Millennials in China: Recent Episodes
Millennials in China
Millennials in China is a podcast hosted by two Millennial expats living in China, Chris and Hope. While Western developed nations appear to be stagnating in many ways, China has become a land of hustle and opportunity for young entrepreneurs wanting to try their luck. On this podcast we discuss all things related to living, working, and doing business in the Middle Kingdom.
In this we do a deep dive on Qing Ming Jie, or “Tomb Sweeping Festival” as known in English, which has just passed at the start of April. We look into the origin and cultural significance of the festival and we discuss the manifold cultural practices involved with Qing Ming - Chinese people paying respect to ancestors by visiting their tombstones, bringing food and drink for the dead, as well as burning “spirit money” for the afterlife.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
We have been podcasting for one entire year! We started this podcast in the aftermath of COVID lockdowns in China, and kept each other accountable and disciplined to release one episode per week for an entire year. Now, in this monumental Episode 52, we look back on some of the best moments that we selected from our episodes - hopefully you'll find them interesting or useful!
In this episode we interview Fabian Triebe, a business consultant at the Sino-European Technology and Innovation Center in Hangzhou and an organizer of Startup Grind China. Fabian shares his story of leaving a stable banking job in Germany to start his adventure in China, and what kind of exciting business initiatives he is undertaking with European technology startups for their China market entry.
Show Notes:
- What drove Fabian to leave his professional career working at a major Swedish bank in Germany to move to China.
- How Fabian found his niche in Hangzhou’s entrepreneurship and startup scene.
- Fabian’s day-to-day job duties at the Sino-European Technology and Innovation Center, and what value he brings to his clients.
- What is Startup Grind China and how can people get involved.
- The biggest challenges and learning moments Fabian had from his time hustling in China.
- Two types of advice for new China entrants - one for young people just beginning their adventures, and one for seasoned overseas CEOs who might be looking at the Chinese market.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Blog: http://hopefreiheit.com
Fabian Triebe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/f-a-triebe/
On the eve of the alpha release of their video game, Infinite Fleet, Hope and Chris look back at the growth journey of Pixelmatic, the video game startup where they work. They review how the company went from a tiny studio of 10 people doing mostly outsourcing contracts to present day’s team of 40, distributed globally across 3 continents. They also look at the problems and challenges that came up as the team grew in size, and how they best dealt with them.
Show Notes:
- Introduction and background of Pixelmatic and a brief history on the company’s business - from doing outsourcing contracts for bigger game titles to now designing its own massively multiplayer online (MMO) game.
- How Chris left his job managing multiple education centers to join Pixelmatic, and in turn getting a job in his dream industry - video games.
- The company’s small team and lean operations when Chris first joined - 10 people wearing different hats.
- Growing pains and challenges with personnel, finding new business, and project management.
- Growing from a team of 10 to a team of 40, and expanding to a remote-working international team.
- What it’s like working for a video game studio.
- Stepping up from being a service provider to creating the company’s own intellectual property - Infinite Fleet.
- The challenge and excitement of launching a multiplayer online game.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Blog: http://hopefreiheit.com
Infinite Fleet game: https://infinitefleet.com
In this episode we talk about the highly practical topic of health insurance in China with Sihao Kuo, a health insurance consultant at Pacific Prime. Living abroad means being away from your home country’s comforts, taxes, and high standard healthcare system, so expats in China typically find their own means to secure health coverage. We dissect the ins and outs of health insurance coverage in China and why private health insurance is a popular choice among foreigners.
Show Notes:
- Why should someone consider purchasing private health insurance coverage? What about the “standard” health insurance offered by your Chinese employer?
- Sihao explains what a health insurance consultant is and how he is different from a health insurer.
- Varying levels of coverage, and why the average health insurance is typically only limited to grave accidents.
- Standards of healthcare providers in China, and why most foreigners prefer private and international hospitals and clinics.
- What are deductibles?
- What is the difference between inpatient and outpatient?
- Typical price range of private health insurance plans.
- Sihao’s passion project in Shanghai, “Temporary Humans” - a community for obstacle course running (e.g. Spartan Race).
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Blog: http://hopefreiheit.com
Sihao Kuo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sihaokuo/
Happy the Year of the Ox! In this episode we discuss the Spring Festival dinner table stories that came along - which led to us exploring the perspective of growing up in China prior to the country’s massive economic boom. Chris shares his wife and inlaws’ anecdotes on growing up in rural Sichuan and getting out of poverty, and how the life from that generation is almost unimaginable in today’s China.
Show Notes:
- Chinese New Year dinner table chat - people love to talk about the past and how life was “when I was your age”.
- Stories from Chris’ wife and inlaws, growing up in complete poverty and grinding their way out of it.
- The age of the One Child Policy, and stories on how they managed to evade it.
- Sleeping on the side of train tracks and sleeping on hard floors.
- Working odd jobs and as migrant workers in East Coast cities, and finding the opportunity to create a life in the city.
- Hope’s memories of early childhood in a Chinese city - not starving but diet mostly consisted of poor nutrition.
- Throwback to the days of taking the “hard seat” green train and standing in the aisle for overnight journeys. China’s infrastructure improvement over the past two decades have been nothing short of a miracle.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Blog: http://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode Hope asks Chris about living the Chinese family life as a married man in a Chinese third tier city. We have spoken a lot about expat life in Shanghai, which is a total outlier by China standards in terms of its lifestyle and prices, so we decided to focus some more attention on life in a third tier city. Chris gives his insights on assimilating into his Chinese extended family, and dealing with the education system for his children.
Show Notes:
- Chris talks about moving his family from Shanghai to Zhangjiagang, a city of ~1 million, which is small by China’s standards.
- The pros and cons of living in a third tier city like Zhangjiagang, compared to Shanghai - cost savings vs. inconveniences.
- Being fully involved in a Chinese extended family.
- Tips for assimilating into the Chinese extended family initially - how to overcome the communication and cultural barriers, and how does Chris get on with his in-laws and brother-in-law?
- Kids’ education in China’s third tier cities, public vs. private schools.
- Daycare for Chris’ daughter in Zhangjiagang.
- Citizenship selection dilemma for a mixed baby born in China - Chinese citizenship first and foreign citizenship later, or foreign citizenship from the start?
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Blog: http://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode we discuss the wild event buzzing around global financial markets this week - the audacious Redditors vs hedgefunds battle over short squeezing GameStop stocks. We explain what exactly happened and why it happened, and how new age social media and information was vital for forming this powerful army of retail investors. We also look at the disgraceful Robinhood ban of stock buying and why that was the canary in the coal mine for the decentralization movement.
Show Notes:
- Why is everyone talking about GameStop and its stocks this week? What happened?
- Some basics about stock markets, shorting, short squeeze, and how GameStop stock rocketed to crazy heights.
- The r/wallstreetbets retail investor army, and why they were able to put billion dollar hedgefunds out of business.
- Shockwaves around Wall Street and the methods they took to fight back and save themselves.
- Robinhood pulling the plug on further buying of GameStop, and how this move might be seen as blatant market manipulation.
