Since moving to China in 1997, Su Cheng has been actively involved in the Beijing business community. She is currently serving on the Board of AmCham-China and is the Founding Co-Chair of the AmCham-China Women’s Professional Committee. Before becoming an entrepreneur, she was engaged in the corporate arena and held management positions at The Boeing Company, United Technologies Corporation, and The Capital Club in Beijing.

Su Cheng has become a sought-after thought leader on the topic of diversity, equity and inclusion in business. Through sharing her professional journey, she hopes to motivate a healthy pipeline of competent and confident women professionals and provide them access to professional development and networking opportunities.

Here, she talks to FOCUS about founding the Women Empowerment Council and why she’d love to sit down for dinner with Oprah Winfrey.

What inspired you to get into your current industry?

The Women Empowerment Council is truly the culmination of all my learning, experience, and desire to create change over my career. Starting from my early experiences in the corporate world, I witnessed firsthand the challenges and barriers faced by women in the workplace, which compelled me to make a difference. My entrepreneurial drive and passion to work towards creating more equitable environments led me to found my consulting company, SCHSAsia, and later, the Women Empowerment Council. My mission is all about empowering individuals, especially women and girls, to unleash their full potential.

What resources have helped you to achieve more and get further in your industry?

Networking and community building have played pivotal roles in my career development. Over the years, I’ve actively participated in various organisations, which have served as invaluable platforms for connecting with like-minded professionals, exchanging ideas, and collaborating on initiatives aimed at advancing gender equality and business success. Furthermore, prioritising continuous learning and staying abreast of industry trends has been essential for driving progress and remaining relevant in an ever-evolving landscape.

What do you think needs to be done to encourage more women to enter leadership roles?

To encourage more women to pursue leadership roles, we must address systemic barriers and biases while fostering a culture of inclusivity and support. Despite women accounting for 41% of the workforce, they only hold 32% of senior leadership positions, according to LinkedIn. As women approach gender parity in the workforce, it’s imperative that leadership reflects this trend. Providing mentorship programs, leadership development opportunities, and creating flexible work environments are key strategies to attract and retain diverse talent. Additionally, showcasing successful female role models and highlighting the economic benefits of gender diversity can inspire more women to pursue leadership ambitions in any field.

The theme of International Women’s Day 2024 is #InspireInclusion. What does that theme mean to you? How do you inspire inclusivity in the workplace?

The theme resonates deeply with me as it embodies the concept of creating environments where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. In the workplace, I am dedicated to inspiring inclusivity by championing diversity initiatives, fostering open dialogues, and leading by example. Alongside my business partner, Diane Ho, an executive coach, I am certified as a life and career coach. At WEC, we also offer a Group Coaching Program, aimed at fostering professional development. However, my dedication to mentorship extends beyond this program. I am passionate about guiding both our team members and aspiring young professional women, aiding them in realising their full potential. I believe empowerment and equality are continuous endeavours, attainable only through persistent effort.

What progress have you seen on gender equality during your life and work?

Over the years, I’ve witnessed strides towards gender equality. While not equal, we have seen an increase in female representation in leadership positions. More women in the Asia-Pacific region hold managerial positions today than they did two decades ago, with the percentage rising from 18% to 28%, according to UN Women Asia Pacific. There’s also a greater awareness of gender biases and a growing commitment from organisations to prioritise diversity and inclusion. Part of this change is driven by companies understanding that diversity is good for their bottom line. According to one McKinsey report, companies in the top quartile of gender diversity are 25% more likely to financially outperform their counterparts.

That said, challenges do remain. From the gender pay gap to underrepresentation – particularly in STEM fields – there is still more work to be done.

Do you feel optimistic about the future prospects for greater gender equality in the workplace?

Absolutely. Despite the challenges, I’m optimistic that we will continue to see greater gender equality in the workplace. With today’s heightened awareness, advocacy, and collective action, we can accelerate progress and make gender inclusivity the rule, not the exception.

What traits do you think make a great leader, female or otherwise?

