Today’s Monday Morning Mojo is dedicated to the power of people-to-people diplomacy and the amazing experience I had over the past two weeks traveling around the Greater China region. I know I promised to write about things that inspire me beyond my own experiences, but these two weeks are worth a special call out :-).

It’s that time again for my annual trip back to China to teach, meet and work with my Ogilvy colleagues, and to reacquaint myself with the place I lived for the past 30 years. What made this visit particularly special was I was part of a University of Southern California Maymester, which is a special study experience taking place in May, and this tour was focused on “Sports in China.” Those people who know me know these are my two loves, sports and the study of China, and this trip did not disappoint!

Student Inspiration

I titled this post “Immersed in Inspiration” because at every turn I was inspired. What impressed me the most were the ten students who attended this trip; their intellect, comradery, interest and delight in experiencing a taste of the life I lived in Asia. Watching them take everything in was a joy. I also loved traveling with the Director of the USC US-China Institute, Glenn Osaki, who led the trip; the journalism professor who was responsible for the academics, Alan Abrahamson, who also co-authored Michael Phelps’ biography; and two very capable, smart and responsible Annenberg staff, Vicki Higgins and Jeremy Booker. This is the group that made this experience so worthwhile.

Hong Kong Immersion

The trip started in Hong Kong and involved trips to the Hong Kong Elite Athletes Association, spending time with the famous Chinese gymnast Li Ning and getting to know his business. We also met colleagues at Ogilvy who were kind enough to introduce Ogilvy’s work in nurturing fan experiences, and staff from Animoca brands, on how blockchain is playing a role in sports, thanks to the introduction of Richie Robinson.

Below is a picture of the combination of technology meeting nutrition we witnessed at The Hong Kong Elite Athletes Association. A camera and scale dictate how big of a portion an athlete should take. I shared this with my wife, and she said she wanted to adopt this in our house.

Also below is a picture of us with Li Ning himself, at the debut event of the running of his just acquired new racing horse.

Of course, I wouldn’t leave Hong Kong without spending time with my decades-long colleagues I worked beside during my career in Asia.

 Shanghai Style

Onto Shanghai for the second week of the tour and we got our second dopamine rush.

In Shanghai we were introduced to the China arm of CAA, thanks to Mary Gu; we spent time with a Shanghai education entrepreneur Francis Ping, and dined at his historical Sinan Salon; we played ping pong with students from Jiaotong University; took part in an inclusive sports activity with Shanghai’s Special Olympians; learned more about the Li Ning company; and spent quality time with China’s famous basketball star, Yao Ming.

I have written previously about both Yao Ming and Li Ning, both of whom I have had the privilege of getting to know when I lived in China. Their stories are both inspirational and hearing them describe their journeys brought about eye-watering emotions. What impresses me most about Yao and Li Ning is how modest, accessible and generous they are with their time.

A few photos from these visits are below.

I suppose nothing beats spending such moments with those I love the most, and it was a joy traveling with Samuel during these two weeks and having him join in many of the events.

Earlier in the month, before heading to Asia, I had the delight of spending the May birthdays of Lisa and Samuel together with Jackie in Los Angeles, and upon touching down in Taipei, Taiwan, on the way to China, Samuel and I got to spend time with Lisa’s family.

It’s hard to beat a month like this. I have been so busy, keeping up with the news of the day has been difficult, which is also a gift.

And finally, a huge shout out to the career of George Smith on his retirement. I first met George in China when he led the Special Olympics World Games in Shanghai in 2007, and my love for this guy grew as I got to know him and all the public service he does. Thank you, George, on behalf of the world for what you have done for Special Olympians, the Orbis community and much more. You are a gentleman and a hero to many.

Have a great week everyone.