- Social media and information sharing is so powerful now that smart retail investors can have real success in the financial markets.
- How COVID and stimulus checks have made stock and crypto trading an increasingly popular pastime.
- The dire need for decentralization and overcoming the control and manipulation of centralized platforms and entities.
- Why this GameStop saga could be the canary in the coal mine that really kicks off the crypto movement.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Blog: http://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode we discuss the video games and board games market in China, from both the player’s perspective and a business perspective. Chris is a lifelong gamer who has been working in the video game industry for several years, and shares his insight on life as a gamer in China, the massive Chinese gaming market, and whether or not board games are starting to catch on.
Show Notes:
- Video game and board game scenes in China - how are they different from the West?
- The massive Chinese gaming market - now bigger than the US.
- The rapid growth and maturation of the Chinese gaming market in recent years, and the massive popularity of mobile games in China.
- How giant Chinese tech conglomerates like Tencent and Bytedance have deep reaches into gaming.
- What about board games in China? Is it popular?
- Where to find English language or international editions of video and board games in China?
- Chris’ Dungeons & Dragons journey in Shanghai.
- Sourcing game components for your board game in China.
- What about designing and distributing a game in China?
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Blog: http://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode we discuss the eccentric, satisfying, and weird Eastern health and wellbeing routines popular in China. Blind massages, foot massages, cupping and scraping, and even tickling your feet with minnow fish - what’s the deal? And of course, hot water is the magical elixir that solves all ailments in China!
Show Notes:
- Eastern health and wellbeing routines commonly practiced by the Chinese.
- Scraping and cupping - leave a spa with bruise marks all over your back and feeling great?
- Massages in China - the infamous “blind massage” and deep tissue treatment.
- Foot massages by hand and fishes! Not for the ticklish.
- Communal bathhouses, a favourite of the past.
- Line dancing in the square and why older Chinese people love to walk.
- Leaving windows open in the winter? The reasons and history behind this uncomfortable practice.
- Hot water - the remedy for everything.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Blog: http://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode we chat with Sonny Alves Dias, CTO of Pixelmatic, a video game studio based in Shanghai with a distributed team around the world. We ask Sonny about his life as a computer programmer and video game developer in China, and how he deals with managing cross-cultural teams and communication issues in the tech field.
Show Notes:
- Sonny’s background and his journey from Paris to Shanghai.
- How did Sonny get his first job in China? How did he get into the video game industry?
- Sonny’s role as Chief Technical Officer at Pixelmatic, and how he manages a distributed team of programmers.
- The challenges of working with Chinese programmers in terms of communication, and how Sonny overcomes them.
- Why do Chinese programmers all seem to have a good grasp of English?
- Hiring developers in China, and what to look out for.
- What about work opportunities for foreign developers at Chinese companies?
- Salaries in tech in China, and how they have gone up considerably in first tier cities.
- Sonny is hiring!
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Blog: http://hopefreiheit.com
Happy New Year! In this first episode of 2021, we discuss the list of things you need to prepare for prior to embarking on your China journey. China is an unique beast of its own that operates on completely different wavelengths from most Western countries, and it has its own ways and systems of doing EVERYTHING. Things like different visas, VPNs for internet access, and even “strange” cultural norms - are all things you must prepare for prior to arriving in China, for a relatively smooth experience!
Show Notes:
- Documentation for coming to China - different visas and which one is best for your purpose.
- Accessing the internet in China and climbing over the “Great Firewall” - getting a VPN prior to coming to China.
- China’s informational walled garden, and why getting a local SIM Card is absolutely necessary to do anything.
- Banking in China, and exchanging currencies.
- What necessities should you bring from your home country, which may not be easily available in China?
- Vaccinations and health insurance for China?
- Mental preparation for coming to China - be adaptable, open minded, and don’t fret over “rude” local etiquettes.
Merry Christmas everyone! In this Christmas episode, we look back at all the major events that transpired in 2020 and how life in China has changed over the course of the year. Some takeaways include: China is becoming more closed, visa requirements and taxation are becoming more strict, everyday life is more or less the same otherwise. However, there are still plenty of opportunities to be had in China, and more importantly, life here is functioning as normal!
Show Notes:
- Looking back on the past couple of years leading up to 2020, and how things have been changing for foreigners in China.
- Visa requirements and job requirements have become much more strict - the “highschool dropout English teacher” days are well behind us, at least in the Tier 1 cities.
- The fear and uncertainty surrounding Chinese New Year in 2020, when the coronavirus news first broke out.
- Spending the entire month of February living in fear and almost never leaving the house.
- How life in China gradually opened up again and was back to normal by summer.
- The impact of COVID on business in China - tech, manufacturing and supply chain, etc.
- The “PR campaigns” and finger pointing narratives during the COVID outbreak, between China and the West.
- The bright side of 2020, and why China remains a land of opportunity and dynamism going into 2021.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Blog: http://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode we call in with Jannick ten Hoor, a Dutch Millennial based in Macau with over a decade’s experience in hotel management and hospitality. Jannick shares great insights on how he managed to climb the career ladder so rapidly in Asia, working for various large hotel chains and switching his focus from hotel management to food & beverage. As well, Jannick shares inside stories on how the hospitality industry has really been affected by COVID in 2020.
Show Notes:
- Jannick’s journey to the hospitality industry and across various hotel groups, and how he managed to move up quickly since coming to work in China.
- Major differences and challenges for working in the hotel industry in China.
- What’s Jannick’s day-to-day work like as a food & beverages director? Why is the job so busy and so stressful?
- Jannick’s favourite and least favourite parts of working in the hospitality industry.
- Differences between the job as a hotel manager and a F&B manager.
- How has COVID damaged the hotel industry in 2020? Effects in China vs Macau.
- Pay cuts and layoffs.
- Being stuck in Macau, and when will the hotel industry return to normal.
- Advice to aspiring hoteliers and young F&B professionals, and why coming to work in China/Asia could potentially turbo boost your career.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Blog: http://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode we discuss the world’s most popular sport, football (soccer). Football is hugely popular in China and around the world, and we are here to share with the global audience what the football scene is like in China. We talk about the professional league in China, why China’s national football team has struggled eternally, and football at the amateur and grassroots levels.
Show Notes:
- Football in China - is it actually popular?
- In recent years there have been some high profile footballers that have moved to China from the top European leagues - how has that happened and how has it changed football in China?
- Chinese Super League overview, teams, naming conventions, and rivalries.
- Differences between the “footballing culture” between China and Europe, and gaps in organization and infrastructure.
- Football fans and “ultras” fan culture in China.
- The eternal struggle of China’s national men’s football team - why can’t a country with 1.4 billion people field 11 top quality players?
- Cultural factors that limit football development in China.
- Many foreign players have looked at China as a lucrative opportunity for playing football - what does a foreign player need to know?
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Blog: http://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode we interview Amy Lyons aka “Blondie in China”, who is a hugely popular “China YouTuber” with nearly 200k subscribers. Amy makes lots of interesting and funny YouTube videos about China, Chinese food, and her travels and experiences from living in China, and has an army of loyal and adoring fans who watch her videos regularly.
