Wen-Szu Lin: Lessons learnt from Franchise Failure to Scaling Uber in Asia - E696

Wen-Szu Lin: Lessons learnt from Franchise Failure to Scaling Uber in Asia - E696

Author: Jeremy Au May 18, 2026 Duration: 34:09

In this episode of the BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech Podcast, Jeremy Au is joined by Wen-Szu Lin who opens up about the brutal reality of entrepreneurship, from securing the master franchise for Auntie Anne's in China just before the 2008 Olympics, to navigating massive business failure, and eventually scaling Uber's Community Operations across Asia.

Wen-Szu shares the untaught lessons that propelled his corporate success after his startup collapsed. Discover the hidden challenges of operating a foreign food brand in Beijing, how strict local regulations stifled growth, and why a "growth mindset" is the ultimate tool for tech leaders and founders. Whether you are building a startup in Southeast Asia, exploring venture capital, or looking to growth hack your career, this candid conversation about bouncing back from a failed venture is essential listening.

Check out Wen-Szu Lin’s books The China Twist and Deliver: The untaught lessons to growth hack your career at www.wenszulin.com 


00:00 - Introduction 

01:46 - Wen-Szu Lin's Background & Journey to China

04:55 - Securing the Auntie Anne's Master Franchise

07:23 - The Reality of Doing Business in Beijing (2008 Olympics)

11:42 - Why the Pretzels Failed: Malls, Regulations & Foot Traffic

16:19 - Knowing When to Fold & Moving to the Philippines

20:41 - Overcoming the Stigma of Failure: Writing "The China Twist"

24:42 - Scaling Uber's Community Operations in Asia

27:53 - Untaught Lessons: Writing "Deliver"

30:28 - Following Curiosity Over Bravery

31:54 - Three Key Mindsets for Success & Conclusion

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/wen-szu-lin-deliver

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at https://www.bravesea.com

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#Philippines #China #Franchise #Business #Podcast #southeastasia #techpodcast


There’s a unique energy building across Southeast Asia, a sense of possibility that’s palpable from Singapore’s skyscrapers to the bustling streets of Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur. BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech captures that momentum by going beyond the headlines and funding announcements. Host Jeremy Au, a venture capitalist and serial founder with a background from Harvard and Berkeley, steers these conversations with a distinct perspective-one that balances the hard metrics of growth with the very human elements of leadership and personal development. Each episode feels like a candid, in-depth dialogue, whether he’s speaking with a first-time founder navigating early traction or a seasoned investor mapping regional trends. You’ll hear genuine stories about building companies, the tough lessons learned from failures, and the often-overlooked journey of staying grounded while scaling rapidly. This isn’t about presenting a polished facade of success; it’s about the real work of creating something meaningful. With over eighty thousand regular listeners, this podcast has become a key resource for anyone invested in the region’s tech ecosystem. Jeremy brings his own experiences as a sci-fi enthusiast and a father into the mix, often exploring how broader perspectives on the future and empathy shape better leaders. Tune in for practical insights on venture capital, entrepreneurship, and management, all framed within the vibrant and complex tapestry of Southeast Asia. New conversations arrive every Monday, offering a thoughtful pause to reflect on how we build what’s next.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech: Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand & Malaysia Startups, Founders & Venture Capital VC (English)
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