RSVP Free Weekly Zoom Meetups:
China Business, Chinese Culture and Mandarin (Every Thursday 3:00pm PST)
Join me for 15 free, interactive, Zoom networking sessions. Each session will analyze one Mandarin Chinese phrase, role-playing, Chinese speaking practice, and open Q&A.
RSVP once for all sessions, replays, and bonus content.
Free registration. You’ll get the Zoom link, schedule and calendar invites by email.
What to Expect
- When: Thursdays at 3:00 pm Pacific (6:00 pm Eastern), October 15, 2026 through February 11, 2027
- Where: Live on Zoom, free
- Format: Chinese cultural concept review, Mandarin practice, networking, role-playing, and Live Q&A
- Mandarin Minute: Every session features one Chinese phrase, with its cultural meaning explained, and how to use it in the proper cultural context
- Bring your real questions: China business, culture, psychology, negotiation, leading Chinese teams or speaking Mandarin
- No sessions Thanksgiving week or over the December holidays
Mandarin Savvy Live: Season 1 Schedule
All sessions are Thursdays at 3:00 pm PT on Zoom.
| Date | Session & Featured Phrase | Overview |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Oct 15 | Kickoff: HOW THEY OPERATE — The Guanxi Engine + Ask Me Anything 关系 guānxì, “gauge of mutual expectations and benefits within a relationship” Reimagine how China works, then ask me anything. | Watch Meetup Event#1 Replay |
| 2 Oct 22 | Your Strategic China Advantage: Understanding WHAT THEY CONSIDER 利益 lìyì, “mutual interests attainable through different levels of Guanxi” What does your Chinese counterpart actually care about during negotiations? | Chinese negotiators are influenced most by the perceived personal benefit of deepening Guanxi. Learn to quickly discover what really matters to your counterpart, which is rarely what appears on the surface, and why it pays to “align on process.” |
| 3 Oct 29 | Face (Miànzǐ): Why “Yes” Doesn’t Always Mean Yes 给面子 gěimiànzǐ, “giving face” Decode China’s FACE culture in the context of Guanxi. | Chinese counterparts often say yes to protect the relationship, not to confirm a commitment. Learn how Face is given, saved, preserved and lost, and why it matters, then role-play giving Face in real situations. |
| 4 Nov 5 | The Face-Saving Off-Ramp: How to Extend GOODWILL When They Make a Mistake 台阶下 táijiēxià, “an off-ramp following a blunder” Win in China by helping others PRESERVE FACE, and learn why it works. | In China, cornering someone with facts can quietly destroy a relationship, even when you’re right and especially when you’re in charge. Learn how to extend an off-ramp that lets someone pivot and preserve their Face. |
| 5 Nov 12 | Leading Chinese Employees: Interpreting Face-Giving Culture Through Their Feelings 委屈 wěiqu, “an emotional injury from feeling wronged and helpless” Chinese workers rarely tell you how they really feel. Learn to read their lip service before it’s too late. | Chinese employees rarely complain openly; they carry grievances quietly until they disengage, resign or worse. Learn to recognize their feelings early and build the trust that makes cooperation more transparent. |
| 6 Nov 19 | Working with Chinese SOEs: Lessons from Inside Sinopec 铁饭碗 tiě fànwǎn, “iron rice bowl” Inside China’s largest state-owned enterprise, from someone who led teams on-site for 40 weeks. | State-owned enterprises run on security, hierarchy and risk avoidance, not speed or individual performance. I’ll share how I positively influenced behavior inside an iron-rice-bowl culture during 40 consecutive weeks at Sinopec, including the Chinese tea ceremonies that helped us beat our stretch targets. |
| 7 Dec 3 | White Lies and Indirect Communication in Chinese Culture 善意的谎言 shànyì de huǎngyán, “a Chinese white lie for Face and goodwill” “Now this is real food!” What a family dinner reveals about Chinese culture. | In China, words often create harmony rather than convey facts. Through a simple dinner-table story, we explore why white lies are acts of kindness, how to stop reading them as dishonesty, and how the lesson applies to every business relationship in China. |
