Compounding Curiosity

My guest today is Michael Norris (@briefnorris). Michael is a China-based analyst and is currently AgencyChina's Research & Strategy Manager. Michael provides primary research and consulting services to nutrition, petcare, skincare, and luxury brands who want to grow in China. He’s previously partnered with Nestle, Constellation Brands, Johnson & Johnson, Richemont, and LEGO to deliver breakthrough insight and winning strategies. Outside of his consumer research work, Michael has written in-depth analyses, warnings and predictions about fast-growing Chinese companies. This includes a (now infamous) three-part series on Luckin Coffee's shonky corporate governance - a full year before the company admitted to sales fraud.   In this conversation, we cover the China Tech scene and the future of their platforms, Chinese consumers, and his life in China.   I hope you enjoy my conversation with Michael Norris.   For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on  https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep15    ------   Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Intro and how Michael ended up in China [00:01:59] - Why Michael chose to study Chinese [00:03:32] - Life as an Aussie in China [00:04:46] - What’s Michael’s role look like day-to-day [00:05:50] - What does his fieldwork involve? [00:08:06] - Favourite stories in the field? [00:09:24] - How much has the concept of Tier Cities changed? [00:13:39] - Misconceptions or misunderstandings around Chinese consumers? [00:18:48] - China Tech Scene, where are we at now [00:21:34] - Tech Scene Themes [00:23:00] - What companies are best positioned currently? [00:27:39] - Follow on effects of Alibaba and Tencent opening up their platforms? [00:30:05] - Tencent [00:33:28] - Misconceptions or misunderstandings in the China Tech scene [00:41:55] - Michael’s future plans? [00:45:34] - Advice for those just starting out in sharing content [00:50:45] - Most undervalued life experience? [00:52:52] - What experience shaped Michael’s worldview?   ------   Connect with Michael: Follow Michael on Twitter: https://twitter.com/briefnorris  Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljohnnorris/  AgencyChina’s Website: https://agencychina.com/    ------   Stay up to date on the podcast by signing up to Curated by Kalani, where I share what I’ve been reading, learning, and watching for that week. I compress to impress and aim for maximal return on your time invested. Sign up at https://kalanis.substack.com    ------   Connect with Kalani: Sign up for "Curated by Kalani": https://KalaniS.substack.com/  Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/  Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/  Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb

My guest today is Tim Romero (@timoth3y). Tim is the founder and host of Disrupting Japan. Which is the first and largest startup podcast in Japan. He is also the Head of Google for Startups Japan.  In this conversation, we cover the Japanese startup ecosystem, why Japanese companies seem to IPO earlier, and his experience running a podcast. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Tim Romero. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on  https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep14    ------   Show Notes: [00:00:32] - [First question] - What made Tim fall in love with Japan? [00:02:19] - How Tim got involved in the startup scene  [00:03:09] - Biggest changes in the scene over 20 years? [00:06:03] - Where the startup ecosystem in Japan can improve [00:07:53] - What sectors Tim is excited about [00:09:02] - Why do Japanese startups tend to IPO earlier? [00:10:53] - Why Japan is often overlooked [00:11:54] - Softbank  [00:13:45] - Old Japanese companies innovating [00:15:36] - Japanese bubble popping and the lingering effects [00:18:28] - Japan’s obsession with quality products [00:22:07] - Disrupting Japan the podcast [00:28:45] - Most undervalued life experience ? [00:30:29] - Influential books? [00:32:38] - If Tim was 18 today?   ------   Connect with Tim: Follow Tim on Twitter: https://twitter.com/timoth3y  Disrupting Japan: https://www.disruptingjapan.com/  Connect with Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timromero/     ------   Mentioned/Recommended Content: The Secrets of Closing the Sale by Zig Ziglar: https://www.amazon.com/Zig-Ziglars-Secrets-Closing-Sale/dp/0425081028   ------   Stay up to date on the podcast by signing up to Curated by Kalani, where I share what I’ve been reading, learning, and watching for that week. I compress to impress and aim for maximal return on your time invested. Sign up at https://kalanis.substack.com    ------   Connect with Kalani: Sign up for "Curated by Kalani": https://KalaniS.substack.com/  Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/  Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb  Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/

