Between Meetings

In a recent Between Meetings episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Michael Grantmyre, a Partner at Osler. During our conversation, we delved into various topics, including his role in the community, his passion for startups, Osler's packages designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs, and the reasons behind his move from Toronto to Calgary. Michael also shared common mistakes that startups make and offered valuable advice.Takeaways:Always be more than just a lawyer.I really view my role as a community builder and ecosystem supporter; law is the way I contribute to that.This is an Osler client; we have seen this type of stuff a thousand times before.There is no startup in the world that can afford the legal fees from day one.Talking to a lawyer or accountant should not always be a question of whether I can afford it.We owe it to our clients to adopt AI.Collaboration and openness, among other things, are a secret source that makes those gears start to turn.Build a community around you.People will say they would rather invest in a bad business with great founders than in a great business with bad founders.Michael Grantmyre is a tech lawyer, a biz dev guy, a wanna-be skier, an outdoors enthusiast, a cyclist, a soccer player, and a tech geek. As a Partner at Osler, Michael works with tech companies that are starting out, and those that are well-established, to advise on a range of corporate matters to add every bit of value possible for their day-to-day business and legal needs.Between Meetings is a series of on-the-go interviews featuring industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate innovators. In these interviews, we delve into the latest trends and developments in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, catching our guests between meetings in a car ride across town. Along the way, they share inspiring stories, personal experiences, industry insights, and practical advice on how to scale your way to success. Each interview is packed with valuable information and inspiration for anyone looking to make an impact in the tech and innovation world.🎙 Follow the host Marian Danko on LinkedIn.Find us on YouTube, LinkedIn, TwitterSubscribe to the podcast via other services to be notified when a new episode is released. We are on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.

In a recent Between Meetings episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sabina Bruehlmann, CEO at Nimble Science. We discussed the role of a PhD in running a startup, Sabina's unique expertise, her initial experience with startups, and why Calgary is an excellent location to start your business.Takeaways:Any startup founder who is thinking about the salary is not a true startup founder.A PhD does not necessarily make a great startup founder.Entrepreneurship has become significantly more challenging due to the high expectations investors have.Intellectual property and regulatory expertise are valuable skillsets to bring into entrepreneurship.IP and regulatory are the most diametrically opposed thought processes In IP, you argue that you are different from everybody else. In regulatory, you argue that you are the same as everyone else.Speed is crucial; you have to move quickly. Every hour counts.Sabina Bruehlmann has twenty years of medical technology commercialization experience in developing and managing mature IP strategies, obtaining regulatory clearances for novel products, establishing workable quality systems, innovating and managing successful R&D programs including clinical trials, setting up small-scale regulated manufacturing, and raising funds.Between Meetings is a series of on-the-go interviews featuring industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate innovators. In these interviews, we delve into the latest trends and developments in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, catching our guests between meetings in a car ride across town. Along the way, they share inspiring stories, personal experiences, industry insights, and practical advice on how to scale your way to success. Each interview is packed with valuable information and inspiration for anyone looking to make an impact in the tech and innovation world.🎙 Follow the host Marian Danko on LinkedIn.Find us on YouTube, LinkedIn, TwitterSubscribe to the podcast via other services to be notified when a new episode is released. We are on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.

In a recent Between Meetings episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kevin Dahl, Director of ElevateIP at Innovate Calgary. Our conversation dove into his professional journey, explored the early days of Calgary's innovation ecosystem, highlighted his impactful stint at Plug and Play, and delved into his current role at Innovate Calgary. Takeaways:I am always in the corner of the underdog.Fifteen years ago, innovation was just this little shiny object over to the side.Becoming a startup founder is not just cool; it is actually viable now.Energy OR innovation, agriculture OR innovation. To me, 'OR' is simply rooted in fallacy. It should be an 'AND' conversation.Kevin Dahl has expertise in several industries including mobile payments, hospitality tech, telecommunications, music, and tech incubation. He is a geek at heart. Kevin loves technology and he is fascinated by its impact on society. Between Meetings is a series of on-the-go interviews featuring industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate innovators. In these interviews, we delve into the latest trends and developments in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, catching our guests between meetings in a car ride across town. Along the way, they share inspiring stories, personal experiences, industry insights, and practical advice on how to scale your way to success. Each interview is packed with valuable information and inspiration for anyone looking to make an impact in the tech and innovation world.🎙 Follow the host Marian Danko on LinkedIn.Find us on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter.Subscribe to the podcast via other services to be notified when a new episode is released. We are on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.

