Xifan Yang: On navigating culture, media, and politics between Germany and China

Ba Linh Le: From Berlin’s Vietnamese diaspora to building tech for social impact

Ba Linh Le is the co-founder and Chief Data Officer of Frontline, a startup developing an AI-assisted risk assessment tool to end domestic abuse sooner. Born in Berlin to Vietnamese contract workers, Ba Linh studied Area Studies at Humboldt and Public Policy at the Hertie School. Today, her company’s tool is used by social services across half of Germany. She was recently named to the Forbes 30 under 30 Europe list for the social impact she is making.  In this episode, we talk about: * Growing up German-Vietnamese and navigating language, family, and belonging * Founding Frontline and tackling domestic abuse through tech * The lessons she has learnt and unlearnt along the way You can learn more about Frontline here [https://www.frontline100.com/] and follow Ba Linh’s work on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ba-linh-le-/].

Xifan Yang: On navigating culture, media, and politics between Germany and China

Xifan Yang is an award-winning German-Chinese journalist and foreign affairs correspondent for Die Zeit, one of Germany’s leading news outlets. Born in China and raised in Germany, Xifan has built a career reporting across borders. She is also the author of Als die Karpfen fliegen lernten (when the carps learnt to fly), where she tells the story of China’s recent history through the lens of her family. In this episode, we dive into: * Navigating cultural identity between China and Germany * Writing about her family and unpacking hidden generational trauma * Reporting under authoritarian constraints and the challenges of press freedom in China * How the German media portrays China, and why nuance matters You can find out more about Xifan’s work on her website [http://www.xifanyang.com/] and follow her on Twitter [https://x.com/yangxifan].

Chunchun Qiu: On her parents’ sacrifices, closing her startup, and intergenerational communication

Chunchun Qiu is a German-Chinese entrepreneur and the former co-founder and CEO of Cyclio, a startup dedicated to helping women manage menstrual pain. After nearly three years of building the company, she and her co-founder made the difficult decision to shut it down. In this episode, we dive into: * Why she started and closed her venture * How her parents’ sacrifices shaped her ambitions and struggles * The emotional complexity of sharing career pivots with immigrant parents * Intergenerational conflict, unspoken expectations, and learning to set boundaries You can find Chunchun on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chunchunqiu/].

Mai Anh Nguyen: On her family’s story, a global career in hospitality, and gratitude

Mai Anh Nguyen is a Director of Rooms at Mandarin Oriental and has built an inspiring global career within the luxury hotel group. Born in Germany to Vietnamese parents, Mai grew up in Prague and studied in Switzerland. Her career with Mandarin Oriental has taken her around the world—from Prague to Bangkok, Hong Kong, Munich, Kuala Lumpur, and now Dubai. Tune in to hear: * Her family’s story from Vietnam to Germany and the Czech Republic  * What she has learnt from her career with one of the world’s finest hotel groups * How gratitude and mindfulness have shaped her life and mindset You can follow her journey on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/maianhmajka/] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maianhmajka/].

Kachun To: On shifting perspectives, subtle racism, and redefining Chinese food in Germany

Kachun To is a Hong Kong-born, German-raised entrepreneur who started his career at McKinsey before launching several ventures. His latest project, Bao Gao Club, is more than just a dumpling business—it’s about sharing real Chinese food and fostering cultural understanding in Germany. In this episode, we explore: * How a prestigious scholarship changed his perspective. * The subtle racism he’s faced in business and everyday life. * Why he transitioned from corporate life to entrepreneurship. * How food can be a bridge between cultures and why he wants to redefine Chinese cuisine in Germany. Tune in to hear his story, and follow him on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kachun-to-a5a6721/] or @baogao_club [https://www.instagram.com/baogao_club/] on Instagram for updates on his latest venture.