Show Notes:
- What prompted Amy’s connection to China, and what made her stay with it.
- How Amy decided to start a YouTube channel and become a content creator full time.
- At what point did Amy realize that her YouTube channel would be successful? Which video made her go viral?
- The time when Amy went on a Chinese dating show.
- Getting into the state for filming on camera - does it come naturally?
- The toughest part about running her YouTube channel.
- How the COVID pandemic has soured diplomatic relations between China and Australia, and whether that has affected Amy’s YouTube channel.
- Amy’s secret recipe to becoming a successful YouTuber.
- Amy’s advice for anyone building their personal brand or trying to become a content creator.
In this episode we explain all the statutory holidays in China such as Chinese New Year, National Day, and Dragon Boat Festival - what days do you get off, what are the traditions and customs, and what to expect when travelling. As you would expect, the Chinese holidays calendar is very different from Western ones, with entirely different occasions being celebrated and often in different ways. Listen to this episode if you are embarking on your first year in China!
Show Notes:
- Chinese holidays in summary, and how work days are often moved around to “make up” for the holidays.
- New Year’s Day.
- Chinese New Year (Spring Festival).
- Tomb Sweeping Festival.
- Labour Day.
- Dragon Boat Festival.
- Mid-Autumn Festival.
- National Day.
- “Fake” festivals like Alibaba’s Double 11 shopping day.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Blog: http://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode we sit down with Gabba Schwencke, a Dutch Millennial who works in relocation and high end apartment rental for expats. Gabba arrived in China 9 years ago on a whim and got started in real estate sales after a gruelling start. He has been consistently finding high quality housing for expats and their multinational employers since then, and has a wealth of knowledge of the China real estate scene.
Show Notes:
- Gabba’s initial contact with China and why he decided to move to Shanghai 9 years ago.
- How Gabba landed a job in real estate sales totally by chance, and how he almost got fired after 2 weeks.
- What Gabba’s work entails - not only renting out expensive apartments to wealthy expats but also providing the complete expat relocation service.
- How it’s like being practically the only foreigner real estate agent in Shanghai, and what Gabba’s edge is.
- The tremendous difference in quality and price between high end apartments and average apartments for foreigners in Shanghai.
- Tips on apartment hunting, and beware of the “second landlord” rentals that are becoming very common in Shanghai.
In this episode we sit down with Dimitar Dinev, a well-connected figure in the China crypto & blockchain scene who was previously the MD at JRR Crypto, a crypto VC fund. Dimitar shares his interesting entrepreneurial journey which started in his hometown of Plovdiv in Bulgaria, where he rented out a shop to start an art gallery. After meeting his Chinese wife in Milan, they decided to move to Shanghai where he leveraged his economics background to become a stalwart in the local crypto community.
Show Notes:
- Dimitar’s youth as a competitive gamer and how he harnessed his entrepreneur spirit when passing by a storefront for rent in the town center of Plovdiv, his hometown in Bulgaria.
- The art dealing business and what it was like to run an art gallery in Europe.
- The glass ceiling in the European art business, and making the big decision to move from Milan to Shanghai.
- Working in financial services and stumbling onto cryptocurrencies.
- How Dimitar got addicted to the crypto space and his insatiable appetite for knowledge and learning.
- Pivoting into crypto full time and getting into the crypto VC scene.
- Learnings from the crypto VC scene and advice for young entrepreneurs looking for VC funding.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Blog: http://hopefreiheit.com
Dimitar’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/DimitarDinev7
In this episode we discuss the various socioeconomic classes in China, and how life at each tier of the social ladder is so drastically different. In the West we are used to life being more or less similar for the majority of people, but that is not the case in China where despite 600+ million people having been lifted out of poverty in recent decades, we still observe huge gaps in income and living standards, especially in first tier cities.
Show Notes:
- The incredible economic revolution China experienced in the past three decades, and how more than 600 million people were lifted out of poverty.
- The relative equality in living standards in Western countries vs the drastically different living standards between social classes in China.
- The working class population in China’s major cities, and how service workers and white collar workers lead entirely different lives.
- The modus operandi of “migrant workers” in China, how they take contracts in different places on an annual basis and send money home.
- Income, living conditions, and what we often do not see.
- The young, white collar middle class and their struggle to afford property in major cities.
- The elusive and exclusive ultra rich and international elite.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Blog: http://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode we talk about some big cultural elements of China - guanxi and mianzi! “Guanxi” means “relationships”, and is often referred to as a fundamental aspect of doing business in China - build trust first before committing to collaboration. “Mianzi” on the other hand, means “face” or “saving face”, and is another cultural dynamic that permeates heavily into all aspects of life, business, and relationships in China.
Show Notes:
- Why we are talking about guanxi and mianzi, and how everything in your daily dealings in China will come down to these sociocultural dynamics.
- The importance and prevalence of relationships in both friendships and business.
- The historical influences that may have defined relationship dynamics between close members of a family or clan vs strangers.
- How it is extremely common for business owners in China to hire strictly from their “laojia” or home province/region for the trust factor.
- The culture of reciprocity and how “rubbing each other’s backs” is well understood in China, but perhaps not by many foreigners. If you want to extract value, be prepared to first give.
- Mianzi or saving face, and the hierarchy structure in every organization.
- How to beware of saving face, and avoid the grave mistake of making someone lose face in public.
In this episode we sit down with Ta-Wei Wang, Co-Founder of Aptive Education and an Asia veteran who has worked in the education industry in both South Korea and China, splitting his years between Seoul and Beijing. We ask Ta-Wei about the differences in teaching and work/business culture between the two countries, what new innovative things he is trying with education, and which country is better suited for those seeking jobs in education.
Show Notes:
- Ta-Wei’s background as an Asian American and spending half of his life working in South Korea and China.
- The transformation of the education industry in Asia over the past decade - the change in demand from “exotic foreign face” to proper teacher with relevant life experiences.
- The rigid hierarchy and glass ceiling in the Korean business world, and why Ta-Wei decided to move to China.
- Differences in work culture and qualifications between different places in Korea and China, and why China is a better bet for someone seeking a future in education or beyond.
- The trend of education moving from brick & mortar to digital, and how Ta-Wei is adapting with his new startup.
- Ta-Wei’s new startup, Aptive Education, and how it is using education technology to bring education availability to poor kids all over Asia.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Blog: http://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode we talk about what it’s like to have a baby and raising a child in China. We get into the nitty gritty about Chinese hospitals, maternal care, Chinese in-laws, daycare for children, and the “special treatment” for mixed-blood babies. A must-listen if you are having a baby while living in China!
Show Notes:
- Having a baby in China - maybe it’s planned, maybe it’s a surprise, but you have to be ready for what comes after!
- 3 types of hospitals in China, what the standards and prices are, and what you should expect.
- Maternity leave and the “Yuezi vacation” for mothers after birth.
- Living with Chinese in-laws, the pros and cons, and how to stay sane.
- “Special treatment” for a mix-blood baby in China and commercial opportunities for your baby.