Great leaders, regardless of gender, should possess a growth mindset, which means embracing challenges, persisting in the face of setbacks, and seeing failures as opportunities for growth and learning. In addition to possessing the traits of empathy, integrity, resilience, and vision, it is crucial that a leader is willing to learn, grow, and adapt with their team. I have found that leading by example is the best way to inspire and empower others.

How important is it to have a role model or mentor? Who is your role model?

Having a role model or mentor is paramount for personal and professional growth. A mentor provides invaluable guidance, support, and insights drawn from their own experiences. For me, my mother serves as my ultimate role model. She embodies resilience, tenacity, hard work and persistence. So many of the lessons I’ve learned in this regard have been imparted by her. As an immigrant arriving in the US without language skills and only a third-grade education, she succeeded and provided for her family through her hard work and determination. Despite the obstacles she faced, she tirelessly pursued her goals.

If you could have dinner with any inspirational woman, past or present, who would it be and why?

I think it would be Oprah Winfrey. Her journey, particularly her experiences with adversity during her youth, deeply resonates with me. Despite facing significant challenges, she has achieved so much in her career and had such a profound impact on so many lives. She has a unique ability to leverage her talents and authenticity to connect with others, all while maintaining a genuine desire to uplift and support those around her. As a self-made woman of colour who has become such a cultural icon, Oprah embodies the potential for greatness within all of us.

If you could sum up your best bit of business advice in one sentence, what would it be?

Embrace authenticity, lead with purpose, and never underestimate the power of collaboration and inclusivity in driving meaningful and sustainable business success.

The post Su Cheng Harris-Simpson on leading with purpose appeared first on Focus - China Britain Business Council.

Joanna Zhou has been looking after Holland & Barrett’s business in China – especially its cross-border e-commerce model – for more than three years. Her knowledge of China and expertise in internationalisation have helped to position the leading British health and wellness retailer to target health-conscious young Chinese consumers.

Prior to Holland & Barrett, Joanna worked in Scotch whisky, tourism, and technology industries in the UK helping British companies to expand their footprint in China. Prior to that, she called Singapore her home for a decade.

What inspired you to get into your current industry?

My decision to join Holland and Barrett and the health and wellness sector three years ago was not a hard one to make, especially since we were in the middle of the pandemic. It provided me with an opportunity to make a positive impact on society and our global consumers. It has been inspirational to know that my work helps promote healthier lifestyles, reaches consumers near and far, and changes lives for the better.

What resources have helped you to achieve more and get further in your industry?

As the famous proverb goes, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ As I was navigating my role as the China market expert in a heritage British health and wellness institution, I found it incredibly motivating to speak with industry experts to seek thought leadership and stay close to that network to learn from every business’ success and failure. There is great value in sharing and ‘standing on the shoulders of giants’.

The theme of International Women’s Day 2024 is #InspireInclusion. What does that theme mean to you? How do you inspire inclusivity in the workplace?

Every small thing counts at work, from embracing the diversity of the team in terms of race, age, ability, faith and identity, to calling out unconscious bias towards women from anyone at work or outside of work. International Women’s Day is about celebrating the achievements of women and helping to accelerate women’s equality, but this journey is not just about women. It concerns everyone. It has never been about men vs women. It is about all of us versus the imbalance of the current status quo without which, the world will be a much better place for everyone. Hence, it is important to include all of your colleagues in such conversations at work! #InspireInclusion is for everyone.

Do you feel optimistic about the future prospects for greater gender equality in the workplace?

Definitely. We are collectively more aware of the gender inequality issue more than ever. We are seeing more conversations on inclusion and diversity at all levels of organisations across the industry. For example, we are observing more flexible paternity leave policy and more discussions on baby changing facilities in men’s restrooms – empowerment of both genders at home contributes to greater gender equality in the workplace. We have come a long way but there is still more work to be done – I would see the glass as half full!

What traits do you think make a great leader, female or otherwise?

Great leader traits are not limited by gender. Great leaders are visionary individuals who empower their team, see the value in collaboration and teamwork, and inspire and lead with resilience and courage. However, all leaders are also human and might make mistakes and have their limitations. It is worth remembering that at the end of the day, kindness sits quietly above all things. Respect, empathy and caring go a long way in any circumstance, whether someone is female or otherwise.

