The Tech Strategy Podcast

Products with Personalities? My Interview with JD About Conversational AI (31)

May 25, 2020 04:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MB

In this class, I talk about my interview with He Xiaodong of JD. And about how chatbots are evolving into conversational AI. Plus the basics of AI economics. You can listen here or at iTunes, Google Podcasts and Himalaya. CORRECTION. In this podcast, I mentioned that JD's Smart Customer Service has the personality of a young woman. Xiaodong was actually referreing to Microsoft's Xiaolce. My apologies. Related podcasts and articles: JD and Competitive Advantages vs. Entry Barriers in Chi...

Should Starbucks Buy Luckin Coffee? Should Alibaba? HeyTea? (30)

May 18, 2020 05:00 - 1 hour - 53.6 MB

In this class, I talk about what can be done with Luckin Coffee post-scandal. Should another company or investor buy it? You can listen here or at iTunes, Google Podcasts and Himalaya. Who should buy Luckin Coffee? Choose an option. Starbucks 711 or other convenience store HeyTea Alibaba or other ecommcerce company Financial investors Related podcasts and articles on Luckin and Heytea: What Should Starbucks China Have Done About Luckin Coffee? (Jeff’s Asia Tech Class – Podcast 3) W...

Can Shopee / Garena Beat Lazada? Tencent vs. Alibaba In SE Asia. (29)

May 11, 2020 01:00 - 1 hour - 46.7 MB

In this class, I talk about Shopee (ecommerce) and Garena (online gaming) in SE Asia - and the complementary platform businesses Sea Limited is building. You can listen here or at iTunes, Google Podcasts and Himalaya. The previous articles and books I cite are: Platform Revolution (book) This is part of Learning Goals: Level 4-5, with a focus on: #20 The Basics of Garena / Shopee and Audience Builder Platforms Concepts for this class: Audience Builder Platforms Complementary Platform...

How Big Will Ant Financial / Alipay Become? (28)

May 06, 2020 03:00 - 1 hour - 42.4 MB

In this class, I talk about Ant Financial / Alipay, AI factories and the basics of payment platforms. You can listen here or at my website for this podcast. The graphic discussed is shown here. The previous articles I cite are: From Big, Dumb Bureaucracies to Zero-Human Operations: The Holy Grail of the Digital Age (pt 1 of 2) How Ant Financial / Alipay is Building an AI Factory in Financial Services (pt 2 of 2) This is part of Learning Goals: Level 4-5, with a focus on: #19 The Basi...

How Can Meituan Compete with Alibaba? And Prepare for Next Gen Services Marketplaces? (27)

April 26, 2020 14:00 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MB

In this class, I talk about Meituan and the evolution toward more advanced types of services marketplaces. You can listen here or at iTunes, Google Podcasts and Himalaya. What Should Meituan Do?: Geographic expansion Focus on transportation services (i.e., Didi) Focus on hospitality services (i.e., Ctrip) Jump into an ancillary opportunity: Financial Services or Cloud Services Advance into more complicated services (i.e., market networks) The previous podcast on the subject is: Meit...

Is Baidu the New AT&T? The Basics of Physical vs. Virtual Networks. (26)

April 19, 2020 16:00 - 52 minutes - 35.9 MB

In this class, I talk about networks vs. ecosystems. And how networks have evolved from physical to virtual / digital. You can listen here or at iTunes, Google Podcasts and Himalaya. This is part of Learning Goals: Level 4-5, with a focus on: #17 Basics of Baidu and Physical and Virtual Networks A lot of the AT&T information comes from the book The Business of Platforms. Concepts for this class: Network Effects Networks and Ecosystems Complementary Products, Services and Platforms C...

Alibaba to Lazada: The Stunning Future of Interconnected Asia (25)

April 13, 2020 08:00 - 40 minutes - 28.2 MB

In this class, I talk about Lazada, the SE Asia ecommerce champion. And about how it is a good example of how Asia is both at scale and becoming increasingly interconnected. You can listen here or at iTunes, Google Podcasts and Himalaya. Podcast on the future of digital is located here. Why Digital Is Disrupting Business, Politics, Culture and Society (Jeff’s Asia Tech Class – Podcast 11) The McKinsey Global Institute papers about the future of asia are here. Note: The term emerging mar...