- Being a stepfather in China, and thoughts on parenthood.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Blog: https://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode we explain the top Chinese mobile apps (“A-P-P”s) that you simply cannot live without in China. Life in China runs on mobile, to the point that most Chinese people no longer even have home computers! WeChat, Alipay, Didi, Eleme, Taobao, etc. are almost mandatory for your everyday life in China, and we are here to explain how each one works.
Show Notes:
- WeChat: messaging, groups/communities, mini-apps and daily life things.
- Alipay: money transfers, mini-apps and daily life things.
- Eleme, Meituan: food delivery.
- Pleco: learning Chinese and translating characters.
- Dazhongdianping (Dianping): local business reviews.
- Taobao/JD: e-commerce/shopping.
- VPN: getting over the GFW.
- Didi: taxi hailing.
- Ctrip/Booking: hotel booking and trip planning.
- QQ Music: music.
- WeChat & Alipay’s vertical integration to become more dominant.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Blog: https://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode we do an update on the COVID situation in China! Our podcast’s first ever episode started with discussions around coronavirus back in the height of the pandemic in March, and we felt it is fitting to throwback and see how much things have changed in these 6 months since.
Show Notes:
- China’s borders have opened up a bit - finally! The latest rules indicate that foreigners with existing work, personal matters, and family reunion visas can now come into China.
- Mandatory 14-day quarantine is still in place for people returning to China from abroad, and it certainly isn’t the most pleasant experience.
- Life is more or less back to normal now in China, although some “COVID rules” remain in place.
- Masks are still mandatory on public transportation, whereas a green “Health Code” QR code is required for intercity travel.
- Public sentiment towards foreigners in China vs public sentiment towards Chinese people in the West.
- The COVID circus in America/UK and should we worried about a second wave this winter?!
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Blog: https://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode we chat with Koen Vessies, a Dutch chef and restauranteur who runs the Spanish tapas restaurant ‘Tomatito’ in Shanghai. Koen shares his fascinating story of becoming a chef, traveling and working around the world in 7-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants, and serving celebrity figures in his Shanghai restaurant.
Show Notes:
- Koen’s background - grew up in the Netherlands, started working as a teenager and ended up learning from a top chef in a local restaurant kitchen.
- Culinary school, shadowing Gordon Ramsey, and getting an opportunity to work in one of the world’s most luxurious hotels, the Burj Al Arab in Dubai.
- Hometown connections that led to Koen meeting his wife, and how that took him to Paris to cook for a Michelin-starred restaurant.
- How Koen ended up in China 12 years ago, to a food and beverage scene that was very undeveloped and ripe for experimentation.
- Drastic changes in the Shanghai F&B scene over the past decade and the intense level of competition today, and what is needed to survive in this cutthroat business.
- Rubbing shoulders with celebrities in his Shanghai restaurant, and the time when Argentine footballer Carlos Tevez came with his entire entourage.
- Koen’s passion for travel and exploring local cuisine around the world, and how he implements those new ideas into his cooking.
- Koen’s love for Chinese food, and why he thinks Chinese food will become the next big global culinary trend.
- Koen’s advice for prospective chefs and restaurateurs who might consider plying their craft in China.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Blog: https://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode we chat with Jasmine Shi, a Chinese Millennial who owns a fitness studio in Shanghai called StyleDuro. We dive into the fascinating world of gyms and personal training studios, and get Jasmine’s insights on the challenges and rewards associated with running such a business.
Show Notes:
- Jasmine’s background - grew up in China, studied in the UK, and returned to China to work before jumping into entrepreneurship with both feet.
- How Jasmine made the decision to start a fitness studio, and how it was almost an instinctive decision rather than a thoroughly thought out one.
- The perfect timing of Jasmine’s decision to get into this business, and whether the opportunity would still exist today.
- Small bespoke fitness studios vs the poor customer experience at large gym franchises in China.
- How Jasmine doesn’t spend any money on sales/advertising and purely relies on word of mouth.
- How Jasmine ensures that her clients have a fantastic and family-like experience so that they become ambassadors of her studio.
- What Jasmine looks for when selecting and training coaches for her studio.
- Biggest challenge of running a fitness studio: human resources, and making sure the freelance coaches are reliable.
- Jasmine’s expansion plans and how it is being affected by COVID.
- Jasmine’s advice for Chris who is planning to convince his wife to start her own fitness studio.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Blog: https://hopefreiheit.com
Find Jasmine (@jazzyjastyleduro) and StyleDuro (search “StyleDuro”) on WeChat!
In this episode we chat with Luke Nestler, a Professional Development Consultant at the Oxford University Press in Shanghai. Luke is an unusual example of someone who made a major career change at age 30 and subsequently started his China journey, going from teaching to eventually training and developing teachers. His path shows some of the exciting career options related to teaching that’s available for foreign teachers in China.
Show Notes:
- Luke explains his decision to drop his 7-year career in finance in London in favour of teaching English abroad.
- How Luke took the CELTA teaching course in Manchester to prepare for his English teaching career, and why he decided to teach in China as opposed to Korea or other countries.
- Luke’s current role as a Professional Development Consultant and what it entails.
- How COVID-19 has pushed Luke’s industry to accelerate its digital transition.
- The importance of self improvement, proving your value, and taking the initiative to ask for opportunities.
- Whether or not Luke found it difficult to make such a drastic career and life transformation at age 30.
- The many intangible skills gained from teaching, and why teachers should be proud of their profession.
- Luke’s extracurricular hustles including being in performance art and providing voiceovers for video games.
- The importance of committing to teaching and committing to China to make a real career out of it.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Blog: https://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode we discuss traveling in China, because after all not everyone is in China just for the hustle and bustle and manufacturing! China is a vast country with extremely diverse terrain and landscape, and anyone who spends time here should take the opportunity to travel and explore the different regions.
Show Notes:
- Chris’ impression of China as a country prior to ever having set foot in it.
- Hope explains the five broad regions in China, and how each one differs from another.
- Visiting the Great Wall of China and how your mileage can vary depending on which section of the Wall you go to.
- What are the best and worst times to travel in China?
- Some important tips on traveling in China and planning your itinerary that could make all the difference in whether your experience will be fantastic or miserable!
- Chris and Hope’s favourite places that they have visited in China, including the likes of Yunnan, Yangshuo/Guilin, and a surprising city.
- Cultural destinations vs. natural destinations in China.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Blog: https://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode we interview Daisy Peak, a British national who is in charge of organizational culture at Alibaba. Daisy talks about her experience co-founding an HR/recruitment startup in Chengdu and the open attitude Chengdu’s government had towards entrepreneurs and foreign talent, while also answering some burning questions we had about working at Alibaba, China’s tech giant.
Show Notes:
- Daisy’s story on how choosing Chinese as a second language at school in London turned into an entire new life in China.
- Daisy’s connection with Chengdu, a progressive and rapidly growing major city in southwestern China.
- Laowai Here, the company Daisy co-founded in Chengdu, which worked closely with local officials and helped foreign talent find jobs and homes in Chengdu.