| 8 Dec 10 | Mandarin Chinese Magic: One Phrase That Improves Every Conversation 没关系 méiguānxì, “it doesn’t matter / no problem” Forget translations. Learn the go-to phrase that gives Face, deepens Guanxi and creates flexibility for both sides. | A few well-timed words can create more goodwill than years of Chinese lessons. We’ll practice one phrase (three characters, plus the pivot sound 那 nà) that changes the trajectory of cross-cultural conversations in China. |
| 9 Dec 17 | Chinese Cultural Psychology for Business: Pragmatism and Superstition 迷信 míxìn, “superstition” Understand Chinese pragmatism in the cultural context of superstition. | Pragmatism and superstition seem contradictory, but both are psychological tools for deepening Guanxi and lowering risk. Learn how lucky numbers, auspicious dates and hard-nosed practicality shape real business decisions. |
| 10 Jan 7 | Managing Ignored Anxieties Inside the Chinese Workplace 焦虑 jiāolǜ, “anxiety and apprehension from perceived underachievement” Many Chinese managers use brute force to get results. There’s a better path to earning discretionary effort. | Intense competition, family expectations and economic uncertainty put constant pressure on Chinese workers. Learn how hidden anxieties shape motivation and loyalty, and how leaders can use these insights to improve productivity. |
| 11 Jan 14 | Awkward Moments in China: A Reason to Laugh or a Face-Preserving Opportunity? 尴尬 gāngà, “awkwardness and embarrassment from unexpected social tension” Everyone makes mistakes. Use their blunders to extend goodwill. | Every Chinese counterpart or employee will eventually fall short, make mistakes or misunderstand expectations. Discover how these moments can become building blocks for trust and cooperation. |
| 12 Jan 21 | The Chinese Honeymoon Period: Friendliness Isn’t Friendship (Yet) 人情 rénqíng, “the goodwill currency of reciprocity that deepens Guanxi” Warm dinners and free-flowing drinks don’t mean you’re trusted in China. | Early warmth in a China relationship can feel like friendship long before real trust exists, creating a false sense of alignment. Explore why emotions, relationships, friendship and favors are the social currency of Guanxi. |
| 13 Jan 28 | The Trust–Truth Dichotomy: Why Guanxi Doesn’t Guarantee Honesty 信任 xìnrèn, “trust” In China, truth is relative and trust depends on Guanxi. | Westerners assume honesty naturally follows as a relationship deepens, but Chinese psychology separates the two. Learn why a “trusted” partner may still tell you what they think you want to hear, and why the “truth” may be beside the point. |
| 14 Feb 4 | Paratrooper Manager in China: Leading People Who See You as the Enemy 空降部队 kōngjiàng bùduì, “paratrooper manager” Many China expats receive honeymoon treatment and quiet sabotage without noticing either. | Outside managers are seen as not knowing “how China works” and as threats to existing networks and personal benefits. I share my own experience as a paratrooper manager and the lessons I learned the hard way. |
| 15 Feb 11 | When in Rome: Why “Maybe” Beats “Yes” or “No” 入乡随俗 rùxiāngsuísú, “enter the village, follow the customs” The most powerful word in China might be “maybe.” | Black-and-white answers create conflict in a culture that operates in shades of gray. Learn why “maybe” keeps doors open and serves as a Face-saving way to say no. |
Free registration. You’ll get the Zoom link, schedule and calendar invites by email.
Your Host: Gene J. Hsu
Gene J. Hsu is an American-Born Chinese (ABC) author, cultural advisor and entrepreneur with more than two decades living, working and building businesses across Greater China. He has served as Country Manager in Taiwan and Asia Pacific Sales Director for a German multinational, consulted on-site at Sinopec, China’s largest state-owned enterprise, and co-founded a career training firm in Shanghai.
He is the author of The Chinese Honeymoon Period, now updated as The Chinese Honeymoon Period in 2026 & Beyond. Each Mandarin Savvy Live session connects to a lesson from the book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mandarin Savvy Live really free?
Yes. I’m hosting these events to engage with other China experts and Mandarin Chinese speakers.
Do I need to speak Mandarin Chinese to join?
