Part 1 of 2: Provocative China Podcast presents a conversation with Ken Wilcox, former CEO of Silicon Valley Bank and the author of The China Business Conundrum: Ensure That "Win-Win" Doesn't Mean Western Companies Lose Twice. Listen to Ken's firsthand trials and tribulations trying to set up a joint venture in China between SVB and the CCP. His experience is fascinating—and sometimes maddening—filled with unexpected assertions from Chinese counterparts right out of the Art of War playbook, highlighting key cultural differences and, as Ken puts it, deeply convoluted negotiations that expose our Western naivety regarding doing business in China.

No one in China has read the book "Getting To Yes," so if you are armed with these tactics and strategies, YOU WILL FAIL IN CHINA!

In our conversation, Ken dives into the struggles Western businesses face in China, from the risks of technology transfer to navigating the morality and ethics of Chinese business negotiations. He also shares some lessons he learned from his missteps along the way. Whether you're in business or just curious about U.S.-China relations, this episode is packed with honest, down-to-earth advice from someone who's been through it all.

Part 1

00:00:08 Introduction

00:01:19 Perceptions of China in 2008 vs. Today

00:03:08 Lectures from Chinese Counterparts

00:10:24 Learning Chinese Language and Culture

00:23:16 Inadvertent Technology Transfer

Connect with Ken
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenwilcoxsvb/

Buy Ken’s book:
https://www.amazon.com/China-Business-Conundrum-Win-Win-Companies/dp/1394294166

Visit Gene’s author website:
https://www.provocativechina.com/

Buy Gene’s books:

https://www.amazon.com/Gene-J.-Hsu/e/B092FYDCN7

Hi, I’m Gene, a stay-at-home dad raising my son, Jayden, in Orange County, where we meet many kids from China. Watching their interactions made me realize the importance of language and cultural awareness in friendships.

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The world's first Mandarin-Chinese language and cultural guide for learners of any age, but especially for kids.

Jayden has a friend, Evan, who's from China. Discover everything Evan has taught Jayden about Chinese culture and how he became his best friend. He'll also share a bit of Chinese history from their perspective because this also influences Chinese thinking.

This guide is not a textbook. Instead, Jayden aims to provide additional cultural understanding to create a fun Chinese learning journey. He will explain what Evan and his parents and grandparents think when they say or do strange and unusual things. Jayden will teach you essential Chinese words, phrases, and cultural nuances beyond their translations so you can learn what to say to a friend from China.

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