When Chinese people say they like money, they are often saying they value tangible proof of effort and care. When Western companies complain they cannot sell premium services, they may be missing the fact that premium, in this context, is not just about the service specification. It is about the relationship that surrounds it, the speed of response, the willingness to help the client win even when it is not in the contract.

Too often, MNCs settle for leaders who simply “get the job done.” They prioritize compliance over creativity, and as a result, they stifle the entrepreneurial spark that drives success in China. This risk-averse approach leaves them vulnerable to local competitors who are faster, more innovative, and more attuned to the market.

This article builds on that discussion by diving deeper into the root of the problem: the flawed leadership strategies that MNCs continue to rely on in China. Too often, companies default to "proven" leaders, "close enough" experience, or "convenient" internal hires, only to find that these approaches fall short in a market as dynamic and complex as China.

"Safe" expat hires—those who rigidly follow global playbooks without adapting to local realities—are no longer enough.

Leaders need to be proactive, anticipating potential disruptions before they happen. One global med-tech firm in APAC set up a “Scenario Response Cell,” a team dedicated to creating playbooks for various geopolitical scenarios. It’s no longer about big, slow planning—it’s about quick, flexible responses based on real-time data.

APAC leaders—especially those in China—hold a unique card. They operate in the world’s most demanding market, where speed, adaptability, and ambiguity are daily realities. That’s not a handicap; it’s a blueprint for the future.

How did China’s long-game economic strategy, rooted in ancient philosophies like Goujian’s, position it to capitalize on Western volatility? And what lessons does this hold for global leaders navigating collaboration, not confrontation, with Chinese firms?

An introduction to insights from our Executive Advantage 2025 webinar and preview of our upcoming AI enterprise training

LYC Partners hosted this webinar to give Latin American and Spanish food and beverage leaders a practical view on entering and scaling in Asian markets, with a focus on coffee and wine.

A couple of years ago I started asking this question, but this year I started to receive more and more interesting answers: "How do you compete with Chinese competitors?" Naturally, the further away from China the person is, the more simplistic the answers are: Some dismiss Chinese companies as "copycats." Others see them as an unstoppable force. Both perspectives miss what's really happening. After facilitating partnerships between Chinese and Western companies across sector

Leaders need to actively challenge their own assumptions. The best executives we work with make it a practice to seek information that contradicts their initial intuition. They test their hypotheses against lived reality. They generate discussions, build connections, schedule meetings, organize visits, run roadshows.

A Strategic Conversation on Making CX Real Inside the Business Insights from industry practitioners on role clarity, capability building, and measurable outcomes in pharmaceutical customer experience

In today's fast-paced business environment, many executives fall into the comfort trap, risking their growth potential. This article highlights five essential leadership skills often missing in today's leaders: the discipline to embrace discomfort, cross-border agility, self-interrogation, real-time learning, and the courage to reframe personal narratives. Discover how these insights can enhance your leadership strategy.

In a world awash with data, the distinction between philosophy and data science is critical. While data reveals what has happened, philosophy guides us on what truly matters. As organizations grapple with decision-making complexities, embracing philosophical insights can unlock a competitive advantage. Discover how this approach can reshape your leadership strategy.

LYC Partners, in close strategic partnership with Cosmoprof Asia—the region’s preeminent beauty industry platform—co-organized a high-level executive webinar focused on unlocking new growth pathways for beauty brands across Asia Pacific

Navigating global leadership challenges? You're not alone! Join us as we dive into key insights from our latest article, "Managing the Distance: Building Radical Alignment Between APAC and Global HQs." Discover how cultural intelligence and transparent communication can bridge the gap between headquarters and local teams, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Are you a leader venturing into new markets? Discover the critical insights every Western CEO must grasp to thrive in Asia’s complex cultural landscape. Learn from Tom’s journey—what happens when Silicon Valley strategies meet the nuances of Chinese leadership?

Navigating leadership transitions in the dynamic APAC landscape? Our latest insights reveal that effective leadership is crucial for maintaining team cohesion during change. As executives step into new roles, understanding the unique challenges they face can transform uncertainty into opportunity.

Are you ready for the next wave of geopolitical disruption? Explore how boards can transition from outdated strategies to agile governance, ensuring they're prepared for the unexpected. With 72% of boards in Asia revising their scenario planning, the time to act is now. Discover actionable steps to assess geopolitical risks and foster a culture of agility in your organization.

Global companies often fall into predictable talent traps. A prime example: spending months on an executive search only to hire someone with perfect credentials but poor cultural fit, resulting in a costly setback. These missteps are expensive - slow hiring and misaligned executives create ripple effects across culture and investor trust.