Welcome to Part 2 of the special Association Netherlands China board members series. In this series, I interview five board members from the Association Netherlands China, VNC – Vereniging Nederland China in Dutch.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of conversing with Frans Greidanus. Frans studied physics and received his PhD from Leiden University in 1982. In 1982 he joined Royal Philips for which he worked till his retirement in 2013. From 2005-2013 he was head of Philips Research Asia and CTO of Philips Asia, located in Shanghai. 

After his career at Philips Frans has been amongst others, Qiushi Chair professor at the School of Management of Zhejiang University in Hangzhou China, and economic advisor to Wuxi Municipality in China. Currently, he is a Board Member of the "Vereniging Nederland China" and a Member of the Governing Board of the Foundation of History of Technology.

In 2007 and 2011, Frans respectively received the Silver and Gold Magnolia Award from the city of Shanghai for his contributions to the economic and social development of the city. In 2023, the city of Wuxi granted him the title of 'Friendship Envoy.

During our conversation, Frans shared profound insights into navigating diverse cultures, building successful collaborations, and understanding the dynamics of working in China. Frans' experiences offer valuable lessons for professionals seeking cultural intelligence.

Highlights:

🌱 Cultural Navigation: Frans shares his journey in setting up Philips laboratory in Shanghai, emphasizing the importance of staying authentic while navigating the nuances of Chinese culture.

🌱 Building Bridges Between Headquarters and China: Learn about Frans' approach to educating Dutch colleagues on Chinese operations, and vice versa, fostering collaboration, and overcoming the challenges of aligning expectations.

🌱 Strengths of Chinese and Dutch People: Discover the strengths of Chinese individuals – flexibility, entrepreneurial spirit, and persistence – and how they contrast with the systematic Dutch approach.

🌱Team Collaboration: Frans emphasizes the significance of practical collaboration, sharing insights on building personal relationships for successful teamwork.

🌱 Leadership Styles in Different Cultures: Explore the differences in leadership styles between the Netherlands and China, providing strategies for effective leadership in the Chinese context.

🌱Building Relationships in China: Frans delves into the art of building relationships in China, emphasizing the importance of understanding individuals and their environments.

🌱 Mentoring Chinese Students: Learn about Frans' rewarding experience mentoring Chinese students at Zhejiang University, highlighting the curiosity and eagerness to learn exhibited by these students.

🌱 Involvement with VNC: Discover Frans' motivation to contribute to better understanding between China and the Netherlands.

🌱Practical Tips for Working in China: Frans provides valuable tips for those working or doing business in China, emphasizing the importance of cultural understanding and humility.

You can connect with Frans on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/frans-greidanus-83b45511/

Website Association Nederlands China - VNC: https://www.vnc-china.nl/ 

Podcast video and audio available on: 

🌱YouTube: https://youtu.be/yTozQkd82Jg

🌱Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23MDLHw0ZIZEo05AsNhwjq 

🌱Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-cultures-our-world/id1650591999 

For more information about Our Cultures & Our World Podcast: https://iibboo.com/podcast/.

Embark on a journey through the nuances of Chinese business with seasoned expert Lianne Baaij. With two decades of hands-on experience, Lianne shares profound insights on interpreting, overcoming cultural challenges, and achieving success in business engagements.

Key Highlights:

1. Lianne's Expertise: Unpack the wealth of knowledge from Lianne's extensive Sinology background and 20 years in various China-related roles.

2.  Interpretation Insights: Delve into the intricacies of language interpretation and explore its challenges. Discover the essential skills and meticulous preparation required for effective interpretation.

3. The China Trainers: Explore Lianne's e-learning program, addressing topics like understanding communication nuances, historical perspectives, and philosophical influences on China's mindset.

4.  Dutch and China Culture Challenge Game: Exploring a gamified approach to intercultural training, offering a unique and engaging perspective.

5. VNC Connection: Understand the role of VNC in Lianne's work and its significance in cross-cultural bridge building. Gain insights into how VNC and China Cafe provide a strategic avenue for connections between countries, people, and businesses.. 

6. Business Tips for China: Receive practical advice on understanding the adaptability and flexibility crucial for success in the Chinese market while maintaining a delicate balance in processes.

Why Listen: 

This episode offers actionable strategies and firsthand experiences from Lianne Baaij, providing invaluable guidance for those involved in interpretation, cultural training, or business in China. Tune in to enhance your understanding and thrive in the intricate landscape of the Chinese market.

LinkedIn Lianne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lianne-baaij-41bb422/  

Website China Access: https://www.china-access.nl/

Website The China Trainers: https://thechinatrainers.com/ 

Website The China Culture Challenge Game: https://www.chinaculturechallenge.com/ 

Website The Dutch Culture Challenge Game: https://www.dutchculturechallenge.com/ 

Website Association Netherlands China - Vereniging Nederland-China: https://www.vnc-china.nl/ 

Podcast Available on:
🌱YouTube: https://youtu.be/WsvyUCd8xUI

🌱Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23MDLHw0ZIZEo05AsNhwjq 

🌱Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-cultures-our-world/id1650591999 

Remember to Subscribe and Share! Join us for more insightful conversations on international business. Your journey to mastering the art of doing business in China starts here! For more information about Our Cultures & Our World Podcast: https://iibboo.com/podcast/.

As we wrap up 2023, I'm excited to share insights from my last 5 podcast guests. In Part 4 of the China Tips Podcast, you can listen to tips from:

Episode 16: Ian Mote, Finance Consultant, Author of 'From Chicken Feet to Crystal Bath – One Englishman’s Travel in China' and 'Ginger in Her Socks – One Englishman’s Parenting in China'

Episode 17: Jinfeng Shen, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, Co-founder of Intercultural Participation of Chinese Families

Episode 18: Janine Jakob, Peak Performance Coach and Founder of Full Potential Partners and Monday Morning Motivation

Episode 19: Ann Zhang, Expert in Bio-based Industry from Nova-Institute GmbH

Episode 20: Gabor Holch, Founder of Campanile Management Consulting and Author of Dragon Suit

Starting on January 18th, you can tune in to a special series. In this series, I'll be interviewing 5 guests from the Association Netherlands China, also known as Vereniging Nederlands China in Dutch. VNC has tirelessly worked to strengthen Netherlands-China relations for nearly five decades. Through the stories of these VNC members, you'll discover their dedication to building bridges between The Netherlands and China.

With the Christmas holiday season upon us, I want to take a moment to wish you a wonderful time with your family and friends. Let's be genuinely curious about each other, our unique stories, and engage in meaningful conversations.

The conversations I've had with my podcast guests this past year have enriched my life and broadened my perspective. It's a reminder that meaningful conversations can truly enrich our lives.

So, I invite you to enjoy our final podcast of 2023. If you haven't listened to the previous 3 parts, feel free to take a listen. If you're curious to explore the full stories and insights these 5 guests shared, I highly recommend diving into their complete interviews.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your support in 2023. Your listenership means the world to me. Thank you so much for being part of this community!

Please take care and enjoy the holiday time! I'm looking forward to sharing new podcasts with you again in January 2024. Until then!

For more information about Our Cultures & Our World Podcast and the insightful tips from all podcast guests on doing business in China and connecting with Chinese people, visit https://iibboo.com/podcast/.

You can watch or listen to the podcast on the following platforms: 

🌱 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDsqDuyz60zuu-eIxxDpCxQ

🌱 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23MDLHw0ZIZEo05AsNhwjq 

🌱 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-cultures-our-world/id1650591999