My Interview With Huawei About Their 2019 Financials. Plus Fraud at Luckin Coffee. (24)

April 07, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 46.4 MB

In this class, I talk about my interview with Huawei about their 2019 financial results. And a bit about the disclosure of fraud at Luckin Coffee. You can listen here or at iTunes, Google Podcasts and Himalaya. This is part of Learning Goals: Level 3, with a focus on: #6 Basics of Huawei #10 More on Huawei Concepts for this class: Digital Superpower #1: Dramatically Improve the User Experience Money Wars Hyperscaling vs. Blitzscaling Competitive Advantage: Economies of Scale Linke...

Why Didi Needs Driver Switching Costs. Uber Too. (23)

March 29, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 41.5 MB

In this class, I talk about the basics of Didi and the importance of switching costs on the supplier side of the platform. This is part of Learning Goals: Level 3, with a focus on: #15 Basics of Didi and Switching Costs Concepts for this class: Switching Costs Network Effects Digital Platforms: Marketplaces for Services Companies for this class: Didi Uber Meituan Ctrip ———- I write and speak about digital China and Asia’s latest tech trends. I also run Jeff’s Asia Tech Class, a...

Meituan vs. Ctrip vs. Alibaba: Who Will Win in China Services? (22)

March 23, 2020 11:00 - 47 minutes - 33 MB

In this class, I talk about the crazy collision of Ctrip, Meituan and Alibaba in services in China, particularly in hotels. You can listen here or at iTunes and Himalaya. How do Ctrip and Meituan compare in the following aspects? Bundling of services The Assets of a Marketplace Platform: Users, Activity and Data Network Effect Switching Costs This is part of Learning Goals: Level 3, with a focus on: #16 Basics of Ctrip, Meituan and Marketplace Platforms for Services Concepts for thi...

What Is the Secret of Zoom’s Success in Video Communications? (21)

March 15, 2020 14:00 - 1 hour - 45.8 MB

In this class, I talk about why Zoom has been so successful in video communications. Choose two options for why Zoom has been so successful. Good Product. Reliable, easy-to-use, high quality video communications. Viral service Collaboration / Coordination Platform Network Effect Switching Costs Correction/Clarification: Zoom has been blocked in China for the last couple of months. I know lots of people who are using it because of coronavirus but that is via VPN. So not the same thing...

What Is the Secret of TikTok / Douyin’s Success? (20)

March 08, 2020 15:00 - 1 hour - 45.6 MB

In this class, I talk about why TikTok / Douyin took off so rapidly and powerfully. Choose two options for why TikTok / Douyin has grown so fast? Addictive Product. Short personalized videos focused on memes, comedy, and lip syncs are a psychological hack. Easy to Use and Highly Shareable Content Types. Tap into CDCN. Audience-Builder Digital Platform Network Effect, including data network effect (also called learning effect) First mover in new space AI and Digitized Operating Model. ...

The Coronavirus Quarantine Economy Is Supercharging Taobao Live & the China Digital Consumer Network (19)

March 01, 2020 14:00 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MB

In this class, I talk about how live-streaming and KOLs (especially Taobao Live) are activating the China Digital Consumer Network (CDCN). And how the coronavirus quarantine economy is supercharging this. Correction. I mistakenly said Scott Gottlieb was former CDC head. I meant FDA. You can listen here or at iTunes and Himalaya. Learning Goal for this class: #11 the Basics of CDCN, Social Media and KOLs Concepts for this class: China Digital Consumer Network Networks and Ecosystems D...

JD vs. Alibaba: How Retailers and Marketplace Platforms Compete and Evolve in China (18)

February 23, 2020 15:00 - 51 minutes - 35.5 MB

In this class, I talk about how online retailers like JD and marketplace platforms like Alibaba compete on different dimensions. You can listen here or at iTunes and Himalaya. Alibaba and marketplace platforms compete on: Cost and / or difficulty of entry - including the chicken-and-egg problem and the cost of the logistics network. Competitive advantages - including network effects (main one) and economies of scale in logistics, marketing and IT. JD and online retailers compete on: Co...

How Should Huawei's Smartphone Business Respond to the US Tech Ban? Part 2 (17)

February 16, 2020 17:00 - 58 minutes - 40.2 MB

In this class, we continue the discussion about what Huawei should have done after the US tech ban. In Part 1, we discussed the telco business. Here we talk about the consumer and smartphone business. You can listen at my website or at iTunes and Himalaya. I presented four options for what to do: Fix the supply chain and stay the course. Become a digital platform. This means building a smartphone operating system. Ignore Europe and focus mostly on China. Try to build an anti-US allianc...