In a recent installment of Between Meetings, I had the privilege of interviewing Ken Xu, a Partner at CMC Capital Partners. Our conversation delved into the formative years of the VC industry in China, his experiences at Gobi Partners, and the pivotal decisions that startup founders must navigate in a post-COVID world.Takeaways:Back in the early 2000s, 75% of Gobi's startups were from BeijingThe effects of COVID-19 will stick around longer than we thinkCMC Capital Partners mainly invests in ChinaIf you're a foreign company wanting funding in China, be clear about what you want to leverage from ChinaTo succeed in China, have locals on your teamKen joined CMC Capital in 2018 and serves as a partner. While at CMC, he has made investments in Clobotics, Revobit, and TAGE. Before joining the Firm, Ken served as the Managing Partner of Gobi Partners China and managed the operation of the fund. During this period, his successful investment included: Lingtu Software, Madhouse Inc., CSDN, Hanchen DT, Link Motion, 36kr, etc.Between Meetings is a series of on-the-go interviews featuring industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate innovators. In these interviews, we delve into the latest trends and developments in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, catching our guests between meetings in a car ride across town. Along the way, they share inspiring stories, personal experiences, industry insights, and practical advice on how to scale your way to success. Each interview is packed with valuable information and inspiration for anyone looking to make an impact in the tech and innovation world.🎙 Follow the host Marian Danko on LinkedIn.YouTube, LinkedIn, TwitterSubscribe to the podcast via other services to be notified when a new episode is released. We are on WeChat Channel, bilibili, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Rachel Daydou, Partner at EY Fabernovel, in a recent episode of Between Meetings. We discussed various topics, including her childhood dream of visiting the Shaolin Temple, the valuable lessons she learned while running two startups, her dedication and hard work at Fabernovel, as well as the challenges that international companies encounter in China and much more.Takeaways:What kept me in China was the feeling that I was in the center of everything fascinating happening in the world.What made me start to feel like an entrepreneur was connecting with other entrepreneurs through Startup Grind.Being an entrepreneur totally changed my life.Get into action: 85% action, 15% reflection.Get it done because you learn as you are doing.Take care of yourself: you are the first asset of the company.One of the pain points multinationals are trying to solve is localizing appropriately for the Chinese market.Another challenge for multinationals is keeping up with China's speed.China teams have more autonomy than before.There is less trust between China teams and global teams.Multinationals are trying to derisk the non-China business connected to China.Rachel Daydou is a driven, authentic, and multicultural C-level executive with 10+ years of experience building innovative businesses in China. My responsibilities have covered management, sales, and marketing in various industries covering F&B distribution, Fashion retail, Digital Marketing, and Education.Between Meetings is a series of on-the-go interviews featuring industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate innovators. In these interviews, we delve into the latest trends and developments in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, catching our guests between meetings in a car ride across town. Along the way, they share inspiring stories, personal experiences, industry insights, and practical advice on how to scale your way to success. Each interview is packed with valuable information and inspiration for anyone looking to make an impact in the tech and innovation world.🎙 Follow the host Marian Danko on LinkedIn.YouTube, LinkedIn, TwitterSubscribe to the podcast via other services to be notified when a new episode is released. We are on WeChat Channel, bilibili, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.

On the latest episode of Between Meetings, I had the pleasure of interviewing Oscar Sum. He discussed his international background and shared his journey from being a dentist in the UK to founding a tech startup in China. Oscar delved into the challenges of dentistry and candidly shared the mistakes he made as a first-time entrepreneur.Takeaways:Understanding science and practical application are two different skillsI sought a challenge and chose a different path than my peers in dentistryThe dental industry has been slow in adopting technological advancementsChina faces a significant shortage in the number of dentistsPrototyping must be tested with the actual market rather than just a group of friendsIt was surprising to discover how challenging people find using technologyDr. Oscar Sum graduated from one of the world’s top dental programs at King’s College London before moving to Shanghai to work in the private sector & becoming the Dental Director of Global Healthcare China. He is a pioneer in AI dental care having gained a MSc in the field of Dental AI and creating his own company Aidencare.Between Meetings is a series of on-the-go interviews featuring industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate innovators. In these interviews, we delve into the latest trends and developments in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, catching our guests between meetings in a car ride across town. Along the way, they share inspiring stories, personal experiences, industry insights, and practical advice on how to scale your way to success. Each interview is packed with valuable information and inspiration for anyone looking to make an impact in the tech and innovation world.🎙 Follow the host Marian Danko on LinkedIn.YouTube, LinkedIn, TwitterSubscribe to the podcast via other services to be notified when a new episode is released. We are on WeChat Channel, bilibili, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.