My guest today is Christopher Hood (@HoodCP), Chris is an academic and author based at Cardiff University. He is the author of five academic books, including Shinkansen: From Bullet Train to Symbol of Modern Japan, which we focus on today. And he is also the author of three novels, including Hijacking Japan.  In this conversation, we go deep on everything about the Shinkansen, from its early beginnings all the way through to its economic and cultural impact. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Christopher Hood.   For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on  https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep13    ------   Show Notes: [00:00:32] - [First question] - What got Christopher interested in the Shinkansen [00:06:52] - Christopher’s favourite Shinkansen series? [00:08:53] - Early proposals for the Shinkansen [00:13:25] - The meaning of the word Shinkansen  [00:14:49] - Significance behind the Shinkansen launching at the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 1964 [00:17:50] - Safety Features on the Shinkansen [00:22:27] - Whether the driver’s roles will automate [00:24:57] - Downstream effects of the JNR reform in 1987 [00:28:39] - How the Shinkansen combats extreme weather [00:33:30] - How the Shinkansen has affected cities along the route [00:37:12] - Why hasn’t exporting Shinkansen technology been successful? [00:41:21] - If the US were to implement Shinkansen technology, what should they avoid? [00:45:00] - Christopher’s favourite Shinkansen fun fact [00:46:26] - Most undervalued life experience? [00:49:30] - Influential books? [00:51:52] - Why write a novel?   ------   Connect with Christopher: Follow Christopher on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hoodcp  Christopher’s Website: https://hoodcp.wordpress.com/  Shinkansen: From Bullet Train to Symbol of Modern Japan: http://mybook.to/ShinkansenPb  Christopher’s novel, Hijacking Japan: http://mybook.to/HijackingJapan    ------   Stay up to date on the podcast by signing up to Curated by Kalani, where I share what I’ve been reading, learning, and watching for that week. I compress to impress and aim for maximal return on your time invested. Sign up at https://kalanis.substack.com    ------   Connect with Kalani: Sign up for Curated by Kalani: https://KalaniS.substack.com/  Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/  Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ 

My guest today is Graham Rhodes (@longriver_hk). Graham is Head of Research at Capital For Business Ltd., a Hong Kong-based family office.  He writes through his blog Longriver and is also an organiser of ValueAsia, a non-profit community for students of value investing.   In this conversation, we cover Graham’s background growing up between Hong Kong and New Zealand; his journey as an investor; building a more resilient investment practice; the reasons not to invest in China; why he thinks Asian gaming companies are best positioned for the future; and his experiences working at a family office.     I had a blast with this one so please enjoy my conversation with Graham Rhodes.   For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on  https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep12    ------   Show Notes: [00:00:37] - [First question] - Background [00:03:26] - Was investing always Graham’s passion? [00:04:43] - A lowest low in Graham’s investing journey? [00:06:56] - Idea generation? [00:09:45] - How does a community help in investing [00:12:36] - Reasons not to invest in China [00:17:36] - What does ambitious management look like [00:19:27] - Gaming in Asia [00:23:04] - Are the business models of gaming changing? [00:27:20] - Regulation of gaming companies [00:29:10] - Macro thoughts going forward [00:31:54] - Longriver and working at a multi-family office [00:33:44] - What’s a typical day look like? [00:35:20] - Any misconceptions or misunderstandings about family offices? [00:39:44] - Undervalued life experience? [00:42:21] - What’s been influential in shaping Graham’s worldview? [00:44:25] - If Graham was 18 again? [00:46:07] - Plans for the future and wrapping up   ------   Connect with Graham: Follow Graham on Twitter: https://twitter.com/longriver_hk  Graham’s Blog:  https://www.longriverinv.com/  Graham’s Email: grahamfrhodes [@] longriverinv.com Longriver Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Wa7miCoi4awXKKK4YARe3?si=4Flp92mBQ2O8-p2w3I5DMQ&dl_branch=1 Connect with Graham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahamfrhodes/    ------   Mentioned/Recommended Content:   Graham’s translation of Li Lu’s 2015 speech, “The Prospects for Value Investing in China”: https://www.longriverinv.com/blog/li-lus-2015-speech-at-peking-u   Graham’s translation of Li Lu’s 2019 speech, “The Practice of Value Investing”: https://www.longriverinv.com/blog/the-practice-of-value-investing-by-li-lu   Graham’s reflections on the 2020 market crash: https://www.longriverinv.com/blog/wider-definition-of-mos   Why there is no solution to our age of crisis without China: https://www.newstatesman.com/world/asia/2021/07/why-there-no-solution-our-age-crisis-without-china   ------   Stay up to date on the podcast by signing up to Curated by Kalani, where I share what I’ve been reading, learning, and watching for that week. I compress to impress and aim for maximal return on your time invested. Sign up at https://kalanis.substack.com    ------   Connect with Kalani: Sign up for Curated by Kalani: https://KalaniS.substack.com/  Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/  Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/