If you could have dinner with any inspirational woman, past or present, who would it be and why?

That would be Qiu Jin, an early and fierce advocate for the liberation of Chinese women who played a crucial role in overturning feudalism in the 1900s. Her planned uprising unfortunately failed in 1907 and she died a heroine. She was later celebrated as one of the most famous martyrs of the revolution and China’s pioneering feminist.

She was featured in the British Museum’s 2023 special exhibition China’s Hidden Century. In a century of war, violence and turmoil, there is hope, resilience and the extraordinary – to me, Qiu Jin’s life was an embodiment of that.

If you could sum up your best bit of business advice in one sentence, what would it be?

Embrace diversity. If we embrace diversity in leadership positions, at all levels of the organisation, in recruitment, with suppliers, customers and all business communities, we can forge an open mind for wisdom, creativity and innovation. And that is something that genuinely fuels sustainable growth.

The post Holland & Barrett’s Joanna Zhou on leading positive change appeared first on Focus - China Britain Business Council.

Dora Zhou co-founded and spearheaded the transformation of BARK – a digital agency helping international brands reach China via video production, live streaming, content marketing and influencer campaigns – into a formidable force in content creation and marketing for brands.

Dora holds an MSc in Social and Cultural Anthropology from University College London and enjoys applying anthropological methodologies to real-world business challenges, adding a unique and insightful dimension to her approach.

She tells FOCUS about finding inspiration from Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Women business education programme, and why she’d love to quiz Gree Electric Chairwoman Dong Mingzhu over dinner.

What inspired you to get into digital marketing?

During my university days in Beijing, I delved into marketing by promoting bands and concerts. Back then, the captivating portrayal of the advertising world in the TV series Mad Men also fuelled my fascination for this industry. So following my passion for brand-building and creative campaigns, I entered the world of marketing after graduation.

What resources have helped you to achieve more and get further in your industry?

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, staying up-to-date with innovations has been crucial. Leveraging online courses and learning platforms, including programmes from esteemed institutions like Oxford and Harvard, as well as resources such as the 10,000 Women courses by Goldman Sachs, has been instrumental for me. Furthermore, engaging in peer-to-peer learning, like participating as a speaker at events such as the China Consumer Scotland 2024 hosted by CBBC, has provided invaluable insights.

The theme of International Women’s Day 2024 is #InspireInclusion. What does that theme mean to you? How do you inspire inclusivity in the workplace?

Inspiring inclusion signifies inspiring others to recognise and value the inclusion of women. I take pride in leading predominantly female teams, and am continually inspired by the ‘girl power’ exhibited by my female colleagues and partners. As a female leader, I strive to encourage and empower young colleagues to boldly step forward.

Do you feel optimistic about the future prospects for greater gender equality in the workplace?

Absolutely. There has been a notable increase in awareness of gender equality in the workplace, coupled with the rising presence of female leaders across diverse sectors, which gives me optimism for the future.

What traits do you think make a great leader, female or otherwise?

Great leaders, irrespective of gender, embody traits such as clear communication, empowerment of others, confidence, honesty, and compassion.

If you could have dinner with any inspirational woman, past or present, who would it be and why?

I would choose Dong Mingzhu, the visionary leader behind Gree Electric’s transformation into a global powerhouse. Her story serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with perseverance, hard work and a clear vision, remarkable achievements are possible.

If you could sum up your best bit of business advice in one sentence, what would it be?

Listen attentively to your customers’ needs, as they hold the key to unlocking success in business.

The post BARK’s Dora Zhou on inspiring the next generation of female leaders appeared first on Focus - China Britain Business Council.

What inspired you to get into your current industry?

I started my licensing journey on a business trip to the US. I was working for an apparel company and had an annual meeting at the head office in New York. During a visit to a market, I came across a store with a huge wall filled with all kinds of character print T-shirts. Some of the IPs were familiar to me, such as Mickey Mouse, Hello Kitty and The Beatles, but most of them were characters or celebrities I didn’t know. I felt so surprised at how clothing could really help people to showcase their tastes and attitude. I fell in love with this idea and eventually moved my career from the apparel industry to licensing.