- Daisy shares intel on the open attitude Chengdu has towards entrepreneurs and foreigners, as well as the numerous government subsidies available for startups - including free office space!
- Alibaba, China’s tech giant, and a highly desired professional destination for China’s youth.
- Daisy discusses Jack Ma’s infamous “996” work culture and whether or not working at Alibaba is that intense.
- Alibaba’s organizational culture and some drastic transformations the company is going through.
- Daisy’s advice for young professionals looking to get a job at Alibaba, and how they should go about doing so.
- Some final words of advice Daisy has for a younger version of herself - listen to more podcasts, learn more, and study more Chinese!
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Blog: https://hopefreiheit.com
Daisy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisyvelven/
In this episode Chris and Hope sit down to discuss a big topic for the new world order we live in - Bitcoin. Hope is a huge crypto enthusiast who has been involved in the Bitcoin scene since 2016, and shares his insights on Bitcoin, why it has tremendous value, and why it was (is) so popular in China. For most Millennials living in this digital age, Bitcoin and crypto should soon be the norm rather than the exception.
Show Notes:
- Chris and Hope’s simple explanations of what Bitcoin is and what value it provides.
- Digital money and common misconceptions about value.
- How Hope came across Bitcoin a few years ago, more or less out of necessity.
- Why banks are so draconian and why that will be their downfall.
- The future outlook for social trends and why that is bullish for Bitcoin.
- How does a newcomer go about buying Bitcoin?
- Hope answers the age-old question of “is it a good time to buy Bitcoin now?” and why short term price should not be a deterrence for a long term view.
- Altcoins and Bitcoin “maximalism”, and why Hope does not recommend holding altcoins for the long term.
- Best places to find educational information about Bitcoin.
- China’s early “glory days” and vibrant Bitcoin community, and the PBOC ban that quieted things down.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Newbie’s Bitcoin Guide Blogpost: https://hopefreiheit.com/2020/06/07/how-to-buy-bitcoin-a-beginners-guide/
The /Bitcoin Subreddit FAQ Post (one of the best resources for learning about Bitcoin): https://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/i19uta/bitcoin_newcomers_faq_please_read/
In this episode we interview Jay Thornhill, Co-Founder of Baopals, a one-stop service for expats’ online shopping needs in China. Jay’s entrepreneurial journey started in his friends’ apartment in Shanghai 5 years ago, where they bootstrapped the business from the ground up. Baopals now has over 30 employees and is the leading service provider for expats in China to shop on Taobao and JD.
Show Notes:
- Jay’s China journey - starting with a one-year English teaching contract that turned into a 12-year stay in Shanghai.
- Jay came to China for the experience, but stayed for the hustle.
- What is Baopals and how does the platform work.
- How Jay and his two co-founders (also best friends) came to the idea of Baopals.
- How Jay and his co-founders bootstrapped Baopals from their apartment, without outside funding nor a real office.
- The biggest early challenges the team faced at Baopals, and how they overcame them.
- Baopals’ plans for international expansion, and whether or not Alibaba will buy them!
- Jay’s insights on managing people and building a positive and productive company culture.
- Baopals’ transition to full remote working after the pandemic, and how Jay did it.
- Taboos about working with your best friends, and how it was not a problem for Jay and his co-founders.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Blog: https://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode we interview Byung Koo Mulder, an experienced Korean-Dutch financial advisor who has spent more than a decade working and living in Hong Kong and Shanghai. We explore important issues relating to personal finance and building wealth, especially in terms of the many predisposed challenges faced by the Millennial generation and how best to overcome them. We also talk about stock markets, day trading vs long term investing, and more.
Show Notes:
- Byung Koo (BK) moved to Hong Kong on an assignment from the Dutch bank he was working for, and after his contract was up he decided to stay in Asia and relocated to Shanghai.
- What BK’s job as a financial advisor entails, and what kind of clients he works with.
- Why are Millennials in general so financially troubled, compared to older generations when they were at the same age?
- Bad timing + instant gratification, and how Millennials must act to catch up and get ahead financially.
- The difference in mindset between European investors and Chinese investors, and why do Chinese people love to buy properties.
- The Chinese stock market and how it can be so different from Western stock markets.
- China’s obsession with speculation, and the retail investors’ flock mentality.
- Why day trading and short term trading is on the rise, whereas decades ago people used to buy and hold stocks.
- How BK allocates his personal portfolio.
- BK’s advice for the average Millennial to start saving, investing, and helping their future self.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Personal Finance Blog: https://hopefreiheit.com
Byung Koo Mulder’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byungkoomulder/
In this episode we interview Henrik Kragh, China’s regional marketing head for Grundfos, a Danish multinational hydro pump company. Henrik brings a different perspective from what we are used to on this show - instead of entrepreneurs, hustlers, and startups, we get a taste of how it’s like to work as an expat in a large multinational company. As well, Henrik has also been running the Shanghai Vikings football (soccer) club for many years, which is another huge part of the expat life fabric.
Show Notes:
- Henrik’s China story - how a bonding trip to China with his father made him totally fall in love with China.
- Henrik’s journey with learning Mandarin, from struggling in class in Copenhagen to becoming incredibly motivated while living in Beijing.
- How Denmark’s strong expat community, and its football club in Beijing, helped Henrik land his two jobs in China.
- Working for a large global corporation like Grundfos, and how different it is from doing startups.
- Henrik’s “traditional marketing” job at Grundfos, and his funny stories about taking Chinese clients to experience tours in Europe.
- Scandinavian business culture.
- The importance of localizing experiences for clients - Chinese food and time for shopping are very important for Chinese clients abroad!
- The importance of being part of an expat community such as the Vikings and the camaraderie and network it provides.
- The “Viking Cup” and the Vikings football institution across Asia!
- The challenges of organizing the Shanghai Vikings and keeping the 25-year tradition going.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Website: https://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode of the Millennials in China podcast Hope and Chris share advice for apartment hunting in China (mostly Shanghai). Renting an apartment in China can be an extreme sport with many hurdles and scams to navigate, but don’t fret because your hosts are here to expose all the tricks of the trade, including what you should watch out for when dealing with rental agents and Chinese landlords. If you are moving to China, this episode will save you headaches and probably lots of money.
Show Notes:
- Initial steps to take when moving to a new city in China and looking for apartments.
- Low budget apartments in Shanghai - shared accommodation.
- Best platforms to find apartment listings in Shanghai, and common sales tricks by rental agents.
- When renting in China, you will almost never interact with a landlord directly - whether you like it or not, you have to deal with middlemen.
- Advice for taking over leases directly from other foreigners who are moving out of their apartments.
- Rent payment structures in China - more deposit upfront or more months’ rent paid at once?
- Typical amenities in rental apartments and the big difference in quality between apartments targeting foreigners and those targeting locals.
- Always DYOR (do your own research) and check everything thoroughly.
- Hope’s story of confronting an agent at their office to reclaim a rental deposit that the agent refused to give back.
- Crazy rental terms in third tier cities - Chris’ experience of renting an apartment that asked for a full year’s rent upfront!
