China Flexpat

China's Digital Marketing field is explained through the eyes of a real expert. Artem has his own Digital Marketing agency and consults foreign companies on entering China's vast field of digital marketing channels. He's well knowledgeable in video advertising and live-streaming from as simple as a small car repair shop up to the big luxury fashion brands.

Highlights

Follow and connect with Artem on Social Media:

WeChat: chinartem

Email: t@outlandish-group.com

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

Highlights:

Follow and connect with Pierre on Social Media o:

WeChat: Pierre_Mo_Lin_Morin

 • How can Chinese nationals integrate overseas?

 • How do you train to be an interpreter?

 • What is special about German and Chinese customers?

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

 • How do you negotiate a high fee? How do you reject a low fee? How do you find new projects?

Learn how to be a Cross-Boarder Thought Leader

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

- What is the difference between China and other geographies?

- How do you lead Chinese teams?

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

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

- How can you differentiate from local professionals?

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

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

Consulting and advisory.

Executive programs on digital transformation.

Keynotes at conferences and company events.

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

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

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

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

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

This episode describes an academic career path as a China watcher with a strong focus on Young China, the Post-90s generation, and Chinese companies going global.

1) Why is Fluent Chinese so important to a flexpat career?

2) How can you start an academic career as a China watcher?

3) How do you make a living as a China watcher?

4) How are Chinese companies going global, do they hire flexpats? 

5) What is the key to success for flexpats in the next decade?

Zak Dychtwald is the author of the critically acclaimed Young China: How the Restless Generation Will Change Their Country and the World and founder of the market insights firm, Young China Group. A fluent mandarin speaker with a decade in China, Zak is an expert in dissecting the intersection between China’s evolving identity, the economy, and consumer trends. 

Zak has been invited to share his expertise with audiences on six continents at events such as the Wall Street Journal CEO Council Summit, Aspen Ideas Festival, and Google Talks, as well as for major financial institutions and global brands. He is a contributor to Harvard Business Review and his work is frequently cited in The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, BBC, Fortune, Barron’s, and others.

Zak started out in China only because of a love of Science Fiction and a want to see where people were saying the future was unfolding. Based in Chengdu, he became fixated on the gap between how China was perceived back home in the US and what he was seeing and experiencing on the ground. 

Find Zak's recent video with Harvard Business Review on "China's New Innovation Advantage" or his TEDx talk here. 

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

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

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

Learn how to build your online business, no matter where you live. Flexpats can also do it while working in China, but it comes with lots of challenges.

Laura explains what you should look out for, and what is special in China. 

About Laura:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow Heidi on Social Media:

Learn all about intercultural communication in a Chinese-speaking environment.

Michelle lived and worked in the USA, Europe, South Africa, India, and Japan before she found her base in Taipei. Even after all this, she took the time to learn both the Chinese language and philosophy properly, totally adapting to her new home. It takes time and effort, but it's worth it.

Because of this lifelong learning journey, Michelle really knows how to bridge cultures and show empathy in complex situations.

Recommend this episode to anyone who struggles with different communication styles and wants to bridge the gaps.

Bonus: How to enjoy Taipei, if you get the chance.

About Michelle:

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

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

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

About Beatrice:

This is an episode for young professionals who want to start their careers in China. 

Simon explains how you can start your career in a Chinese company and lead the internationalization strategy. 

Once in your first job, how can you move on to your first Management role?

What can you learn from Chinese companies? 

How can you use this experience in your further career?

Why is a good network important to develop your career?

Simon also shares his strategy on how to build an international culture in a Chinese team. This is the key role of every flexpat.

About Simon:

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

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

Get financially independent by building multiple income streams. 

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

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

About Gianni:

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

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

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

This is a special episode for engineers and technology nerds who want to build their careers in China. 

Get a big picture of the Chinese economy from international companies to State-owned enterprises, and even Belt and Road projects. Learn about R&D processes and copycats. Entering new markets and going international from China.

What does it take to build your complete engineering and business career abroad? Is it still possible today?

Check the children's book 阿凡提  ā fán tí - can you read it as well?

