161 - Singaporean's INSANE Story of Surviving Corporate Espionage in China! (ft. Jason Ong)

In this episode, Adrian brings you an unmissable conversation with Jason Ong, a Singaporean who has been living and working in China for the past 18 years. Tune in as Jason shares his captivating journey from studying in the United States to navigating the corporate world in China. Hear about the jaw-dropping tale of firing a Deputy GM while dealing with the local mafia, and the rigorous challenges of running a startup. This episode is jam-packed with insightful advice for companies looking to explore the Chinese market, especially regarding the importance of company seals, trademarks, and choosing the right partners. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business professional, you won't want to miss this one! 🔥---Jason is a pragmatic and results-driven international executive with 20 years of expertise in digital strategies, business growth, and operational improvement. His leadership experience spans start-up, scale-up, multinational corporation, and global consulting firms, with a strong working knowledge across functions in diverse sectors such as retail, consumer products, medical devices, consumer health, and offshore & marine. Jason is currently founder and Managing Director at LION Advisory, a cross-border advisory firm helping companies navigate the China market while helping Chinese companies expand globally. He is also the COO of a multi-family office as well as a mentor with Singapore Leaders Network (SGLN). Jason embraces challenges and relishes operating in new environments. He is also an aspiring author and baking enthusiast. ---This episode is brought to you by Deel‬, the all-in-one platform simplifying global team management with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance solutions, trusted by over 35,000 businesses worldwide. Learn more at ⁠⁠https://deel.com/adriantan⁠⁠. ---00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:47 Jason's Background and Journey to China02:56 Life and Challenges in the US04:49 Transition to China and Early Experiences09:50 Consulting and Career Shifts in China11:11 Managing a Manufacturing Plant in China14:13 Startup Ventures and Consulting Return21:11 The Importance of Company Seals in China24:29 Reflections on Management and Business Practices27:57 Going Independent and Writing a Novel29:24 Challenges of Going Independent in China30:10 Starting a Cross-Border Advisory Firm30:42 Navigating the Chinese Market34:44 Core Services for Companies Entering China37:34 Opportunities and Challenges in the Chinese Market43:06 Protecting Your Brand in China47:30 Daily Life of an Independent Consultant49:42 Final Thoughts and Advice---Where to find Jason Ong:LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonong24/Where to find Adrian:LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriantanck/⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠adriantan.com.sg⁠⁠ Get full access to Will That Work? at www.adriantan.com.sg/subscribe