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

Compounding Curiosity

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.

In this conversation, we cover building a career in China and dealing with Chinese companies.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Sean Upton-McLaughlin.

For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep49

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Show Notes:

[00:00:31] - [First question] - How did Sean first get involved with China?

[00:06:08] - Sean’s first experience working in China and how he got that job

[00:07:46] - How would Sean prepare differently if starting over?

[00:14:21] - What is China Speed?

[00:18:42] - Why work for a Chinese Company?

[00:19:58] - How can Chinese companies not shoot themselves in the foot?

[00:25:37] - Thoughts on China armchair experts?

[00:33:37] - What was working at vivo doing influencer relations like?

[00:38:12] - Aspects of Sean’s career in China that was everything he dreamed of, and any harsh realities?

[00:40:23] - Interesting anecdotes of life in China

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Connect with Sean:

Sean’s Website: https://sean-uptonmclaughlin.com/

China Culture Corner: https://chinaculturecorner.com/

Follow Sean on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChinaCultureCorner/

Follow Sean on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SeanUM_China

Follow Sean on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanum_china/

Connect with Sean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chinatechpr/

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