Next on The Cocoons
Work with Stella and Amy
We are Stella and Amy. We share firsthand stories and perspectives that are either lost in translation or simply inaccessible to you. Together, we bridge cultural divides and bring the world a little closer—one post at a time.
How It Started
It's been 5 months since we started this newsletter journey together. Stella and I often find ourselves in deep conversations about why we do what we do - sometimes on the podcast, sometimes just between us.
Stella and I first connected on ADPList. That spontaneous decision to record our first podcast together one week after we met was one of my better ideas!
In January 2024, we started the Mandarin podcast "數據女孩的中年危機" (Data Girls' Midlife Crisis) as a casual side project. After 50+ recordings with some truly remarkable guests, one thing has become crystal clear to both of us:
Authentic, firsthand perspectives and stories are irreplaceable, even in this age of AI.
Maybe especially in the age of AI.
Our Mission
We've been thinking a lot about our shared mission for The Cocoons.
We want to break down the information cocoons by:
Sharing authentic, firsthand stories from the intersection of tech, business, and culture
Empowering founders, executives, and teams to build practical, executable strategies for cross-cultural business success
Previously on The Cocoons, we shared societal challenges people face in China and feel disheartened, then look around at the situation in the US and see different but equally complex issues.
However, we're not doomers.
We believe the real opportunities lie with those willing to break through the echo chambers and build connections across borders. We want to go deeper - empowering you with valuable firsthand insights and methods for doing business and launching products across borders.
What’s Next on The Cocoons?
We envision The Cocoons becoming a diverse forum for people like you who see the problem of polarization but still want to understand and collaborate across global divides.
So what does this actually mean for your inbox?
Here's what you can expect from The Cocoons moving forward:
1. More cross-border perspectives
Bring in stories not just from Taiwan and Mainland China, but expand to include Vietnam, Japan, Singapore and beyond. We will invite guests who have the best understanding about these cultures and share their experiences and market predictions.
Examples:
2. Deeper industry dives and business strategies
Expect detailed playbooks and practical guides for APAC companies entering US markets and vice versa. Logistics, finance, insurance, e-commerce, and more verticals. Product, marketing,, sales, payments, and more functional areas. We will share our experience, insights, and predictions about these industries.
Examples:
(Next, we will publish more industry-specific reports and guidebooks. Practical advice from setting up payments, marketing, and sales, to how to assemble and manage an engineering/data team.)
3. Career trends and job market
Explore how professionals navigate evolving workplaces, harness new opportunities, and build resilient careers in rapidly changing job markets.
Examples:
4. Unfiltered, cultural blindspots
Share the current affairs that connect & divide us. Sometimes, the most valuable insights come from understanding social and cultural blindspots, not just business strategies.
Examples:
Join Us
The Cocoons will post weekly, now with more diverse content.
On March 1st, 2025, we're officially launching our membership programs. Some of our most valuable content will only be available to members.
The Cocoons Membership
Monthly ($20/month)
✍🏼 Full access to content
🤝 Monthly 1:1 with Stella or Amy (We will offer this benefit only to the first 5 monthly paid subscribers)
Annual ($200/year)
✍🏼 Full access to content
🤝 Monthly 1:1 with Stella or Amy
🎙️ One promotional feature on our podcast or newsletter (subject to content alignment)
Work with Us - AI Strategy with Stella and Amy
If you are interested in working with us more closely, we offer AI strategy / business consulting service. Refer to [this article] to see why working with builder-strategists like us is different from traditional business consultants.
Email us // stellaxamy@gmail.com // or
Become a member to start (the monthly 1:1 will be our kickoff meeting).
We are happy to help you navigate the cross-border business landscape.
Thank you for your support. We will keep going.
Best,
Stella and Amy
Please subscribe The Cocoons for more exclusive conversation snippets and stories.
We are Stella and Amy. We share firsthand stories and perspectives that are either lost in translation or simply inaccessible to you.
