Blog articles (click title to read)
Five Reasons to Celebrate China during International Women’s Day! - contributed by Ashley Blake This year, the theme for International Women’s Day is Balance for Better, a call for collective action in a unified direction. Women from around the world –… more
Embrace the Onomatopoeia: US- China Cross-border Design and Development - It was 2011 when I wrote the blog below on US-China design. Most companies I worked with focused on design and co-development of hardware products: computers, components, car parts, consumer… more
Film Review: People’s Republic of Desire - This month's "book review" is about a film.... In mid-December I took time off from the seasonal holiday frenzy to watch Chinese director Hao Wu’s The People's Republic of Desire… more
Triple Minority or Triple Threat: Personal Power and Leadership for Chinese female executives - The Year of the Pig is upon us and Blue Heron is excited to announce our new program, "Personal Power and Leadership", available early this year. Designed specifically for… more
What Roller Derby Taught Me about Global Advancement and Winning - When my second child was learning to walk, I was learning to roller skate. I wanted to do something challenging and cool - to regain part of myself that didn't… more
Why I Care About Culture…. You Should, Too! - “Culture” is one of those words – like “purple” or “squishy”….we may know what it is, but have a hard time articulating. For easy explanation, culture is something that defines… more
Culture Quiz: Who is More Chinese? - Culture Quiz: Who Is More Chinese? In the current political climate being called “a friend to China” can sound like a meaningless platitude. Or not. In China, most concepts are… more
Book Review: The China Fantasy…even better with age - This is the first in a series of regular book reviews on US-China relations, China culture and policy, and inter-societal dynamics in greater Asia and the West. If you have… more
Why Successful Business in China Involves Karaoke. Listen Up, Female Execs! - In helping executives prepare for business in China, we are often asked 1) whether people really DO karaoke during business and 2) whether it is necessary to sing. The simple answer to… more
4 Reasons To Learn a Second Language - Recognizing great value in knowing a second language is core to my philosophy. I’ve written on why I think you should learn Chinese, 10 things to know about the Chinese language,… more
Sexism—China Takes On The US - I wrote the text below in 2008 and largely still agree with it, though I believe the view of women in China has changed more within the last ten years… more
Strategic Trips to China – Do it, and plan it well - Regardless of fluctuations in economic policy, China will remain a key strategic partner, and a top business consideration for many North American companies. It also remains very distant as defined… more
Eight Great Ways To Learn Chinese - I am often asked what the best way to learn Chinese is, and I have to say that there is no quick fix. Like learning any language, learning Chinese takes… more
Business in China: The Question of Guanxi - During a recent business presentation, I was asked about the significance of guanxi in China. Guanxi is loosely translated as “relationships” or “connections” and is perennially cited in China Business… more
HOW WOMEN RISE – read this book! - Women in the corporate workplace face very different challenges than men. In response, they can opt to lean in, "man up", or just hold in place and keep getting paid,… more
Preparing to ROCK your International Study Experience! - No matter how exciting it can be to study internationally, going to school outside your “home country” takes some adjustment. As students prepare to begin a new school year in… more
Successful Chinese Expat Execs – Five Building Blocks for Companies - Remember how daunting and exciting that first business trip to China was: new food, wondering how you would get around, being under -confident with the local language? It is… more
Hosting Chinese Delegations: Taking the Opportunity - The time, effort and dollars spent on arranging for a delegation from China can be great… HOWEVER, the impression of the visit on your Chinese guests goes a very long… more
No Tariffs on Fresh Air – Opportunities with China - As long as fresh air and clean water are free, the US has an opportunity for increasing service-based income from China that is not subject to tariffs or limits.… more
Protecting IP in China: structure for “FAIR”-play - With continued integration of the Chinese and US economies, companies with an eye on long-term survival cannot afford NOT to consider activity in or with China. However, there is also… more
China, Chile, Huh? Today’s Brain Game. - With the noise and drama generated by US domestic politics and business, there is a huge risk of missing important details and not bothering to observe and to think.… more
Blue Heron Welcomes the DOG!…now what…. - Chinese New Year of the Dog is here! With the new moon rising the evening of February 15, China enters a new lunisolar year. The event marks the largest human… more
Ten Things to Know about Chinese - People often ask me whether it’s necessary to learn Chinese to be successful in China. The short answer is “if you can, YES!” To compete and collaborate with China,… more
Why do I need Chinese, Mom? - Earlier this fall, I endured a wave of resentment, terror and bad vibes coming from my 12-year old when he learned I had unilaterally changed his 7th grade foreign language selection… more
Welcome back to Blue Heron – blog relaunch! - When I started Blue Heron Holdings in 2005, I was driven by enthusiasm for “doing China business.” With nearly 20 years of first-hand experience in the field, I wanted to… moreBusiness in China: Is Local Design the Key to the Throne? - In 2010 the number of Chinese billionaires nearly doubled – from 64 the previous year to 115. The number of Chinese millionaires – individuals with at least USD 1 million… more