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Website: https://hopefreiheit.com
How do you get about being an opinion leader in Shanghai’s expat community? In this episode of the Millennials in China podcast we interview Cristina Ng, former Editor at That’s Shanghai who has been living in China for 12 years. Cristina talks about how she made the transition from teaching to HR and eventually following her passion to become a food writer and editor at one of Shanghai’s top expat magazines, and all the perks and quirks that come with it.
Show Notes:
- Cristina’s journey from English teacher to Director of HR and freelancing writing about Shanghai’s food scene.
- How to go about getting a freelance gig as Cristina did, and the power of a network in Shanghai.
- Cristina talks about what it’s like to sample and write about food for a living, and the pros and cons that come with it.
- The burnout of having your hobby as a full time job.
- Solidarity and the importance of keeping a community going strong, especially during tough times like COVID-19 and now (borders closed and number of expats dwindling in China).
- Cristina’s current project, Own What You Eat, and how it explores the sources, processes, and social impact of the food we eat in Shanghai.
- Parting advice for anyone who’s looking to pick up a side gig doing something they enjoy - not necessarily writing!
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Website: https://hopefreiheit.com
How can foreigners eat well and stay healthy in China? In this episode of the Millennials in China podcast Chris and Hope discuss a variety of matters related to diet, oily Chinese food, gyms and wellness, as well as hospital visits in China. While China likely doesn’t offer the same level of comfort and healthy options available back in your home country, there are increasingly more and more solutions available now for an expat to keep a healthy and happy lifestyle.
Show Notes:
- Chinese food in China vs Chinese food in the West, and how everything is so oily.
- Beware the “digouyou” or “gutter oil” in China, and be vigilant when frequenting small local restaurants.
- Healthy eating options in China - vegan and vegetarian options, imported meat and dairy, and how to get them.
- Gyms in China, and how they are now found everywhere.
- Different types and classes of gyms in China and how much you can expect to pay for a gym membership.
- Getting sick in China and the unpleasantry of dealing with Chinese hospitals.
- Chinese local hospitals vs international standard hospitals - massive difference in service and of course, price!
- Nitty gritty details of Chinese local hospitals.
- Sports and recreation in China, and advice for staying active with a sport or hobby you enjoy while here.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Website: https://hopefreiheit.com
How hard is it to learn Mandarin Chinese? In this episode of the Millennials in China podcast Chris and Hope dissect the approaches one can take to conquer this seemingly impossible task. Mandarin, although difficult for Westerners due to its entirely different language roots and logic, can be learned and mastered with some determination, persistence, and smart learning methods.
Show Notes:
- Chinese is widely seen as a tough language to learn and even tougher to master, but learning it will open a whole new set of doors in China.
- Hope’s perspective on speaking Chinese as someone who was born in China but spent most of his life in the West.
- The best cities for picking up Chinese culture and learning Mandarin - not Shanghai!
- Chris talks about having a Chinese wife and what effects that has on his Chinese skills.
- Chris shares his methods for learning Chinese, and how long it took to get the hang out things.
- Chinese characters - reading, writing, and how they are actually easier than speaking.
- Keys to immersion and fast Chinese learning - having a good private tutor, practice with locals such as taxi drivers, and spend time with Chinese friends!
- The logic of the Chinese language and how different it is from Roman languages.
- The most difficult part of learning Chinese - the four tones.
- Good practices for learning Chinese - consistency is key.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Website: https://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode of the Millennials in China podcast Chris and Hope discuss a very popular China topic - teaching English! Having first come through China as a TEFL teacher, Chris has a wealth of knowledge on the topic of teaching in China, and he shares his insights on all the nitty gritty of landing a well paid English teaching job in China while avoiding scams.
Show Notes:
- Why teaching English in China is a well paid opportunity and why it makes sense for many people, especially young graduates who struggle with job markets in the West.
- Preparation steps for coming to China to teach English, including getting a TEFL certificate.
- Getting a teaching job and sorting out all the details - don’t be afraid to be annoying and ask lots of questions, leave no rocks unturned!
- Housing options that come with many teaching jobs.
- Different types of teaching gigs in China and the different types of schools - international schools, local schools, training centers, etc.
- Transitioning into freelance teaching and building your own network of clients to make big money!
- Typical salary rates for teaching jobs in China.
- How are the interactions with Chinese student parents like?
- What do recruiters look for when they are hiring foreign teachers?
- Final words of encouragement - teaching may not be for everyone but it can be very rewarding both in terms of developing your confidence, public speaking skills, and remuneration.
Resources:
TEFL courses:
https://www.i-to-i.com/ The one I did. Pretty accessible. Not the deepest or most “academic” course out there IMO but certainly functional and has a nice pace of professionally put together content.
https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/teaching-english/teaching-qualifications/celta/ (the mack daddy of TEFL courses, expensive but having one puts you above the rest)
Recruiters:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmanolies/ - best in the industry IMO. Very professional and a wide network. Well known dude.
https://www.tefllemon.com/ - Also a great recruiter and has a fun community that shares ideas and teaching resources.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Website: https://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode of the Millennials in China podcast we go back to just Chris and Hope, having a conversation revolving around Tim Ferriss’ famous book “The 4-Hour Workweek” and the digital nomad trend it set off. Hope dives into Amazon FBA, one of the most popular online business models, and gives his own insight and anecdote on setting up an FBA business and living the digital nomad life.
Show Notes:
- Chris brings up “The 4-Hour Workweek” by Tim Ferriss, which he had just read recently and is immensely motivated by.
- Hope’s experience reading Tim Ferriss’ book and how that set him off on the “digital nomad” path back in 2016.
- Trading time for money vs. automated income. Should you start a side hustle while working full time?
- How Hope took the plunge into starting an Amazon FBA business, and how to overcome “paralysis by analysis.”
- How much starting capital is needed for setting up an Amazon FBA business?
- Hope talks about living the digital nomad life and how it has its pros and cons, and how he sometimes prefers to have a “homebase” where he can establish a routine in order to be productive.
- How the Amazon FBA and e-commerce landscape has changed and you can no longer just throw up a generic product and make a profit.
- Hiring virtual assistants and when it’s necessary.
- Product sourcing and niche selection tips.
- Final words of wisdom for aspiring digital nomads.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Website: https://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode of the Millennials in China podcast we interview Jake Zimmerman, an American Millennial who originally moved to China to teach English, and is now running a sales team at a multinational conglomerate in Manila, the Philippines. Jake shares the hilarious stories from his journey, talks about the adventurous mentality required to step outside of your comfort zone, and shares his secrets to sales and networking.
Show Notes:
- Jake introduces himself and his background growing up in Wisconsin and getting his first exposure to different cultures from his fraternity.
- Jake’s early dabbles with entrepreneurship and the non-profit organization he set up, called Global Smilez.
- Lessons learned from running an NGO and the travel bug that won’t go away.
- How Jake decided to return to Asia and land in Shanghai with a teaching job at English First (EF).
- Hilarious stories from Jake’s first year in Shanghai, which he aptly called “a lucid dream,” including having a pet pig while living on the 30th floor of an apartment building.
