#7 Jason Spencer: Brisbane, Australia to Shanghai, China (for, like, 30 years...)

Wayfinders: new country immersions

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In this fascinating episode of Wayfinders, we delve into the remarkable 30-year journey of Jason Spencer in Greater China. From his early exposure to Asian culture during his father's Air Force posting in Singapore and Malaysia in the late 1970s, to becoming deeply embedded in Shanghai's business and cultural landscape, Jason's story exemplifies how early cultural experiences can shape a lifetime of international adventure.
Jason's journey began with studying Chinese at the University of Queensland, leading to a transformative exchange year at Shanghai's Fudan University in 1993. It was here that he met his future wife, Stacey, setting the stage for a deep personal connection to China that would span decades. His academic pursuit of Chinese language and culture included translating previously untranslated Chinese literature, showing his early commitment to bridging cultural understanding.
What makes Jason's story particularly compelling is his perspective on being in China during what he calls its "golden age" from the late 1990s to early 2010s. As he shares in the episode: "Golden ages, you don't often recognize them when you're in it. Unfortunately, you need the distance of time to be able to take a look back over your shoulder and see it."
Key highlights from Jason's journey include:

• The impact of childhood exposure to Asian culture through his family's time in Singapore
• His academic journey from Chinese language studies to becoming a cultural bridge
• Living through and witnessing China's dramatic economic and social transformation
• The challenges and rewards of maintaining a family life split between Shanghai and Brisbane
• The evolution from being a cultural outsider to finding a unique identity in the "liminal space" between cultures
• Jason offers valuable insights into maintaining curiosity and engagement with a culture over decades, including his current approach to staying connected with his family while working in Shanghai. His story is particularly relevant for those considering long-term international careers or facing the challenges of maintaining family relationships across borders.

This episode of Wayfinders reminds us that sometimes the most enriching journeys aren't just about where we go, but about maintaining our curiosity and interest in the cultures we encounter along the way. As Jason puts it, it's not about being interesting, but about staying interested.