One of the 3 dynamic of the NextStep Tuesdays, is definitely our Featured Guest.
Entrepreneurs, they went through a lot, and made it happened, they may have some good advice to share with all of you, NextStep Members.

For those who never had the chance to come out and join us, here is a brief list of our past speakers.

Ladi Delano and Matt Reid – The Collection

Ladi Delano, despite his young age, is already a successful serial entrepreneur. He set up his first company while still at school; a careers magazine focusing on students of various ethnic minorities. After that, he founded the highly successful Solid Vodka company, which is now the largest selling vodka in Shanghai and the third largest selling vodka in China. Matt was Ladi’s Marketing Director at Solid Vodka and helped build the brand into the position it is in today; he has also run two successful events and marketing companies in the UK.

Both Matt and Ladi are now focusing on their company, Lama: Property, Investments, and Innovations, which is operating largely in the real estate sector. The Collection is the most high-profile and public facing of their ongoing investments.

Ted T. Lee

Mr. Lee, a U.S. CPA and former Senior Partner of Deloitte, has had 31 years of experience serving the Firm’s international and multinational clients in China and the U.S. He also led the Manufacturing - Automotive Industry Group of Deloitte China’s national practice. Mr. Lee pioneered Deloitte’s China initiative and opened its first office in Shanghai in 1992. Before moving to Shanghai four years ago, he was the Office Managing Partner of Deloitte China’s Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Beijing offices over his 15-year career in China. Prior to his working in China, he has also practiced in Deloitte’s Taipei and Los Angeles offices.

Carson Block – YBS Investment Consulting

Carson Block is an investment professional, attorney, and author. He recently founded YBS Investment Consulting in Singapore, which advises high-net worth individuals on their global investments as well as foreign institutional investors on their China investments. Carson also assists companies located in China with raising capital through private and public equity transactions.
Prior to founding YBS, Carson practiced law in Shanghai with Jones Day, which is one of the largest law firms in the world. At Jones Day, he focused on mergers and acquisitions, and foreign direct investment.

Carson Co-Authored the upcoming "Doing Business in China for Dummies", which will be part of the popular "For Dummies" series by Wiley Publishing.

Rick Wang – RetailCo Inc.

Mr. Wang entered the retail and franchise business by establishing RetailCo Inc, a company focusing on specialty retail in China. In 1998, RetailCo opened its first multi-branded sports retail store under the US franchise The Athlete's Foot. Early success with the franchise saw rapid growth including sub-franchising to other regions in China. As market dynamics changed, Mr. Wang transformed RetailCo to become a leading branded sports retailer in China. RetailCo is currently one of the largest Adidas retailers in China with over 50 stores and 300 employees. As CEO of RetailCo, Mr. Wang constantly seeks new retail and franchise opportunities for China. Mr. Wang is a highly sought-after speaker focusing on subjects related to China entry, marketing, and retail &franchising. He has published his theory on the "3 Barriers of Entry to Franchising China" and serves as consultant to many companies.

Jean-Luc Bernard – (groupe) Astek

Jean-Luc Bernard, 47, is the founder and CEO of (groupe) Astek, a company whose 2600 engineers worldwide are involved in high technology projects. Jean-Luc Bernard is also chairman of other companies, noticeably internet companies.
Astek is committed in helping its clients to design, develop and integrate cutting edge technology in new products. Major customers of (groupe) Astek are Amadeus (woldwide leader of electronic ticketing and global distribution systems), SAFRAN (defence and aeronautics group), FRANCE TELECOM (telecom operator), SNCF (french railways), THALES (defence group), Air France, Schneider, etc. Astek spread quickly in all major cities of France, and is now in 11 countries including China, India, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and many other European countries. In the last three years Astek more than doubled its size with the highest organic growth of French market, with the addition of about 10 acquisitions.

Frank Steffen and Emile Yu – The Bund Brewery

Frank Steffen the Managing Partner of The Bund Brewery has been a part of many exciting F&B projects that have launched in Shanghai over the past four years. Along with his partner Emile Yu, the duo have been the inspiration behind The Arch Bar, a Future Perfect, Syzygy, and now The Bund Brewery. In addition to their F&B projects, Steffen and Yu have been a part of many diversified projects including real estate, education, and internet ventures. Their expertise and experience in the Shanghai marketplace serve as an invaluable resource to budding entrepreneurs.

David Laris – David Laris Concept (DLC)

David Laris is the Founder of David Laris Concept (DLC) and creator of Laris, the award winning restaurant at Three on the Bund Shanghai. DLC focuses on creating and developing Lifestyle Food and Beverage concepts (Laris, Chocolate Room, CWF, and Slice) that can be implemented within the Chinese market and the international arena. To date, the scope of business and operations encompasses high end fine dining, second level restaurant concepts, exclusive clubs and bars, café/delicatessen and boutique retail food concepts.

DLC currently provides management consultancy services as well as concept development and execution for several high profile brands including but not limited to Dolce & Gabbana Martini Bar, Shanghai and Sanlitun Boutique Hotel Project in Beijing by Swire Group.

A Chef of immense talent who previously headed up Mezzo in London, designer Terrance Conran’s flagship restaurant in Soho, David received dozens of accolades for his innovative and exciting culinary style during his years at Mezzo. During his time in the UK, he was a regular contributor on British television and developed a media personality as a “Celebrity Chef”. Now in Shanghai, David continues to be involved with various forms of media, writes regularly for domestic publications and is often asked to comment on trends in the Food and Beverage industry.