Beijing Bound
Subtitle
A Foreigner Discovers China
In "Beijing Bound: A Foreigner Discovers China," Glen Loveland takes readers on an intimate journey through the complexities of modern China, blending personal discovery with cultural exploration. After leaving his career in Washington D.C. in 2007, Loveland embarks on what was meant to be a one-year adventure that stretches into a transformative thirteen-year stay in Beijing.
Through vivid storytelling and keen observation, Loveland captures a pivotal moment in Chinese history—the pre-2008 Olympics era when Beijing was "a clashing mosaic of old and new, a capital striving to fuse ancient traditions with modern ambition." His narrative goes beyond typical travelogue territory, delving deep into the cultural nuances, personal relationships, and societal shifts that defined this dynamic period.
As a gay man navigating both professional and personal life in Beijing, Loveland offers unique insights into China's evolving LGBTQ+ community, workplace dynamics, and social conventions. His experiences range from humorous cultural misunderstandings to profound observations about love, identity, and belonging in a rapidly changing society.
More than just a memoir, "Beijing Bound" offers an intimate portrait of China during a time of unprecedented openness and optimism. Through Loveland's eyes, readers witness a Beijing that feels both ancient and urgently modern, a city where traditional values and contemporary ambitions create a fascinating tapestry of daily life. His story speaks to anyone who has ever dreamed of reinventing themselves in a foreign land, while offering thoughtful insights into one of the world's most compelling cultures.
Through stories of unexpected friendships, cultural awakening, and personal transformation, Loveland creates a deeply personal account that illuminates both the challenges and rewards of truly immersing oneself in another culture.
Bio
Glen Loveland is a cross-cultural expert and career development strategist who currently serves as Assistant Director of Career Development at the prestigious Thunderbird School of Global Management, ranked #1 for innovation in international business education. In this role, he leverages his unique global experience to guide the next generation of international business leaders, drawing on his extensive background in both U.S. politics and Asian corporate culture.
Before joining Thunderbird's Career Management Center, Loveland spent over a decade in Beijing during one of China's most transformative periods. After leaving his position as a congressional staffer on Capitol Hill in 2007, he became one of the first Western executives to serve in senior human resources roles at major Chinese organizations, including China Global Television Network. His pioneering position allowed him to witness firsthand China's rapid evolution, from the optimism of the pre-Olympics era through the significant cultural and political shifts of the early 21st century.
As a human resources leader at global organizations including The Walt Disney Company and CGTN, Loveland has overseen the recruitment and cultural integration of hundreds of international professionals in China, giving him unparalleled insight into both the professional and personal dimensions of East-West relations. This expertise now directly benefits Thunderbird's diverse student body, who represent over 140 nations and seek to navigate complex global career paths.
At Thunderbird, Loveland specializes in helping international students translate their cross-cultural experiences into compelling career narratives. He combines his practical experience in global talent management with the school's cutting-edge approach to international business education, preparing students for leadership roles in an increasingly interconnected world.
His work in global talent management and cross-cultural communication has made him a trusted advisor to multinational organizations navigating the complexities of US-China business relations. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Loveland continues to bridge cultural divides through his work at Thunderbird while maintaining an active international business consulting practice. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts and completed advanced Mandarin Chinese studies at the Beijing Language and Culture University.
Praise for this book
An endlessly fascinating snapshot of life in Beijing at the very beginning of the twenty-first century... Loveland blends memoir, travelogue, and geopolitical commentary in this nonfiction exploration of modern China.
Library Journal
Loveland's warm, inviting tones paint a Beijing that feels hard to leave, and his recollections sigh with nostalgia, conjuring a city where 'the vibrant exchange of ideas and the warm embrace of foreign influences would be supplanted by a more insular, controlled environment.
Publisher's Weekly
