Strategic C-level China expertise on call
Building bridges and shaping transformation
Contact details: Renate H. Sattler
Phone: +49 151 28841087
E-mail: rs@sattlerinterim.com
Responsibility at the interface of markets and cultures
In the area of conflict between different markets, cultural influences and economic systems, I take on the operational leadership role, especially in situations in which the business environment in China becomes more complex. With my experience in international business, I act as a strategic mediator at the interfaces, building bridges between Western and Chinese players. My approach is characterized by a fine balance between understanding and assertiveness – always with the aim of making the best possible use of opportunities arising from diversity and differences. In doing so, I contribute my expertise in transformation processes and my deep understanding of entrepreneurial and cultural dynamics.
Bridge builder, source of inspiration and trustworthy sparring partner
As a designer of sustainable change, I take responsibility for the successful implementation of corporate transformation projects. Especially in challenging business relationships with China, I support managers as a trustworthy sparring partner who convinces with cultural sensitivity, strategic vision and demonstrable impact. My actions are based on intercultural intelligence and a deep understanding of both systems. This is how I promote sustainable results and secure long-term partnerships. Through critical questioning, pragmatic solution-finding and open dialog, I strengthen the ability of teams and companies to act in a complex global environment and successfully guide them through transformation phases together with my partners.
Interim COO China: Bridging leadership in crucial phases
Temporary management for transformation, efficiency and stability in China business
Your company is facing a particular challenge in China. Whether a change of management, turnaround, integration, separation or orderly withdrawal – in phases of upheaval or uncertainty, I temporarily take over the operational management of your China activities.
As an Interim Chief Operating Officer with a deep understanding of China, excellent networking and many years of C-level experience, I combine strategic leadership skills with practical process implementation. As a real decision-maker, I strengthen your local team and design sustainable processes.
Areas of application
- Transition management: seamless leadership during management changes or succession planning
- Crisis management: operational management in turnaround situations and market challenges
- M&A support: operational integration for joint ventures and acquisitions
- Performance improvement: increasing operational efficiency and profitability
- Market exit strategy: Professional handling and exit scenarios in China
My way of working
I am neither a consultant nor a permanent employee, but assume full operational responsibility for a defined period (3-18 months). My cultural authenticity and political connections enable me to find quick, sustainable solutions in complex China situations.
External China representative for strategy and market development
Part-time management for sustainable growth in China
If you need in-depth China expertise on a regular basis but do not want to create a full-time position, I can take over the strategic and operational management of your activities as an external China representative.
As an external China representative for strategy and market development, I support your company with targeted, clearly defined assignments based on your needs. I act as an extension of your management, acting directly on behalf of your company and managing all activities locally or from Germany.
Areas of application
- Systematic development and expansion of your China market presence: identification of relevant market opportunities, initiation and management of growth initiatives, development of viable market entry and expansion strategies.
- Development and maintenance of strategic partnerships: Approaching, selecting and selectively developing strong alliances and service providers, ensuring resilient collaborations for innovation, sales and production.
- Regular advice for your management and committees: Ongoing support for supervisory boards, management boards and advisory boards on strategic and operational China issues, including independent second opinions and ad-hoc recommendations for action.
- Intercultural team development and change management: Supporting employees and managers in the change process, promoting cooperation between German and Chinese units and mediating conflicts.
- Building and maintaining political relationships: Strategic networking and relationship management at all relevant levels – local contacts, authorities, associations and business organizations.
My way of working
You determine the intensity and rhythm of my assignment – whether individual on-site days, regular presence or hybrid models. In this way, you benefit from continuous China expertise and tailored management support. My proactive and trust-based approach ensures transparency, certainty of action and sustainable impact for your China business activities at all times.
China Purchasing Manager for Supplier Networks, Quality & Compliance
From the initial contact phase to successful ZÜS approval
I assume end-to-end responsibility for challenging procurement projects with China – from the targeted search for suppliers to quality-assured acceptance in Germany. As a China purchasing manager with a deep understanding of the market and intercultural competence, I combine the development of trusting relationships with the consistent implementation of German quality and compliance requirements. My goal is to establish sustainable, efficient and reliable supplier structures for your company.
