais?
• Há muitas bolsas de estudo disponíveis?
• O mandarim é uma barreira?

Essas e outras perguntas serão respondidas nesse episódio focado no público brasileiro. Nele mostraremos o crescente interesse da China pelo Brasil e como isso pode ser uma ótima oportunidade para os estudantes brasileiros na China, hoje. Também falaremos sobre as diferenças e similaridades dos sistemas educacionais em ambos os países e como é estar dentro da melhor universidade da China, a Tsinghua.

Quer saber sobre uma iniciativa que une professores e estudantes do BRICS? Visite https://thecatalyst.mn.co/

Escute pelo (se você está na China, use o VPN para evitar problemas).

This is an episode for all flexpats who want to learn about B2B market development in China. 

Beatrice explains how you can analyze and enter new markets in China.

We will especially focus on flexibility, transparency, and inclusiveness as key skills needed in doing Marketing and Business Development in a fast-changing and challenging environment such as China today. 

About Beatrice:

Work: www.marposs.com

WeChat: Beatrice13681630410

LinkedIn: Beatrice Aondio

About Francis:

Work: www.juli-china.com

WeChat: Flexpat2020

Linkedin: Francis Kremer

Understand the education ecosystem in China. Learn from a real China education expert with 30 years of experience in various career positions in and with China.

• What are the key differences between the Chinese and the US education system, and what can they learn from each other?

• How do Chinese students profit / suffer from the high-performance pressure in the education system?

• How can Chinese students prepare for an international lifestyle, study abroad, and learn an open mindset?

• What can parents do to support their children?

• Which opportunities do flexpats have to create value in the Chinese education system?

• How will the recent government restrictions in China concerning private education affect international influence?

• Can teachers still build a great career in China?

• How should international schools hire flexpats and locals and create a good team?

Brantley Turner, the East Asia Education Director for Dwight Schools, brings 25 years of experience in China, including a decade as the founding principal of a unique Sino-U.S. high school approved by China’s Ministry of Education. Her recent ventures include educational start-ups in Vietnam.

Renowned for her groundbreaking East-West school leadership and exceptional Chinese communication skills, Brantley is a fervent believer in the power of disruption in education. She views school leadership as a dynamic space for exploring individual assumptions and perspectives, and how these can either hinder or propel progress.

Her commitment to constant innovation in leadership, school enhancement, arts programs, and educational technology underpins her drive for top student outcomes in Asia. Brantley is a forward-thinking leader in global 21st-century education discussions.

Find Brantley Turner on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brantley-turner-39858ba7/

____

Please also tune in to episodes

116, 123, 131 Professor in China

57 Teacher job market

106 Teach your team English

Contact Francis (Wechat: Flexpat2020) if you want to join our Flexpat Wechat community

In this episode our guest Verena and Francis discuss various important parts of a typical flexpat or expat lifestyle. This was recorded before the lockdown.

 1. What is unique about your flexpat lifestyle?

 2. What kind of people do you spend time with?

 3. How did you change your lifestyle since you first came to China?

 4. How do you spend and invest your income?

 5. How can you buy an apartment in China? 

 6. How do you coordinate and arrange job and private life?

 7. How do you see your future in China?

8  Some advice for flexpats

Connect with Verena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verenalupprian/

Robbert Gorris is originally from the Netherlands and has developed a strong interest in China very early. He studied in Taipei and has been living in China for 12 years. His kids went to a Chinese school which taught him invaluable lessons in Chinese culture. Just recently he moved back to Europe to help more foreign companies set up their businesses in China. In this episode he shares not only his story of his first job at the Benelux chamber of commerce in Beijing but also his view on China's future and young foreign graduates' opportunities in it.

This is what you'll learn:

• How he picked his first job in China
• Why work for a chamber of commerce?
• The one thing he would have done differently
• Do foreign kids enjoy Chinese school?
• Differences between western and Chinese education
• Is coming to China still worth it?

Connect with Robbert on LinkedIn:

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

Frank Sieren is a bestselling author, documentary film maker (ARD and ZDF) and China specialist for various German newspapers and magazines. He has been living in Beijing / China since 1994. The London Times calls him "a leading China expert in Germany." In this episode Frank shares his bird's eye perspective on the labor market for foreigners in China and delivers a very clear message: Get unique skills and see the world through Chinese eyes if you want to get a job and succeed in the Middle Kingdom.

Key learnings in 30 minutes:

• If you’re highly specialised in key technologies, you can make demands.
• In more traditional fields it’s becoming more difficult.
• Westerners in China need to see the world through Chinese eyes and history.
• In the past, the west has set the tone in business. That changed.
• Shenzhen beats Silicon Valley in many ways.
• Now is the time to copy from China while sticking to our values.

Follow Frank on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-sieren-0123056b/

Get access to the daily briefing of China Table:

https://table.media/china/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw0emHBhC1ARIsAL1QGNdMYW1Uzt8GziKlYw2jkApjMAP3KrdwmYAygRxQY6HjwYJmN4m82LEaApQpEALw_wcB

Get Frank Sieren's latest book "Shenzhen"

https://www.amazon.com/-/de/dp/B086VDNQC4/ref=sr_1_1?__mk_de_DE=ÅMÅŽÕÑ&dchild=1&keywords=frank+sieren&qid=1627049990&sr=8-1

Ian Mote is a Shanghai based finance professional with 25 years of experience in Europe, Middle East, and Greater China. In China he's been working and living for 17 years and has vast experience working in various companies ranging from large banks to corporations and startups. 

In this episode you'll get useful food for thought about these essential topics:

• Curiosity and open-mindedness 
• Working in China is not better or worse - it's different
• Opportunities in cross-border functions 
• Centralised business decision making in China
• Regional roles spanning all of Asia
• Handling compliance issues

This is an episode for China experts and Chinese language professionals. Gianni explains how you can start your China-related career in Europe, get transferred to China, and then transferred back to Europe.

Build a 10-year plan for your life, your family, and your career, and adjust your plan in the process.

Get financially independent by building multiple income streams. 

Embrace the clash of cultures and use it to raise your kids in a winning mindset. 

Think out of the box, welcome change, and define your own unique value as a "Flexpat". Use your job like a real-life MBA. 

About Gianni:

Work: hairobotics.com

Podcast: boysandbots.com

Douyin: 杰哥和雁姐

WeChat: Jiening-GG

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/giannigirolami/

Ana Juricevic was 27 years old when she moved to China with her fiancé to work as the Office Manager for a German textile company.

Ana is a Hangzhou-based flexpat coming from Croatia. She is also a community manager of Girl Gone International – a community that gathers women who travel.

In this episode, Ana talks about 

 - international career development for women

 - her experience in China; how and why she moved to Hangzhou

 - what kind of working opportunities women can find in China

 - leadership differences between Europe and China

 - how to combine career and family

 - how to lead a fulfilling life in China

 

Connect with Ana

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anajuricevic/ 

WeChat: anajuricevic

Instagram: @anajuricevic

Building the Life You Want in China:

Are you a flexpat looking to build a secure financial future while still enjoying your life abroad? In this episode, we talk with Dan, an experienced financial advisor specializing in expat financial planning. We explore key tactics for balancing current lifestyle choices with long-term savings goals, examine the ins and outs of investing while dealing with currency fluctuations, and discuss family considerations such as funding education and ensuring your loved ones are protected. Whether you’re new to China or have called it home for years, this conversation is packed with insights to help you create and maintain the life you want.

1 Stay flexible in your retirement planning

2 Effective Budgeting for your living cost

3 Enjoy living abroad, live in the now

4 Deal with different currencies and countries

5 Optimize tax and legal environment

6 Goal Setting and Retirement planning

7 Plan ahead to avoid tax

8 Biggest challenges to retirement planning

9 Why pay fees for an advisor?

10 Can you plan your own retirement fund?

11 How can you discipline yourself to plan for your future?

12 Follow Dan to learn more

Dan Couzens has been a UK registered financial advisor for over 10 years (after serving 22 years in the British Military) and currently works in China as an expat financial advisor helping clients align their financial plans with their life goals for over, specializing in cross-border tax issues, retirement planning, and strategic investments.