About Bruno:

This is a special episode for the German community in the Shanghai area.

You learn about a complete flexpat career from university to retirement. Including all challenges, happiness, and fears along the way. Not only, but especially for Germans. Share this episode with your German friend!

The German Center is a "home away from home" for German companies in China. Taicang is probably the "most German" city in China.

Find the German Center Taicang here:

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

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

3) Success factors for developing your flexpat career

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

Content:

 1. Unique lifestyle as 72-year-old flexpat

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

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

 4. How does he spend and invest his income?

 5. How does he find the energy for his active flexpat lifestyle?

 6. How does Wolfgang see his future in China?

 7. Wolfgang`s advice for young flexpats

  a. Learn Chinese

  b. Keep your connection to your own country and culture while you live in China

  c. Build wealth, don`t waste your income.

Steven’s Steps To Starting From Scratch in China:

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

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

3. Research, research, research.

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

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

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

Content:

1. Unique lifestlyle as young entrepreneur in Shanghai

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

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

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

5. How does he spend and invest his income?

6. How different is his life compared to before?

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

8. How does Alex see his future in China?

9. Alex`s advices for the Flexpat community

          a. Try different things and change your perspective

          b. Build a community and get to know people

          c. Actively ask others for their experience and advice

Connect with Alex:

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

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

 1. What is unique about your flexpat lifestyle?

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

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

 4. How do you spend and invest your income?

 5. How can you buy an apartment in China? 

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

 7. How do you see your future in China?

8  Some advice for flexpats

Topics discussed:

 - How to deal with the current Covid crisis?

 - Will there be new job opportunities for flexpats?

 - How can flexpats:

  ○ differentiate on the job market?

  ○ deal with different cultures and regulations?

  ○ cope with the current lockdown?

  ○ plan their career?

  ○ Start their own business?

Janine has made it her purpose to make lifelong learning accessible to anybody globally and to unlock everyone’s full potential. 

You can join her projects for free and get inspired. Try it out!

Her email fullpotentialpartners@outlook.com and  

Learn from Oscar, a seasoned flexpat and career advisor.

How can flexpats:

 - "get hunted" by headhunters and find good opportunities?

 - differentiate themselves in the China job market?

 - practice their cultural adaptability skills?

 - train their networking skills? 

 - build long term relationships

 - improve their long term job chances?

 - build a personal brand using LinkedIn? 

-  grow their network?

Tune into Oscar’s "Mosaic of China" Podcast here, with lots of stories of professionals in China:

It was Marion`s dream to come to Shanghai. She prepared long in advance to get an internal transfer here, and then developed her special consulting skillset in the "strengths" area as a coach. The coaching market is very competitive, and Marion made sure to differentiate from both flexpat and Chinese competition.

Today, she shares her coaching, consulting and entrepreneurship journey, and what you can learn from this experience.

Connect with Marion:

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

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

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

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

In this episode, Ana talks about 

 - international career development for women

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

 - what kind of working opportunities women can find in China

 - leadership differences between Europe and China

 - how to combine career and family

 - how to lead a fulfilling life in China

Connect with Ana

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

Connect with Stephan on LinkedIn:

Listen to episode 80 with Chloris Liu to learn about:

Connect with Chloris on LinkedIn:

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

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

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

1) Ablauf von China-Studium und Job Einstieg

2) Abgrenzung von Expats und chinesischen Bewerbern

3) Unterschiede von Expat und Flexpat Jobs

4) Chinesisch Kenntnisse sind wichtig, aber nicht entscheidend

5) Stärken und Schwächen von deutschen Flexpats

6) Tipps für junge Flexpats

7) Über die deutsche Schule Shanghai

Jan Assmann auf LinkedIn:

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

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

Check out his Youtube Channel here:

Learn from professional interpreter, Sofia Xavier:

Connect with Sofia on LinkedIn:

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

Connect with C.J. on LinkedIn:

Vocês pediram e a vez dele chegou! Neste episódio, falaremos sobre empreendedorismo, inovações e negócios femininos na China! Quais são os principais desafios de se começar um negócio do zero? Como expandir? Qual o poder das comunidades? Sabemos que se aventurar em um novo negócio é difícil mesmo em nosso país, mas quando estamos em um lugar bastante diferente, é preciso muito mais disposição. Mas você não está só! Iniciativas locais podem te dar um apoio jurídico e financeiro, as conexões que você constrói serão seus grandes aliados e aprender a língua e a cultura é essencial não só para entender o ambiente e os clientes que pretende atender, mas também para articular e ser estratégico perante os diversos atores sociais.