Review: Why Digital Platforms Are The Super Predators of Business (16)

February 10, 2020 06:00 - 32 minutes - 22.7 MB

In this class, we review the basics of digital platforms, which is one of the key learning goals for Level 2. You can listen here or at iTunes and Himalaya. Concepts for this class: Pipelines vs. Platforms ———- I write and speak about digital China and Asia’s latest tech trends. I also run Jeff’s Asia Tech Class, a podcast and subscription newsletter on the strategies of China / Asia tech companies. This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment advice. The informa...

Review: The Sexy But Dangerous Economics of Digital (15)

February 04, 2020 14:00 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MB

In this class, we review the basics of digital economics, which is one of the key learning goals for Level 2. You can listen here or at iTunes and Himalaya. Concepts for this class: Digital and Information Economics ———- I write and speak about digital China and Asia’s latest tech trends. I also run Jeff’s Asia Tech Class, a podcast and subscription newsletter on the strategies of China / Asia tech companies. This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment advice. Th...

How Should Huawei Have Responded to the US Tech Ban? Part 1 (14)

January 21, 2020 16:00 - 1 hour - 47.9 MB

In this class, we discuss Huawei's tech ban and what the company should have done. You can listen at my website or at iTunes and Himalaya. Concepts for this class: B2B Customer View: Necessary vs. Critical vs. Strategic Competitive Advantage: Switching Costs Competitive Advantage; Economics of Scale Operational Marathon Companies for this class: Huawei ———- I write and speak about digital China and Asia’s latest tech trends. I also run Jeff’s Asia Tech Class, a podcast and subscri...

My Visit to WeChat and Why They Are Smarter Than Apple and Facebook (13)

January 15, 2020 09:00 - 42 minutes - 29 MB

In this class, I discuss my visit to the WeChat Open Class. And why Allen Zhang and the WeChat team are doing so much better than Facebook and Apple. You can listen at my website or at iTunes and Himalaya. Allen Zhang's video from the event is here. ———- I write and speak about digital China and Asia’s latest tech trends. I also run Jeff’s Asia Tech Class, a podcast and subscription newsletter on the strategies of China / Asia tech companies. This content (articles, podcasts, website i...

My New Year's 30-Day Challenge (12)

January 15, 2020 07:00 - 14 minutes - 9.93 MB

Just a fun New Year's challenge. Try to create a positive habit in your life that moves you towards a big goal. ———- I write and speak about digital China and Asia’s latest tech trends. I also run Jeff’s Asia Tech Class, a podcast and subscription newsletter on the strategies of China / Asia tech companies. This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wron...

Why Digital Is Disrupting Business, Politics, Culture and Society (11)

January 05, 2020 15:00 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MB

In this class, I discuss some of the theory behind ecosystems, firms and coordination costs. And why digital platforms are having such a big impact on business, culture / media, politics / government and society. You can listen at my website or at iTunes and Himalaya. ———- I write and speak about digital China and Asia’s latest tech trends. I also run Jeff’s Asia Tech Class, a podcast and subscription newsletter on the strategies of China / Asia tech companies. This content (articles, p...

Is JD's E-Space a Game Changer for Department Stores in China? (10)

December 29, 2019 13:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MB

In this class, I discuss my visit to JD's new 50,000 sqm e-space in Chongqing - and the question of what new retail (i.e., online-merge-offline) will mean for department stores and shopping malls. You can listen at my website or at iTunes and Himalaya. ----- Please join my executive education course for deeper insights into China’s tech leaders. There is a 30-day free trial. This online class offers: Deeper insights into workings of the tech giants of China and Asia. Executive training ...

My Visit to JD's E-Space: Is It a Game Changer for Department Stores in China? (10)

December 29, 2019 13:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MB

In this class, I discuss my visit to JD's new 50,000 sqm e-space in Chongqing - and the question of what new retail (i.e., online-merge-offline) will mean for department stores and shopping malls. You can listen at my website or at iTunes and Himalaya. ———- I write and speak about digital China and Asia’s latest tech trends. I also run Jeff’s Asia Tech Class, a podcast and subscription newsletter on the strategies of China / Asia tech companies. This content (articles, podcasts, website...

3 Lessons from Hotpot with Huawei Chairman Guo Ping (9)

December 23, 2019 05:00 - 58 minutes - 40.2 MB

In this class, I discuss my visit to Huawei in China - and my lessons learned from lunch with rotating Chairman Guo Ping. You can listen at jefftowson.com (here) or at iTunes here. Articles / podcasts cited in this class: Huawei is Going to Beat Trump with Human Resources, Not Technology ———- I write and speak about digital China and Asia’s latest tech trends. I also run Jeff’s Asia Tech Class, a podcast and subscription newsletter on the strategies of China / Asia tech companies. Thi...

