Mike Glick’s Post

Thanks Noah Fraser 范诺亚 for your piece that inspired me to write my own. After 8 months outside of China, I finally returned. For the longest time, I couldn't go back. I had a deep almost psychological fear of going back. I wasn't ready to confront how I felt about China nor where I wanted to go. I exiled myself on purpose, traveling the world and finding myself quite comfortable. Though I did realize I found myself more comfortable with Chinese people overseas than with Americans or Europeans. An interesting quirk that also led me to think more about how Chinese people are shifting at this time. Upon my return, my comments follow what other watchers have noted. China in appearances might not look as troubled as many might say. Her streets are busy, her planes are full. But there are three key dynamics where things appear unique. 1) China is becoming more closed culturally and how it expresses itself is less integrated and impacted by global dynamics, 2) Finance is the industry that appears most impacted by this world as many people note a very severe winter, 3) Chinese elites are moving abroad at increasing speed and this will be the great trend of the next few years as companies explode globally, some we already know but look out for the dozens you haven't heard of just yet. It is hard to ever really leave China. Perhaps it is the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis in action, but once you truly understand how China works it becomes difficult not to see how it impacts your own thinking about the world. Two years ago I would have said I would have spent the rest of my life China-adjacent. Today, my brain tells me to de-risk while I struggle to not realize that my experiences are central to how I look at the world.

Episode 4/5: My Covid Story in Europe and in China The impact of Covid was profound for many, including myself, as I spent the entire three-year period in China, much like numerous expatriates. While some were unable to leave due to work commitments or family obligations, others, like me, believed China provided the safest haven at the time. Initially, things seemed promising. We felt secure, able to travel China somewhat freely, and even indulge in some recreational activities, as long as we adhered to precautionary measures like PCR tests. However, as time progressed, we found ourselves grappling with stringent restrictions and the tumultuous emotional toll the pandemic exacted on our psyche, prompting many expatriates to hastily depart the country. Even individuals who had called China home for nearly two decades reached their breaking point, leaving everything behind to return to their home country. Personally, 2022 proved to be one of the most challenging years of my life. I battled a loss of motivation at work, emotional turmoil, and psychological distress, all while having to fulfil my obligations at work and for my family. These trials eventually pushed me to bid farewell to China after fifteen years and embark on a journey back home, seeking solace in reconnecting with friends, family, and most importantly, with myself. This is my narrative, one that I believe will resonate with many others who weathered similar storms during this tumultuous period. #covid19 #lettinggo #movingon #reconnect

Many of my friends that have visited Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzen talk of how far China is ahead of us. Certainly, they are! But, as this video would explain you, it is a very wasteful model of growth. It is like bodybuilding using steroids. As for India, I would prefer a more sustained and sustainable growth. 7-8% per year of GDP growth is good enough. Let us not be another China! https://lnkd.in/d3R-yCcH

Does being Chinese make it easier to stay thin? I spent last week in China and had a great time catching up with my team. There were plenty of shared meals and the drinks were flowing. After spending the summer back "home" in the US and then returning to China, I was reminded of the difference in size between my own countrymen and the fine citizens of China. To put it plainly... Chinese are, on average, far thinner than Americans. Is this anecdotal, or is there a real cultural difference? I'm not sure, but over 280 million users on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu are searching for tips on how to GAIN weight. While many attribute China's fitter frames to smaller portion sizes in comparison to the US, I'm not sure that's entirely responsible. I have several team members who regularly eat WAY more than I do, while not gaining a pound (seriously... they put my teenage son to shame!) Meanwhile, if you need me this week I'll be in the gym... working off last week's good time 😁 #China #Americans #Culture #Weight #Curious

🚀 𝐔𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐥𝐲 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 🚀 We have crafted something special. 🌟 China Insights Weekly has landed. Your new go-to for all things China. 🇨🇳💓 Not just news, but narratives unfolded. From business to tech leaps, from consumer trends to the latest policy updates. 💼 This Week's Edition's Highlights? 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐚'𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐩 💼: A billion-dollar dance with destiny. 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐞’𝐬 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 🍷: Australian vineyards toast to open markets. 𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝 🍃: China’s turbines spin towards global supremacy. 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐈𝐭𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐬 🏭: Chips set for a 2025 buzz in Xi'an. 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦'𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 ✈️: Visa relaxations invite the world back. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞 🏋️♂️: Lululemon and Nike cash in on China’s sporty trend. China, through a lens that's as clear as we can make it. No propaganda, just facts and insights. 🚫🎭 Our mission? To bring you the business and tech scenes from China, in hues of objectivity. 🖌️🔍 We're not just here to talk; we're here to listen. 🎧 What aspect of China intrigues you the most? Drop your thoughts, your wonders, or let us know what you are MOST interested in in the comments below! 👋 Think someone else should be reading this? Pass it on! 🔄 ✅ Check the comments for a direct link! 👇 #ChinaInsights #ChinaTech #Newsletter This is just the beginning! Expect richer insights every week. Subscribe now so you don't miss out. ⚡️ Jenny Wang John Lin Gary Bowerman Jan Menke hopma Hedda Sasburg Hannah Pearson Dr. Jens Thraenhart Loek Berendsen Dr. Ali Akaak Sandrine ZERBIB Martijn van de Veen Nick GC Tan Alfred Griffioen Judith Bartels Judith Bartelsman Judith De Leede Aniel Kerkvliet Will Bayliss William van Tongeren Michiel Dijkman Filippo Gasperi Paul Owens Marco Morales Femi Oke Chris Slappendel Andy Janz Lucien Kraag

