Thrown in the Deep End: Lin Lin Jacobs’ Rise to Family Business CEO

About this episode

Lin Lin Jacobs shares her journey from creative agency co-founder to CEO of the China International Beauty Expo, discussing cultural challenges and leadership in the beauty industry.

Lin Lin Jacobs, CEO and Co-Chair of the China International Beauty Expo, shares her unconventional journey from creative agency co-founder to leading Asia’s largest beauty industry trade show organizer. She opens up about joining her family business, navigating cultural clashes with her mother, and transforming massive trade shows into curated, experiential events. Lin Lin also reflects on leadership, discipline, and preserving curiosity in entrepreneurship. Show Notes [00:54] Show Intro (Scott Pollack) [02:17] Meet Lin Lin Jacobs – Serial entrepreneur and CEO of China International Beauty Expo [03:50] Early influences from her trailblazing mother, the first doctor in her family to turn entrepreneur [05:57] Founding a creative agency in London with Sam Jacobs and using it as a platform to connect with people despite being an “outgoing introvert” [07:29] Immersing in Beijing’s youth, music, and indie fashion culture to strengthen her connection to Chinese identity [11:37] Revitalizing cultural districts with design projects, including Daxila and Spoonful of Sugar café [13:16] Sustainability art project “Meeting Amy” — taking a farm-raised pig through fine dining, taxidermy, and…

People in this episode

Host: Scott Pollack

Guest: Lin Lin Jacobs’

Topics covered

• family business
• leadership
• entrepreneurship
• beauty industry
• cultural identity

Keywords

• trade shows
• experiential events
• sustainability
• cultural clashes

Mentioned in this episode

Products: China International Beauty Expo

Books & works: Meeting Amy, Religion for Atheists

Places: Asia, London, Beijing, Shanghai

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