China can be incomprehensible for westerns on their first foray into the country. It is essential to understand business etiquette and certain aspects of Chinese culture: the philosophy of midstream living, Confucianism and its emphasis on hierarchy, the concept of mianzi and its significance.
I’ll explain how the Chinese communicate and what “yes” really means. And I’ll offer tips for success as well as for avoiding pitfalls.
Developing a Better Understanding of China’s Past to Better Comprehend Present Day Reforms
In 1980 when I was 16, I was taken out of school and put to work at a rocket factory. A mini-Communist state, the factory fed us at dining halls, housed us in identical workers’ dormitory and indoctrinated us at meeting halls. As an escape route, I taught myself English. It changed my life. What I learnt wasn’t just the ABCs but the whole cultural package. I dared to be different and I grew to be political. In 1989, I organized a major protest among workers from my factory in support the democratic movement led by the students.
My journey also reflects what China went through in the 80s when the economic reforms transformed China. It was a time that Chinese people started to break free from the political tight rope and to dream the impossible. It was a time when China became what it is today.
Now based in Beijing, I work as a writer, columnist and social commentator. All comes down to one thing – being a cultural bridge between China and the outside world. What I try to do is to help people understand where China comes from; what’s happening now and there it is going. Once you have a better understand of China, there’ll be less fear and more empathy.
My grandma was a prostitute-turned-concubine; my mother a frustrated worker and victim of the political campaigns; and myself a factory-worker-turned writer, making the best out of new opportunities. These stories illustrate the changes Chinese women have gone through.
I’ll discuss what the Chinese Communists did for women and the setbacks brought the reforms in recent years.
With insight and humour, I’ll tell my coming of age story which shows where China was coming from. The 80’s was an important era when things began to change and China became what it is today. I’ll also discuss the pressing issues facing today’s China and predict where it will be going.
This is a famous story by the ancient philosopher Zhuangzhi about a Frog being trapped in a well, unable to see the great world beyond the patch of sky above. For ten years, I was a frog trapped at the bottom of my factory well.
To change my situation, I started to teach myself English, which eventually gave me the drive to get out. Many of us find ourselves trapped in some kind of well. As long as we are willing to try, we can always find inspiration to make the jump.
Zhang Lijia is a distinguished speaker and author who has garnered international recognition for her expertise in Chinese business culture, social transformation, and the rise of China as a global power. With a rich career that spans multiple disciplines, Lijia’s journey began in the factories of Nanjing, where she worked as a teenager during China’s rapid industrialization. Her firsthand experience in the country’s evolving workforce gives her a profound understanding of Chinese corporate dynamics, making her a sought-after keynote speaker at global business forums.
In addition to her industrial beginnings, Zhang Lijia’s academic pursuits have led her to become an influential voice on contemporary Chinese issues. A published author in both English and Chinese, her memoir “Socialism is Great!” offers a deep dive into the life of a factory girl amidst China’s shift from Maoism to market capitalism.
Her work has been featured in prestigious outlets like The New York Times, The Guardian, and South China Morning Post, further cementing her credibility. Her insights resonate with Western and Chinese audiences alike, making her a crucial bridge between Eastern and Western business practices.
Lijia has a unique ability to contextualize the rapid changes in China’s economy, culture, and politics, particularly in the post-Deng Xiaoping era of reforms. Her deep knowledge of China’s evolving market economy has allowed her to advise multinational companies, preparing them to navigate the complexities of doing business in China. As China continues to rise as a dominant global player, Zhang Lijia’s analysis of its business culture is more valuable than ever for organizations looking to establish or expand their operations in the region.
At events, Lijia’s presentations are captivating, combining her personal experiences with sharp insights into current trends. She skillfully illuminates how traditional Chinese values and modern business tactics merge in the contemporary corporate landscape, offering essential lessons on leadership, negotiation, and partnership strategies with Chinese firms. Her ability to draw parallels between Confucian ethics and business acumen makes her a highly regarded thought leader.
Zhang Lijia’s keynote speeches frequently delve into the role of women in Chinese society and the transformation of gender dynamics within the business world. By weaving together historical narratives with forward-looking perspectives, she provides her audiences with a comprehensive view of China’s place in the global economy. As a fluent English speaker with a keen awareness of Western sensibilities, Lijia is adept at customizing her messages to international audiences, making her a globally sought-after speaker on Chinese business culture.