Podcast recommendations:

"Invest Like the Best" with Patrick O'Shaughnessy

"Macro Voices" with Eric Townsend

Contact: daniel.couzens@winsoncapital.com

Wechat: dan_couzens

Contact Dan to get:

1 Guide to Offshore Investing

2 Tax Considerations for US/UK/AU Expats

Noriko Takagi has conducted 5,000 interviews and placed 300 executives in East Asia. Her long work experience across three continents allowed her to neutrally work in international and multi-cultural environments and adapt to change quickly. In this episode she shares practical advice on how to properly prepare for job interviews in general and also provides hints on how you can differentiate from expats or local talent to get the job you want: with flexibility, speed and focus! This is what you'll learn: How to position yourself in China How to prepare for a flexpat job interview Nervousness & questions during interviews How to land the job and get hired Why Japanese companies let their expats study Chinese Advantages of hiring flexpats in international teams Connect with Noriko on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noriko-takagi-b679996/

Neste episódio, o Rafael irá trazer um panorama da atuação de empresas chinesas no Setor Elétrico brasileiro e dos investimentos que tem sido feitos (e oportunidades de intercâmbio Brasil-China que que eles trazem!). Ele também irá explicar um pouco sobre as ondas de investimentos chineses no Brasil, em qual fase estamos, quais empresas estão chegando no Brasil e quais conhecimentos os profissionais brasileiros precisam ter para se destacar e entrar neste mercado de trabalho. No âmbito estudantil, o convidado irá compartilhar sua experiência na renomada universidade de Pequim, os projetos que desenvolveu em parceria com grandes empresas de tecnologia e dicas para aplicação. 

Siga o Rafael no Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafaelrezendemacedo/

Bill Russo is the Shanghai-based Founder and CEO of Automobility Limited, a strategy and investment advisory firm helping its clients to create the future of mobility. His over 35 years of experience includes 16 years as an automotive executive, including 17 years of experience in China and Asia.  Bill is also currently serving as the Chair of the Automotive Committee at the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai. In this episode he explains what makes the Chinese EV industry special and how it affects the necessary skillsets of flexpats seeking work in it. 

Food for thought:

• In China, the electric vehicle is a platform for digital consumption
• Chinese EV prioritise user experience, not driving experience
• To work in Chinese EV companies, a whole new skillset is needed

This is what you'll learn in 20 minutes:

• Concerns of data-collecting cars by foreign brands
• How Chinese companies solve Chinese problems 
• Why Chinese EVs prioritise user experience, not driving experience
• Where do foreign professionals fit in?

Learn about a complete engineering and commercial flexpat career. What is important to plan your flexpat retirement in China? 1. Challenges of the Chinese healthcare system 2. Pick the right industry to work in 3. Qualify for your job, develop your skillset 4. Integrate in China 5. Prepare for Retirement 6. Enjoy Retirement, keep learning In 1986, Volker Müller travelled seven weeks from Hongkong all the way to Wulumuqi in Xinjiang, after that journey he decided that he wanted to support the country in its quest for development. One year later, he got a job as a research assistant at Chongqing University in the field of artificial vision. In the 1990s he convinced the CEO of a German start-up company to establish a representative office in Shanghai, with himself as Chief Representative. In 2000, he finally settled down in Beijing, and since then he is working in the medical devices industry. During these two and a half decades, he has worked a Chief Representative for a multinational company, built-up a manufacture for a German SME, worked as international Sales Director for a Chinese manufacturer and finally joint the EU Chamber of Commerce in China as industry desk manager. Last year, he retired from his job, but he is still willing to make contributions to China-European cooperation. In his spare time, he is translating Chinese literature into German and has now started to write his own books to share his experience with German-speaking readers. LinkedIn: 米福 Volker Müller Find Volker on Wechat: mifu_beijing Email: mi_fu@163.com Find Francis on Wechat: Flexpat2020 Please also tune in to episode 112 Plan your flexpat career 12 Personal Finance Advice 13 Personal Insurance Advice

Arslan is originally from Pakistan and has become an entrepreneur, developing the private sector between Pakistan and China. He has built several organisations that promote exchange and learning between the two countries and its peoples, both in business and culture. Arslan holds both a bachelor's and master's degree from North China Electric Power University in Beijing. In this episode he shares his advice on how to succeed in China, based on his extensive experience studying in China, working for numerous Chinese companies and even setting up his own businesses.

This is what you'll learn:

• China/Pakistan business relations 
• Channels and tricks to find a job
• Degree vs. hard work - What’s better?
• How to achieve financial freedom
• Why you won’t get around learning Chinese
• The importance of having a mentor

Connect with Arslan on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/arslan-raza-6a40897a/

Content:

1. Unique lifestlyle as young entrepreneur in Shanghai

2. What kind of people does Alex spend his time with?

3. How did he change his lifestyle since he first came to China? 

4. Did this have an impact on his client base?

5. How does he spend and invest his income?

6. How different is his life compared to before?

7. How does he gain the energy for his flexpat lifestyle?

8. How does Alex see his future in China?

9. Alex`s advices for the Flexpat community

          a. Try different things and change your perspective

          b. Build a community and get to know people

          c. Actively ask others for their experience and advice

Connect with Alex:

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

WeChat: alex4_97

Instagram: alex4_97

Website: www.exnerdigital.com

French Revenue Management Expert, Mikael Bouchet, has worked in China for the past 12 years. He is Senior Regional Commercial Leader in the Hospitality industry and having worked for some of the largest companies the hotel business, we discussed in this 17 min episode what does it mean to be a Flexpat leader in China and what soft skills you need to develop in order to become successful. 

This is what you'll learn:

• Differences of hospitality between China and Europe
• How to retain employees
• How to create a pipeline of great candidates
• How to make your Chinese team think internationally
• Principles of leading a team
• The added value of flexpats
• Needed qualifications, language and soft skills

Connect with Mikael on LinkedIn:

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

Listen to Barbara's rich experience of living in China for 17 years and what led her to start her business "White Space" in Shanghai.

Jonathan has been living in China for 12 years. As the General Manager of Abacare in China, an international insurance broker with more than 20 years of experience, he assists foreigners and flexpats settling and gearing up for their life in China.    

In this episode, you will learn about hospitals, how insurance works and the importance of getting covered - especially for flexpats in China.

If you have more questions, reach out to Jonathan on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-chapon-a5511a8/

Jeff O'Dea assists Japanese professionals working in global companies to cultivate a growth mindset and improve their English communication skills. His expertise includes facilitating communication between Japanese and non-Japanese team members, promoting teamwork, and enhancing overall communication effectiveness within teams.

Learn how to:

• help Japanese and non-Japanese communicate
• build teams that talk to each other
• impact the success of communication within your team

Take action to help your Japanese team:

• unlock their potential
• reduce hesitation
• add value

Learn from Jeff how to achieve the same result with your Chinese team!

Find Jeff O`Dea on LinkedIn, where he is very popular, he is a real influencer.

Please also tune in to episode

106: Teach your team English

102: Cross Culture Communication in Taipei

69: Lead Chinese teams, bridge culture

72: Work with Chinese suppliers

Irina is originally from Russia and has been living in China for the past 6 years. Beside her work, she is volunteering at BeHive Shanghai, where she meets countless international students, young professionals and hiring companies. In this episode she shares clear and detailed advice on how to effectively apply for jobs nowadays in China. Especially for all students who did not graduate from a top university of the world, this episode contains advice on how to stand out and pave the way for your early career.

This is what you'll learn in 20 minutes:

• The best ways to apply for jobs as student or young professional
• Job hunt on career fairs in China
• How to use networking events effectively 
• What companies post jobs in WeChat groups
• Requirement: Top university degree or your own projects?
• Chinese or English?
• The best first step for international students!

Connect with Irina on LinkedIn:

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

Leonardo is originally from Italy and has worked in the UK and China for many years, mostly in international sales, across several industries. In this episode he shares his personal experience of working in a Chinese work environment and what challenges and perks you can expect when coming to the Middle Kingdom. As the host of the International Business Podcast, he has developed a clear sense of what international business people need to learn before taking off to new adventures abroad.

This is what you'll learn in 20 minutes:

• What it’s like working for a Chinese boss
• Working with Chinese colleagues
• Essential skills you need to work in sales
• Why you should learn Chinese early in your career
• Is a career in China still worth it?

