

The Tech Strategy Podcast
Jeffrey Towson
A podcast by TechMoat Consulting on the strategies of the best digital companies in the US and China / Asia. Tech Strategy offers:-Deep dives into the strategies and business models of leading tech companies. -Lessons on important digital concepts.Lots more information available at Jefftowson.com and techmoatconsulting.comTo marketers, I do not have podcast guests. This podcast is not investment advice. Me and any guests may get the numbers or information wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant. Investing is risky. Do your own research.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 27, 2025 • 53min
Understanding Pinduoduo and Search vs. Engagement-Focused Ecommerce (255)
Dive into the intriguing world of e-commerce as search-focused strategies clash with engagement-driven models. Discover Pinduoduo's unique approach that incorporates community, entertainment, and innovative recommendations. The discussion highlights the transformative impact of smartphone usage and AI on shopping experiences. Plus, catch fascinating anecdotes from a panel on low altitude economies, featuring drones and unexpected TV appearances. It's a captivating exploration of how the digital landscape is evolving!

Jul 18, 2025 • 39min
3 Lessons from My Visit to Tencent AI Cloud (254)
Discover insights from a fascinating visit to Tencent AI Cloud in Beijing. Learn how Tencent is strategically positioning itself as a 'fast-follower' in the AI landscape. Find out how WeChat and Tencent Cloud are making waves globally with tech services. The discussion highlights the potential for Tencent Cloud to become one of the world's top five AI cloud providers. Join in as key lessons on customer experience and digital moats are shared!

Jul 7, 2025 • 42min
How Alibaba.com Re-Ignited Growth with the Alibaba Management Playbook (253)
Discover how Alibaba.com reignited its growth by shifting to a buyer-centric model, focusing on customer value and strategic project selection. The challenges from previous stagnation led to initiatives that not only realigned culture and talent but also emphasized agile tactics. Explore how tackling critical pain points contributed to overall success, and get insights into strategies that enhance financial metrics in operations. Plus, stay tuned for the upcoming urban technology tour that promises to delve deeper into China's infrastructure.

Jun 27, 2025 • 48min
How Amap Beat Baidu Maps. My Summary of the Alibaba Playbook. (252)
Alibaba's Amap has revolutionized the mapping service landscape in China, outpacing Baidu Maps through strategic innovations. The podcast dives into how Amap focused on customer value and utilized data-driven decisions to enhance user engagement. It emphasizes the importance of agile tactics and effective team communication. Alongside industry insights, there's a lighter side as the speakers share humorous movie anecdotes and an unexpected passion for Formula One, blending entertainment with tech strategies.

13 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 47min
5 Things People Get Wrong about Scale Advantages, Economies of Scale and Moats (251)
Discover the key differences between scale advantages and economies of scale, as misconceptions are debunked. Learn how growth strategies can drastically shape financial returns, while understanding the dark side of being a large company, like bureaucracy. Explore the importance of distinguishing barriers to entry from competitive advantages in building a successful business. The conversation takes a personal turn with insights from teaching experiences in China and a humorous critique of a reality TV show.

18 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 45min
Strategies for Fragmented (and Other Highly Competitive) Industries (250)
Explore the intricacies of fragmented and highly competitive industries. Discover how larger firms leverage scale advantages for stability, yet face challenges with traditional business models. Delve into the reasons for persistent industry fragmentation and the role of personal service in staying competitive. Reflect on growth strategies and evolving insights while celebrating milestones in the journey of understanding digital transformation. Get ready for a fascinating exploration of market dynamics that shape today's business landscape!

Jun 1, 2025 • 35min
3 Take-Aways from My Visit to Tencent (249)
A captivating exploration of Tencent reveals its deep integration of AI into services like WeChat, which boasts an astonishing array of functionalities. The company’s all-in commitment to Yuanbao and Hunyuan LLM underscores its ambitious vision for AI Cloud. Additionally, Tencent's evolution from messaging to a powerhouse in gaming and enterprise services rivals innovations from Microsoft and OpenAI. Personal reflections on reducing phone dependence provide a refreshing perspective on enhancing daily life and communication.

May 23, 2025 • 42min
From Learning and Adaptation to Intelligence (248)
This week’s podcast is about learning and adaptation as a core capability. Which is becoming much more important with AI.You can listen to this podcast here, which has the slides and graphics mentioned. Also available at iTunes and Google Podcasts.Here is the link to the TechMoat Consulting.Here is the link to our Tech Tours.6 Levels of Rate of Learning and Adaptation.Tactics: Such as marketing, inventory and assortment, store layout, pricing, churnCustomer retention, customer segmentation and other more complicated questions.Adapting current products and services. Such as personalization. New products and services. And technologies.Internal processes.Business models.4 Rate of Learning and Adaptation Capabilities:Signal CapabilityExperimentation CapabilityOrganization CapabilitySystem Capability--------I write, speak and consult about how to win (and not lose) in digital strategy and transformation.I am the founder of TechMoat Consulting, a boutique consulting firm that helps retailers, brands, and technology companies exploit digital change to grow faster, innovate better and build digital moats. Get in touch here.My book series Moats and Marathons is one-of-a-kind framework for building and measuring competitive advantages in digital businesses.Note: 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 accurate. Investing is risky. Do your own research.Support the show

May 16, 2025 • 44min
The 6 Pillars of Huawei’s “Cloud for AI” Strategy (247)
Dive into Huawei's innovative AI strategy, focusing on their impactful 'Cloud for AI' approach. Discover how they optimize hardware for better AI performance and explore the fascinating world of multi-agent systems, enhancing automation in various industries. The discussion also takes a cultural detour, sharing vibrant travel experiences in Phuket, from stunning beach adventures to the unique blend of local and international influences. Get ready for a mix of tech insights and travel tales that captivate the imagination!

Apr 30, 2025 • 48min
The Audience Builder Platforms Behind YouTube, TikTok and Instagram (246)
Explore the evolution of audience engagement on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, revealing the shift from mere content consumption to vibrant community interaction. Discover the common misconceptions about profitability and user dynamics. Learn how modern content strategies are reshaping the social media landscape, including the rise of Threads as a competitor to Twitter. Plus, enjoy some lively anecdotes about thrilling water adventures and the joys of aquatic activities after living in Southeast Asia.