During a recent episode of Between Meetings, I engaged in a captivating conversation with Scott Pollack, delving into his early experiences in Asia, his remarkable entrepreneurial journey, the transformative shift from being a player to a coach, and his ongoing role as a CEO and leadership team coach.Takeaways:One of the takeaways from my early career was learning how a laptop can travel. It's a mentality.I decided to transition from being a player to a coach to have a meaningful impact on people I can relate to.I don't think coaching has changed in the past years. What has changed is the perception of coaching.A coach is not someone better than you; it's about making you better.Almost 30 years of strategy, business development, sales, marketing, product and consulting experience primarily in Internet, digital media, telecom, technology and information services. Successful at developing businesses in the United States and Asia. Holder of an MBA/JD from UCLA, and a BA in Economics from UC Berkeley. Fully conversational in Mandarin with basic Chinese reading proficiency.Between Meetings is a series of on-the-go interviews featuring industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate innovators. In these interviews, we delve into the latest trends and developments in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, catching our guests between meetings in a car ride across town. Along the way, they share inspiring stories, personal experiences, industry insights, and practical advice on how to scale your way to success. Each interview is packed with valuable information and inspiration for anyone looking to make an impact in the tech and innovation world.🎙 Follow the host Marian Danko on LinkedIn.YouTube, LinkedIn, TwitterSubscribe to the podcast via other services to be notified when a new episode is released. We are on WeChat Channel, bilibili, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.

In a recent episode of Between Meetings, Mark Bawtree discussed his journey towards sustainability, the lessons he learned while running his startups, the challenges of ESG, and how Akila is aiding its clients in making data-driven decisions.Takeaways:Renewable energy sources have increasingly targeted the local market from a sales perspective, whereas they were primarily manufactured for the international market in the pastThe potential for profit in the local market has led to a faster adoption of renewablesRather than focusing solely on financial metrics, businesses, and investors are now also taking into account the environmental impact of their operations, as reflected in carbon footprint calculationsThe individuals responsible for collecting data on-site for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reports may not be personally invested in or concerned about ESG issuesA hands-on technical sales professional with a focus on sustainability, energy optimisation, and clean energy solutions from hardware to software. With over 20 years of Sales, Project Management, and Key Account Management. Starting in IT and data centers, shortly after arriving in Shanghai moved into renewable energy solutions product development, design, and implementation.Between Meetings is a series of on-the-go interviews featuring industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate innovators. In these interviews, we delve into the latest trends and developments in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, catching our guests between meetings in a car ride across town. Along the way, they share inspiring stories, personal experiences, industry insights, and practical advice on how to scale your way to success. Each interview is packed with valuable information and inspiration for anyone looking to make an impact in the tech and innovation world.🎙 Follow the host Marian Danko on LinkedIn.YouTube, LinkedIn, TwitterSubscribe to the podcast via other services to be notified when a new episode is released. We are on WeChat Channel, bilibili, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.

I recently hosted Thomas Knoop on the latest episode of Between Meetings. During the interview, Thomas shared his experiences of doing business in China, including the changes he has seen in the business landscape over the past decade, the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the transformation in his client base. Takeaways:Doing business in China requires a different approach compared to western countriesInnovation is key in a rapidly developing market like ChinaI prioritize understanding my customers' needs and turning them into achievable business goalsLocal companies may prefer to work with a vendor based in China.The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards cloud-based solutionsCustomer service via messaging has become more popular than phone callsThomas Knoop is an operational and pragmatic senior executive with broad experience in all aspects of IT, Management in Customer Contact, eCommerce, Service, and CRM/ERP environments.Between Meetings is a series of on-the-go interviews featuring industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate innovators. In these interviews, we delve into the latest trends and developments in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, catching our guests between meetings in a car ride across town. Along the way, they share inspiring stories, personal experiences, industry insights, and practical advice on how to scale your way to success. Each interview is packed with valuable information and inspiration for anyone looking to make an impact in the tech and innovation world.🎙 Follow the host Marian Danko on LinkedIn.YouTube, LinkedIn, TwitterSubscribe to the podcast via other services to be notified when a new episode is released. We are on WeChat Channel, bilibili, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.

