From Entrepreneurs Thriving in Uncertainty with Sandrine Zerbib & Aldo Spaanjaars · · AshleyDudarenok
“Many Chinese companies run a constant replanning process and fluid, rapid internal communication — brainstorming can be summoned in hours over WeChat and leaders often bypass formal chains of command to get direct field input, giving bosses a sense of what's actually happening on the ground.”
On , Sandrine Zerbib, President of Baozun Brand Management at Baozun, spoke about organizational process during Entrepreneurs Thriving in Uncertainty with Sandrine Zerbib & Aldo Spaanjaars on AshleyDudarenok.
Sandrine Zerbib, President of Baozun Brand Management at Baozun, appeared on the podcast "Ashley's Digital China" in May 2023 to discuss her co-authored book "Dragon Tactics: How Chinese Entrepreneurs Thrive in Uncertainty." Zerbib, who has nearly 30 years of experience in China's consumer business and previously launched Adidas in the country, described Chinese business practices including fluid internal communication, rapid public product testing, and the use of ecosystems by companies like Alibaba and Tencent. She stated that adaptability is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and that success often comes from observing better than others and being positioned to capture opportunities. Zerbib also commented on specific business tactics, noting that "wolf culture" can be difficult to defend as it may produce borderline behavior and is increasingly rejected by younger workers seeking better work-life balance. She emphasized that companies operating in China should "do China for China" by ensuring product, pricing, and storytelling remain relevant to local consumers. Zerbib mentioned that she has returned to Europe and established a China advisory firm specializing in helping companies enter the Chinese market or turn around struggling operations there.