Listen to Leo's podcast here:

 https://internationalbusiness.buzzsprout.com

Connect with Leo on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardo-marra26/

Learn from professional interpreter, Sofia Xavier:

• What level is enough to work in China?
• How to study Chinese efficiently?
• How to keep going when you lack motivation?
• Surviving without Chinese vs. living with language skills?

Connect with Sofia on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofia-xavier-56349b1ab/

Hermann Simon is the Founder and Honorary Chairman of Simon-Kucher & Partners. He is an expert in strategy, marketing and pricing. He is the only German in the “Thinkers50 Hall of Fame” of the most important management thinkers in the world. In German-speaking countries he has been continuously voted the most influential living management thinker since 2005. 

In China, the “Hermann Simon Business School” is named after him as he has shaped the Chinese fascination of the concept of Hidden Champions like no-one else. In this 20 minute special episode he shares his view on the future of Chinese Hidden Champions, flexpats' opportunities in them and a broader view on globalisation of organisations and their workforce.

This what you'll learn:

• How to transfer your corporate culture to global branch offices
• Working with China today vs. 20 years ago
• Comparing Europe, the US and China from an expat’s view
• What are Chinese hidden champions?
• How a Chinese business school got named after Hermann Simon
• Why Chinese companies will also need foreigners in top management

Get access to his books and more information on his work:

https://hermannsimon.com

Ruddy is originally from Belgium and has 25 years of experience as a Business Leader, -Psychologist and Entrepreneur in Talent, Leadership & Organisation Development, including 15 years in China. In this 15 minute episode he explains what modern managers, who are dealing with China, need to do in order to not only survive but also thrive in post-pandemic China.

This is what you'll learn:

• The 10 best jobs to do in China
• Which of the top 10 jobs will stay?
• What challenges will arise after 2021?
• Why post-pandemic management is more about people
• How to adapt to the lifestyle of post-pandemic China
• How to make yourself more flexible!?

Connect with Ruddy on LinkedIn:

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

Michael Babilon-Teubenbacher has been working in the context of China for 10 years and has vast experience in driving transformation and change as well as developing leaders and organizations in an international context, specifically at the interface between China and Germany. 

Having arrived in China in 2011 for a 3-month consulting project, China has not let go of him. After successfully developing one project into an automotive account, he drove the setup of a local legal entity and finally returned to China as CEO in 2017. Since then he has been driving the localization of the consultant team and together with this team successfully diversified the client base across the automotive industry and beyond into automotive supply, lighting, automation and more. 

 This is what you'll learn: 

 1. Why China continues to stay attractive 

 2. How to grow a team in China

 3. Consulting industry in China – amongst multinational as well as local companies

 4. Motivating and retaining a diverse team of consultants

 5. How to develop business in China, specifically in the consulting industry

 6. Why focus needs to be on specific competencies, not on nationalities

 7. Which opportunities do exist for Flexpats

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-teubenbacher/

Judith is originally from the Netherlands and has been living in China for 5 years. Since the beginning she has been working as a talk show host at Radio Beijing which made her an expert in the fast growing sector of English language media and entertainment. In this episode she shares her advice on how to land a job in the media field and how to stand out of the crowd. As traditional ways of job searching will most likely not get you the desired results, Judith explains what to do and what it takes to succeed in English language media and entertainment in China.

What you'll learn:

• What it's like working in a Chinese media company
• What kind of skills and personality it takes to succeed
• How to find opportunities and get the job
• The mindset to thrive in an ever-changing environment

Connect with Judith on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/judith-teunissen-069b4212/

Check Judith's show on WeChat!

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/9_6SGHAZdsZavGoK8anFlA

In Chinese tier one cities there are millions of people who want to make it big - and so can you. In the next 40 minutes you will learn what it takes to be successful as an international expat manager in China. Gabor Holch has been living in China for 18 years, built his own company and advises multinational companies in intercultural leadership and management. In this episode he explains how you can play your cards right to find opportunities in China and prepare for this great new adventure of being an international manager in this very new environment.

Key take-aways:

- The essential skill sets for expat managers in China

- What multinationals look for in international managers

- Differences in the scope of responsibilities

- Solutions to kick start your China career

- Starting with nothing in China

Connect with Gabor on LinkedIn:

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

Read Gabor's Blog:

https://www.holch.biz

Many companies are concerned about China and supply chains are shifting, Johan reflects on China`s role in the supply chain of the future and our role as flexpats in East Asia.

East Asia will grow as a region, and the changes create more opportunities for flexpats. Flexpats add value with specific industry knowledge, together with the managerial and cultural understanding needed to manage complex supply chains evolving in an uncertain future.

Learn from Johan how to position yourself for creating value and contribute to global industries manufacturing the goods the world needs for future global prosperity.

About Johan:

WeChat: 18500486766

LinkedIn: Johan Annell

About Francis:

WeChat: Flexpat2020

Linkedin: Francis Kremer

Originally from Spain, Marina has studied mandarin in Beijing and later graduated from Nankai University in Tianjin with a master's degree in Chinese economics and politics. Marina’s fluency in Mandarin and love for China has helped her career soar, opening the door to a whole new world in tech. Now she is the Head of Business Development for Yodo1, a renowned company within the gaming industry which operates 100% online.

In this episode Marina explains in detail why you should consider working in the gaming industry. She will give unique insights, like actual salaries, nailing a job interview, work conditions and potential for your personal development in this thriving industry that is setting new standards in the way we live and work. Is this the future of work?

This is what you'll learn in 50 minutes:

• 4 must have skills when entering any new industry
• Salary and working conditions in gaming
• Top reasons to work in the gaming industry
• How gaming changes traditional industries
• Perks & challenges of working 100% remotely
• How to be convincing during an interview
• How to apply at Yodo1 now + vacant positions
• How to grow and get promoted at Yodo1
  

Connect with Marina on LinkedIn:

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

How can Chinese kids develop themselves as global citizens? Learn from Luc who has been thinking about this challenge for the past 24 years.

• How did bilingual education start in China?
• What is the role of flexpats?
• Parent`s evolving expectations
• How to work with Chinese school principals?
• How to enjoy your own international career?

Find Luc on Wechat: lucpauwels

Find Francis on Wechat: Flexpat2020

____

Please also tune in to episodes:

134 education ecosystem in China

57 Teacher job market

106 Teach your team English

116, 123, 131 Professor in China

Daniel Albrecht is an experienced attorney at law and runs an IP agency in Beijing.

In this episode he points out the real challenges of working in China and gives practical advice for newcomers.

Topics covered in 15 minutes:

• How does the job market for attorneys look like in China?
• What are the biggest challenges and opportunities?
• What's the best part of working in China?
• Differences between international and Chinese law firms.
• Required skills to succeed in the law field in China.

Reach out to Daniel on LinkedIn:

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

Thomas Neubert is leading a local Chinese sales team at Grob Machine Tools China. They are selling world class, high tech 5-axis machine tools as well as manufacturing and assembly systems, mostly for the automotive and aerospace industry. Combining the cultural advantages of German and Chinese culture in the sales team is a key challenge in his daily work. In this episodes, Thomas shares his unique insights in his work and life in a Chinese 2nd tier city, Dalian. Additionally he will give advice on how to enter the fast growing Machine tool industry and how to become an expat for a foreign company.

Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-neubert-b26b2933/

This episode shows us the key points for every flexpat to build up confidence and resilience that guide you through your career no matter if you are a technical or a salesperson. Pierre explains methods of how to deeply engage with China, and how to adapt and be seen in this highly competitive market. Furthermore, we will hear what aggressive confidence and resilience mean to him and where they brought him now since arriving in China in 2011.