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

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

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

Connect with Tobias on LinkedIn:

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

Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn:

Many industries, including strategy consulting, is more mature in Europe than in China. In many cases, European business models have been transferred to China - along with expats to build organizations. 

Europe-experienced Chinese professionals return to China in order to establish European culture and processes in their home market. 

"Returnees": The huge benefit is the language and culture barrier. They speak both English and Chinese, in some cases a third language, such as French or German. They can "read the air" in China, as it is their home market. 

Shengyun (Alex) Lu sharing his story and advice - how he made it to partner in a Chinese consulting firm, how he wins business from both international and Chinese customers and how he builds his Chinese team and establishes an international culture.

What can flexpats learn from returnees? Respect both cultures push and speak up (European way) or adapt and confirm (Chinese way). 

Connect with Alex on LinkedIn:

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

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

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

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

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

 This is what you'll learn: 

 1. Why China continues to stay attractive 

 2. How to grow a team in China

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

 4. Motivating and retaining a diverse team of consultants

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

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

 7. Which opportunities do exist for Flexpats

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn:

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

Key learnings in 30 minutes:

Chris Reinert has over 10 years of recruitment experience and successfully placed candidates in APAC (Mainland China, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea, Australia), Europe, and the USA. In this episode he explains how you can create your own opportunities at different stages of your career and find suitable jobs without competing with locals but solely building on your strengths.

This is what you'll learn in 15 minutes:

Follow Chris on LinkedIn:

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

This is what you'll learn:

Connect with Mikael on LinkedIn:

Peter Willemsen has been living in China for 12 years and has vast experience in setting up Chinese R&D centers from scratch and building successful engineering teams in the automotive industry. As President of Rheinmetall Automotive Investment Holding China he oversees a turnover of more than 1 billion EUR and more than 4,500 employees across several WOFEs and JVs. In this outstanding 40min leadership episode you'll learn everything you need to consider if you will become a flexpat manager in China, especially in engineering related fields.

This is what you'll learn:

Connect with Peter on LinkedIn:

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

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

Food for thought:

Follow Yassine on LinkedIn:

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

This is what you'll learn in 25 minutes:

Connect with Ervis on LinkedIn:

Adina Deacu is an Environmental Psychology Researcher & Consultant and has been living in China since 2012. As a foreign entrepreneur in the service industry in China, it is extremely hard to get customers' attention, trust and therefore, business leads. Adina has found ways of distinguishing herself by attending purely Chinese networking events, accessing vast sources of information, only available in Chinese language and understanding her Chinese counterparts from their point of view. In this compact 13 minutes episode, you'll learn about the impact of learning Chinese on your business and how you can learn the language, even as a busy flexpat.

This is what we talked about:

Connect with Adina on LinkedIn:

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

This is what you’ll learn:

Connect with HongHong on LinkedIn:

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

This is what you'll learn:

Connect with Ruddy on LinkedIn:

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

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

This what you'll learn:

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

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

This is what you'll learn in 30 minutes:

Connect with Chloe on LinkedIn:

Giada is originally from Italy and has studied Chinese language and the economic and cultural dynamics of contemporary China. During an internship in Beijing, at one of the leading foreign-owned WeChat agencies, she has learned all the basics to jump-start her career in China related marketing. The Corona-Crisis has forced her to move back to Italy but she seized the opportunity to help an Italien company enter the Chinese market. In this episode she shares her experiences in China and what you can expect if you decide to follow a similar career path.