My guest today is Angelica Oung (@AngelicaOung). Angelica is the author of Taipology, a substack based on Taiwan and is also a business reporter at Taipei Times. In this conversation, we cover China’s relationship with Taiwan, Taiwanese Identity, and just Taiwan in general. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Angelica Oung.   For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on  https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep11    ------   Show Notes: [00:00:32] - [First question] - Background and Angelica’s history with Taiwan [00:02:20] - What changed since Angelica left and came back [00:04:39] - How does Taiwan build their brand? [00:05:50] - How might this all play out? [00:07:14] - Some insight into Xi [00:08:23] - Taiwan’s relationship with China [00:10:56] - How should Taiwan improve their odds of a good outcome? [00:13:16] - Is the Taiwanese government underreacting or overreacting? [00:15:59] - Is there CCP threat fatigue in Taiwan? [00:17:47] - What do people get wrong about the cross-straits relationship [00:22:04] - Hong Kong and how it affects Taiwan [00:24:20] - Taiwan’s age demographics and what it means going forward [00:27:35] - Any blowback to Angelica’s work? [00:30:00] - Misconceptions or misunderstandings about Taiwan? [00:32:39] - Reasons for Taiwan’s greater equality [00:35:55] - Taiwan and Japan [00:38:34] - Undervalued life skill or experience? [00:41:01] - Plans and vision for the future   ------   Connect with Angelica: Follow Angelica on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngelicaOung  Taipology Substack: https://taipology.substack.com/  Connect with Angelica on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelicaoung    ------   Stay up to date on the podcast by signing up to Curated by Kalani, where I share what I’ve been reading, learning, and watching for that week. I compress to impress and aim for maximal return on your time invested. Sign up at https://kalanis.substack.com    ------   Connect with Kalani: Sign up for Curated by Kalani: https://KalaniS.substack.com/  Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/  Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ 

My guest today is Jordan Schneider (@jordanschnyc). Jordan is a China tech analyst at The Rhodium group, as well as the host of The ChinaTalk podcast and newsletter. In this conversation, we cover common prosperity, Xi Jinping’s goals, and how this all ties in with ASEAN and the rest of the world. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Jordan Schneider.   For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on  https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep10    ------   Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - The education crackdown, what’s the end goal? [00:05:13] - Does this tie in with common prosperity? [00:08:08] - Challenges to the common prosperity goal [00:11:25] - Lessons from the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution [00:14:13] - Annoying opinions from outsiders  [00:15:55] - If Jordan was president? [00:18:03] - Xi Jinping compared to predecessors [00:23:35] - Thoughts on Xi [00:25:40] - How might the next transition of power play out [00:27:52] - China’s relationship with ASEAN [00:30:02] - US-China Tech   [00:36:17] - Jordan’s goals when starting the ChinaTalk podcast [00:41:03] - Wrapping up and where to find Jordan online   ------   Connect with Jordan: Follow Jordan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jordanschnyc  ChinaTalk Podcast: http://link.chtbl.com/_znJBJCk  ChinaTalk Newsletter: https://chinatalk.substack.com/    ------   Mentioned Content: After Xi: Future Scenarios for Leadership Succession in Post-xi Jinping Era: https://www.lowyinstitute.org/publications/after-xi  China Under Mao: A Revolution Derailed by Andrew G. Walder: https://www.amazon.com/China-Under-Mao-Revolution-Derailed/dp/0674975499      ------   Stay up to date on the podcast by signing up to Curated by Kalani, where I share what I’ve been reading, learning, and watching for that week. I compress to impress and aim for maximal return on your time invested. Sign up at https://kalanis.substack.com    ------   Connect with Kalani: Sign up for "Curated by Kalani": https://KalaniS.substack.com/  Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/  Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/  Follow Kalani Scarrott on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/KalaniScarrott/