- Why Jake went to London for business school, and what he got out of it the most.
- Jake’s grind on a job in financial services in Shenzhen, and why it was not for him.
- The transition from Shenzhen back to the US and then to the Philippines, and what Jake is doing now.
- Sustainable eco products from rice, and how Jake and his team is trying to build a new lifestyle brand.
- Interesting stories from running a sales team and some unique interview methods!
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Website: https://hopefreiheit.com
Jake’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pelicanwing/
In this episode of the Millennials in China podcast we interview Victor Lee, a Malaysian entrepreneur who spent 13 years in China. Victor started his China journey back in 2007 after getting a job offer in customer service IT. He had been hustling all his life and was already assembling a team and building tech apps while still working full time. Now he is back living in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, and is the Founder and CEO of Bitcurate, a blockchain data analytics startup.
Show Notes:
- Victor introduces himself and how he came across the opportunity of moving to China.
- Victor’s first job in China working in customer service IT for an American company, and how he soon started his own side hustle, even employing a couple of part-time software developers.
- Victor recounts how he was already hustling and selling insurance back in Malaysia, and how the sales skills he learned coupled with his product development expertise helped him jump into a career building financial technology products at Standard Chartered Bank.
- How Victor was able to use his resources wisely and be able to pay salary to part-time employees while himself having a day job.
- How Victor was attracted to the concept of decentralized governance and falling into the blockchain rabbit hole.
- What inspired his new company, Bitcurate, and what it does.
- How skilled labour is no longer cheap in China, and how Victor decided to move back to Malaysia to utilize the cheaper talent available.
- Victor’s golden tips on having the entrepreneur mindset but also having the grit and frugality to survive and outlast difficult times.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Website: https://hopefreiheit.com
Victor’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorleejennwei/
Bitcurate: https://www.bitcurate.com/
In this episode of the Millennials in China podcast we interview Cherlene Ye, a Dutch digital marketer in Shanghai. Cherlene first arrived in China in 2013 to take Chinese language classes at Jiaotong University, and then opted to stay after finding a job in her field, digital marketing. Now, she is the Director of Marketing at iTalki, a rapidly growing online language learning app serving users across the world, and Cherlene shares her thoughts on being a young professional in China and how rewarding it can be.
Show Notes:
- Cherlene introduces herself and how she decided to come to China, initially for a temporary Chinese language course.
- Cherlene talks about what made her decide to get into digital marketing, despite her formal education being more focused on traditional marketing and PR.
- The importance of having a long term outlook and thinking strategically to position yourself for the future.
- What is digital marketing exactly, and how is it different to work on both the client side and the agency side.
- The differences between doing digital marketing to a Western audience vs a Chinese audience - different tools, different consumer psychology, different everything!
- Is it easy for a digital marketer who is used to the Western methods to adapt to marketing to a Chinese audience?
- What does her company iTalki do, and how it’s well placed for the digital age.
- Some advice for aspiring young professionals who are looking at China for opportunities.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Website: https://hopefreiheit.com
Cherlene’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherleneye/
iTalki: https://www.italki.com/
In this episode of the Millennials in China podcast we interview Ukrainian entrepreneur Marian Danko. Marian (Marik) first arrived in China in 2011 for importing building materials to Ukraine. He eventually decided that he was not interested in import/export, and started pursuing tech-related ventures. He encountered failures along the way but always managed to overcome them with his remarkable persistence, and he is currently running one of the largest tech startup communities in China called WeHustle.
Show Notes:
- Marian introduces himself and talks about how he ended up in Shijiazhuang, China from Ukraine and via cruise ships sailing across over 30 countries.
- How Marian decided to leave import/export and do something that he was more interested in.
- Marian’s keys to successfully building a community - passion, focus, and consistency.
- Marian introduces his company, WeHustle, and the array of community building, networking, services, and events they provide for tech startups in Shanghai.
- What is Chinaccelerator and how it can help foreign entrepreneurs wanting to reach the Chinese market.
- Even with COVID-19 shutting down events for months, Marian’s business manages to get on just fine as he is always adjusting to situations, pivoting, and focusing on the highest priorities.
- The biggest personal rewards for Marian - seeing people meet and gain mutual value through his community.
- Marian explains his views about what the China startup scene will be like in the next few years, and talks about China’s initiative to make Hainan into a “Silicon Island.”
- Marian’s advice on the pros and cons of hustling in China, as well as some words of wisdom for aspiring young China hustlers.
In this episode of the Millennials in China Podcast we interview Kian How, a successful Malaysian audio producer and music composer who has worked on video games and blockbuster films. Kian shares his journey from studying music in Boston to struggling to pay rent in Los Angeles, before moving to Shanghai 8 years ago and owning his niche.
Show Notes:
- Kian’s background, from his time studying music in the US to how he struggled to pay rent while living the party life in LA.
- How Kian stumbled upon a job opportunity in China while intoxicated, and how he went from being skeptical about the opportunity to suddenly packing his bags and moving to Shanghai.
- Kian’s experience working with famed video game designer “American McGee” at Spicy Horse Studios in Shanghai.
- How he transitioned from being an employee to being a self-employed freelance audio producer - it took 3 years of building the foundations and networking before he was comfortable to do things on his own.
- How Kian managed to get the gig producing the soundtrack for one of China’s top grossing films, Wolf Warrior.
- The regional divide in China and how things can be totally different in different cities, both in terms of mentality and ways of doing business.
- Kian’s tough love for aspiring young artists and musicians.
In this episode of the Millennials in China podcast we bring on our Asian-Canadian Millennial guest Aaron Choi. Aaron left Silicon Valley for new adventures in 2010 and moved first to Hong Kong, then Shanghai in 2012. He worked in mobile app advertising, before making a leap to the cryptocurrency space thanks to some guanxi (relationships). In 2019 his blockchain project Kava raised several million dollars in a successful Binance Launchpad campaign. Aaron shares his positive admiration for China and gives advice on the importance of relationship building in China’s business scene.
Show Notes:
- Aaron talks about his 10-year journey in Asia (Hong Kong and Shanghai), after growing up in Vancouver and then working for a few years in Silicon Valley.
- The contrast between Hong Kong and Mainland China, and how Hong Kong is like a stepping stone from the World to Asia.
- Working in mobile app advertising and how it was totally different between the West and China.
- Aaron talks about how he first learned about bitcoin and the early days when Brian Armstrong (CEO of Coinbase) used to hand out BTC for free just to educate people about bitcoin.
- How Aaron actually made the move professionally from advertising to crypto, thanks to some good contacts in China.
- What Aaron is doing now with Kava, and how his company managed a successful Launchpad campaign on Binance and raised several million dollars.
- Aaron’s thoughts on how to do business development and sales successfully in China, and how important it is to complement business relationships with personal relationships.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Website: https://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode of the Millennials in China podcast we bring on our first interview guest! Jack Boller is an American Millennial from Virginia who came to China after graduation in 2010, and now runs a successful education consulting business spanning several Chinese cities. He shares his China journey from his humble beginnings as an English teacher in a small Chinese city, to how he managed to grind his way to success today.