I interviewed Cheng Fu on the latest episode of Between Meetings where he talked about his transformation from a backend developer to a business unit lead. We also discussed Builtopia and its benefits for SMEs and the challenges in the Metaverse industry.Takeaways:I put in diligent effort and smart strategies to attain my opportunitiesI had a well-structured career planI understood that sacrifices were necessary for growthI joined a small startup to gain insights into startup operationsThe price of entry into the metaverse is exorbitantChinese companies face a trade-off of higher costs for lower-quality products (in the Metaverse)Cheng Fu is a seasoned software engineer with a proven track record in the computer software industry. He has expertise in Cloud Computing, Cloud Native Stack, and Computer Graphics. Cheng holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Software Engineering from Zhejiang University and boasts six years of experience in both team and product management.Between Meetings is a series of on-the-go interviews featuring industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate innovators. In these interviews, we delve into the latest trends and developments in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, catching our guests between meetings in a car ride across town. Along the way, they share inspiring stories, personal experiences, industry insights, and practical advice on how to scale your way to success. Each interview is packed with valuable information and inspiration for anyone looking to make an impact in the tech and innovation world.🎙 Follow the host Marian Danko on LinkedIn.YouTube, LinkedIn, TwitterSubscribe to the podcast via other services to be notified when a new episode is released. We are on WeChat Channel, bilibili, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.

I interviewed Shameen Prashantham on the latest episode of "Between Meetings." We discussed the inspiration behind his book "Gorillas Can Dance" and explored the complexities of startup-corporate collaboration. Shameen shared valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and how CEIBS is grooming the next generation of leaders.Takeaways:What I’ve seen as constant is recognition of the importance of innovation Some of the smaller companies have no choice but to learn to dance with big gorillas You need equal measures of optimism and pessimismSee what they are interested in matches with their strategic prioritiesYou need to show enough of your capability that the corporate is interested in but not so much that they do not need you anymoreThree types of mindsets deal with uncertainty: entrepreneurial, collaborative, and global. We have become really interdependent over timeObliquity, frugality, paradoxicalityDr. Shameen Prashantham is a Professor of International Business and Strategy and Associate Dean (MBA) at CEIBS in Shanghai. His latest book, Gorillas Can Dance, offers managers in large corporations a proven guide to partnering and collaborating with startups to improve innovation by delivering the “where,” “why,” and “how” of corporation-startup partnerships. Between Meetings is a series of on-the-go interviews featuring industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate innovators. In these interviews, we delve into the latest trends and developments in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, catching our guests between meetings in a car ride across town. Along the way, they share inspiring stories, personal experiences, industry insights, and practical advice on how to scale your way to success. Each interview is packed with valuable information and inspiration for anyone looking to make an impact in the tech and innovation world.🎙 Follow the host Marian Danko on LinkedIn.YouTube, LinkedIn, TwitterSubscribe to the podcast via other services to be notified when a new episode is released. We are on WeChat Channel, bilibili, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.

We discussed Vincent's family business, the concept of sustainability in fashion, perceptions of social entrepreneurship, and the role of technology in a sustainable fashion. He shared the story of REMAKEHUB and offered advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.Takeaways:We are going from a linear to a circular modelWhat is considered sustainable today may not be considered sustainable in the futureMany things come from unexpected placesMaterials science and supply chain is the core of the industryGiving back to society while still making moneyGlocalize: global + localizeHave your own tribeVincent Djen is a fashion entrepreneur, innovator, mentor, and manufacturer with 16 years of experience. He works with startups and big brands in using his knowledge, network, and resources to turn their designs into products and make their products and processes more sustainable and grow their businesses.Between Meetings is a series of on-the-go interviews featuring industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate innovators. In these interviews, we delve into the latest trends and developments in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, catching our guests between meetings in a car ride across town. Along the way, they share inspiring stories, personal experiences, industry insights, and practical advice on how to scale your way to success. Each interview is packed with valuable information and inspiration for anyone looking to make an impact in the tech and innovation world.🎙 Follow the host Marian Danko on LinkedIn.YouTube, LinkedIn, TwitterSubscribe to the podcast via other services to be notified when a new episode is released. We are on WeChat Channel, bilibili, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.

