49 | Sean Upton-McLaughlin, Building a Career in China

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My guest today is Sean Upton-McLaughlin (@SeanUM_China). Sean has spent over a decade working with Chinese companies throughout China, often in Chinese-only working environments, helping to improve their global marketing and communications. Now, based in Shenzhen, he continues to help Chinese technology companies bridge the business and cultural divides between China and the rest of the world. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In this conversation, we cover building a career in China and dealing with Chinese companies.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I hope you enjoy my conversation with Sean Upton-McLaughlin.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on </span> <a href= "https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep45"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep49</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">------</span></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Show Notes:</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[00:00:31] - [First question] - How did Sean first get involved with China?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[00:06:08] - Sean’s first experience working in China and how he got that job</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[00:07:46] - How would Sean prepare differently if starting over?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[00:14:21] - What is China Speed?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[00:18:42] - Why work for a Chinese Company?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[00:19:58] - How can Chinese companies not shoot themselves in the foot?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[00:25:37] - Thoughts on China armchair experts?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[00:33:37] - What was working at vivo doing influencer relations like?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[00:38:12] - As