Your host, Craig Andrews, talks with the Founder of The UnNoticed Group, Jim James. Jim's journey through Asia began in Singapore in 1995, before he moved to China in 2006. He witnessed firsthand the rapid changes in Beijing, from architectural developments to infrastructure improvements. However, he also noted the challenges of pollution and congestion that came with such rapid growth. The growth and development he witnessed in these areas, paints a vivid picture of the scale and geography of China.
Jim's experience in China wasn't limited to observing the changes in the landscape, he also had the opportunity to build teams in Singapore, Beijing, and India. He shared the challenges he faced as a Westerner, navigating the cultural differences and backgrounds of his team members.
Jim emphasizes the importance of understanding the differences of others and building trust within them as a team. He also discussed the cultural dimensions of guilt and shame, and how they impact leadership and decision-making in Asia. Jim shares his strategies for empowering his Chinese team members and giving them authority, despite the traditional hierarchical structure of Chinese society. He also touched on the challenges of running multiple businesses simultaneously and the time and attention required to manage teams in different cultures.