Areas of application
- Strategic supplier identification: Systematic identification and evaluation of qualified Chinese producers through established B2B networks and industry contacts
- Initial contact phase & guanxi building: Bridging cultural barriers through authentic Chinese communication and long-term relationship building
- Quality assurance & compliance: Implementation of German quality standards at Chinese suppliers, taking into account all regulatory requirements
- ZÜS acceptance preparation: coordination of all technical documentation and quality certificates for successful acceptance by authorized inspection bodies in Germany
- Supply chain risk management: proactive risk assessment and mitigation through continuous supplier monitoring and diversification strategy
My way of working
I provide end-to-end support from the initial market overview through to integration into existing production and quality processes in Germany. Thanks to my many years of work in China, my activities in business-related institutions and my resilient network, I know the relevant regulatory interfaces and can structure and support the process efficiently.
Crisis management & realignment in China business
Operational crisis support & realignment for your China business
In critical moments of your China business, I am at your side as an external crisis manager and sparring partner. As an experienced crisis manager with a deep understanding of China, I take on responsibility promptly, lead your team safely through acute phases, implement sustainable solutions and support you in strategic realignment or a successful new start
Areas of application
- Crisis response management: immediate damage limitation in the event of reputational crises, compliance violations or operational disruptions through established stakeholder relationships
- Geopolitical crisis management: Navigation through trade tensions, sanctions or regulatory changes with direct government contacts
- Digital & Operational Transformation: Managing ERP migrations, digitalization projects and process optimizations in culturally sensitive environments
- Post-M&A integration: Operational integration of joint ventures, acquisitions or carve-outs with a focus on cultural harmonization
- Turnaround management: restructuring China activities through operational excellence and stakeholder management
My way of working
I am available at short notice and work on clearly defined mandates – flexible, focused and solution-oriented. Depending on the complexity of the situation, I will support you over a period of 3 to 12 months – from initial damage limitation to the implementation of sustainable change measures.
I combine rapid operational management (“fire department function”) with a strategic perspective on transformation and resilience – always in close coordination with your internal teams and external partners.
Strategic China consultant for German SMEs
Your guide to market success in China - specialized, practical, tailor-made
China offers many SMEs enormous growth opportunities, be it through new sales markets, technology partnerships or digital business models. At the same time, however, market access is complex and resource-intensive.
As a strategic China consultant, I provide your company with targeted support in the development and implementation of sustainable China strategies – from the initial market assessment to market entry planning and successful establishment on the ground. My focus is on realistic and practicable solutions that are specifically tailored to the structures and decision-making processes of German SMEs.
Typical fields of application
- Market entry strategy China: Analysis, positioning and go-to-market plan for your business model
- Partnership development: Identification and development of strategic alliances with Chinese companies
- Digital strategy China: Support in the development of viable approaches for e-commerce, automation and data-driven business models in the China context in cooperation with local partners.
- Funding programs & government relations: Orientation in local funding landscapes and economic policy programs for SMEs
- Cross-border innovation: development and management of innovation cooperation between German and Chinese companies
My way of working
I support medium-sized companies in a flexible, practical and transparent manner. I tailor my consulting services to your specific requirements, accompany you from strategy to implementation and measure progress based on clear milestones and KPIs. Most of the collaboration takes place efficiently remotely, supplemented by targeted presence for important appointments in China. My approach combines strategic vision with operational implementation strength, intercultural sensitivity and a clear focus on solutions that work in your day-to-day business.
Intercultural leadership training for German-Chinese cooperation
Connecting cultures. Creating success - your bridge builder training
Cultural misunderstandings often put a strain on collaboration and can quickly turn promising projects into risk factors.
As an experienced China manager, bridge builder and graduate industrial engineer, I provide you with targeted support in breaking down cultural barriers and building sustainable partnerships for success.
With my practical training program, you will strengthen intercultural communication, effective negotiation skills, team cohesion and solution-oriented conflict management.
Target group
Managers
Format
Compact programs with intensive workshops, team coaching and individual support
Topics
- Intercultural communication
- Conducting negotiations
- Leadership & motivation in mixed teams
- Conflict prevention and resolution strategies
Why this coaching?
According to studies, over 60% of internationally active companies see cultural differences as a serious obstacle with economic consequences of over 10% of the contract value. In practice, many of these risks can be avoided through targeted preparation and management training.
Your added value
- Increased leadership confidence
- Stronger team loyalty
- Reliable communication at eye level
- Fewer conflicts – more joint results
Arrange a non-binding preliminary meeting now – and strengthen your intercultural leadership in a targeted manner.
China Market Entry Coaching for SMEs
Successful in China: Strategic coaching for SMEs
The Chinese market offers enormous potential – but entering it is complex and full of pitfalls. Regulatory hurdles, a lack of market transparency and cultural differences make sound preparation essential.
As an experienced bridge builder, China manager and former chairwoman of the German Chamber of Commerce Abroad, I will accompany you specifically on your way into the Chinese market and provide professional, cultural and SME-oriented support.
