I’ve been corresponding with venture capitalist/entrepreneur Bob Compton for the last couple of years, and we have our own little mutual admiration society. I found his first documentary, “Two Million Minutes,” to be a very important wake-up call about the U.S. approach to education and mentioned it in my book. He read an early copy of my book and offered a great endorsement, and when it turned out that he was screening his new film, “Win in China,” here in New York, we made plans to meet.
Yesterday, Tom and I met Bob at the Regency for breakfast and stimulating conversation about education and entrepreneurship, then attended the premiere of “Win in China” at the Asia Society last night. The film describes the explosion in entrepreneurship in China and features the development and broadcasting of the popular television series in China that is similar to “The Apprentice” here. What’s different: the winners in the Chinese version don’t get a job with Donald Trump but a $1.5 million cash investment in their own business and mentoring from China’s most successful entrepreneurs.
Another difference: reach and scale. The numbers in China are mind-boggling. And while “The Apprentice” might be a fun romp for business wannabes and pop culture fans, “Win in China” reflects that fact that MILLIONS of Chinese individuals are receiving training and all kinds of governmental support to help them start their own businesses. The show has inspired countless entrepreneurs of all ages to consider ways in which they can develop their ideas and compete to make their own mark in the global economy. Those who still insist that Asian business people are somehow lagging behind the US in innovation and entrepreneurship are in for a very big surprise indeed.
I grabbed a quick moment after the screening to talk with Bob about why we should see this film. Anyone with an interest in entrepreneurship, Asia, and the global economy in general should see it, and if you’ve got kids entering the working world in the next couple of decades, it should be required viewing. Learn more by visiting http://www.wininchinamovie.com
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