Five Reasons to Celebrate China during International Women’s Day! - contributed by Ashley Blake This year, the theme for International Women’s Day is Balance for Better, a call for collective action in a unified direction. Women from around the world –… more Embrace the Onomatopoeia: US- China Cross-border Design and Development - It was 2011 when I wrote the blog below on US-China design. Most companies I worked with focused on design and co-development of hardware products: computers, components, car parts, consumer… more Film Review: People’s Republic of Desire - This month's "book review" is about a film.... In mid-December I took time off from the seasonal holiday frenzy to watch Chinese director Hao Wu’s The People's Republic of Desire… more Triple Minority or Triple Threat: Personal Power and Leadership for Chinese female executives - The Year of the Pig is upon us and Blue Heron is excited to announce our new program, "Personal Power and Leadership", available early this year. Designed specifically for… more What Roller Derby Taught Me about Global Advancement and Winning - When my second child was learning to walk, I was learning to roller skate. I wanted to do something challenging and cool - to regain part of myself that didn't… more Why I Care About Culture…. You Should, Too! - “Culture” is one of those words – like “purple” or “squishy”….we may know what it is, but have a hard time articulating. For easy explanation, culture is something that defines… more Culture Quiz: Who is More Chinese? - Culture Quiz: Who Is More Chinese? In the current political climate being called “a friend to China” can sound like a meaningless platitude. Or not. In China, most concepts are… more Book Review: The China Fantasy…even better with age - This is the first in a series of regular book reviews on US-China relations, China culture and policy, and inter-societal dynamics in greater Asia and the West. If you have… more Why Successful Business in China Involves Karaoke. Listen Up, Female Execs! - In helping executives prepare for business in China, we are often asked 1) whether people really DO karaoke during business and 2) whether it is necessary to sing. The simple answer to… more 4 Reasons To Learn a Second Language - Recognizing great value in knowing a second language is core to my philosophy. I’ve written on why I think you should learn Chinese, 10 things to know about the Chinese language,… more Sexism—China Takes On The US - I wrote the text below in 2008 and largely still agree with it, though I believe the view of women in China has changed more within the last ten years… more Strategic Trips to China – Do it, and plan it well - Regardless of fluctuations in economic policy, China will remain a key strategic partner, and a top business consideration for many North American companies. It also remains very distant as defined… more Eight Great Ways To Learn Chinese - I am often asked what the best way to learn Chinese is, and I have to say that there is no quick fix. Like learning any language, learning Chinese takes… more Business in China: The Question of Guanxi - During a recent business presentation, I was asked about the significance of guanxi in China. Guanxi is loosely translated as “relationships” or “connections” and is perennially cited in China Business… more HOW WOMEN RISE – read this book! - Women in the corporate workplace face very different challenges than men. In response, they can opt to lean in, "man up", or just hold in place and keep getting paid,… more Preparing to ROCK your International Study Experience! - No matter how exciting it can be to study internationally, going to school outside your “home country” takes some adjustment. As students prepare to begin a new school year in… more Successful Chinese Expat Execs – Five Building Blocks for Companies - Remember how daunting and exciting that first business trip to China was: new food, wondering how you would get around, being under -confident with the local language? It is… more Hosting Chinese Delegations: Taking the Opportunity - The time, effort and dollars spent on arranging for a delegation from China can be great… HOWEVER, the impression of the visit on your Chinese guests goes a very long… more No Tariffs on Fresh Air – Opportunities with China - As long as fresh air and clean water are free, the US has an opportunity for increasing service-based income from China that is not subject to tariffs or limits.… more Protecting IP in China: structure for “FAIR”-play - With continued integration of the Chinese and US economies, companies with an eye on long-term survival cannot afford NOT to consider activity in or with China. However, there is also… more China, Chile, Huh? Today’s Brain Game. - With the noise and drama generated by US domestic politics and business, there is a huge risk of missing important details and not bothering to observe and to think.… more Blue Heron Welcomes the DOG!…now what…. - Chinese New Year of the Dog is here! With the new moon rising the evening of February 15, China enters a new lunisolar year. The event marks the largest human… more Ten Things to Know about Chinese - People often ask me whether it’s necessary to learn Chinese to be successful in China. The short answer is “if you can, YES!” To compete and collaborate with China,… more Why do I need Chinese, Mom? - Earlier this fall, I endured a wave of resentment, terror and bad vibes coming from my 12-year old when he learned I had unilaterally changed his 7th grade foreign language selection… more Welcome back to Blue Heron – blog relaunch! - When I started Blue Heron Holdings in 2005, I was driven by enthusiasm for “doing China business.” With nearly 20 years of first-hand experience in the field, I wanted to… moreBusiness in China: Is Local Design the Key to the Throne? - In 2010 the number of Chinese billionaires nearly doubled – from 64 the previous year to 115. The number of Chinese millionaires – individuals with at least USD 1 million… more
