Lessons from 40 Years in China: Soft Power, Social Change & Business | Interview with Brian Linden

Join me in a discussion with Brian Linden—founder and visionary behind Linden Centre, an award-winning boutique hotel brand in Yunnan Province, China. As a social enterprise, Linden Centre aims to share China's rich cultural traditions while supporting local communities. The hotels function as living museums, revitalizing neglected historical sites and providing educational and economic programs. With five locations, including three in Xizhou, a site in Shibaoshan National Park, and a former garden compound near Suzhou, Linden Centre is committed to sustainable tourism and positive social impact. Join us as we explore Brian's journey in China and the lessons he's learned along the way. Connect with Brian Linden here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-linden/ More about Linden Centre here: http://www.linden-centre.com/ ________ In this episode: 0:00 - Introduction 0:00:55 - Brian's China Story Since 1984 5:39 - China's Transformation: A 40-Year Overview 8:48 - Understanding the China Dream 10:35 - Western Engagement with China 11:06 - Why Establish a Business in Yunnan? 14:53 - China's Trains vs. Traditional Classrooms 18:20 - Comparing American and Chinese Soft Power 23:15 - Addressing Corruption in China 25:15 - Why India Hasn't Matched China's Growth 29:00 - How Western Businesses Can Navigate the Chinese Market 30:35 - Linden Centers: A Social Enterprise Across China 34:50 - Lessons for Consultants from China's Small Cities 39:15 - The Decline in Foreign Travel to China 46:10 - Current China-US Geopolitical Tensions 50:00 - Do Superiority Complexes Exist: Western vs. Chinese Perspectives? 53:45 - Adapting Social Enterprises to Fit Chinese Domestic Needs 58:30 - China's Future Vision: Social Credit Systems vs. Social Ideals 1:01:57 - Key Lessons from China's Journey ________ 🚀 Hire Ashley to speak for your leaders: https://ashleydudarenok.com 🚀 Tailored China learning expeditions, consumer research and digital transformation consulting, talk to Ashley's ChoZan 超赞 team: https://chozan.co 🚀 China digital marketing, KOLs and campaigns, reach out to Ashley's Alarice team https://alarice.com.hk ________ Subscribe now for your daily dose of Digital China. • LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleydudarenok/ • Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/ashley.dudarenok/ • X / https://twitter.com/AshleyDudarenok • Telegram / https://t.me/AshleyTalksChina • Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/AshleyDudarenok