Highlights:

• Use aggressive confidence and approach / ask even 20 times from different angles
• Spend time on research to be able to shoot with accuracy
• Ask How instead of W-questions to involve in a solution-oriented style
• Educate your message from a cultural perspective
• Immerse yourself 100% in the Chinese world

Follow and connect with Pierre on Social Media o:

WeChat: Pierre_Mo_Lin_Morin

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierre-m-17420017/

Website: https://www.silicycle.com

Find Verena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verenalupprian/

Build a successful horse riding business in Shanghai. Learn what it takes to transform your passion into a profitable business. Highlights 1. Sigrid provides her highlights of choosing and maintaining a business partner     * Find someone you can trust     * Both your skills and knowledge need to be complementary     * Assign tasks to each others respective abilities 2. Top three advices to have a successful business     * Plan thoroughly before starting a business     * Build up a good network     * Invest in good marketing 3. Her key messages for success     * Have a flexible mindset     * Act fast and agile     * Do not lose your focus     * Find the courage to do it Follow and connect with Sigrid on Social Media: XiaoHongShu ID：9452320746 Wechat: sigridwinkler Find Verena on LinkedIn: Verena Lupprian Please also tune in to episodes for entrepreneurs 133 Start your own flexpat business 132 Jump into Entrepreneurship 85 Start your own service business 64 Build a global business in China

Relocating your family involves many decisions, they have to be prepared. 1. Which problems arise when relocating? 2. Prepare and Prevent 3. Start early to engage with your future environment 4. Deal with child behaviour issues 5. Prepare to leave your location 6. Ask for help, accept help Jovana has been living abroad since she was 18, relocating first for her studies and then for work opportunities. She completed her masters in research psychology, followed by a training and exams for a clinical psychologist licence. She is trained in rational emotional & cognitive behavioural therapy and believes in lifelong learning. Jovana has been living in China for two years and is now preparing for a new adventure. Connect with Jovana: WeChat: jovanab282 LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/jovanababic282 Please also tune in to episode 127 Expat Spouse 49 Expat Spouse finding work in China 10, 111 Prepare your expat assignment 82 Career opportunities for women in China

Flexpat Job Market summary

- Current (and future) developments of Foreign Talent in China

- Changes to expectation of foreign executive profiles

- Strategic approach to Flexpat Job Search

- Flexpats: Why Are They So Valuable to Companies

- GM Salaries in China: How Have They Evolved Over the Last Decade

- Plan B if you cannot find a job in China

- What is the risk of continued localization?

Miriam leads Direct HR, one of China’s largest German-speaking recruitment firms. With years of experience supporting Western companies as they establish and grow in China, she is now expanding her focus to guide these companies in their APAC expansion strategies.

A frequent keynote speaker and dedicated China-watcher, Miriam shares regular insights on LinkedIn. Follow her for updates: Miriam Wickertsheim.

Please also tune in to episode

88 Flexpat career planning

127 Expats leave China

144 Flexpats add value to Chinese teams

142 Build your own Flexpat business in China

151 Relocate to Vietnam

150 Relocation

119 Returning home after 10 years

80 Flexpat career planning

155 Greencard for flexpats

153 Leadership advice

136 China-Europe cooperation

Neste episódio vamos falar da área do Direito. Como um advogado brasileiro com experiências estudantis e profissionais em escritórios na China, Wallace vai nos contar sobre as similaridades e diferenças do Direito no Brasil e na China, as diferenças culturais, o que esperar de um trabalho em um escritório chinês e como um profissional do Direito brasileiro pode atuar na China. Sim, é possível! Além disso, ele vai nos falar sobre seu curso de Direito Chinês na universidade mais prestigiada do país, a Tsinghua, e dos encontros da Comissão das Relações Brasil-China no qual ele é vice-presidente. 

Siga o Wallace no Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wallace-wu-%E9%9B%B7%E4%BC%9F%E9%9C%86-99b164109/

Flexpat leadership lessons by an experienced entrepreneur and international leadership advisor

- Build a company in China as a flexpat

- Be prepared for the long game, dont give up

- Create a strong company culture and clear differentiation

- Ask your Chinese team for help, keep learning

- Find your role as a flexpat, explain a complex situation to those who dont understand it

- If you leave China, stay in touch

Xavier Naville is the author of "The Lettuce Diaries", a business memoir about his years in China’s food industry. He came to China in 1998 and eventually started and grew his own company to what is now an organization with 9 factories serving 6,500 restaurants a day and $150m in revenue.

More about "The Lettuce Diaries": https://www.xavier-naville.com/the-lettuce-diaries

As a CEO & Leadership Teams coach, Xavier helps small and mid-size business leaders to scale their organizations faster with measurable results.

https://www.vision-consultants.org/

Find Xavier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xaviernaville/

Please also tune in to episode

127 Expats leave China

119 Returning home after 10 years

136 China-focused future

142, 133, 132, 85 Entrepreneurship

39, 122, 135 China Marketing for Brand success in China

138 European values

139 Coach your team

Learn about climate change and China's effort to stop it. 1. What is ESG and why is it important 2. How has China developed since the last 20 years and where does it stand now in terms of environmental protection 3. Which challenges do companies face to understand and act upon environmental regulations 4. What does the 5 years plan indicate to do in order for China to thrive 5. What can flexpats do who are deeper involved into that topic in order to be best prepared 6. How to setup good relations with government officials and get the right support 7. Would a good environmental protection also help a company's marketing 8. What about water pollution and waste management 9. Where will China stand in 10 years with environmental protection 10. Johnny also published a White Paper on the Internet of Sustainability Data that explores ESG and carbon standards: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7155491808465059840 Johnny, an environmental expert and consultant, was 20 years in China seeing the country going through all phases from an environmental protection newbie to a real decarbonization pioneer. Until now he is consulting Chinese and international firms in China and the western world to understand respective policies and react accordingly. There is something for everyone to learn in this episode, knowing that Johnny only shared like 5% of what he is capable of. Reach out if you want to learn more. Email: johnny.browaeys@csimodel.eu LinkedIn: Johnny Browaeys Find Verena on LinkedIn: Verena Lupprian Please also tune in to episode 64 Solar energy entrepreneur 133 EV entrepreneur

Jim Nelson has been active in China since 1991.  In his past activities he led an electronics factory, an investment management company and has started a microfinance loan operation. Today, his company, SHI Group China recruits trustworthy talent for western companies active in China. His goal is to find the best candidates with character, skills and leadership ability.

In this episode he shares his vast experience gained through nearly 30 years in China.

This is what you'll learn:

• The 1,000 year old Chinese advice about hiring that is still valid today
• What is character recruiting?
• The importance of background checks
• The one profession that will make you last in China
• How to nail a job interview 

Connect with Jim on LinkedIn:

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

1) Flexpat Career Development from coming to China to leaving China

2) Deep dive into changing the perception of employing people with disabilities

3) Success factors for developing your flexpat career

Last: The Inclusion Factory is hiring flexpats. Please reach out to Nadav.

Learn more about the Inclusion Factory: www.inclusion-factory.com

Connect with Nadav on WeChat: NadavBS

Or per email: nadav.bensimon@inclusion-factory.com

Find Nadav on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadav-ben-simon-960409137/

Learn about Chinese digital ecosystems and brands from Ashley Dudarenok, a “guru on digital marketing and fast-evolving trends in China” as hailed by Thinkers50. We dive into topics such as China’s digitalisation, naturalising as a Chinese national, domestic and global brand competition in the country, working for Chinese brands abroad, and more. · About the Chinese digital ecosystem · How to apply such a digital ecosystem in other markets · How to enter and compete in China as international brands · How Flexpats can add value for international brands · How Chinese professionals can learn to have a broader strategic horizon beyond just China · How Chinese brands are going global · How Flexpats can work with Chinese brands abroad Ashley and her team are hosting a China DIGITAL+ SUMMIT in Shanghai on 18th October 2023. The summit is centered around these 3 themes: customer centricity, emerging technologies, and the future of retail. It’s a must-attend event for all marketing, retail, and tech leaders focused on China. The summit will feature 20+ speakers delivering actionable insights on digital China and accommodate 300+ industry professionals from KOLs, prominent brands, tech companies, agencies and more. Join Ashley and LOTS of China Flexpats on18th October in Shanghai. Grab your tickets here https://chinadigitalsummit.com. Ashley Dudarenok is a serial entrepreneur, award-winning digital marketing professional and author. She is the founder China digital consultancy ChoZan 超赞 and a digital marketing agency Alarice. She is also an author of 10 bestselling books on Digital China. She has both a deep theoretical knowledge of China’s digital landscape development and is immersed daily in the market, observing and applying what works for business. More about Ashley and here work at www.ashleydudarenok.com Follow Ashley on LinkedIn for a daily dose of China digital insights https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleydudarenok/ Check out her videos on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/ashleydudarenok ____ Related episodes: 135 China Marketing for Brand success in China 122 Social Media Branding 113 Young China - Chinese companies going global 103 German Beer Branding Contact Francis (Wechat: Flexpat2020) if you want to join our Flexpat wechat community

Learn how to find jobs and make money with your Chinese skills outside China.  

