
The Tech Strategy Podcast
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.
Latest episodes

Dec 6, 2023 • 29min
Digital Strategy Lesson: An Intro to the Digital Operating Basics (Part 2 of 2) (186)
This week’s podcast is Part 2 of an introductory explanation for the Digital Operating Basics. This is a very useful framework for thinking about digital transformation.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 the China Tech Tour.Here is my summary of digital operating basics (Dr. Ram’s book combined with some of my own thinking):Rapid Growth at Small Incremental Cost. And Without Constraints.Never-Ending Personalization and Customer Improvements.Digital Core for Management and Operations.Connectedness, Interoperability and Coordination-Based Operating Models (Including Platforms and Ecosystems).Leadership and Management.People, Culture and Teams.Sustainable Cash Engine that Scales——–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

Nov 17, 2023 • 30min
Digital Strategy Lesson: An Intro to the Digital Operating Basics (Part 1 of 2) (185)
This week’s podcast is Part 1 of an introductory explanation for the Digital Operating Basics. This is a very useful framework for thinking about digital transformation.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 the China Tech Tour.Here is my summary of digital operating basics (Dr. Ram’s book combined with some of my own thinking):Rapid Growth at Small Incremental Cost. And Without Constraints.Never-Ending Personalization and Customer Improvements.Digital Core for Management and Operations.Connectedness, Interoperability and Coordination-Based Operating Models (Including Platforms and Ecosystems).Leadership and Management.People, Culture and Teams.Sustainable Cash Engine that Scales--------Related articles:Lessons in Digital Operating Basics from Ram Charan. Part 1 of 2 on “Rethinking Competitive Advantage”. (Asia Tech Strategy – Podcast 98)Meituan vs. Ctrip vs. Alibaba: Who Will Win in China Services? (Jeff’s Asia Tech Class – Podcast 22)From the Concept Library, concepts for this article are:Digital Operating BasicsFrom the Company Library, companies for this article are:n/a--------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

Nov 2, 2023 • 26min
Digital Strategy Lesson: An Introduction to Rate of Learning (184)
This week’s podcast is an introductory explanation to Rate of Learning (and Adaptation). This is an increasingly important concept in digital strategy.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 the China Tech Tour.Big tech events from this week:Expanded export ban for GPUs to China (here)Eureka AI training robots in advanced tasks (here)iQIYI signs deal with Thailand's Tourism Authority (here)Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash——------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

Oct 23, 2023 • 30min
3 Things I'm Watching for on Singles' Day (183)
This week’s podcast is about Singles Day, which is coming up fast. Lots of stuff gets reported. But I am looking for 3 main things.1: What is the fastest growing and most innovative frontier of ecommerce?2: What are the big new bundles for consumers and the new products / services for merchants?3: How did the company do in the stress test?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 the China Tech Tour.–—-Related articles:AutoGPT and Other Tech I Am Super Excited About (Tech Strategy – Podcast 162)The Winners and Losers in ChatGPT (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)Why ChatGPT and Generative AI Are a Mortal Threat to Disney, Netflix and Most Hollywood Studios (Tech Strategy – Podcast 150)From the Concept Library, concepts for this article are:Singles DayFrom the Company Library, companies for this article are:Alibaba----------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.This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment, legal or tax 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. This is not investment advice. Investing is risky. Do your own research.Support the show

Oct 15, 2023 • 39min
5 Ways 5G and 5.5G Are Game Changers for Business (182)
This week’s podcast is about 5G and 5.5G (also called 5G-Advanced). This is a short-list of scenarios where they are going to have a big impact.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 the China Tech Tour.Here are the 5 scenarios:Glasses Free 3DSelf-Guided Vehicles Next Gen ManufacturingCellular IoTIntelligent Computing Everywhere---------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