My guest today is Daniel Tabbush (@TabbushReport). Daniel is the founder of the Tabbush Report, a research publication analysing Asia-Pacific banks. Prior to launching the Tabbush Report, he was the Head of Asian Bank research at CLSA for most of his career, overseeing coverage of 80 banks and 10 analysts. In this conversation, we dive deep into the Asian Financial Crisis, and the banking sector with ASEAN. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Daniel Tabbush.   For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on  https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep9   ------   Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - What was the Asian Financial Crisis like? [00:03:42] - What really stood out during the AFC?  [00:05:49] - On how Malaysia handled the AFC [00:07:31] - How did bank behaviour change after? [00:09:57] - Could this all happen again? [00:11:27] - Some potential problems of today’s banking behaviour [00:13:32] - The current Macro environment [00:16:20] - Negative interest rates and their long-term impact  [00:17:21] - Central bank policy [00:19:15] - Currency debasement and the future value of fiat money [00:20:52] - How does low credit and banking penetration in SEA affect valuing banking stocks [00:22:51] - Analyzing ASEAN banks compared to developed nation banks [00:25:33] - Do Neo banks and FinTech affect traditional banks in ASEAN going forward? [00:26:48] - Risks and warnings when valuing banks [00:30:02] - Preconditions for a multi-bagger bank stock? [00:31:26] - Any specific risks in regards to smaller banks? [00:33:04] - Particular ASEAN banks that Daniel likes currently [00:36:20] - Geopolitical risks in HK and China and the follow on effects [00:38:49] - Making the jump into doing his own research and consultancy [00:41:07] - Most undervalued life experience? [00:44:34] - Plans for the future? Most curious about going forward?   ------   Connect with Daniel: Follow Daniel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TabbushReport  The Tabbush Report Substack: https://tabbushreport.substack.com/  The Tabbush Report: https://www.tabbushreport.com/  Email Daniel: info@tabbushreport.com  Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-tabbush-0255409a/    ------   Stay up to date on the podcast by signing up to Curated by Kalani, where I share what I’ve been reading, learning, and watching for that week. I compress to impress and aim for maximal return on your time invested. Sign up at https://kalanis.substack.com    ------   Connect with Kalani: Sign up for Curated by Kalani: https://KalaniS.substack.com/  Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/  Visit Kalani Scarrott’s BLOG: https://kscarrott.com/  Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/  Follow Kalani Scarrott on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/KalaniScarrott/ 

My guest today is Shiv Sharma. Shiv is based in Singapore and is the Head of International at Stocktwits. He has previously worked a range of tech investing roles including those in Venture Capital, Private Equity, Public Equities, and Investment Banking. You can follow him on Twitter @shivsharma_5 and Stocktwits @sks986 where you can track his portfolio in real-time. In this conversation, we cover the future of investing, the communities behind it, and the opportunities for Indian retail investors. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Shiv Sharma.   For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep8    ------   Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Introduction and Background [00:03:18] - Why Shiv didn’t originally enjoy public equities [00:04:09] - Differences between late-stage growth and public investing [00:06:44] - Areas of growth and opportunities in public market investing today [00:09:05] - The macro-environment and managing risk going forward [00:12:22] - After being inside the VC bubble, challenges of investing outside it? [00:14:07] - What should retail investors know? [00:16:14] - Edges that retail investors aren't taking advantage of [00:17:23] - How should retail investors find investing trends? [00:20:57] - What attracts Shiv to public growth stocks [00:22:19] - Will the top VC’s always have access to the best companies early on? [00:24:22] - Where is retail investing heading?  [00:26:14] - Communities role in investing going forward [00:29:06] - Being anonymous vs open in communities? [00:30:02] - Aspects of the creator economy to be excited about  [00:33:25] - Why Shiv joined Stocktwits [00:36:07] - Why launch Stocktwits in India? [00:39:46] - General themes and trends in Indian equities [00:41:16] - India and it’s unicorns [00:43:08] - India’s strengths vs other markets [00:47:14] - Most undervalued life experience [00:49:32] - If Shiv was 18 again   ------   Connect with Shiv: Connect with Shiv on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shiv-sharma-5a610119/  Follow Shiv on Twitter: https://twitter.com/shivsharma_5   Follow Shiv on StockTwits: https://stocktwits.com/sks986    ------   Stay up to date on the podcast by signing up to Curated by Kalani, where I share what I’ve been reading, learning, and watching for that week. I compress to impress and aim for maximal return on your time invested. Sign up at https://kalanis.substack.com    ------   Connect with Kalani: Sign up for Curated by Kalani: https://KalaniS.substack.com/  Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/  Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/  Visit Kalani Scarrott’s BLOG: https://kscarrott.com/ 