European companies need to win new customers in China. Professional videos package experience and understanding. And if they’re localized, even better. 

Stew explains in detail how you can build your own business, find your target customers and create value with your Chinese skills. 

Find Stew`s cool Mandarin-speaking videos on youtube: https://youtube.com/@stewwilson1212

(Search for "Stew Wilson")

About Stew: 

Website: creativelaowai.com 

WeChat: stewwilson

LinkedIn: Stew Wilson 

Francis and Sofia recently published a book about learning Chinese. You can listen to our discussion about our learning process in episode 75. After we recorded this episode last year, we decided to write a book together, and the result is fantastic!

Before you learn Chinese, you need to learn how to learn Chinese. This book provides an insightful and practical guide on how to learn Chinese, deconstructing and replacing commonplaces about the Chinese language that are generally flawed and outdated.

Contrary to popular belief, mastering Chinese doesn’t have to be a slow, hard process. Through the thought-provoking lens of Coaching, Chinese On Your Terms gives you access to the big picture of learning Chinese. It brings together a comprehensive series of reflections and relatable stories on the art of learning Chinese, giving you the confidence to learn Chinese On Your Own Terms!

Find the book on Amazon, just search for "Chinese on Your Terms". If you are based in China and would like to get the printed version, just reach out to Francis.

WeChat: Flexpat2020

Linkedin: Francis Kremer

This episode shows us how you can grow into an expert with a successful business from a rather generic background and stay adaptable to upcoming changes in China.

Learn about the coffee industry in China, upcoming trends, and how to build up a network to boost your business. Find out how businesses nowadays draw more customers into their shops.

What are the key skills to be successful in China and how you can prepare for all kinds of challenges?

Find Felipe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felipecabrera/

Find Felipe on RED: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/user/profile/5c669075000000001001e7b9

Chloe Goncalves, originally from France, is a digital marketing & e-commerce expert, currently working as Asia E-commerce Manager at L’Oréal. Before joining L’Oréal, Chloe worked for 4 years in Alibaba’s Hangzhou headquarters which she entered through Alibaba's Global Leadership Academy, for which she was selected among 3,000 applicants. In this episode she shares her advice on how other young professionals can land great jobs at Alibaba or similar companies and what you can expect to experience there.

This is what you'll learn in 30 minutes:

• How to get admitted to the Alibaba Global Leadership Academy
• The unique working conditions at Alibaba
• Meeting Jack Ma
• How to land a job at Alibaba nowadays
• Job opportunities in ecosystems around tech-giants
• Key learnings while working in China

Connect with Chloe on LinkedIn:

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

Prof. Dr. Stefan Waller has been working in China for 6 years now. Within a Sino-German cooperation program at a Chinese university, he represents the German concept of a university of applied sciences. The German, as well as the Chinese education system, has its merits and shortcomings, and the approach of international academic cooperation allows students and teachers from China and Germany to experience both.

- What is working at a Chinese university like?

- How to find a job at a Chinese university?

- What are the formal requirements to work at a Chinese university?

- What are Chinese university students like?

- How can you integrate into China?

Find Stefan Waller on LinkedIn

Wechat: herrwaller

Please also tune in to episode 116 where Jeff Towson explains how to teach Chinese MBA students

Learn Chinese? Check episode 114 where Sofia and Francis introduce their approach and the content of the book "Learn Chinese on your own terms".

Please support us with a 5* review in your podcast app! Tell your friends about us.

Learn about what has changed for flexpats in the past 5 years

Why are flexpats still searched for?

Which skills are required for a flexpat career?

What does it take to build a flexpat career from scratch?

How to prepare for a flexpat career?

How can flexpats differentiate on the job market?

How can you find a flexpat job while based outside of China?

Every flexpat should read Dragon Suit, Gabor`s recent book.

List of all online stores: http://www.dragonsuit.info/

Amazon: https://amzn.to/41WjhWe

Please also tune in to episodes

136 "Dragon Suit" discussion with Gabor Holch

20 Leadership advice with Gabor Holch

129 Expats leave China

Gábor Holch spent twenty years advising, coaching and training multinational executives in China, Asia and Europe. Trained in languages, philosophy and diplomacy, he briefly worked for intergovernmental development organisations before moving to China in 2002. Since then, he became a Mandarin-language Certified Management Consultant, founded his Shanghai-based consultancy and helped thousands of managers at firms including ASML, Bayer, BMW, Nissan, Nokia, Patek Philippe, PepsiCo, Peugeot-Citroën, Porsche, Roland Berger and Walt Disney. He has authored four books and delivers keynote speeches on the challenges and successes of expatriate executives, culture in the future of work and global leadership.

Find Gabor Holch on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaborholch/

His services & articles at www.eastwestleadership.com

Miro Li is a native Chinese and has been living in Hong Kong for a decade, now living in Shenzhen. In 2017, Miro founded Double V., a consulting company helping overseas brands enter the China market. In 2019, Miro founded CHINAble Academy, a training and resources sharing platform for foreign industry leaders to offer courses and workshops about China business, Internet, e-commerce and marketing. In this episode, Miro shares her native Chinese perspective on foreign brands trying to enter the Chinese market a well as foreigners trying to work in China.

This is what you'll learn:

• Misconceptions foreign brands have when entering China
• Where flexpats can add the most value
• Why China’s generation Z is the key for your branding
• Why China is not one whole market
• Foreigner vs. Returned Oversea Chinese 
• How to immerse yourself in Chinese culture

Connect with Miro on LinkedIn:

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

Learn how to be a Cross-Border Banker at a Big4 Chinese Bank:

 • How does an MBA in China help you? 

 • How to fit into a Chinese government entity/ bank as a flexpat : 

 • What are the challenges to work for Chinese or Italian organizations?

 • How do Chinese teams relate to an international working and leadership style?

 • How can you differentiate from Chinese bankers?

 • What kind of flexpats are searched for in China today?

 • How can you build trust with both Chinese and Italian customers? 

 • How can you prepare for a job in your home country?  

Matteo Giovannini

Matteo is a China-based finance professional with 15 years of work experience in FP&A and project financing in private and state-owned enterprises. 

Since 2015 he has been serving as a Senior Finance Manager at one of China’s Big 4 State-Owned Banks. Prior to that, he spent 7 years in Italy as a Financial Controller working at one of Europe’s largest communication groups and covering business operations in EMEA and LATAM.

He currently serves as an International Committee Member of the Alumni UCSC Far East, as an Advisory Committee Member of the Beijing Global Talent Exchange Association, and as MBA Program Alumni Ambassador at Peking University.

In 2019 he was awarded a Distinguished Foreign Expert by the State Administration of Foreign Experts (SAFEA).

He has been living in China for a decade and he is a frequent contributor to major Chinese media outlets covering economy, finance, and global affairs.

He holds an MBA from the National School of Development (NSD) at Peking University, an M.Sc. in Multimedia Management from IULM University of Milan, and a B.A. in Economics from the Catholic University of Milan (UCSC). 

He is a citizen of Italy and a Permanent Resident of China (Greencard).

We recommend the following episodes to get more input on Cross-Border Sales, banking, and working for Chinese companies:

116 Cross-Border Sales Director

115 Cross-Border Investment Advisor

69 Investment Banking

113 Young China

99 Work for Chinese companies abroad

46 Lead Chinese teams

This episode shows us the key points for every flexpat to fulfill their dreams in China.

Heidi Dugan, a China TV star and business professional explains the necessary skills, strategies, and behaviors that every flexpat needs to distinguish themselves and make an impact.

Listen to what Heidi has to tell about almost three decades in China and what kept her motivated.

Follow Heidi on Social Media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-dugan/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/heidi_dugan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heidi.dugan.chn/

Website: https://www.heididugan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeidiDugan

Learn from a real Marketing expert with 25 years experience in and with Japan and China.