Have you ever experienced a tough time that made you want to give up?

My tough period in the licensing industry was when I transferred from an apparel buyer to a licensing out category manager. The challenges I faced mainly resulted from my lack of knowledge about my new industry, my limited network and the different mindset between buyers and salespeople. But I’ve never thought of giving up, as my passion for the licensing industry gave me the confidence to continue my journey.

How important is it to have a role model or mentor? Who is your role model?

A role model can help you build confidence and reach your goals; a role model is a bright light that can show you the path out of difficult situations; a role model can guide you to find the missing piece of a puzzle.

Sheryl Sandberg is my role model on how to balance work and life, how to bravely voice my point of view and how to dream bigger – Lean In is one of my favourite books.

What resources have helped you to achieve more and get further in your industry?

I have always been a strong believer in life-long learning and continuous training. I majored in brand management for my MBA degree from 2012 to 2015. I found it very helpful for understanding IP from the franchisee perspective, to talk with customers with a brand manager’s mindset, to empathise more easily and to ultimately foster collaboration and even friendship.

Hasbro also gives plenty of internal learning opportunities to support talent growth. For example, the Harvard University Management Academy is one of the most impressive courses I’ve taken at Hasbro, helping me to increase my self- awareness of my strengths and shortcomings, as well as set up plans to be a better team player and later a leader.

What do you think needs to be done to encourage more women to enter your industry?

It is clear that more and more women are ready to lean in in the workplace. These women are vibrant, self-driven, collaborative and competitive, all at the same time. I am often impressed and touched by the exuberant “girl power” of female colleagues or partners in the workplace. Involving more women in every profession should be more important than ever, and I personally believe there should be laws or policies to support women’s participation rate in different professions. Senior female leaders should also encourage young colleagues to step forward bravely.

What is one thing people can do at work to help eliminate gender bias in the workplace?

Traditionally, women were considered to have a shorter career lifespan than men. There were added complexities for women to land a new job after the age of 45, even though this was still a prime time in a person’s career, with women often facing biases when companies were choosing talent or successors during interviews and internal promotions. I hope all parts of society, including employers, spouses and colleagues, can have more faith in women’s career paths and encourage women to pursue long, meaningful careers.

If you could sum up your best bit of business advice in one sentence, what would it be?

Stay curious about a broad range of new innovations, but stay calm when deciding to follow trends.

The post Hasbro’s Jessica Qian on leaning in appeared first on Focus - China Britain Business Council.

Chinese women are showing that, as Mao once famously said, they do indeed “hold up half the sky”. Millions of inspiring female entrepreneurs have transformed society by smashing through glass ceilings in their respective industries; a 2021 report by Hurun Research Institute showed that China is home to an astonishing two-thirds of the world’s top female billionaires.

But the situation is not all rosy, especially further down the career ladder. In 2020, the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap report found that only 9.7% of board members of publicly-listed companies in China were women, despite women accounting for 43.2% of the workforce.

Women also lag behind in the political sphere, especially at the most senior levels of China’s political system. Women represent just 8.8% (11 out of 205 seats) on the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, one of China’s highest organs of government. No woman has ever sat on the Politburo Standing Committee.

This lack of political representation reflects some of the broader social issues facing women in China. Traditional gender roles do still influence today’s society, especially when it comes to family and marriage. The term ‘leftover women’, which refers to women in their late 20s who are still single, is going out of fashion, but the idea that women must be married by a certain age still holds strong. ‘Marriage pushing’ is common, and young women face considerable pressure from their parents and relatives to get married.

Despite these challenges, sparks of hope abound: women have access to more job opportunities across all industries, are graduating from university in greater numbers than ever before, and women’s issues are becoming more widely discussed across society. For companies keen to advance their cause, success awaits.

HMA Dame Caroline Wilson on trade and future UK-China relations

Appointed British Ambassador to China in late 2020, Dame Caroline Wilson is the second woman to hold the position after Dame Barbara Woodward (British Ambassador 2015-2020). Arriving at a time of increased diplomatic challenges (not to mention the Covid-19 pandemic), she spoke to FOCUS about her goals for trade, climate and beyond.