My guest today is Aaron Pek. Aaron is the author of Value Investing Substack, was previously equity fund manager overseeing both a Malaysian and an Asia Ex-Japan portfolio with AUM of about USD 100 mil, and is currently setting up his own equity research outfit. In this conversation, we cover value investing, Malaysia and the ASEAN growth story, and adding value when networking. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Aaron Pek.   For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep7    ------   Show Notes: [00:00:32] - [First question] - Introduction and Why Aaron started invested [00:02:05] - His interpretation of value investing principles [00:08:05] - Value investing principles Aaron disagrees with [00:10:22] - Views on risk and how to minimise  [00:13:12] - Dealing with emotions in investing [00:15:30] - Malaysia’s growth story [00:24:36] - How can Malaysia not achieve their growth story? [00:27:44] - What should foreigners know before investing in Malaysia? [00:32:54] - Underrated skill or experience? [00:38:22] - Plans for the future?   ------   Connect with Aaron: Subscribe to Value Investing Substack: https://valueinvesting.substack.com/  Connect with Aaron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronpek/  Connect with Aaron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/investorinvest3  Aaron’s Interview with Asian Century Stocks: https://www.asiancenturystocks.com/p/10-questions-with-aaron-pek  Aaron's Interview with the FIRL Podcast: https://youtu.be/e6f8qX9bRAY   ------   Stay up to date on the podcast by signing up to Curated by Kalani, where I share what I’ve been reading, learning, and watching for that week. I compress to impress and aim for maximal return on your time invested. Sign up at https://kalanis.substack.com    ------   Connect with Kalani: Sign up for "Curated by Kalani": https://KalaniS.substack.com/  Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/  Visit Kalani Scarrott’s BLOG: https://kscarrott.com/  Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/  Follow Kalani Scarrott on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/KalaniScarrott/

My guest today is Saket Mehrotra. Saket is a Senior associate at Tusk Investments handling FMCG & Pharmaceuticals for their Indian Public Equities portfolio. He also shares his thoughts on investing on his website, saketmehrotra.com, and as the host of Stock Room Sunday presented by Stocktwits. He also somehow manages to find time to contribute as a writer for Investing.com and MoneyControl.com! In this conversation, we cover trends and areas of growth in Indian Equities, his writing process, and how he converted fans online into paying subscribers. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Saket Mehrotra.   For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on  https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep6   ------   Show Notes: [00:00:32] - [First question] - Background and influences in investing [00:04:37] - Indian Public Equities Strengths [00:06:40] - Trends in Indian stocks, pockets of growth [00:08:13] - Advantages of Retail Investors  [00:10:53] - Situations to avoid as an investor in India [00:14:39] - Market cap as a restriction to investing? [00:16:41] - Saket’s decision to write in public [00:18:53] - Saket’s information diet [00:20:51] - How writing has affected his career  [00:22:00] - Advice for others thinking of writing online [00:24:18] - How he converted followers into subscribers  [00:30:45] - Keys to building a community   [00:32:51] - Plans for the future? [00:34:21] - Underrated skill or experience? [00:37:05] - [Final Question] Biggest opportunities for youth today?   ------   Connect with Saket: Follow Saket on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mehrotra_saket  Visit Saket’s Website: https://saketmehrotra.com/  Signup to his Substack: https://betatoalpha.substack.com/  Connect with Saket on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saket-mehrotra-ca-cs-a898957b/  Saket on Stock Room Sunday presented by Stocktwits: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpbJACpazOLcwo4z2tw7hPAr36g92LK3z    ------   Stay up to date on the podcast by signing up to Curated by Kalani, where I share what I’ve been reading, learning, and watching for that week. I compress to impress and aim for maximal return on your time invested. Sign up at https://kalanis.substack.com    ------   Connect with Kalani: Sign up for "Curated by Kalani": https://KalaniS.substack.com/  Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/  Visit Kalani Scarrott’s BLOG: https://kscarrott.com/  Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/  Follow Kalani Scarrott on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/KalaniScarrott/