• Current B2C marketing environment in China

• Market entry for international brands

• Market barriers for international brands

• About Chinese upcoming brands

• Chinese brands going international

• Job opportunities for flexpats both in China and in other countries

• Lifestyle advice for flexpats

Mike Golden is the founder and CEO of a marketing communications agency in Shanghai, with over 20 years of experience in China. He has also spent time in Japan and Thailand. He works with multinational brands to succeed in China through the methodology of “radically relevant China marketing.” He graduated from Cornell University and holds an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley. In his spare time, he plays a variety of musical instruments, and hangs out with his family, pet corgi, and cat.

Mike Golden / mgolden@brandigo.com

www.brandigochina.com

____

Please also tune in to episodes

122 Social Media Branding

123 Branding professor at a university

103 German Beer Branding

98 Coffee Branding

39, 84 Market entry, branding for international brands

Contact Francis (Wechat: Flexpat2020) if you want to join our Flexpat Wechat community.

Alex FaBB has been living in China since 2015 and is producing Youtube content for his Italian target audience. His channel has reached more than 80,000 subscribers by now. In this episode he shares his insights and advice on creating social media content in China and explains what it takes to become a YouTuber in China, what the social media landscape looks like and how you can find your own niche.

This interview was conducted by our new team member Sofia Xavier.

Check out his Youtube Channel here:

https://www.youtube.com/c/AlexFaBB

German student, Marco Sauer, shares his first-hand experience of studying in China and how he found a suitable internship. Some of his insights will be surprising to many of our listeners who are planning to move to China, listen carefully! Questions answered in this interview: Why should you do an internship in China? How to find the perfect internship in China? How do Chinese professionals treat you as an intern? Do you need Chinese language to do an internship in China? Can you make local friends while studying in Shanghai? If you want to reach out to Marco, please connect with him here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-sauer-24393b163/ On WeChat you can find him under the ID: MarcoSauer008

Lina shares with us lessons learned on a long flexpat entrepreneurship journey in China.

Since 2010, she has consulted 100+ projects with 1000+ B2B meetings accross a dozen industries as well as 200+ individual clients, all looking to enter or expand their business in China. Lina is a real influencer, she also runs her own "China Business Cast" in which she shares many more stories of entrepeneurs in China. Find it on your podcast app and learn more!

Find Lina on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/linabartuseviciute/

Her email lb@litaogroup.com and company page https://litaogroup.com

 

Tune into Lina`s "China Business Cast" here, with lots of stories of entrepreneurs in China

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/china-business-cast/id677220250

https://open.spotify.com/show/3GXgj33XXEMNs6vqIJ5mtS

Content:

1. How did Lina come to China and how did she get into international business?

2. What is special about the European Food & Beverage culture and how can it be introduced in China? 

3. What is the key to achieve long-term success with an F&B brand in China market?

4. Why do the Chinese consumers buy European F&B products? 

5. How can a flexpat entrepreneur create value to customers?

6. What are the main challenges as an entrepreneur?

7. How can flexpats learn to be an entrepreneur?

8. What is Lina`s career advice to flexpats doing business in China?

9. What can international brands learn from Chinese brands?

10. How was the F&B market affected by the pandemic?

11. How do Lina`s customers learn from her? How can you learn best?

Description in Portuguese:

Vocês pediram e aqui está a primeira entrevista em português Europeu! Neste episódio, falaremos sobre futebol na China, tendências de desenvolvimento e os desafios deste setor, oportunidades para estrangeiros, diferenças na cultura de trabalho na China e muito mais!

• Como é o setor do futebol na China?
• Quais são as tendências de desenvolvimento da indústria do desporto e, em particular, do futebol na China?
• Que oportunidades existem neste setor para estrangeiros?
• Quais são os maiores desafios do setor?
• Que conselhos darias a um estrangeiro que queira trabalhar neste setor na China? É viável seguir carreira profissional neste setor na China?
• Que plataformas permitem aceder a oportunidades de trabalho neste setor para a China?
• Quais as especificidades da cultura de trabalho na China e, em especial, no setor do desporto e futebol? O que é diferente de Portugal?
• O que torna a China um país atrativo a nível profissional?
• É preciso chinês para vive e trabalhar na China?
• O quão importante é a integração cultural?

É sabido que a China é um país recheado de oportunidades para estrangeiros e que a indústria de futebol na China tem assistido a um franco desenvolvimento nos últimos anos. Está na hora de perguntar ao treinador de futebol Rui Vitorino, a viver há sete anos na China, como está o panorama desta indústria na China, quais os desafios e quais as soft skills que um profissional estrangeiro tem de ter para conseguir trabalhar na China.

Learn how to be a Cross-Boarder Thought Leader

- What is the challenge of a management consultant, investment banker, thought leader, and professor?

- What is the difference between China and other geographies?

- How do you lead Chinese teams?

- How can you build a personal brand as a thought leader?

- How do you develop a personal "moat", an advantage to differentiate on the market?

- How can you differentiate from local professionals?

- How should you build your international career to be happy and successful?

Jeff is a leading expert on the digital strategies of the best US, China, and Asia companies. He does:

Consulting and advisory.

Executive programs on digital transformation.

Keynotes at conferences and company events.

Called the “Michael Porter of digital”, Jeff is one of the most followed analysts in Asia (+3.1M followers on LinkedIn). He was also the #1 LinkedIn Top Voice for Finance globally (2017) and a Top Voice for China (2016, 2017, 2018). He is frequently cited as a global influencer by companies such as Huawei and Alibaba. He has been seen on Bloomberg, CGTN, CBS News, ABC, and other programs.

He is the host of the Tech Strategy podcast and is a CEIBS / Sasin business professor and best-selling author.

Jeff was previously the Head of Direct Investments for the Middle East North Africa and Asia Pacific for Prince Alwaleed, nicknamed by Time magazine the “Arabian Warren Buffett”.

His latest books are Moats and Marathons, the One Hour China Book, and the One Hour China Consumer Book.

Jeff received an MBA from Columbia Business School, an MD from the Stanford University School of Medicine, a BA in Physics from Pomona College and a Fulbright Scholarship in Biophysics from the Karolinska Institute for Biomedical Science in Stockholm, Sweden.

www.jefftowson.com

Follow the wisdom of the Flexpat-crowd:

Check out the following episodes to get more input on working in consulting:

102 Bridge Language and Culture gaps

85 Service Entrepreneur

100 Get your first Management job

62 Business Development for Consulting Services

7 How to be a CFO

65 Management Consulting

39 Differentiate from Chinese

14 Start your career in Consulting

87 Personal Branding

Contact Francis on Wechat: Flexpat2020

Arnaud is originally from France and has been working in China for 5 years. He started his career in Chinese social media marketing very early and has experienced both the social aspects of working in Chinese teams but also the professional aspect of designing localised marketing campaigns across many popular social media platforms. In this episode he shares his insights on how foreigners can succeed in this tricky market with the right skills and attitude: Creativity, Critical Thinking & Hard Work.

This is what you'll learn:

• How to learn social media marketing
• Must know trends in Chinese social media
• Beside the obvious WeChat - what else is important?
• Working in Chinese teams: How to behave?
• Designing marketing campaigns across cultures
• Necessary skills to compete with local talent

Connect with Arnaud on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnaud-frattini-china-marketing-socialmedia/

The experienced HR Manager in Suzhou, Anna Miller, shares practical advice for people who seek work opportunities in China. Topics covered in 20 minutes: What motivates people to move to China Necessary preparations before departure Starting the job hunt A closer look at opportunities for women Connect with the guest Anna Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annacharlottemiller/ Check out Anna's coaching website for women abroad https://www.grow-glow.com/read-and-grow/thinking-about-living-and-working-in-china-here-comes-my-advice

HongHong Xu, originally from Beijing, has moved to Germany 30 years ago with hardly any money in her pocket, studied hard and got to work at the world’s largest chemical company, BASF. She learned to work between two cultures and through her traditional approach "hard work and humility", she got promoted and assigned to work in Hong Kong for 5 years. After 24 years in the corporate world she has started her own company Peking Bridge, which helps European and Chinese companies overcome their intercultural obstacles. In this 30 minute episode, HongHong shares a wide range of crucial flexpat advice:

This is what you’ll learn:

• Working between European and Chinese cultures
• Expat assignments & Family decisions
• Busting traditional ideas "I am the expat, not my husband!"
• Succeeding back home after being an expat abroad
• One tool to make Chinese teams collaborate better internationally
• Transition from corporate work to entrepreneurship or professorship
• How European students learn about China in business school

Connect with HongHong on LinkedIn:

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

In a nutshell, C.J. helps companies achieve better competitiveness and resilience through improving their people's performance. In this 34 minute episode you will especially learn about B2B sales in China. We uncover wrong assumptions and give practical advice on how to build and develop your sales team and how to deal with Chinese customers and local competition. Enjoy!