China's #consumption market warms up in cold winter The #Chineseeconomy is demonstrating strong growth momentum as the consumption market warms up in the cold winter in different parts of China. As the temperature goes down, consumers all over China start to enjoy "#hotspots" and buy apparel and accessories to keep warm. Some also choose to enjoy the hot springs and experience snow sports at a ski resort for relaxation and entertainment. The above consumption behaviors have become a driving force for China's economic development while bringing warmth to people. [from ChinaDaily]

🇨🇳 **Happy National Day, China! A Heads-Up on the 'Zombie State' in Manufacturing** Today marks the beginning of China's National Day celebrations, an 8-day holiday that honors the founding of the People's Republic of China. While it's a time of great festivity, it's also a crucial period that international businesses involved in Chinese manufacturing should pay attention to. 🔍 **Understanding the 'Zombie State'** You may have heard the term "zombie state"—a phrase coined to describe the slowdown in productivity experienced by Chinese businesses days before and after long holidays like this one. As the hard-working dragons finally get a well-deserved break, it takes them time to regain their usual pace, affecting supply chains and lead times. 📈 **How China Agent Ltd Maneuvers Around the Zombie State** At China Agent Ltd, we specialize in mitigating these seasonal challenges with our "boots on the ground" approach. Our hands-on involvement in China enables us to pre-emptively adjust supply chain strategies, negotiate better terms with suppliers, and keep your manufacturing on track. 🔗 **The Advantage of Working Direct** Unlike others who may engage with middlemen, we liaise directly with actual factories. The result? A supply chain that remains robust even when others falter. Our direct relationships allow for greater flexibility and quicker response times, ensuring that our clients are not just coping but thriving during these periods of reduced productivity. 🎯 **Your Competitive Edge** While the 'zombie state' can be a hurdle, we turn it into an opportunity for our clients. Our deep understanding of Chinese business culture and comprehensive approach to supply chain management means you stay ahead of the curve. When others are struggling to regain momentum, you're already moving full speed ahead. Wishing everyone a Happy National Day! For those who want to discuss strategies for optimizing manufacturing processes during Chinese holidays, feel free to reach out. #ChinaNationalDay #Manufacturing #SupplyChain #ChinaAgentLtd #CompetitiveAdvantage

🇯🇵Japan's Population has decreased by about 26 Lakhs in the last 11 years. But how Japan ended up like this? Let's see👇🏻 - Japan is facing a population crisis since 2009. - Actually, an entire generation of Japan was unemployed for almost 10-15 Years. This generation is called, "The Lost Generation of Japan". - Because of this most of them became depressed. Hence they didn't marry as they weren't settled. - Slowly, this lost generation started losing interest in marriages and found peace and pleasure in Comic, Anime, and other stuff. Now Imagine, an entire generation losing interest in marriage and love. - Japan's government has tried many times and brought many policies to solve this problem. But it was too late. - Japan has a very woke culture, giving a lot of autonomy to the citizen and having absolutely no responsibility toward nation-building. - Youth nowadays in Japan are less concerned about their nation and more concerned about their personal life/ space. - This is one thing Japan can learn from India, according to me. What do you think can be a solution to this? Let me know in the comments👇🏻 #japan #japanese #japaneseculture #japanesemarket #population #japan2023 #economy

Today is International Day of Happiness. It serves to remind us that being happy is a human right and worth celebrating. https://lnkd.in/gM2g3DP United States is Ranked 23rd. We have work to do to make us a more happier country!  Six Variables: GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, having someone to count on, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and freedom from corruption.  

👊💥 “Choose Your Fighter” -- Chinese Auntie Edition!    阿姨 Ayi = China’s legendary matriarchs👇    Along with local cab drivers, who claim to be the only ones “truly from their city”...    Chinese aunties are a massive cultural phenomenon.    *A force of nature* if you will.    These are the matriarchs who raised China to become what it is today, and they’ve seen it all.    【🔥阿姨 Αyi = Big Boss Energy】  These aunties’ generations have faced multiple hardships, from the cultural revolution to China’s opening up & reform.    They’ve seen China rise from the ashes.    Humble beginnings mean they tend to know what TRULY matters.    --> Good food, good company + not taking life too seriously.    As respected family matriarchs, they are used to being in charge – aka bossing around😅    Many from the younger generations will attest: their word is bible.    【🙏阿姨 Αyi = Authenticity】  Chinese aunties derive self-worth from family and community roles, not external validation.    They prioritise comfort + functionality over fickle fashion/trends.    Strong community bonds after retirement reinforce their self-esteem.    【❤️阿姨 Αyi = Love】  As many parents in rural areas had to move to the big cities to send back money to their families, it’s these aunties (+ uncles!) who would raise the children.    Providing all the food, love and support that they need.    Even in the cities, they’ll often take over this role to help out young couples.    So, many young Chinese people today feel even closer to them than their parents!    In many ways, they are the people who keep the Chinese nation together.    I’d like to dedicate this post to them.    Forget influencers and celebs - THIS is the real China! 👊    So, which auntie would you choose? ;) Arnold Ma #China #Culture