Lecturing at the Chinese Space Agency was a fulfilling adventure. A driver picked me up at 7:30 AM at the Beijing Great Wall Marriott for a talk beginning at 9:30 AM -- -- -- I wondered why so early? With the Monday morning traffic and all the bicycles in a serious commute it took one hour just to circle around the Marriott and get pointed in the right direction.
When I lecture these days I am struck by how young the attending computer scientists are, and the space agency employees were that and also a good deal shorter. When I arrived and took a shuttle bus from the Beijig airport terminal B, the largest buiding n the world, I stood next to a Chinese todler being held by her mother. She took one look at this big white giant and started to cry -- -- so even at 6' 1" I look like the Jolly White Giant to the Chinese.
There is a certain Chinese respect and reverence present even in modern careers like computer science that became apparent when I was interviewing for a local newspaper by two young female Chinese reporters after the presentation. In the interview they started fielding light casual topics and I had the distinct impression they were building up for what they really want to ask -- -- -- and then it blurted out. They asked ' why did you lose your generosity when you sold your company?. They had complimented me on inventing the structured testing technology and growing a company to deliver it worldwide -- -- -- and then expressed their huge disappointment that I would sell the company and no longer lead -- 'losing my generosity'.
As I traveled throughout China I could see how the Chinee culture expects self dedication for the common good. I happened to be traveling with a group of entrepreneurs and CEOs and we visited several Chinese cities --- Beijing, Qinghuangdao, Hangzhou, Haikou, Hong Kong . Seeing their traditions and deeply rooted culture and history gave the refrain of 'losing my generosity' more meaning. They expect a good citizen to freely and joyfully contribute their gifts to Chinese society -- expressing their generosity.
Touring Chinese cities was a good opportunity to bounce some ideas off my fellow CEOs. The discussions centered on finding a sweet spot after selling your business. The other CEOs are obviously different but during the 14 days we toured China and Vietnam my sweet spot became clear.
I am now back publishing and lecturing. I may or may not regain 'my generosity' but I am sure having a good time. Thank you Chinese.
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