Five Reasons to Celebrate China during International Women’s Day! - contributed by Ashley Blake This year, the theme for International Women’s Day is Balance for Better, a call for collective action in a unified direction. Women from around the world –… more Embrace the Onomatopoeia: US- China Cross-border Design and Development - It was 2011 when I wrote the blog below on US-China design. Most companies I worked with focused on design and co-development of hardware products: computers, components, car parts, consumer… more Film Review: People’s Republic of Desire - This month's "book review" is about a film.... In mid-December I took time off from the seasonal holiday frenzy to watch Chinese director Hao Wu’s The People's Republic of Desire… more Triple Minority or Triple Threat: Personal Power and Leadership for Chinese female executives - The Year of the Pig is upon us and Blue Heron is excited to announce our new program, "Personal Power and Leadership", available early this year. Designed specifically for… more What Roller Derby Taught Me about Global Advancement and Winning - When my second child was learning to walk, I was learning to roller skate. I wanted to do something challenging and cool - to regain part of myself that didn't… more Why I Care About Culture…. You Should, Too! - “Culture” is one of those words – like “purple” or “squishy”….we may know what it is, but have a hard time articulating. For easy explanation, culture is something that defines… more Culture Quiz: Who is More Chinese? - Culture Quiz: Who Is More Chinese? In the current political climate being called “a friend to China” can sound like a meaningless platitude. Or not. In China, most concepts are… more Book Review: The China Fantasy…even better with age - This is the first in a series of regular book reviews on US-China relations, China culture and policy, and inter-societal dynamics in greater Asia and the West. If you have… more Why Successful Business in China Involves Karaoke. Listen Up, Female Execs! - In helping executives prepare for business in China, we are often asked 1) whether people really DO karaoke during business and 2) whether it is necessary to sing. The simple answer to… more 4 Reasons To Learn a Second Language - Recognizing great value in knowing a second language is core to my philosophy. I’ve written on why I think you should learn Chinese, 10 things to know about the Chinese language,… more Sexism—China Takes On The US - I wrote the text below in 2008 and largely still agree with it, though I believe the view of women in China has changed more within the last ten years… more Strategic Trips to China – Do it, and plan it well - Regardless of fluctuations in economic policy, China will remain a key strategic partner, and a top business consideration for many North American companies. It also remains very distant as defined… more Eight Great Ways To Learn Chinese - I am often asked what the best way to learn Chinese is, and I have to say that there is no quick fix. Like learning any language, learning Chinese takes… more Business in China: The Question of Guanxi - During a recent business presentation, I was asked about the significance of guanxi in China. Guanxi is loosely translated as “relationships” or “connections” and is perennially cited in China Business… more HOW WOMEN RISE – read this book! - Women in the corporate workplace face very different challenges than men. In response, they can opt to lean in, "man up", or just hold in place and keep getting paid,… more Preparing to ROCK your International Study Experience! - No matter how exciting it can be to study internationally, going to school outside your “home country” takes some adjustment. As students prepare to begin a new school year in… more Successful Chinese Expat Execs – Five Building Blocks for Companies - Remember how daunting and exciting that first business trip to China was: new food, wondering how you would get around, being under -confident with the local language? It is… more Hosting Chinese Delegations: Taking the Opportunity - The time, effort and dollars spent on arranging for a delegation from China can be great… HOWEVER, the impression of the visit on your Chinese guests goes a very long… more No Tariffs on Fresh Air – Opportunities with China - As long as fresh air and clean water are free, the US has an opportunity for increasing service-based income from China that is not subject to tariffs or limits.… more Protecting IP in China: structure for “FAIR”-play - With continued integration of the Chinese and US economies, companies with an eye on long-term survival cannot afford NOT to consider activity in or with China. However, there is also… more China, Chile, Huh? Today’s Brain Game. - With the noise and drama generated by US domestic politics and business, there is a huge risk of missing important details and not bothering to observe and to think.… more Blue Heron Welcomes the DOG!…now what…. - Chinese New Year of the Dog is here! With the new moon rising the evening of February 15, China enters a new lunisolar year. The event marks the largest human… more Ten Things to Know about Chinese - People often ask me whether it’s necessary to learn Chinese to be successful in China. The short answer is “if you can, YES!” To compete and collaborate with China,… more Why do I need Chinese, Mom? - Earlier this fall, I endured a wave of resentment, terror and bad vibes coming from my 12-year old when he learned I had unilaterally changed his 7th grade foreign language selection… more Welcome back to Blue Heron – blog relaunch! - When I started Blue Heron Holdings in 2005, I was driven by enthusiasm for “doing China business.” With nearly 20 years of first-hand experience in the field, I wanted to… moreBusiness in China: Is Local Design the Key to the Throne? - In 2010 the number of Chinese billionaires nearly doubled – from 64 the previous year to 115. The number of Chinese millionaires – individuals with at least USD 1 million… more