Connect with C.J. on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cydj001/

Get the FREE kindle book here: "Winning the B2B Sale in China"

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JPG9G3G

Marco has always been fascinated by both strategy consulting and the economic growth in Asia. He says, in consulting you can learn a lot about various industries and business in general in just a few years, especially in Asia. 

After studying in Germany and getting his first Asia experience during an exchange semester in Hong Kong, he decided to go to China, to learn the language and to do an internship - in consulting, of course. 

In this episode Marco shares a wide range of practical advice on how you can find a good consulting job in China and what it takes to succeed.

Connect with Marco on LinkedIn:

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

Sascha Rensen is originally from Germany and has started his career in China as a teacher at a university in Nanchang. After some time in the country he has successfully transitioned into a business developer for a Chinese construction company and is now based in Wuxi. In this episode he explains what it means to be a foreign sales guy or business developer in China and how that helps the organisation you work for. This is what you'll learn: Working with Chinese colleagues Identifying your strengths and using them Properly dealing with compliance issues Networking and relationship building How he interviews and hires Chinese and foreigners  Connect with Sascha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sascha-rensen-b30261170/

The German national, Tobias Lamm, has been living in China for 4 years, working in production and quality management at a large manufacturer of textile machinery. His daily tasks include enhancing production efficiency as well as quality figures by leading the local teams. Being the interface to the German headquarters, cross-functional project management and intercultural sensitivity play an important role to succeed in this challenging position. Learn valuable lessons from Tobias in 15 minutes.

Connect with Tobias on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobias-l-9baba754/

Start your academic career in China. Learn from a real expert of both international and Chinese academic ecosystems.

1. Study/get your PhD in China

2. Find academic jobs

3. Compare international vs. Chinese university system

4. Start and scale your own company

5. Work in Chinese vs. English

6. Find your own flexpat career path

Pippa fell in love with China on her first visit in her early twenties, and decided to build her career in academia here. Over the past 10 years in China, she has gotten a PhD from Fudan University, one of China's top schools, taught Chinese and international students in Sino-US joint venture universities, and most recently started Discovery Hub, a higher education consultancy with a mission to bridge between the Chinese and Western academic worlds.

Connect with Pippa:

WeChat: Pippa9

Discovery Hub WeChat Official Account: 探索枢纽 Discovery Hub

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pippa-morgan-9630/

Discovery Hub's LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/discovery-hub-education/

Learn to be a coach to your international and Chinese team. Coach Terry shares the shortcut to years of learning and practice in situational leadership.

• What are current challenges for flexpats and Chinese professionals?
• What exactly is coaching and training?
• How does it add value to individuals, teams, leaders and companies?
• How to define a scope for a coaching project
• How to provide coaching and training to your team
• How to differentiate as a Flexpat coach
• How to always keep learning and growing
• How to start your personal development journey

Follow Terry's content on Wechat:

Wechat Official Account: growthhublife

Wechat Channel: UPSKILL提升重塑

Terry is an accomplished Executive Coach, Trainer, and Facilitator with over 20 years of experience in Greater China.

Passionate about education and storytelling, Terry is the founder of Upskill Consulting and the content director for the motivational WeChat community GrowthHubLife. He shares insightful content on mindset, coaching, motivation, leadership, and soft skills, reaching a wide audience.

Find Terry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachterryc/

Founder and Executive Coach at Terence H Clarke Coaching: https://www.terencehclarke.com

Co-founder, Head Coach and Facilitator at UpSkill Consulting: https://www.upskill.consulting

____

Please also tune in to episodes:

126 Create an international company culture in China

46 Lead Chinese teams

136 China-focused future

113 Young China - Chinese companies going global

129 Expats leave China

You can also start your own business in China. Learn from Deano who has worked with many Flexpat entrepreneurs to achieve their dream.

• Bring additional value to China

• Master special challenges

• Differentiate from Chinese entrepreneurs

• Insprire Chinese professionals

• Integrate in China

• Deal with uncertainty

• Build a sustainable lifestyle that fits your income

• Influence Chinese entrepreneurs

Deano Delpleash is a High-Performance leadership and business Coach, helping Flexpat entrepreneurs scale their businesses without sacrificing their work-life balance. He has been in China for over a decade honing his skillsets in innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

Find his podcast "NextGen Tech CEO Journey" on any podcast app.

Find Deano on Wechat: Deanodelpleash

Linkedin: Deano Delpleash

Please also tune in to episodes

133 Start your own flexpat business

132 Jump into Entrepreneurship

139 Coach your team

138 European values

85 Start your own service business

64 Build a global business in China

This episode explains the transition from an expat to a flexpat career in China.

Learn what it needs to find the right job and what to look out for when negotiating a flexpat contract.

Find out what to prepare in case you change locations within China and what skills you need to be successful as a flexpat.

 

Linked to this episode we recommend to listen also to episode #33 with Noriko Takagi "Interview preparation and self-positioning for flexpat jobs in China"

https://podcastaddict.com/episode/117287070.

About Tobias:

Linkedin: Tobias Lamm

About Verena:

Linkedin: Verena Lupprian

About Noriko:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noriko-takagi-b679996/

Company: https://www.steinbach-partner.com/en/about-us/our-team/noriko-takagi

Quem disse que você precisa ter viajado o mundo ou trabalhado em diversas empresas para conseguir um emprego na China? As oportunidades vêm para aqueles que estão preparados, dispostos a encarar desafios e aprender muito no processo.

Neste episódio focado no público brasileiro, o Juliano contará como ele construiu seu caminho até a China dentro da única empresa na qual ele já trabalhou. Não há só um caminho para atingir os objetivos, não é mesmo? Também conversaremos sobre o mercado de peças de reposição na China, o intrincado sistema de logística e poder do famoso churrasco brasileiro.

Siga o Juliano no Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliano-rockenbach-b1185877/

Armando, originally from Mexico, has been in Asia for the last 6 years. The latest 4, he has been guiding over 400 flexpats and expats in East Asia to become #FinanciallyFit and aware about their financial situation as a global citizen.

In this episode you will learn about planning your personal finances better as an expat or flexpat in China. Different tax situations, living expenses and more options to save money are factors that will influence your financial status during your time in China and beyond.

Connect with Armando on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/armando-flores-chiu/

Xavi Sanz was born in Barcelona (Spain) and has studied and worked in numerous countries around the globe. Three years ago he accepted the challenge of his company to build a Chinese branch office in Hangzhou to expand their freight forwarding business into China. Xavi came to China with his wife and kids and has experienced China extensively from both a professional and personal side. In this episode he gives practical advice on how to work in logistics in China and explains how a complete life in the Middle Kingdom can look like.

This is what you'll learn:

• Two ways of working in China logistics
• Working conditions in freight forwarding
• How to build trust with customers as a small company
• Why learning Chinese matters
• How kids cope with growing up in China

Connect with Xavi on LinkedIn:

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

Nadezhda is originally from Kazakhstan, studied in London and has moved to Hangzhou three years ago. After obtaining her Chinese master's degree, she has decided to start her own marketing agency in China, called "SanQ". Now she uses her extensive work experience from her time at the world's leading cosmetics brand to create the best social media and branding solutions for businesses in China. In this episode she shares how she has decided to take the brave step to start her own business in the midst of the current pandemic and how this career path might suit you, too. This is what you'll learn: Deciding between a corporate job and entrepreneurship What it takes to succeed in marketing in China Why starting a business during a pandemic is not as hard as you think Proper networking through community building and volunteering How to obtain a residence permit that allows you to start a business Connect with Nadezhda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadezhda-bukina/

Jan hat sich ganz bewusst für ein China-spezifisches Studium entschieden und kam 2000 als Praktikant nach China. 

Er ist heute Geschäftsführer und blickt auf eine erfolgreiche Flexpat Karriere zurück. Er teilt seine Erfahrung und Tipps.

