Having recently evolved from a new graduate to the manager of a small team, I have discovered an ability that separates outstanding young professionals from the rest. The ability that, if mastered, can help you accelerate your career the fastest, especially in large organizations. I call it the ability to Make Thing Happen (MTH). So … Continue reading How to make things happen – Tips for recent graduates at work
Why I Joined ByteDance
In ByteDance, I see a reflection of myself.
Why I Love Living in China
This morning I was reminded of why I love living in China. I had a few errands to get out of my way before starting my day. The handle of one of my favorite handbags broke. I walked 3 minutes to the neighborhood shoe repairer (who works from a small pushcart parked on the side … Continue reading Why I Love Living in China
“Tai 2” Sauerkraut Fish
If there is a God of Chinese sauerkraut fish, he would be delighted by the existence of Tai 2. The restaurant is so serious about sauerkraut fish that eating there feels like a religious experience.
Unanswerable Questions
Ever since I switched jobs, I can’t count the number of times I have been asked, "So how is your new job? Are you happy?"
My answer is often: "I don’t know."
The “Potted Plant” Mindset
Ever since I relocated from Silicon Valley to Beijing, I have literally been asked by everyone around me: Is the move permanent? Do you want to be in the US or China in the long run? To which I reply: Why do I need to stay in any place “permanently”? Why do I have to … Continue reading The “Potted Plant” Mindset
What is it like to work in China?
Since I relocated to Beijing from Silicon Valley, one of the questions I got most frequently has been: "So how do you like working in China?" Here are some observations so far.
Taipei Tasting Notes
When I arrived in Taiwan for the first time last week, my first impression was that it felt just like Japan. Taipei station feels just like Tokyo station. Ximen is like Shinjuku/Shibuya. Even the cute, mountainous town on the outskirt of Taipei - Jiufen - reminds one of Kamakura, the cute, mountainous town on the outskirt … Continue reading Taipei Tasting Notes
China’s Watching Silicon Valley. Does Silicon Valley Watch China?
Every day, I meet entrepreneurs across the US and China. I often ask them about their competitors overseas. When I’m in China, I notice that Chinese founders usually have comprehensive knowledge about their US competitors, listing off minute product features and the latest numbers on their size and traction. On the other hand, when I … Continue reading China’s Watching Silicon Valley. Does Silicon Valley Watch China?
How to Keep Up with What’s Happening in China
This is a list of resources that I have found helpful for staying in touch with what's happening in China (and here's why I stay in touch with China), with a focus on tech. I should admit that I have been/am currently affiliated with many of the outlets mentioned below. English-language resources 996 Podcast A … Continue reading How to Keep Up with What’s Happening in China
Zara Zhang 