Risky Business in Rising China is more than a memoir; it is a deep dive into China’s transformative journey from an isolated Communist state to a key player on the global economic forefront. Why was this an important book for you to write?

My career in China over three decades coincided with an extraordinary reform period in which China turned away from class struggle and central planning and implemented market-oriented reforms. During this period, over 800 million people were lifted out of poverty—this is the greatest event in our lives of the last 40 years! I would never have missed it. I knew my business career in China had a type of uniqueness because of the breadth of work I’d done with a variety of new companies in different industries that had emerged in the previously closed Chinese economy. I’d witnessed a complete transformation of that economy from stagnant state-planned to dynamic market-driven. I’d directly experienced the rise of a vibrant private sector that is the key to China’s long-term development. I’d worked alongside Chinese entrepreneurs striving to succeed despite barriers set up to protect the state sector. From my Western perspective, China’s modernization had brought me many opportunities to participate in and contribute to, China’s development. It also had given me great satisfaction observing the liberation of its people from the economic stagnation of the past. And I realized that sharing my experiences as an American businessman in China spanning four decades would not only describe the seismic shifts in that nation’s economy and society but foretell where China is heading in the future. And since China now is the globe’s chief superpower rivaling the United States, the implications for how China’s economy grows, how it pursues its geopolitical aspirations, and how it handles climate change are critical for all humanity.

As a writer, what were some of the specific objectives or targets that you set for yourself while working on this book? What were the key aims that you had in mind, and how did you go about achieving them?

Risky Business in Rising China chronicles my trials, triumphs, and frequent tribulations in a range of industries—from aircraft maintenance to electric-vehicle production, mobile internet to venture capital, lithium-ion batteries to asset trading—managing joint ventures or startup companies within China’s rapidly modernizing economy. I wanted to offer an authentic and unfiltered perspective through the lens of my varied career on China’s historically unparalleled transformation into a global economic powerhouse, as well as a geopolitical competitor of the United States. Chapters illustrate and detail the intricate interplay of forces that have propelled China’s seemingly miraculous ascent. Through candid storytelling and frank observation, I chronicle the exhilarating stages of China’s modernization. I also underscore the factors that may very well sabotage China’s sustained growth—and lead the world’s most populous nation into drastic decline in our lifetime.

What sets this book apart is its ability to deliver not just a compelling narrative but invaluable insights that explain China’s rise (as well as the apparent onset of stagnation). From accurately portraying the intricacies of daily life in China to decoding the nuances of its business environment and culture and the unremitting grip of its central government, Risky Business in Rising China serves as a guide for entrepreneurs seeking to succeed in today’s China. Combining personal anecdotes with insightful analysis supported by documented facts, the book offers a roadmap for navigating the challenges and opportunities inherent in this vibrant market. It also is a valuable read for anyone wishing to understand where China’s economy and society may be heading in the years and decades to come.

What is your background and experience in writing, and how did it help you write Risky Business in Rising China?

This is my first book. My qualifications as an author stem from a career spent deeply immersed in China’s hypergrowth phase, coupled with a breadth of managerial involvement in diverse industries in China’s modernizing economy. Fluent in Chinese, I possess a nuanced understanding beyond language discerning unspoken subtleties crucial in business interactions. I offer readers an engaging and authentic perspective grounded in real-world experiences.

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from your book?

The audience for this book is diverse, including individuals eager to elevate their business acumen in China, those seeking an immersive experience of the country, and anyone intrigued by the inner workings of China’s rise. Accessible to professionals, students, and aspiring leaders, Risky Business in Rising China also aims to inspire younger generations to explore the myriad opportunities to study, explore, culturally engage with, or do business in China.

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