Chief Change Officer Podcast – Episode #400: Jean Zhao – Flipping the Script: From Spreadsheets to Storytelling

Release Date: May 30, 2025
Host: Vince Chan
Guest: Jean Zhao, TV Filmmaker from China

Introduction

In episode #400 of Chief Change Officer, host Vince Chan engages in an inspiring conversation with Jean Zhao, a dynamic TV filmmaker from China. This episode, titled "Flipping the Script—From Spreadsheets to Storytelling", delves into Jean’s extraordinary journey from the corporate world of accounting and finance to the creative realms of filmmaking and storytelling. Their discussion highlights the pivotal moments, challenges, and strategic decisions that have shaped Jean’s successful transition and burgeoning career in the entertainment industry.

Jean Zhao’s Journey: From Sociology to Strategic Investments

Jean Zhao begins by sharing her unconventional educational and career path, which laid the foundation for her success in the entertainment sector.

• Early Education and Career Beginnings

  • [02:41] Jean recounts her academic transition: "I stayed in a small town in China until 18 years old and for college I went to Shanghai. I studied sociology and when I was a junior I transferred to Indiana University, Bloomington in America, picking up accounting and finance as my second and third majors."
  • After graduating, she worked as a financial analyst at Cummins, an engine manufacturing company, for three years before pursuing an MBA at Chicago Booth.

• Venturing into Business and Entertainment

  • During her MBA, Jean interned at various venture capital firms, including SQL Capital and Capital Today, gaining insights into entrepreneurial dynamics.
  • Post-MBA, she joined iReader Technology, a pre-IPO digital reading company, where she managed strategic investments and rotated through multiple departments, enhancing her versatility and understanding of the business side of entertainment.

Transitioning to Filmmaking: Building Expertise and Networks

Jean’s shift from finance to filmmaking was driven by a lifelong passion for storytelling and a strategic approach to building her expertise and industry connections.

• Catalyst for Change

  • [06:54] Vince asks, "Despite your passion for TV series, how did you build your track record?"
    Jean responds: "I watched a TV series called Ashes of Love and felt compelled to create something similar. I approached the producer, leveraged my writer resources, and secured a role as co-producer for the sequel, Starry Love."

• Establishing Industry Connections

  • Jean emphasizes the importance of building relationships: "I convinced him to be the co-producer of the sequel, which was released on four TV stations and distributed to over 30 countries. This project allowed me to build my network and accumulate my reputation."

• Strategic Skill Development

  • Her background in accounting provided her with a unique edge: "I possess a business analytical framework to analyze problems, manage cash flow, and understand the risks and opportunities in the entertainment industry."

Overcoming Challenges: Navigating the Entertainment Landscape

Jean discusses the obstacles she faced while transitioning into the entertainment industry and how she overcame them through persistence and strategic planning.

• Breaking into a Competitive Industry

  • [09:03] Vince inquires about overcoming the "chicken and egg dilemma" of establishing credibility without prior experience.
    Jean explains: "Establishing connections is essential. Even if you don’t have direct experience, leveraging related skills and building relationships with key industry players can open doors."

• Focus on Content Quality

  • Jean highlights the critical role of content: "The key in producing projects is content. I spent a year writing my book, The Light of Story, analyzing story elements and developing skills that investors value."

• Strategic Risk-Taking

  • She emphasizes the importance of taking calculated risks to demonstrate capability and secure future opportunities.

The Evolving TV Industry in China: Trends and Adaptations

Jean provides a comprehensive overview of the Chinese TV and entertainment industry, detailing its past challenges, current trends, and future directions.

• Industry Challenges and Resilience

  • [14:13] Vince asks about the state of the Chinese TV industry during Jean’s transition and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Jean responds: "Ten years ago, the industry was flooded with speculative investments, but over time, many left due to financial difficulties. The pandemic further strained the industry, yet it also elevated the standards for content quality as audiences' expectations grew."

• Rise of Micro Drama Series

  • [15:25] Jean introduces the concept of micro drama series: "Micro drama series are typically 100 episodes, where the first 10 episodes are free, and subsequent episodes require payment. This model leverages subscription strategies and advertisements effectively."

• Focus on Quality and Passion

  • Despite market challenges, Jean observes: "Quality creators are thriving. They produce exceptional work that resonates with audiences, leading to greater financial success and industry respect."

Artificial Intelligence in Chinese Entertainment: Current Use and Future Implications

The conversation shifts to the role of AI in the Chinese entertainment industry, contrasting it with developments in the US.

• AI Integration in Production

  • [18:43] Vince discusses AI's impact globally, asking about its influence in China.
    Jean replies: "China is in the early stages of applying AI, particularly in post-production tasks like special effects. However, AI’s role in scriptwriting is limited since storytelling is deeply human and creative."

• Skepticism Towards AI in Content Creation

  • Jean underscores the necessity of human creativity: "AI can assist but cannot replace the nuanced and tailored nature of scripts. Current AI-generated scripts lack the depth and quality needed for production."

Future Plans: Expanding Storytelling Horizons

Looking ahead, Jean outlines her vision for WIN Entertainment and the diverse projects in the pipeline.

• Diverse Project Development

  • [20:53] Vince brings up Jean’s book, "The Light of Story", highlighting its insights into crafting impactful narratives.
    Jean shares her future plans: "In the next two to three years, we aim to develop several runs focusing on social issues, love stories, and feel-good shows."

• Focus Areas

  • Social Issues and Human Relationships
    • Exploring themes like mental health, ethics in relationships, and personal growth.
  • Love Stories
    • Delving into ancient and modern love narratives that reflect China’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Feel-Good Shows
    • Showcasing stories of individuals striving for success, embodying entrepreneurship and resilience.

• Expanding Revenue Streams

  • Beyond TV projects, WIN Entertainment plans to diversify through diary books, merchandise, live concerts, and other derivative products to boost revenue.

Conclusion: Embracing Change and Storytelling

Jean Zhao’s journey from spreadsheets to storytelling embodies the essence of the Chief Change Officer’s mission: to outgrow oneself and embrace transformation. Her strategic mindset, combined with a deep passion for storytelling, has enabled her to navigate and excel in the competitive entertainment industry. As she continues to develop impactful and high-quality content, Jean serves as an inspiring example for aspiring changemakers and visionaries.

Notable Quotes:

• “I formed this kind of goal when I was very young. So in Chicago Booth I set a framework for the business analysis and the accounting and finance helped me understand the business knowledge.” – Jean Zhao [04:53]

• “Human nature remains unchanged but people's hearts are changing.” – Jean Zhao [19:44]

• “The key in producing projects is content. I spent a year writing my book, The Light of Story, analyzing story elements and developing skills that investors value.” – Jean Zhao [11:46]

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This summary captures the essence of Episode #400, providing a comprehensive overview of Jean Zhao’s transformative journey and her insights into the evolving entertainment industry in China.