The UK and China have already achieved so much together but I want us to have an even more ambitious future agenda.

For the full interview with Dame Caroline Wilson, click here.

Entrepreneur Mirjam Thieme on what makes a great female role model

Mirjam Thieme is the owner and CEO of MB it-Consulting China, where she works with companies as a business consultant. She told Focus about the strong women in her family that inspired her to pursue her dreams, as well as the work she does with not-for-profit communities and organisations in China.

I believe that if you don’t stretch yourself you’re contracting, both in body and mind

For the full interview with Mirjam Thieme, click here.

Yonina Chan on kicking butt in the self-defence sector

For Yonina Chan, general manager and women’s division head of self-defence at Krav Maga Global in China, a positive female role model when she was starting out in her career helped her to develop a mindset that would help her succeed in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

When you work in an environment like this with people from all walks of life, you can’t really advance if you don’t develop the self-awareness to grow as a person

For the full interview with Yonina Chan, click here.

Cambridge Assessment English’s Min Qu on how language can empower women in the workplace

Min Qu has been working in the education industry for almost 21 years, and her passion for supporting learning and making a positive impact came through clearly in her recent interview with FOCUS. In her role as Director for Asia Pacific at Cambridge Assessment English (CAE), she leads a team across seven countries in the region.

Men and women are equally talented and capable. They may be different in many aspects but no decision should be based purely on gender

For the full interview with Min Qu, click here.

Wine bar founder Layla Wang on “starting before you feel ready”

Layla spoke to FOCUS about how her passion for wine and experience in the hospitality industry inspired her to get into the wine business and share her passion with others, as well as the importance of female sommeliers as role models for her entrepreneurial journey.

Things don’t always go to plan and sometimes it does make you want to give up. But the benefits of having your own business outweigh the downsides

For the full interview with Layla Wang, click here.

How Modern Water’s Linian Li leads with an environmental edge

For the past 10 years, Linian Li has formulated Modern Water’s strategy and grown the company’s business in China. But it was not an easy journey as a female leader in an industry dominated by male engineers. She tells FOCUS that it took her two years to enter the water management industry, despite having an MBA in Natural Resource Energy and Environment, and that she faced several gender-related challenges along the way.

I was discouraged by colleagues not to go to our Oman project because there were no toilets for women on-site

For the full interview with Linian Li, click here.

Yeyo co-founder Christiana Zhu

Christiana Zhu on turning a lifestyle need into a business idea

When Christiana Zhu moved from New Zealand to Beijing, the smoggy environment sent her immune system into overdrive. She started making a dairy-free coconut yoghurt (dubbed Yeyo) to help her immune system and gut health and realised this would be worth sharing with others. Now, having brought her sister on board as a partner and raised seed funding, Yeyo is a popular commercial product.

One of the biggest differences is having a partner to work with. Two brains are definitely better than one

For the full interview with Christiana Zhu, click here.

Noxolo Bhengu on bringing your own seat to the table

As an artist and an entrepreneur running a cultural, catering and events company, as well as a theatre company, it was of paramount importance for Noxolo Bhengu to live a life that reflected all of her passions and equally held space for all of them. She tells FOCUS how this philosophy influenced her entrepreneurial journey.

You can no longer ask for a seat at the table — grab your chair, carve your own table and build from there

For the full interview with Noxolo Bhengu, click here.

Jardine Matheson’s Adele Ma doesn’t believe in the phrase “give up”

“Some of my colleagues gave me the nickname the ‘iron lady’”, Adele Ma, Chief Representative in China for Jardine Matheson, often jokes. “They know that I like the word ‘give’, and I like the word ‘up’, but in my dictionary, there is no such thing as ‘give up’!”

Make friends and build trust. Then you can develop business partnerships with those you think could be your friends

For the full interview with Adele Ma, click here.

The post 9 inspiring interviews to read during Women’s History Month appeared first on Focus - China Britain Business Council.

Jehanne de Biolley has been living and working as a designer in China for 30 years. Born in Belgium, she lived in London for over 12 years, where she owned an Asian art gallery prior to moving to China.

