Our expat community thrives on connection, and here at Jingkids, we’re all about our readers, what they need and want in order to maximise their time here in Beijing. Every Monday, we’re going to feature a prominent member of our expat community and get to know them a little bit better.
AJ Donnelly is a British entrepreneur, actor, and voice artist, who has been living in China since 1999 and Beijing since 2004, His company, Cultural Keys Chinese Culture Company (WeChat: CulturalKeysCN), founded on his passion for Chinese culture and desire to share it with others, offers workshops, presentations, and team building activities all related to helping people experience and appreciate traditional Chinese culture.
What’s On Your Mind?
I have a task list that is approximately two years long! My main focus right now is Cultural Keys, trying to rebuild the business we have lost during the epidemic. So many people suffered in so many ways, and in terms of business, it obviously hit the tourism industry extremely hard. We are starting to get back on our feet now, but there is still a long road ahead, so I’m always thinking about new ways to reach potential customers and the new services we can provide for them. Aside from that, I’m also working on developing my acting career, and am currently writing a pilot for an indie sitcom I’d like to produce. So, never a quiet moment!
What’s Your Motivation To Get Moving?
I always want to be better, to do better. So for several years, my daily mantra has been “Divas fade, warriors evolve”. Both in business and in the acting industry, I try to never be a diva, to always be humble and realize how lucky I am to have the opportunities I have. Warriors don’t complain, don’t get bogged down with the daily challenges of life. They keep giving, keep fighting, always finding a way to survive, thrive, and help others to do so as well. So I definitely try to be a warrior in my daily life! Basically, you have to keep life interesting and varied, keep fighting and looking for inspiration in anything and everything. I think that’s the way to be happy anywhere.
How Do You Stay Sane In All The Madness?
100% it’s my wife and business partner, Nic, who keeps me safe, sound, sane, and stable 24/7. Without her, I’d either float off into the sky or bury my head in the ground! Of course, I think being a little bit insane does really help! I mean, think about it, living in such a different country, with such a different culture, trying to run your own company, while also developing a totally separate second career, and keeping a smile on your face while doing so? That’s probably got to be at least a little bit insane, hasn’t it? Sometimes you just have to embrace that insanity. It’s what makes you different from everyone else and can actually help you succeed sometimes. In terms of making it through the daily madness though, I do try to make some time for other distractions, like daily taichi to keep my body moving, daily study sessions to keep my mind active, and of course, daily video gaming to completely disconnect from everything else. That’s essential for a happy AJ!
Have someone you believe deserves some recognition for their outstanding contributions to our community? Nominate them for our weekly spotlight by writing their name in the comments below!
KEEP READING: Bella Schwartz Lives By The Motto “You Only Have One Life, So Live It Well”
Images: AJ Donnelly