1) Ablauf von China-Studium und Job Einstieg

2) Abgrenzung von Expats und chinesischen Bewerbern

3) Unterschiede von Expat und Flexpat Jobs

4) Chinesisch Kenntnisse sind wichtig, aber nicht entscheidend

5) Stärken und Schwächen von deutschen Flexpats

6) Tipps für junge Flexpats

7) Über die deutsche Schule Shanghai

Jan Assmann auf LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-assmann-152b3b97/

Born in Albania, raised in Italy, Ervis Micukaj is now a successful small business owner in China. After 5 years of working in different jobs in Shanghai, Ervis decided to start his own business in the IT service industry. His experience of 7+ years in China allows him to compare working for others in China and starting your own business. Now, after more than two years of being an entrepreneur, here is his advice to the next generation of foreigners entering China for the first time or returning after the pandemic.

This is what you'll learn in 25 minutes:

• Failed intercultural communication at work
• Working for others or starting your own business?
• For which tasks you’ll be needed in China
• Not yet networking nor studying Chinese? Mistake!
• Why the workforce will be fully localised in 5 years
• Good reasons to stay in China long-term

Connect with Ervis on LinkedIn:

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

Check out Ervis' business:

https://www.jetservices.com.cn

German IT-entrepreneur, Arne Weber, has been living in China for 10 years. Together with his Chinese wife, they have built their company Faytech from scratch, growing their turnover from zero to 30 million USD and over 300 employees worldwide in only 10 years. Do you think this is fast? Chinese speed is even faster. Learn from Arne why he is not always working at Chinese speed and why it is getting easier to start businesses in China as foreigners. Among others we talked about theses topics: Why set up a business in China and not in Germany?  How do Chinese work ethics affect your business?  How to run a business as husband and wife  Can foreigners keep up with Chinese speed?  Why producing and selling from China will become easy  The only two options left for flexpats Connect with Arne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arne-weber-9938812/

Listen to episode 80 with Chloris Liu to learn about:

• 3 main trends in the job market for flexpats
• How flexpats can differentiate from Chinese professionals
• Salary packages including benefits for flexpats
• How to afford a good lifestyle by increasing your value
• Know your purpose for working in China
• Flexpats need to learn Chinese
• Current opportunities

Connect with Chloris on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloris-liu-03a64a51/

Feel the entrepreneurial flexpat life. Building a business in China, becoming a CEO, adapting to new challenges and finally a business expansion and personal relocation.

Highlights:

Deep dive in an entrepreneurial journey in the F&B industry

Speaking Chinese as an add-on to people skills

Changing leadership skills and other challenges

Opportunities through relocating to Hong Kong

and some of the best learning from a career woman who designed her life and business since 2009 in China mainland and Hong Kong.

Connect with Lina through

Personal appointment: https://litaogroup.com/cta/

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

Find Verena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verenalupprian/

Listen to the following episodes

84 Market Entry (with Lina as well)

153 Entrepreneurship & Leadership

151 Relocate to Vietnam

145, 142, 133, 132, 85 Entrepreneurship

Stephan Thaerigen has been working in Shenzhen, China, for more than 10 years. His first job in China was under very basic conditions so he soon searched for a better position through networking and hosting fun events where he quickly met his future boss. After his corporate career he decided to build his own company, helping foreign businesses with quality control and inspection of products on the ground in China. Now he is hiring other flexpats to meet the growing demand for trustworthy and reliable quality management and inspection services.

Connect with Stephan on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephan-thaerigen/

Enter APAC through Hong Kong

- Learn to be a strategy advisor

- Recent development in Hong Kong

- Advantages of Hong Kong as APAC hub

- HR and talent pool in Hong Kong

- Opportunities for flexpats today

Florian Braunsteiner supports companies wanting to grow their APAC business.

Please also tune in to episode

156 Flexpat job market

153 Leadership advice

151 Relocate to Vietnam

How will the Trade War affect you?

Why has China been so competitive in the past as a sourcing location?

How does South East Asia compare to China?

Why do the US and China trade so much?

What can be alternative countries to source from?

What does it take to be competitive today?

Sebastian Maling started his latest company Flexbag in 2024 after a successful entrepreneurial career in China and Europe.

Find Sebastian Maling on LinkedIn / www.flexbag.com

Lars-Åke Severin has a military and security background connected to the Swedish royal family. He has been a flexpat in China since 2005. As Chairman of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in China as well as Founder and CEO of the security consultancy PSU he shares his wisdom on mindset issues of foreigners in China and gives invaluable advice to thrive in this challenging environment. Topics covered in 20min: “You never get cheated, you allow yourself to be cheated." The mindset to overcome problems in China The greatest obstacle for newcomers Time runs differently in China What can be a key competitive factor being an flexpat? Connect with Lars-Åke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lars-åke-林奇辉-severin-53aa2a9/

Como fazer um balanço saudável entre trabalho, estudos e família? Afinal, tudo acontece muito rápido na China e as cobranças são altas! Diante de pessoas que estão sempre a procura de perfeição e excelentes resultados, é preciso ter estratégia e muita disposição!

Neste episódio focado no público brasileiro, falaremos sobre o ritmo de trabalho e como o networking é diferente no Brasil e na China. Também falaremos de oportunidades de atuação na área de relações internacionais e como falar o mandarim te coloca em posição de tomador de decisão, e não um mero expectador.

Siga o Rodrigo no Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigo-moura-7630224b/

Marlene is from Austria and studied full-time in Beijing. Her program was entirely taught in Chinese and right after graduation she has quickly found her first job in a German-Chinese joint venture. This was only possible because she has mastered the art of networking and speaks excellent Chinese. In this 18 minute episode she shares practical advice about how you can achieve the same:

• Specific actions to boost your networking skills
• How to make yourself feel at home in China
• Do’s and Don’ts for newcomers
• Busting myths about opportunities for foreigners
• Why foreign students need to step up their game

Connect with Marlene on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlene-maria-schimak-利晓莲-83753b125/

Till Kundt was a typical expat in Shanghai, sent to China by a large German company. He lived a comfortable life with his Chinese wife and four kids. After only two years in the country he had to transition from expat contract to local contract. He and his family accepted this challenge, made some significant changes in their lifestyle and are now leading a fullfilled flexpat life in China. In this episode Till explains the following aspects of his life:

• Life as an expat in Shanghai
• The different life as a flexpat in Taicang
• Home-schooling of his kids in China
• Living in an international community
• His take on current job opportunities

Connect with Till on LinkedIn:

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

Jan Lambacher has been living in China for more than 10 years. He worked his way up from an entry level position, through different companies and departments which equipped him with the skills that he needs today as a General Manager. In this episode Jan walks us through a typical flexpat career, step by step. Here is what you'll learn in 20 minutes:

• Pros and cons of working for SMEs and large corporations
• How to pave the way for an international career already in university
• The mindset and actions to fully use your learning potential in China
• How simply being a foreigner can open doors if you play your cards right
• How to grow into leaderships positions as a flexpat

Connect with Jan on LinkedIn:

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

Start your successful career even before graduation.

Learn how to prepare yourself to enter the job market and how to build up your reputation and professional network.

• What are the benefits of starting your career in China?
• What are the biggest challenges/risks?
• How important are Chinese skills?
• What is it like to work for a Chinese company?
• How can you prepare to start your career?
• How can you find your first job?

Michalina’s tips for a successful career:

1. Always remember that reputation is your strongest asset
2. Identify your strengths and useful skills - be of use at all times
3. Be active, be hardworking, be open
4. Remember that communication is the key

Connect with Michalina Milczarczyk on LinkedIn.

As Michelle said, Chinese is very important. Check out episode 114: Learn Chinese with Francis and Sofia

Please also tune in to episode:

2 Study and do an Internship in China

19, 60 Find entry-level jobs in China

20 Start your Flexpat career

21 From Entry Level to Top Management

33 Prepare for job interviews

39 Differentiate from Chinese professionals

43 Work for Alibaba

99 Work for Chinese companies abroad

100 Get your first Management Job in China

117 Cross-Border Sales Director in Chinese company (Francis)

113 Young China - Chinese companies going global

Contact Francis (Wechat: Flexpat2020) if you want to join our Flexpat wechat community