A Personal Mid-Autumn Day Message

In response to the number of inquiries regarding the significance of my recent post titled "Mid-Autumn Day Thoughts," I felt obligated to explain. Within this post, I wrote a poem in Chinese about the festival that unfortunately did not receive an accurate translation on LinkedIn. Therefore, I want to provide clarification within this edition of the newsletter. However, what holds greater significance is my desire to impart my personal insights and revelations regarding the traditional festival.

Below, you will find my original Chinese poem along with a translation:

二十余载，多少阴晴圆缺； Time has passed swiftly, spanning over two decades; 月明星稀，唯有北辰亘古； As the moonlight shines brightly in the night sky, the other stars fade away, but the steadfast Northern Star remains unwavering in its position; 低头寻思阛阓，举头问月：何为乡，皆为乡；何为市，皆为市； Engaging in profound contemplation, I pose a question to the moon: Where does home reside? Home exists everywhere, just as the market exists in every corner. 躬身入局，高在借势，器不锐，可磨；术不精，可学；道不强，可悟；法不高，可练；事不逢，可待。According to ancient wisdom, true understanding of a situation, place, or market can only be achieved by immersing oneself in it and leveraging any available assistance. If your "weapon" lacks sharpness, it can be honed; if your technique is not refined, it can be learned; if your strategy lacks strength, it can be developed; if your method is not sound, it can be practised; and if things are not happening, patience can be exercised. This age-old wisdom reminds us that success is within reach if we are willing to adapt, improve, and embrace the opportunities that come our way. 谋事在人，成事亦在人。The power to strategise and succeed lies in your hands. 丰收快乐！Happy harvest!

To truly understand the emotion behind the poem, it is essential to delve into the rich background of the Mid-Autumn Day festival.

Considered the second biggest festival in China, after the Chinese New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival takes place on a mesmerising autumn evening when the moon shines at its fullest, on the 15th of August in the lunar calendar. This enchanting celebration coincides with the bountiful harvest of crops and fruits when families come together to commemorate their hard work. A delightful tradition emerges, where loved ones indulge in delectable mooncakes adorned with crab, sip on homemade osmanthus rice wine, and revel in the beauty of the moon's glow.

However, this joyous occasion also evokes a profound sense of longing for those who have departed from their hometowns and are unable to reunite with their families on this auspicious day. It is this very sentiment that has inspired countless masterpieces of literature and art, including the renowned poem "A Tranquil Night" by the esteemed poet Li Bai (AD701 - 762).

However, my interpretation of the Mid-Autumn Day diverges from the traditional yearning for home. Having left China more than two decades ago to embark on a journey of education and a marketing career, I have since settled in the United Kingdom. Through my experiences of living and working in various countries across Europe and Asia, I have come to realise that home is not confined to a single place. Regardless of our location, whether the moon is radiant or obscured, and the stars are vibrant or coy, a steadfast guiding force exists akin to the North Star. Just like the Northern Star, it remains resolute at the extended central axis of the earth, illuminating our path and embodying our true purpose and values.

This notion led me to ponder about our businesses. Where does the market truly exist? I questioned.

The answer lies in the realisation that the market exists everywhere, much like the essence of home. The crucial aspect is our guiding North Star, our goal, and our value proposition. However, to triumph in an overseas market, we must adapt.

Ancient wisdom taught us to immerse ourselves in the situation, to truly understand and adapt. Reflecting upon my two decades of travel and living in lands far from my childhood abode, I acknowledge the challenges of acclimating to new environments. I required assistance, a willingness to embrace different cultures, and the determination to become a part of the fabric of each locale. Over time, I learned to adapt to the adaptation itself.

The concept of international expansion in foreign markets is no exception. But how can businesses achieve this? Ancient wisdom also teaches us that if our "weapon" lacks sharpness, it can be honed; if our technique is not refined, it can be learned; if our strategy lacks strength, it can be developed; if our method is not sound, it can be practised; and if things are not happening, patience can be exercised. Additionally, seeking expert assistance and leveraging available resources can greatly contribute to success.

While the original saying suggests that "Man proposes, God disposes," I respectfully disagree. With a strong will, strategic planning, capabilities, expert assistance, adequate resources, and patience, we have the power to make things happen.

As I reflect on the role of our business, I am reminded of the purpose behind the development of gigCMO and gigCMO China by Mark F. Magnacca and myself. Our mission is to support businesses in adapting and thriving in overseas markets. Having experienced living and working in various parts of the world, we understand the excitement and apprehension of being away from one's original home or market. Our unwavering commitment is to assist businesses in adapting, developing effective strategies, and implementing efficient processes – serving as a guiding Northern Light in their journey.

Let's all share in the sentiment of the above. The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time to rejoice in the bountiful harvest, regardless of where our hearts call home.