This is what you'll learn:

Connect with Giada on LinkedIn:

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

This is what you'll learn:

Connect with Arslan on LinkedIn:

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

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

This is what you'll learn in 50 minutes:

Connect with Marina on LinkedIn:

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

This is what you'll learn:

Connect with Miro on LinkedIn:

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

This is what you'll learn:

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

This is what you'll learn:

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

This is what you'll learn:

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

This is what you'll learn:

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Karl J. Weaver is a US citizen and has worked in numerous flexpat roles in Taiwan and Mainland China since 1985. As a bilingual (English & Mandarin) public speaker he shares his first hand experience of leading the charge of mobile payment development in China in the past 3 decades. We found Karl to be an unlimited source of advice when it comes to China's leading technology industries such as mobile devices, internet of things and blockchain. Take a pen and note Karl's advice on how to land a job in these lucrative industries during this 20 minute episode.

This is what you'll learn:

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

This is what you'll learn in 20 minutes:

Listen to Leo's podcast here:

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

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

This is what you'll learn:

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David von Schwerin is originally from Austria and has been living in China for 15 years. He holds a rare Chinese green card, is married, has kids and has built his career in logistics in China from scratch. In this episode he shares his rich experience collected building his successful flexpat life.

This is what you'll learn:

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

This is what you'll learn in 20 minutes:

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Najma is originally from the US and has started her China adventure as an English teacher in Shanghai. This way she had the opportunity to learn more about China and of course, its eating habits. Unfortunately she experienced health problems caused by the drastic change in her nutrition and eating habits. As Najma has worked in nutritional consulting in the US before, she decided to start her own company in Shanghai with the mission to help people align their physical requirements with proper nutrition to prevent such health issues.

In this episode she will share her story of transitioning from English teacher to health entrepreneur in China.

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

What you'll learn:

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

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Sabine Neuhaus is from Switzerland and currently works as a lawyer in Shanghai. At the same time, she is a board member of the Swiss-Chinese Chamber of Commerce which made her an expert about professional networking in China. In this episode she shares her own rich experience and insider advice on these essential flexpat topics:

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Ramesh Ramaswamy is originally from India and has worked around the globe. Almost two years ago, German automotive supplier giant Bosch has offered him an opportunity in China. In this episode he shares the truth about the job market and work life for Indians in China. Ramesh is also pointing out the specific challenges for his fellow Indians, how to overcome them and succeed in the booming Chinese tech sector.

Specific topics covered in 25 minutes:

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

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

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

Key take-aways:

- The essential skill sets for expat managers in China

- What multinationals look for in international managers

- Differences in the scope of responsibilities

- Solutions to kick start your China career

- Starting with nothing in China

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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In this final episode of season 1 you will learn the most important advice and statements by all previous guests on the China Flexpat Podcast.

In 15 Minutes Patrick and Francis are summarising highlights and notable advice collected from 10 episodes.

We would love to hear your feedback and answer any questions you may have! 

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Jamie Dixon has been living in China for 13 years. From teaching English at first he is now successfully coaching managers of multinational companies all over the country. In this episode he gives clear insights on how life in the training industry looks like and what it takes to succeed in this highly competitive environment.

Topics covered in 24min:

1. What are multinational companies struggling with in China?

2. Why is there a need for training?

3. How does the job market for coaches and trainers look like?

4. Pros and Cons of working in the training industry.

5. Jamie's top 3 factors to succeed in China.

Get Jamie's book "Shaping Paths - How to Design and Deliver PRACTICAL Training" on Amazon:

Florian is an expert in finance and administration in China. Starting his China career on a scholarship program by the German government, he quickly gathered invaluable work experience in international companies in several Chinese cities. Now he is finance director in Nanjing and shares his take on corporate administration, finance and regulatory affairs with you.

Topics covered:

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Belgian Author and Keynote Speaker, Sven Agten, first came to China as an English teacher in 2004. 15 years later he his the CEO of a German multinational company in China. Speaking Mandarin and being married to a Chinese wife, he is integrated into Chinese life as one can be.

Topics and advice covered in this episode:

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

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

Topics covered in 15 minutes:

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