Show Notes:
- Jack’s unique reason for coming to China in the first place - via a century-old partnership program between his college and China.
- The tough first year Jack spent in the Chinese city of Fenyang, where he was one of only two foreigners in the city.
- Sacrifices always lead to rewards - how Jack significantly improved his Mandarin as well as understanding of Chinese psychology through his year in the third tier Chinese city.
- How a job in Shanghai turned into a business idea, which almost didn’t happen.
- How two important clients completely transformed and boosted the business - a small portion of people often provide the biggest gains.
- How Jack met his Chinese business partner, and how he tries to navigate all the horror stories we heard about doing joint ventures with local partners.
- Funny and down-to-earth hustle stories from the early days of his business, from teaching kids in Starbucks to renting out a “classroom” in a hotel.
- Jack’s big advice to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to test the waters in China, or anywhere.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Website: https://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode of the Millennials in China podcast we drink some Tsingtao and imported Kirin while discussing life in China’s cities, and explain how it’s like to live in China as expats/foreigners. Depending on where you are in China (1st tier city like Shanghai vs 3rd tier cities and villages), the differences you face in everyday life can be massive!
Show Notes:
- Life in China as a foreigner and how you no longer have the same “celebrity factor” as 5-10 years ago.
- General comparisons between China’s 1st tier international cities like Shanghai and the smaller cities and “real China.”
- Your food, drink, and nightlife choices in 1st tier cities vs smaller cities.
- Cost of living differences between 1st tier cities and smaller cities - massive! You can probably live in a 3rd tier Chinese city for half the budget of Shanghai.
- Attitudes from Chinese locals. Are they curious about foreigners? Hostile? DGAF?
- Safety, transportation, and other logistic stuff for living in China’s cities!
- Expat communities in China and the expat lifestyles that you can’t live without - sports, recreation, and staying fit.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Website: https://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode of the Millennials in China podcast we discuss working and doing business in China, how the work culture and mentality can be very different from what you are used to in the West, and how to overcome the common challenges. As well, Hope provides some anecdotal insight on dealing with Chinese manufacturers and factories, how to price haggle, and more nuggets of information.
Show Notes:
- Hope talks about his story going from chemist in big biotech/pharma to moving to China to work in tech and starting an ecommerce side hustle with Amazon FBA.
- Cultural and habitual differences in the workplace between China and the West.
- How WeChat permeates your life in China, and work never stops!
- Differences in business style and attitude between China and West, and what each can learn from the other.
- Chinese work colleagues and how to build relationships with them and win trust.
- Advice for fresh expats coming to work or do business in China.
- Doing side hustles in China to make extra money.
- Hope shares his insights on dealing with Chinese suppliers, choosing the right factory, and how to haggle prices and avoid getting ripped off.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Website: https://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode of the Millennials in China podcast we discuss dating in China, what it’s like to marry a Chinese woman, and the challenges of raising a family in China. Having done all of the above as a foreigner in China, Chris shares his experiences.
Show Notes:
- Chris’ impressions of Chinese women back in the UK and how that changed after he came to China.
- How is it like to date a Chinese girl, and how Chris’ courtship process was quite different from what we are used to with dating in the West.
- What was Chris’ Chinese wedding like, and how the preparations went.
- How it’s like to have children in China, and raising them.
- The pros and cons about raising kids in China.
- Married into a traditional Chinese family - how Chris deals with living with the in-laws.
- How Chris’ in-laws thought of their daughter marrying a foreigner.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Website: https://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode of the Millennials in China podcast we discuss common myths and misconceptions people have about China. Believe it or not, what you see and hear in the news and media are usually quite different from reality! Chris and Hope are here to bust some stereotypes, but also prove some to be true.
Show Notes:
- Do Chinese people eat all kinds of weird things and animals like bats and dogs?
- Do Chinese people always copy things and ideas, and are unable to innovate?
- Are “Made in China” products all cheap and crappy quality?
- Are Chinese cities grey, polluted, dystopian nightmares?
- Is China very behind and does it have poor infrastructure?
- Are Chinese people oppressed by their government and in everyday life?
- China produces a lot of pollution - do Chinese people not care about protecting the environment?
- Is China “easy” for foreigners? Are foreigners “special” or have a lot of attention/opportunity for granted in China?
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Website: https://hopefreiheit.com
In this episode of the Millennials in China podcast we discuss the #YOLO instant gratification mindset that’s corrupting Millennials and some cultural differences between East and West. As well, we open the episode with a quick update on the COVID-19 situation in China.
Show Notes:
- Coronavirus update; China shutting its borders. US, Canada, the UK, and Prince Charles!
- The YOLO instant gratification mindset that’s plaguing our generation.
- Western individualism vs. Chinese collectivism, and how that’s changing.
- Chris talks about how his Chinese in-laws take it to the absolute next level when it comes to delayed gratification and being frugal.
- Living in the moment without any responsibilities vs. enjoying life in moderation while saving and planning for the future.
- The Chinese hustler mindset and how it’s very common for people to do side hustles and sell things in China.
- Chris and Hope both discuss their own anecdotal mindset changes since moving to China.
- Hope talks about living as a digital nomad among backpackers and how that motivated him to focus on more important things.
- Cultural differences in education - the Chinese focus on respecting students with top grades vs. the Western focus on respecting “cool”/rebellious kids.
- As we get a bit older our priorities are changing, and we think in longer time horizons.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/millennials-in-china/id1503870294
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MwEJZnnZ2sNWje7wP0GaW?si=tWqgkgwoQCueTrEfeI3-6g
Listen on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL21pbGxlbm5pYWxzaW5jaGluYS5jb20vcnNz
Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6jqVbJ1SR_g9iTLFxyF1g
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/hope_freiheit
Hope’s Website: https://hopefreiheit.com
Hello! We are your Millennial hosts, Chris and Hope, and in this inaugural episode of the Millennials in China podcast we introduce ourselves, the podcast, and talk about the flavour du jour - coronavirus!
Chris - More than 8 years living in China, from teaching English to managing schools to video game studio Chief Operating Officer!
Hope - More than 4 years living in China, manufactured products for his e-commerce business and worked in a bitcoin exchange!
Coronavirus pandemic:
- How it transpired in China in the early days (January and February).
- China’s draconian but swift and effective containment measures.
- “It’s just a flu” narrative by political leaders and mainstream media.
- Wearing masks and debunking MSM myths.
- Taking preventative action and slowing the power of exponential growth.
- Being considerate of the elderly and loved ones (not just about yourself!).
- Effects of COVID-19 on the Chinese economy, supply chain, and global markets - is this the “Black Swan” event?
Related Links:
https://hopefreiheit.com/2020/02/25/inside-observations-on-the-coronavirus-epidemic/
https://hopefreiheit.com/2020/03/18/covid-19-economic-meltdown-dealing-with-2020/
https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6
Chris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWood1821
Hope's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_freiheit
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillennialsCN
Podcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/millennialsinchina
Podcast Website: http://millennialsinchina.com