My coaching provides you with the clarity, structure and decision-making basis you need to develop your China activities realistically and effectively.
Target group
Managing directors, board members and decision-makers of SMEs with China ambitions
Format
Modular coaching programs based on personal needs analysis and tailored process planning; combination of intensive workshops and individual 1:1 support as well as practice-oriented analysis and implementation phases
Topics
- Market entry strategy: development of customized entry and expansion strategies tailored to your industry and target markets
- Partner search: Identification, approach and evaluation of suitable business and sales partners
- Regulatory navigation: support in applicable approval, legal and funding structures
- Cultural preparation: practical training on negotiation, business initiation and intercultural communication
Why this coaching?
China remains a strategically important market, but one that is difficult to calculate. Without a clear strategy and suitable partners, investments fizzle out and cultural misunderstandings become a brake on growth.
Your added value
- Clarity in strategy and decision-making processes
- Time and cost efficiency through targeted advice and support
- Early avoidance of expensive sources of error in the country
- Building trust with Chinese partners – at eye level
- Sustainable development of expertise and a structured market entry process
Arrange a non-binding preliminary meeting now – and make targeted preparations for your trip to China.
Boards & Advisory Coaching
Supervisory Board Excellence: Understanding China Governance
The increasing complexity of involvement in China poses particular challenges for supervisory and advisory boards. In addition to monitoring regulatory developments, issues of strategic management, compliance security and risk transparency are coming to the fore – particularly with regard to geopolitical tensions, supply chain dependencies and ESG expectations.
In this specialized coaching, I offer those responsible structured support in order to classify China-related issues at board level in a well-founded, risk-conscious and mandate-compliant manner.
Target group
Members of the Supervisory Board, Advisory Board or Management Board with responsibility for China-relevant business areas, investments or shareholdings
Format
The confidential individual or small group coaching (max. four people) enables maximum interaction and a targeted exchange of experiences among the decision-makers. The program is designed flexibly and is geared towards specific mandate requirements, reporting cycles and strategic decision-making windows. There is a choice of face-to-face sessions, virtual modules and individual coaching sessions.
Topics
- China-specific corporate governance: Internal organizational structure and control functions for management, monitoring and strategic decision-making.
- Regulatory environment & compliance: External legal and regulatory Chinese requirements, operational implementation, risk assessment, dealing with authorities and international reporting requirements
- Strategic supervision: development and active support of strategic management and control instruments for market risks, joint ventures, participation structures and exit scenarios
- Complexity & geopolitical risk:
Scenarios, early warning indicators, analysis of geopolitical developments, supply chain volatility, cyber threats and reputational risks - Intercultural decision-making:
Improving board communication and conflict prevention with different expectations of German and Chinese stakeholders
Why this coaching?
The combination of strategic China knowledge and regulatory systematics offers you strategic orientation. The coaching enables you to identify relevant risks, ask the right questions and proactively assume your governance responsibilities in an international context.
Your added value
- Confident handling of China issues at board level
- Early recognition and avoidance of liability and reputational risks
- Reduction of information-related uncertainties on China topics
- Professional communication with the Management Board, auditors and investors
- Reliable management of growing China commitments in an international context
Arrange an orientation meeting now – for board governance that understands and strategically shapes China.
Women in China Business Coaching
Female leadership: Successful women in China
Women in management positions face particular challenges in the German-Chinese business world: from culturally influenced role expectations to network integration and strategic visibility.
As a successful female executive who enjoys acceptance and cultural credibility in China, I specifically support female decision-makers in establishing and expanding their effectiveness in China roles.
Target group
Female executives and high potentials in German-Chinese joint ventures, international companies and family businesses who want to advance their careers to board level or management.
Format
Peer coaching circles and 1:1 sessions, flexible according to personal needs
Topics
- Gender-specific leadership skills in China: acting confidently, staying authentic
- Strategic networking: Access to formal & informal networks – in Germany and China
- Cultural navigation: safely through Chinese expectation patterns and implicit rules of the game
- Work-life resources: individual solutions between performance demands and personal resilience
- Positioning & visibility: systematically strengthening your own role in the company and in China
Your added value
- Clear positioning as a female manager in the China environment
- Stronger presence and assertiveness at C-level
- Safe navigation through culturally defined gender roles
- Reliable sparring at eye level – with leadership experience and intercultural depth
- Sustainable performance through customized balance strategies
Arrange a non-binding introductory meeting with us. Together we will develop your individual coaching program for your success in China.
