Friday’s book signing with long-time China entrepreneur and Magnolia Award recipient Maxime Degaldi offered a clear and practical reflection on what foreign companies often overlook in China. Drawing on nearly 30 years in the country, he highlighted China’s transformation into a world-leading innovation hub and stressed that foreign companies cannot win here by importing playbooks from elsewhere. They must build strategies uniquely shaped by China’s pace, culture, and complexity.

He emphasized that people sit at the heart of execution, with local teams defining how strategy is interpreted and delivered. Leadership misalignment, he noted, often creates gaps in trust and decision making and is a common reason foreign firms falter in China. The companies that thrive are the ones that back their teams, prioritize clear communication, and approach the market with genuine long-term commitment.

“China isn’t a puzzle to solve, but a community to join.”

A timely reminder that winning in China is fundamentally about trust, cultural understanding, and empowered local teams. Long-term commitment, not short-term playbooks, is what ultimately drives success. CM Venture remains committed to amplify such voices.