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> Luisa Rust
Luisa Rust
- How did you come to be living and working in Shanghai?
I joined the Australian Trade Commission’s Food and Beverage Team in 2004 and later worked for Austrade in Japan from 2009. I started in my present position as Trade Commissioner in Shanghai in 2010, managing the China Agribusiness Team.
- What are some of your daily work activities?
I manage Austrade’s China Agribusiness strategy and manage our China Agribusiness team, which has seven members spread over our 14 offices in China. Every day is different; I meet Australian companies seeking to develop their market, Chinese companies seeking to buy Australian products and Chinese government officials who we work with to encourage cooperation between Australia and China. I often travel to the provinces outside of Shanghai and that’s always interesting and different.
- In your role, what are the highlights of working with different cultures?
Due to the sheer size of China, a highlight is discovering all the different cultural and regional differences. I now know to never make assumptions and always look out for the surprises along the way. I’ve seen lunch “Ganbei” drinking sessions of local red wine with Chinese school Officials in the school canteen, something I'd never imagine my Primary school teacher ever doing! Another surprise was when I visited on holiday a small fourth-tier city hotel to be greeted by paparazzi-like photographers, bouquets of flowers and VIP check-in. This all appeared in a local paper as - ‘an Australian Government Official had arrived…’ I wish I had worn a suit and some makeup! I have since realised that you are always on show in China and ‘Government Official’ has a different meaning and influence here.
- How do you manage the cultural differences?
I deal with most of my staff and stakeholders virtually (online), as many of them are in different provinces of China. I had to get to know them well; their background, family, education and personal experiences. Through this process I've a gained a better understanding of the culture and this really assisted in managing performance, motivation and also getting everyone to work as a team. Understanding the local language is really important – and is certainly my biggest challenge.
I also found that understanding the Chinese education system and how Chinese companies operate gave me a better understanding of some very distinct ways of working. Chinese understanding and expectations of leadership are quite different to Australia, so I have had to change and adapt my style to suit. Chinese are very conscious of hierarchy. It’s very important to understand staff seniority and who has influence in the office, as that is paramount to influencing the rest of the team. You also have to be careful not to embarrass or cause loss of face. By understanding Chinese culture you build trust with your staff, colleagues and business associates.
- What do you enjoy most about living in Shanghai?
I feel I am in the middle of history here, as China is undergoing such fundamental change. Shanghai is the biggest and one of the most dynamic cities in China and the view from my apartment changes every day. The life is fast and exciting with so many opportunities related to my work – it can get exhausting… but I manage to achieve a balance by exploring Shanghai culture, language and food with my wonderful Shanghai friends.
- How can Australia make a stronger contribution towards building positive relations in Asia?
Encourage school students to learn mandarin! Language is the key to learning about a culture, lifestyle, business practice, or understanding a country and a market. Many people say ‘I don’t need the language’ - but I feel they don’t make the in-depth connections that are vital to “guanxi”. You may get through a few layers without language skills, but never to the middle of the onion.
Luisa is an alumnus of the Asialink Leaders Program 2007.