Oct 9, 2023 • 35min
Is Life Just AI Agents Plus Gaming Engines? (181)
This week’s podcast is about digital and AI agents. This will lead to the emergence of non-human platforms and business models.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 the China Tech Tour.Here is the podcast mentioned. —–--Related articles:AutoGPT and Other Tech I Am Super Excited About (Tech Strategy – Podcast 162)The Winners and Losers in ChatGPT (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)Why ChatGPT and Generative AI Are a Mortal Threat to Disney, Netflix and Most Hollywood Studios (Tech Strategy – Podcast 150)From the Concept Library, concepts for this article are:GPT and Generative AI: AutoGPTDigital Marathon: Zero human operationsDigital vs. Human AgentsPlatform Business Models: Non-Human Platforms and Business ModelsFrom the Company Library, companies for this article are:OpenAI / ChatGPTAgentGPT——–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

Sep 29, 2023 • 39min
Huawei's New AI Tech Stack and "All Intelligence" Strategy (180)
This week’s podcast is about Huawei's new AI tech stack, which is impressive in its ability to provide end-to-end solutions. Also their new "All Intelligence" Strategy.You can listen to this podcast here, which has the slides and graphics mentioned. Also available at iTunes and Google Podcasts.If you’re interested in talking digital strategy and transformation for your business, contact us at TechMoat Consulting.———Related articles:What TikTok Can Learn From Huawei About the Role of the State (Jeff’s Asia Tech Class – Podcast 39)How Tsingtao, CR Snow and the Other Beer SOEs Won Big in China (Pt 2 of 2)From the Concept Library, concepts for this article are:Artificial IntelligenceCloudDigital and AI TransformationFrom the Company Library, companies for this article are:Huawei———-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.This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment, legal or tax 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. This is not investment advice. Investing is risky. Do your own research.Support the show

Sep 22, 2023 • 43min
3 Take-Aways from My Interview with Lazada CEO James Dong. And CTO Howard Wang (179)
This week’s podcast is about my interviews with Lazada CEO James Dong and CTO Howard Wang. Here are my 3 three take-aways.You can listen to this podcast here, which has the slides and graphics mentioned. Also available at iTunes and Google Podcasts.If you’re interested in talking digital strategy and transformation for your business, contact us at TechMoat Consulting.————Related articles:JD’s Emerging Competitive Advantages? (Jeff’s Asia Tech Class – Daily Lesson / Update)JD’s Is Making a Big Strategic Move into the Low-Cost Market (2 of 3) (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)From the Concept Library, concepts for this article are:Southeast AsiaEcommerceFrom the Company Library, companies for this article are:Lazada————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.This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment, legal or tax 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. This is not investment advice. Investing is risky. Do your own research.Support the show

Sep 14, 2023 • 47min
My Predictions for Apple vs. Huawei in China (178)
This week’s podcast is about the high profile events at both Apple and Huawei in China this month. Here’s my breakdown on what it means.You can listen to this podcast here, which has the slides and graphics mentioned. Also available at iTunes and Google Podcasts.If you’re interested in talking digital strategy and transformation for your business, contact us at TechMoat Consulting.---------Related articles:What TikTok Can Learn From Huawei About the Role of the State (Jeff’s Asia Tech Class – Podcast 39)How Tsingtao, CR Snow and the Other Beer SOEs Won Big in China (Pt 2 of 2)From the Concept Library, concepts for this article are:Role of the StateChinaFrom the Company Library, companies for this article are:AppleHuawei -----------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.This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment, legal or tax 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. This is not investment advice. Investing is risky. Do your own research.Support the show

Sep 7, 2023 • 39min
JD's Big Play for Low Cost China (177)
This week’s podcast is about some big moves at JD.com - especially their big strategic move to go after the low-cost market of China. Here's my breakdown on what it means.You can listen to this podcast here, which has the slides and graphics mentioned. Also available at iTunes and Google Podcasts.If you’re interested in talking digital strategy and transformation for your business, contact us at TechMoat Consulting—-Related articles:JD’s Emerging Competitive Advantages? (Jeff’s Asia Tech Class – Daily Lesson / Update)JD’s Is Making a Big Strategic Move into the Low-Cost Market (2 of 3) (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)From the Concept Library, concepts for this article are:Marketplace PlatformsDigital Physical HybridFrom the Company Library, companies for this article are:JD.com--------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.Support the show
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