We discussed Cyril's background and experiences as an entrepreneur, the changes and developments in eCommerce in recent years, the use of key opinion leaders (KOLs) in marketing, and the challenges Chinese brands face when expanding globally, among other related topics. Takeaways:I started in China because it was cheapAdmin part of the entrepreneurship journey never bothers meIn terms of the business model you need to follow market trendsIt is not easy for brands to make money on eCommerceIt is getting almost too expensive to have a good ROI on the platformsI believe offline retail is coming back to the gameeCommerce has not killed offline retail, eCommerce has changed offline retailChinese shoppers are more and more loyal to brandsChina market entry is expensiveThe travel retail business moved from airports to HainanCyril has 20 years of experience in digital, eCommerce, IT, and marketing from a background in leading 4A agencies. He has supported global clients from top MNCs in FMCG, luxury, beauty & skincare, home appliances, and pharmaceutical/cosmeceutical categories, utilizing digital solutions and innovations to drive omni-commerce and customer connection, resulting in acceleration of growth for clients.Between Meetings is a series of on-the-go interviews featuring industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate innovators. In these interviews, we delve into the latest trends and developments in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, catching our guests between meetings in a car ride across town. Along the way, they share inspiring stories, personal experiences, industry insights, and practical advice on how to scale your way to success. Each interview is packed with valuable information and inspiration for anyone looking to make an impact in the tech and innovation world.🎙 Follow the host Marian Danko on LinkedIn.YouTube, LinkedIn, TwitterSubscribe to the podcast via other services to be notified when a new episode is released. We are on WeChat Channel, bilibili, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.

Takeaways:Coca-Cola and Disney in China are still a bit different from Coca-Cola and Disney in the USAct localYou have to be agile to product-market fitFind a team that is a mission-drivenExecute. Win. CelebrateLes Mills works with over 2000 gyms and clubs in China70 m people who regularly exercise in China, which is 5% of the total populationTo fit the local market we need to develop content tailored more toward beginnersBrian's career had bounced between places in the US and China in the last 20+ years, with opportunities to work for some of the world's most respected companies, the likes of Disney and Coca-Cola, leading finance teams and partnering with GM for business growth and strategies.Between Meetings is a series of on-the-go interviews featuring industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate innovators. In these interviews, we delve into the latest trends and developments in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, catching our guests between meetings in a car ride across town. Along the way, they share inspiring stories, personal experiences, industry insights, and practical advice on how to scale your way to success. Each interview is packed with valuable information and inspiration for anyone looking to make an impact in the tech and innovation world.🎙 Follow the host Marian Danko on LinkedIn.YouTube, LinkedIn, TwitterSubscribe to the podcast via other services to be notified when a new episode is released. We are on WeChat Channel, bilibili, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.

Takeaways:As I got older I just did not feel I could have the impact that I wanted to haveWe sweat and we connectAs a generation, we are moving less than ever beforeMake movement a fundamental human rightMovement is medicineIf you don’t have guanxi and you are not working with local bureaus and local governments you gonna hit a wall of resistance that I don’t think you can get passedExternal accountability: do not go alone!Born and raised in California, Cory Arth is an APTA American Board-Certified Doctor of Physical Therapy. Cory has worked in team sports settings around the world including China, Qatar, and Brazil, and also worked with athletes participating in the Olympics, NBA, MLB, NFL,  and additional professional leagues and competitions globally.Between Meetings is a series of on-the-go interviews in which we discuss innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. Our guests are industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate innovators. We catch them between meetings. In a car ride across town, they share inspiring stories, personal experiences, industry insights, and practical advice on how to scale your way to success.🎙 Follow the host Marian Danko on LinkedIn.YouTube, LinkedIn, TwitterSubscribe to the podcast via other services to be notified when a new episode is released. We are on WeChat Channel, bilibili, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.

Takeaways:East and West work cultures are very much built on relationshipIn Hong Kong, the teams work around the clockWe have been training these models with historical data, data that created a lot of social disparity and biases, and inherited inequalityESG becomes a little bit more of a marketing conversation and brandingThe real work comes after you know what your North Star isI hope more people can see the long-term impact on their decision-making processIf you are not tested you do not know your potentialEllen Wu has a proven track record of solving complex business challenges with innovative technology strategies. A strong passion for advancing sustainability, ethical AI, diversity, and leadership.Between Meetings is a series of on-the-go interviews in which we discuss innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. Our guests are industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate innovators. We catch them between meetings. In a car ride across town, they share inspiring stories, personal experiences, industry insights, and practical advice on how to scale your way to success.🎙 Follow the host Marian Danko on LinkedIn.YouTube, LinkedIn, TwitterSubscribe to the podcast via other services to be notified when a new episode is released. We are on WeChat Channel, bilibili, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.