Why Did Ofo Fail? What Should They Have Done? (8)

December 15, 2019 11:00 - 59 minutes - 40.9 MB

In this class, I discuss bike-sharing company Ofo. And their spectacular rise and fall in China. You can listen here or at iTunes here. The exercise for this class is: What should Ofo have done? 1) Partner with a major digital platform ASAP. No matter what it takes. 2) Copy Hellobike. Avoid the competition. Go to markets or segments with little competition and try to get to operating break-even. 3) Split the company into a good co and bad co. Fund the good company and don't tie it to t...

Should Vipshop Build a Logistics Network Like JD? (7)

December 11, 2019 12:00 - 56 minutes - 39 MB

In this class, I discuss Vipshop and JD. And how smaller ecommerce sites can compete with larger players in China, especially in logistics. You can sign-up for my Asia Tech course here. Or at my website www.jefftowson.com. With a 30-day free trial. You can subscribe at iTunes at the above button. The exercise for this class is: Which of these three options make sense for Vipshop in logistics? 1) Copy JD: Build an in-house logistics and delivery network. 2) Copy Alibaba: Work with mult...

Can Luckin, Mobike, Didi or WeWork Be Profitable? (6)

December 01, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 42.7 MB

In this class, I discuss Didi, Luckin and Mobike and how to predict if they will ever be profitable. Exercise for this class: For Mobike, Luckin or Didi, think about the following two aspects. Consumer view: What do they care about? What is their journey for buying and using? Competitor: Could a well-funded, well-run competitor take 10-20% of their business? Five forces and competitive advantage are useful here. Digital economics: Do any of the following really change their business? O...

Will Luckin, Mobike, Didi or WeWork Ever Be Profitable? (6)

December 01, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 42.7 MB

In this class, I discuss Didi, Luckin and Mobike and how to predict if they will ever be profitable. Exercise for this class: For Mobike, Luckin or Didi, think about the following two aspects. Consumer view: What do they care about? What is their journey for buying and using? Competitor: Could a well-funded, well-run competitor take 10-20% of their business? Five forces and competitive advantage are useful here. Digital economics: Do any of the following really change their business? O...

Behind the Scenes with Alibaba on Singles' Day (5)

November 15, 2019 18:00 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MB

This is the fifth episode of my Asia tech class. It is a summary of my time with Alibaba on Singles' Day in China. ———- I write and speak about digital China and Asia’s latest tech trends. I also run Jeff’s Asia Tech Class, a podcast and subscription newsletter on the strategies of China / Asia tech companies. This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be w...

How Did Alibaba Beat Everyone? Products vs. Digital Platforms (4)

November 03, 2019 17:00 - 56 minutes - 39.1 MB

This is the fourth episode of my Asia tech class. It is an introduction to Alibaba and platform business models. Exercise: For a shopping mall, credit card and conference (or convention), decide who are the core users, what is the type of interaction, and what is the frequency of interaction? Write it down. ———- I write and speak about digital China and Asia’s latest tech trends. I also run Jeff’s Asia Tech Class, a podcast and subscription newsletter on the strategies of China / Asia t...

How Should Starbucks China Have Responded to Luckin Coffee? (3)

October 27, 2019 14:00 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MB

This is the third episode for my Asia tech class. It asks how Starbucks China should have responded to the rapid entrance of Luckin Coffee in 2018. You can vote here or below). You can post your 3 minute pitch to the CEO here. ——— I write and speak about digital China and Asia’s latest tech trends I also run Jeff’s Asia Tech Class, a podcast and subscription newsletter on the strategies of China / Asia tech companies This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment ad...

What Should Giant Bicycles Have Done About Mobike, Ofo and China Bike-Sharing? (2)

September 17, 2019 14:00 - 46 minutes - 32.2 MB

This is the second episode (and first case) for my Asia tech class. It is about what the leading bike manufacturers (like Giant) should have done in response to the rapid rise of China bike-sharing. You can do the voting for the case here (or below). ———- I write and speak about digital China and Asia’s latest tech trends. I also run Jeff’s Asia Tech Class, a podcast and subscription newsletter on the strategies of China / Asia tech companies. This content (articles, podcasts, website i...

Introduction to Jeff's Asia Tech Class (1)

September 13, 2019 13:00 - 8 minutes - 5.64 MB

This is a short introduction to my Asia Tech class. ———- I write and speak about digital China and Asia’s latest tech trends. I also run Jeff’s Asia Tech Class, a podcast and subscription newsletter on the strategies of China / Asia tech companies. This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurat...