Reasonable Paranoia: A Conversation with Kent Kedl

About this episode

Scott Kennedy speaks with Kent Kedl about his extensive experience in China and the challenges faced by foreign companies.

On this episode of China Field Notes, Scott Kennedy speaks with Kent Kedl on his 40-year journey in China from teaching English to consulting for multinational companies. They explore the past and present challenges foreign companies face in China, including understanding its regulations and adapting business strategies to local markets, how scenario planning is critical for navigating uncertainties, discuss his experiences during the pandemic lockdown in Shanghai, and the role of humor in processing new experiences, including in China. Kent Kedl is the founder and managing partner at Blue Ocean Advisors, a risk and strategy advisory firm based in Shanghai. Kent has consulted with multinational and Asia-based corporations on a range of issues, such as geopolitical risk, M&A and organic growth strategy, crisis management and organizational development programs. He was previously the Managing Partner for Control Risks’ Greater China and North Asia practice and, prior to that, was a partner with Technomic Asia, a market strategy consulting firm. Kent has worked as a journalist and is a frequent contributor to Asia-based media outlets. Kent has been working across Asia and living…

People in this episode

Host: Scott Kennedy

Guest: Kent Kedl

Topics covered

• business challenges in China
• foreign companies
• scenario planning
• pandemic experiences
• geopolitical risk
• consulting

Keywords

• China
• business strategy
• foreign companies
• Kent Kedl
• pandemic
• consulting
• geopolitical risk
• scenario planning

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Blue Ocean Advisors, Control Risks, Technomic Asia

Places: China, Shanghai

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