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In Mexico City, Young Chinese Women Are Becoming Their Own Bosses

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As China’s global footprint expands, Zhao is part of a growing cohort of young Chinese women building overseas careers and leadership experience at Chinese corporations in emerging markets such as Mexico. It’s a crisp day. Zhao’s mission in Mexico City is to launch the first and flagship restaurant in the country for a global Chinese chain of hot pot restaurants. Two representatives from the contractor arrive with news. The opening, once scheduled for December, may be pushed to February. “They say I need to have ‘low expectations,’” Zhao says, her face clouding with frustration. “Oh my god!” Although starting a business in Mexico is forcing her to accept a slower pace of work than she would prefer, Zhao admits that she is getting ahead faster than had she stayed at home. The 26-year-old enjoys being in charge of the high-profile launch. “Without a doubt, working here will mean I gain work experience, develop management skills and adaptability, and learn to manage stress in a short period of time,” Zhao reflects in Chinese. “It’s a valuable opportunity for my personal growth and career development.” As China’s global footprint expands, Zhao is part of a growing cohort of young Chinese women building overseas careers and leadership experience at Chinese corporations in emerging markets such as Mexico.