Takeaways:Quite a fair amount of international insurance companies are not making much money in ChinaWe are counting on the high-net-worth local population eventually will get insuredHealthcare cost is really expensive in ShanghaiLocal players put a lot of effort into digitalizationInsurance is still a very traditional industryPeople are looking for more globally portable solutionsTeleconsultation and AI Underwriting are disrupting the industryJonathan Chapon is an experienced General Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the insurance industry internationally. Skilled in business development, negotiation, business planning, and management.Between Meetings is a series of on-the-go interviews in which we discuss innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. Our guests are industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate innovators. We catch them between meetings. In a car ride across town, they share inspiring stories, personal experiences, industry insights, and practical advice on how to scale your way to success.🎙 Follow the host Marian Danko on LinkedIn.YouTube, LinkedIn, TwitterSubscribe to the podcast via other services to be notified when a new episode is released. We are on WeChat Channel, bilibili, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.

Takeaways:Group classes are on the riseLocalization is key to the success of the American tech company in ChinaMore boutique studios with professional couches coming in In China, there is still a very low penetration rate for the fitness industry Traditional big open-space gyms are struggling with their current business models focusing only on long-term membershipClassPass in 30 countries, but only in China ClassPass operates in a different wayAt ClassPass the management saw the China team as an experimental projectSimon Wang is a senior executive with diversified industry experiences. He has plenty of experience leading the business, design, and product teams in both multinational and local enterprises with outstanding achievements.With his computer science background, he has always been committed to using technological innovation to break through industrial barriers and optimize the user experience.Between Meetings is a series of on-the-go interviews in which we discuss innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. Our guests are industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate innovators. We catch them between meetings. In a car ride across town, they share inspiring stories, personal experiences, industry insights, and practical advice on how to scale your way to success.🎙 Follow the host Marian Danko on LinkedIn.YouTube, LinkedIn, TwitterSubscribe to the podcast via other services to be notified when a new episode is released. We are on WeChat Channel, bilibili, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.

Takeaways:Part of the formula to scale innovations is working with key people Asia’s biggest advantage is a huge blank slateYou can think of blockchain as an infrastructure of infrastructures We live in very unique times, the most disruptive, interesting, impactful moments in the history of humanity 10 years of fintech road happened in the space of a year in change over COVIDProf. Michael Sung is a technology venture builder and investor, having founded various companies in diverse high-tech industries ranging from AI, blockchain, semiconductor, and new materials industries. Prof. Sung is Chairman/CEO of FreeFlow Finance, a cross-border payments company focused on regulated digital currency interoperability and FX infrastructure solutions for financial institutions. He has a strong background in cross-border technology transfer, strategic industry engagement, commercialisation strategy, business model innovation, and hi-tech entrepreneurship.Between Meetings is a series of on-the-go interviews in which we discuss innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. Our guests are industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate innovators. We catch them between meetings. In a car ride across town, they share inspiring stories, personal experiences, industry insights, and practical advice on how to scale your way to success.🎙 Follow the host Marian Danko on LinkedIn.YouTube, Linkedin, TwitterSubscribe to the podcast via other services to be notified when a new episode is released. We are on WeChat Channel, bilibili, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.

TakeawaysLooking at the economic situation, the speed, and the drive that China had, all I could see was an opportunity Our focus is on creating great client experience and understanding this fast-changing marketWe work with Western brands to identify how they can stay true to the core and at the same time be sensitive to the local marketOur job is to absorb the differences and to facilitate productive collaboration and cooperation.We have to be intentional about collaboration, intentional about diversity. Ferdinand Klauser is an international brand strategy and marketing consultant serving clients in automotive, sports performance, and lifestyle products. He is passionate about collaborating with KISKA’s multidisciplinary teams to deliver relevant experiences that move people, shape brands, and create impact.Between Meetings is a series of on-the-go interviews in which we discuss innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. Our guests are industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate innovators. We catch them between meetings. In a car ride across town, they share inspiring stories, personal experiences, industry insights, and practical advice on how to scale your way to success.Follow the host Marian Danko on LinkedIn.YouTube, Linkedin, TwitterSubscribe to the podcast via other services to be notified when a new episode is released. We are on WeChat Channel, bilibili, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.