What inspired you to get into your current industry?

I was inspired and encouraged by friends in fashion who had visited the latest theme exhibition I had curated at my Asian art gallery in Mayfair. The exhibition was about antique Chinese belt buckles mixed with my own first range of fashion accessories…I had become well-known in some artsy circles for creating crossover exhibitions, mixing antique Asian art with contemporary know-how or immersed in a contemporary display.

Have you ever experienced a tough time that made you want to give up?

There was a time when I had just moved my studio to a nearby temple, just walking distance from where we lived at the time. I had spent a few weeks cleaning, renovating and decorating the new location and had set up my workshop and studio there; it was a lovely 350 square metre space on the top floor of a 1950s building within the temple grounds. Within three months of being operational, the ‘new boss’ of the temple did a deal with an outside hotel developer and I had to pack up and go; the only compensation I got was a few bags of delicious Dongbei rice for Lunar New Year and they paid for my move…

I was so disappointed and discouraged; I told my husband that I would stop working. But he told me that ‘we will find a better solution,’ and that is when we managed to rent the former Ming dynasty temple library of the temple where we lived. It was a magnificent space of similar size, but it had the original open wooden ceiling with painted beams. It was a unique space that became a part of our home and work, and I would not want to have missed that turn of events!

How important is it to have a role model or mentor? Who is your role model?

Gandhi and the importance of weaving in his vision [have been influential for me]. [Through my work with fashion and design] my aim is to create a platform to weave a world together.

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

I am an early riser; I like to read or write when the house is quiet, even just for 30 minutes. I prepare breakfast and help the children before they go to school, then I get dressed. I usually select what I want to wear the night before so all I have to do is hop in the shower and get ready.

After that, every day is different. I try and make plans so I have a full day dedicated to this or that project so that I can be fully immersed in the tasks. The only common point between all the days is that whatever I do, I try to be fully ‘present’ in harmony with the task I have set myself to do.

I am currently working on a collection to be presented at a fashion show inspired by the Miao minority of Guizhou, which will be presented in Beijing at the end of May. For this collection, I am also designing porcelain and other home decoration items. So the pressure is on… I am juggling meetings, creative time, and some travel back and forth between Guizhou and Beijing to supervise the production of the different elements of the collection. I like to describe what I do as “slow fashion in the fast lane” because everything happens so fast in China, with a sense of urgency to get there first.

What is one thing people can do at work to help eliminate gender bias in the workplace?

I have not come across a lot of gender bias in fashion and design. I think it’s important to just keep going with the flow and enjoy different ways of thinking and creative energies. Even if you do not work in art and design, these energies are everywhere — try to see them, feel them.

If you could sum up your best bit of business advice in one sentence, what would it be?

Write a clear job description when you want to work with someone or hire someone.

The post Jehanne de Biolley on building cultural bridges with fashion appeared first on Focus - China Britain Business Council.

Prior to joining Jardine Matheson, Adele worked as a diplomat in the China Mission to the European Union and Special Commissioner of Chinese Customs to the World Customs Organisation, where she was mainly engaged in diplomatic work.

What inspired you to get into your current industry?

My diplomatic experience made me deeply aware that international relations largely depend on economic and trade relations between different countries. It also inspired my interest in business.

Have you ever experienced a tough time that made you want to give up?

Well, this is an interesting question because some of my colleagues around me gave me the nickname the “iron lady.” They know that I like the word “give,” and I like the word “up,” but in my dictionary, there is no such thing as “give up!”

How important is it to have a role model or mentor? Who is your role model?

I think it is super important to have a good mentor. One of my supervisors who is still working for the Chinese government is my personal role model, however, I can’t reveal his name due to his special status, unfortunately.

What is one thing people can do at work to help eliminate gender bias in the workplace?

Gender bias against women in the workplace is widespread, but to varying degrees. This naturally places higher requirements on women in the workplace. Fortunately, there has been no obvious gender bias in the places I have worked. Gender differences reflect strengths and weaknesses in different jobs.

If you could sum up your best bit of business advice in one sentence, what would it be?

Firstly, make friends and build trust. Then you can develop business partnerships with those you think could be your friends. I believe wherever you are in the world and whatever you are doing, relationships mean everything.

The post Jardine Matheson’s Adele Ma doesn’t believe in the phrase “give up” appeared first on Focus - China Britain Business Council.

Noxolo Bhengu is the founder and creative director of Ndawo Afrika, a culture curation and events company. She is a trained actress, writer and director who graduated from the University of Cape Town. Noxolo founded LWuD Theatre (Love What You Do) and she is currently running it in Shanghai, where she has lived for five years, with plans for expansion to different cities in China. LWuD Theatre lends itself as an incubation centre for new playwrights, producing 90% original plays and 10% classical plays. LWuD Theatre also provides industrial theatre workshops for companies as well as cultural workshops, creative drama and ACA (After School Activity) programs at various international and bilingual schools in Shanghai.

What inspired you to get into your current industry?

As an artist and an entrepreneur running a cultural, catering and events company, as well as a theatre company, it was of paramount importance for me to live a life that reflected all of my passions and equally held space for all of them.

Have you ever experienced a tough time that made you want to give up?

All the time! The tough experiences are numerous and never-ending. They range from project management challenges to creative problem solving, as well as being overlooked in certain rooms as a woman of colour.

You can no longer ask for a seat at the table — grab your chair, carve your own table and build from there

How important is it to have a role model or mentor? Who is your role model?

We are constantly learning and evolving. Therefore, it’s quite important to have relatable individuals or organisations that model who we are, what we’re cultivating, and our core values. I sample inspiration from a lot of people. From leaders, artists, my partner, family, friends and strangers that I meet along the way.

What resources have helped you to achieve more and get further in your industry?

I am influenced by several books, however, Daring Greatly and Rising Strong by Brené Brown have been the most transformational. I read them every year and their impact has been deeply engraved in my life choices and who I choose to be every day.

An LWuD Theater event

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

How my days pan out is often determined by the goals set and the projects that I have for that week. Some days are dedicated to writing, on others, you can find me running private creative workshops and theatre programs in several international schools and companies. The weekends are dedicated to cultural and catering events.

What is one thing people can do at work to help eliminate gender bias in the workplace?

Recognise that it exists, that it’s systemic, and hold space for transparent dialogue that will encourage resolutions. Like all forms of discrimination, gender bias is embedded in company cultures so often that, it doesn’t even occur to those that benefit from it. Companies should provide training on unconscious bias, promote a culture of meritocracy, have clearer policies on discrimination and implement gender-neutral recruitment processes.

If you could sum up your best bit of business advice in one sentence, what would it be?

You can no longer ask for a seat at the table — grab your chair, carve your own table and build from there. The world is laden with infinite possibilities.

The post Noxolo Bhengu on bringing your own seat to the table appeared first on Focus - China Britain Business Council.

What inspired you to get into your current industry?

I have always been interested in the hospitality industry and also had a passion for wines, as there are so many different varieties and so much to learn about and discover. This inspired me to get into the wine business and share my passion with others.

Have you ever experienced a tough time that made you want to give up?

Yes, of course, I think this is quite normal. When you are a small business you have to do everything yourself and work incredibly long hours, especially in the bar business. Things don’t always go to plan and sometimes it does make you want to give up. But the benefits of having your own business outweigh the downsides.

How important is it to have a role model or mentor? Who is your role model?

I think it is very important to have people with who you can share things, whether that is to bounce ideas off them, take inspiration from them or simply to have a sympathetic ear from time to time. I am very lucky to know a group of fellow female sommeliers who are some of the best in the country. We have become close friends over the years and we are able to discuss the challenges and share our ideas together, whilst of course also enjoying a glass of wine or two.

What resources have helped you to achieve more and get further in your industry?

Of course, I read as many books as I can about wine and there are some good ones out there such as The World Atlas of Wine. For anyone interested in Chinese wine I recommend a book called The Chinese Wine Renaissance by Janet Wang. From a business perspective, I recently started reading a book called Blue Ocean Strategy by Renée Mauborgne and W. Chan Kim.

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

I often do some admin in the morning, which might be discussing a new promotion with my business partner, designing a flyer or discussing new menu items with my chef. Then I might go to a wine tasting in the afternoon where I will try to find interesting new wines for my guests. I will usually arrive at TRiO later in the afternoon to make sure everything is ready for the evening and then as guests start to arrive, I am on duty making sure they have a great experience. I will usually finish up around 2am and then head home to bed, exhausted!

What is one thing people can do at work to help eliminate gender bias in the workplace?

I think one of the key things for any business is to be flexible. My business partner Ashley was pregnant when we started the company and so it was very challenging for her to juggle pregnancy whilst giving birth to a new business at the same time. By being flexible we were able to divide the tasks to ensure that she could play a pivotal role in the business whilst preparing for her baby.

If you could sum up your best bit of business advice in one sentence, what would it be?

I was once told to “start before you feel ready.” I think this is good advice because often when you are starting something new you can be tempted to keep adjusting the concept or the idea and never actually do anything. It’s far better to start even if you don’t feel ready and then adjust as you go along.

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Min Qu has been working in the education industry for almost 21 years, with a clear passion for supporting learning and making a positive impact. In her role at Cambridge Assessment English (CAE), she leads a team across seven countries in the Asia Pacific region, including Greater China, Japan, South Korea, ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand. Prior to joining Cambridge, she led Asia development for a London based university.

What inspired you to get into your current industry?

I have always followed my passion for education and my desire to bridge different cultures. I was brought up in China and then pursued higher education in the UK in the late 1990s. As one of only two Chinese students in my class, I experienced culture shock, but also the opportunities that a good education can lead to. After graduation, I wanted to help more students who aspire to get more international exposure. Then came my first job with the then University of North London (now merged with London Guildhall to form London Metropolitan University), where I helped establish many links between China and the UK. In my current role, I have seen many great examples of how English has really helped people to achieve more, go further and often change their lives.

How important is it to have a role model or mentor? Who is your role model?

It’s helpful to have a role model although it is not necessarily a must. What I find is that I have learnt different things from different people. There are several people who have had a major impact on me and, in a way, made me the person I am today.

The first has to be my mum. She is very smart and rose up to meet tough challenges in both her life and career. She taught me to be resilient and positive even in really testing times.

The second is Mark Bickerton, who was my first boss. He was one of the most sociable, kind, capable and sophisticated people I’ve ever met. He sadly passed away at the age of 50, but none of us have forgotten him for a minute. He deeply impacted many people around him, and for some, it was life-changing to have met him.

Men and women are equally talented and capable. They may be different in many aspects but no decision should be based purely on gender

How can language skills empower women in the workplace?

Language is certainly a great enabler that helps women — and men — go further in their careers. I myself benefited tremendously because of my English competency. It broadened my horizons and led me to be where I am now; my journey would have been literally impossible had I not had English skills. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, I travelled a lot, as you would expect, and one of my great joys was to learn different languages as I went. Being multilingual has become a lifestyle for me and my family.

What resources have helped you to achieve more and get further in your industry?

I love reading; it provides not just insights but also strength and resilience as well as pleasure. The book that struck me the most is Les Misérables, which helped me sail through some pretty dark waters.

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

I normally get up at 6.15am and get my daughter ready for school. Then around 8am I start to check my emails, followed by a regional senior management team meeting. Other external meetings with partners from the APAC also happen in the morning. Before lunch, I have a virtual coffee with my whole team (as we can’t travel and meet people in person). Lunch is important to me, so I usually go to the canteen so I can meet people and chat. Afternoon is my time with Cambridge, which is filled with many back to back meetings that usually run into early evening. 9pm is my cut off time, after which I will switch off, unless there is something really urgent that needs my immediate attention.

What is one thing people can do at work to help eliminate gender bias in the workplace?

Stop stereotyping. Men and women are equally talented and capable. They may be different in many aspects but no decision should be based purely on gender.

If you could sum up your best bit of business advice in one sentence, what would it be?

Probably a cliché but here you go: respect your competitor, empower your team and put your customer at the centre of everything you do.

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