No. Each session introduces one practical Chinese phrase (the Mandarin Minute) and the culture context behind it, so beginners and experienced speakers are both welcome. Curiosity is all you need to bring.
What will I learn?
Each 60-minute session begins with attendee introductions, and a short Chinese cultural phrase review session. These events are designed to be interactive, so attendees can participate in role-playing practice exercises and live Q&A on China business, Chinese culture and psychology, including Guanxi, preserving face and how your Chinese counterparts really think.
The focus is networking, sharing, and developing greater cultural awareness and empathy.
When are the sessions, and what time is that where I live?
Thursdays at 3:00 pm Pacific (6:00 pm Eastern), October 15, 2026 through February 11, 2027. That is early Friday morning in China, 6 to 7 am depending on daylight saving time. Use a time zone converter if you are elsewhere. As the popularity of these events grows, we will add sessions at different times more convenient for our friends in EU and Asia.
Do I have to attend all 15 sessions?
No. RSVP once and you get access and reminders for all 15 sessions, plus replay videos and summaries for all sessions. Each session works on its own, so you can pick the topics that matter to you, or use them when you have a question you’d like to socialize with myself and others experienced with China business, language, and culture.
Can I ask about my own China business situation?
Absolutely. Bring your real questions about working with Chinese colleagues, partners, suppliers or family, and we will brainstorm and workshop them live during the Q&A segment.
Will there be replays if I can’t make it live?
Yes. Replays and clips are shared on the Mandarin Savvy Meetup LinkedIn page, and on the ABC in the Middle YouTube channel (youtube.com/@chinamyth).
Who is the host?
Gene J. Hsu is the lead host. He is an American-Born Chinese author, coach, and business advisor with more than two decades of experience living and working in China, and the author of The Chinese Honeymoon Period. We are actively seeking other China experts and Chinese language and cultural instructors to be keynote speakers and guest hosts.
Can I ask about negotiating with Chinese partners?
Absolutely. One of the main applications of The Chinese Honeymoon Period is cross-cultural communications and negotiation with Chinese partners. Bring your real situation and Gene will walk through how Chinese counterparts think about trust, face and relationships, and what mindset, tactics, and strategies to employ to help you achieve win-win partnerships in China.
Can I ask about managing and leading local Chinese employees?
Yes. Questions about leading, motivating and giving feedback to Chinese team members are welcome, including how to avoid causing embarrassment or loss of face. The psychology of Chinese employees is fundamentally different from their Western counterparts. We will socialize their emotions and how to interpret their behaviors in the proper cultural context.
Will attendees practice speaking Mandarin Chinese?
Yes, if you want. Gene is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and will use English and Chinese interchangeably to socialize different topics and situations. Every session features a Mandarin Minute, one practical Chinese phrase explained with its cultural meaning, and role-playing so you can practice communicating in realistic situations. It is conversation practice, not a formal language class.
Can I ask about my intercultural marriage or relationship with a Chinese spouse?
Yes. Gene has experience in intercultural relationship mediation and counseling for Chinese-American couples. The same Chinese psychology and communication patterns that shape business also shape family life. Questions about relationships with a Chinese spouse, partner or in-laws are welcome.
I’m frustrated with my Chinese business partner. Will you give me practical suggestions?
Yes. Describe what happened and Gene will help you see it from your partner’s perspective and suggest practical next steps, such as how to give them a face-saving way forward. These are cultural and communication insights, not legal or financial advice. The main benefit for attendees is to develop empathy and greater cultural awareness for Chinese business partners.
Will there be other China expert attendees or featured speakers?
Yes. Other China experts will join as attendees or be featured to share their own experience as keynote speakers and panel members during the live Q&A sessions. Gene hosts each session and is actively looking to feature guest speakers at future events. Follow the Mandarin Savvy Meetup LinkedIn page for speaker announcements.
Save Your Seat
Join one session or all fifteen. Your purpose-driven curiosity is all you need to bring.
You’re registered for Mandarin Savvy LIVE!
Check your inbox for the full schedule, Zoom link and add-to-calendar buttons.
Follow Mandarin Savvy Meetup on LinkedIn for replays, clips and next season’s lineup.