Event planners should book Zhang Lijia because she brings a wealth of firsthand experience, scholarly research, and cultural fluency to the table. Her dynamic and engaging style ensures that audiences walk away not only with new knowledge but also with actionable strategies to approach Chinese markets more effectively.
As the world’s second-largest economy, China’s influence on the global stage continues to grow, and having a speaker who understands both its intricacies and its relationship with Western economies is invaluable.
Lijia’s ability to blend historical context with contemporary analysis sets her apart from other speakers on China. Her personal narrative, from factory worker to renowned author and speaker, resonates deeply with audiences. It offers inspiration and a clear understanding of the social and economic shifts that have shaped modern China.
Event planners looking to provide insightful, culturally rich content to their audiences will find that Lijia delivers a rare combination of authenticity, depth, and relatability.
Additionally, Lijia’s international experience and cross-cultural communication skills make her an ideal fit for events focused on globalization, international trade, and business development. Her fluency in both English and Mandarin ensures that she can connect with diverse audiences, making her a versatile choice for conferences, corporate events, and leadership summits that aim to educate and inspire a global perspective on Chinese business culture.
Zhang Lijia is a globally respected speaker whose deep insights into Chinese business culture, leadership, and gender dynamics offer invaluable lessons for international audiences. Her personal journey from the factories of Nanjing to international stages enriches her narrative, making her not only an expert in her field but also a powerful storyteller.
Lijia’s ability to blend historical context, cultural nuances, and actionable strategies makes her a sought-after keynote speaker for events focused on understanding China’s growing influence on the world stage.
Booking Zhang Lijia through Speakers Inc guarantees that your event will benefit from her rich expertise, dynamic presentation style, and ability to resonate with diverse audiences. With the support of Speakers Inc’s unparalleled service and attention to detail, event planners can focus on creating memorable, impactful experiences for their attendees.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
India Arie is a four-time Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer. She has sold over 10 million records worldwide. Her new short film “Welcome Home – Crazy/Sacred Space” was created to help calm the nation and bring focus to wellness, peace, tranquility and calmness during the pandemic. Being a fierce spiritual warrior navigating […]
Mike Walsh travels over 300 days a year worldwide: researching trends, collecting case studies and presenting on the future of business and leadership. Mike is the CEO of Tomorrow, a global consultancy on designing companies for the 21st century. A global nomad, futurist and author of the bestselling book, The Algorithmic Leader, he advises some […]
Victoria Arlen’s life story is one of remarkable resilience and triumph over adversity. At the tender age of eleven, her world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with two rare conditions, Transverse Myelitis and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis. This devastating diagnosis robbed Victoria of her ability to speak, eat, walk, and move, plunging her […]
Look no further than David Wilk, the charismatic event emcee who brings a unique blend of humor, professionalism, and creativity to every occasion. With David Wilk, all you need is a microphone and a camera, and you’re guaranteed a brilliantly tailored video to liven up your corporate meeting or morning session. David Wilk is not […]
Phillip Van Hooser is an award-winning keynote speaker, leadership expert, and business strategist known for helping organizations elevate their leadership practices and transform workplace culture. With over three decades of experience in training leaders across industries, Phillip has established himself as a trusted authority in the field of leadership development. His practical, real-world insights combined […]
Joseph Teti is a name synonymous with excellence and resilience in the realm of special operations. With a distinguished career spanning decades, Teti has emerged as a highly decorated combat veteran, renowned for his expertise and unwavering commitment to duty. From the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan to other global hotspots, Teti’s journey exemplifies the […]
Egypt Sherrod is one of the most sought-after voices in real estate, blending deep industry expertise with an engaging and down-to-earth speaking style. Best known as the host of HGTV’s “Married to Real Estate” and “Property Virgins,” she is a dynamic and insightful speaker who educates and inspires audiences about wealth-building, real estate investing, and […]
Noelle Russell is one of the most recognized voices on the future of artificial intelligence and responsible innovation. A multi-award-winning TEDx presenter and best-selling author, she has become a go-to resource for organizations seeking to harness AI’s power to drive growth while managing risk. Named the #1 Agentic AI Leader in 2025, she has taught […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
