The Impulso Podcast Momentum Works

Everyone knows that digital transformation poses numerous challenges and pitfalls, but does it really have to be this arduous?
 
In the latest episode of the Impulso Podcast, we are joined by special guest, Jing Li, founder and CEO of Sirius Technologies and co-author of our report "Transforming Digital Transformation," as we unravel the complexities and triumphs of digital transformation. 
 
Digital transformation isn't just about technology; it's also a mindset shift towards innovation and agility - “Agility is the outcome, not the approach”. 
 
Join us as we explore the challenges of digital transformation in the financial sector, the concept of fusion teams and the role of the enterprise architect in bridging the gap between business and tech. We also explore WeBank's Success, highlighting how their pioneering approach to embedded finance propelled it to become the world’s best digital bank. 

Featured materials: 
Transforming Digital Transformation, Momentum Works 

“In China’s online business, one or two years is not a very long time… it changes so fast.” - Connor Li shares insights on the rapidly evolving live commerce scene in China in the latest episode of the Impulso Podcast.
 
Is China already transitioning into the second phase of live commerce?
 
Connor is the head of curriculum development at Ji Tang, a “S Level” MCN in China, managing 170+ influencers, with a total of more than 200 million followers. He was also a featured speaker at Momentum Works' March Live Commerce Immersion event.
 
Tune in as he shares his insights on the evolution of live commerce in China and:
The rise of key opinion consumers (KOCs); 
Who do consumers trust - KOLs or KOCs;
Ji Tang's approach to collaborating with KOCs;
Measuring the ROI of using KOCs as a marketing strategy;
Advice on those who want to learn about China’s live commerce ecosystem.

In this latest episode, Jianggan takes over as the host, and interviews the team, Sabrina, Yorlin and Liz, about Momentum Works recent Live Commerce immersion, where we brought 20+ delegates from Southeast Asia to Shenzhen. 
 
During the 3 day immersion, participants engaged in over 10 visits, including exclusive tours of leading MCNs. Tune in as we reflect on the trip, sharing memorable experiences -  going behind-the-scenes at MCN studios, interactions with AI virtual hosts, and gaining insights into China's live commerce ecosystem from our panel of expert speakers.
 
Interested in going behind-the-scenes at MCN studios? Or want to delve deeper into China's live commerce landscape?
 
Join the Momentum Work Live Commerce Immersion taking place from 28 to 30 May in Hangzhou, China. Register here! You'll have the opportunity to engage in equally impactful visits, discussions, and networking sessions with expert practitioners and potential partners. 
 
Featured materials: 
Live Commerce Immersion [May], Momentum Works
Live Commerce Immersion [March - completed], Momentum Works 
Five top learnings from MW Live Commerce Immersion to China, TheLowDown

In a recent interview, Joe Tsai, Chairman of Alibaba, redefined Alibaba’s customers as users shopping on their apps, a shift from their previous focus on merchants. This marks a shift from their previous emphasis on merchants, and with Alibaba's revenue historically heavily reliant on merchant advertising, Alibaba’s shift towards user-centricity challenges this model. 
 
So, what does this mean for Alibaba's strategy moving forward? How will Alibaba balance between user and merchant satisfaction?  
 
As Alibaba undergoes its biggest transformation yet, its leaders will have to make crucial decisions. Joe Tsai stresses the importance of humility and leaders being willing to acknowledge mistakes and pivot or backtrack on decisions when necessary.
 
Featured materials:Joe Tsai Co-founder & Chair of Alibaba | In Good Company | Norges Bank Investment Management, Norges bank Investment Management 
Transforming Alibaba, Momentum Works
E70: Succession – successful tech founders’ dilemma, The Impulso Podcast
E68: Alibaba is giving up on new retail, The Impulso Podcast
E47: Why does Alibaba replace taobao CEO?, The Impulso Podcast

From Alibaba to Meta, and now Meituan, it seems like founders and co-founders can’t retire. 
 
Wang Huiwen's recent return to Meituan, albeit as a part-time consultant, raises questions about why founders struggle to leave their companies. His departure and subsequent comeback highlight the complexities of succession planning and the unique role founders play in navigating turbulent times.
 
It’s true that leadership transitions in tech are complicated due to the fast-paced environment and constant need for innovation, but is this really the main issue for lack of/ poor succession planning? 
 
Join us in this episode as we delve into the intricacies of organisational leadership, the search for suitable successors, and the importance of trust. 
 
Featured materials:Why did Meituan buy a generative AI company?, TheLowDown
Why Meituan CEO takes over overseas businesses?, The Impulso Podcast
 

ShopBack has announced the shutdown of PayLater, its Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) scheme, marking the latest withdrawal from the BNPL scene in Singapore.
 
Unlike traditional credit card models, BNPL allows consumers to split payments over time, offering convenience and flexibility at the point of sale. However, the road to success is not easy - BNPL players, particularly independent ones, encounter various challenges ranging from high customer acquisition costs to merchant acceptance and regulatory hurdles.
 
Join us in this latest episode as we explore:
The complexities of the BNPL landscape;
The struggles of BNPL services in the region, from regulations to consumer behavior;
Key success factors for BNPL to thrive, particularly in Southeast Asia;
Differences between standalone BNPL apps and integrated platforms;
Future prospects of BNPL in the region.
 
Featured materials: 
Buy Now Pay Later in Southeast Asia – “you either die a hero or live long enough to become the villain”, TheLowDown
pace | Buy now, pay later (and later)