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A better businessman, and a better person

By Qian Yanfeng (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-04-20 07:57

Thirty-seven years after Richard Nixon's historic visit, his grand-nephew has followed him to China.

Devon Nixon, grandson of the late president's brother Donald, is studying at China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) in Shanghai. He believes exposure to China will help him become "both a better businessman and a better person."

"I knew I'd grow and experience so much more here, learning the language and culture, than if I just stayed at home," said the 26-year-old entrepreneur from California, who had already launched two start-up companies before coming to China last year.

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Now, eight months enrolling at CEIBS, Nixon has a full plate - doing his MBA course-work, leading the school's Student Committee, taking two Mandarin classes, running one of his start-ups with partners in Chile, and getting to know the local business community - and he is enjoying every minute of it.

"I'm incredibly happy here. When I look 20 years down the road and think about the decisions I've made, I'm very excited that I came to China instead of staying in the US," he said.

Shortly after graduating from Emory University in 2004, Nixon started a company aimed at improving the air quality in the US. He encountered technical difficulties and strained relations between his partners in the US and Sweden, however, and went to work for a major healthcare company instead. In 2006, he launched a second start-up in Chile.

At CEIBS, Nixon is keen to learn how to grow a successful business and looks forward to starting his own company in China.

"I'm not planning to go back to the US any time soon. I'll be here for a while. Building a successful company is, without question, a goal that I will achieve - whether immediately or down the road," said Nixon. He is looking for opportunities in health care or the environment, but says he is keeping his options open.

"It takes a certain personality to be an entrepreneur, and Devon has just that energy, determination, and lack of fear, combined with strategic planning ability," said Bill Keithler, a fellow MBA student.

Within the Student Committee, Nixon is helping to create a new student lounge and to improve access to the alumni network, according to the Student Committee's career development representative Jess Zhang. "He's definitely a leader. Sometimes, he makes me wonder whether being a politician is hereditary," she chuckled.

But both agreed that Nixon "never trades on his great uncle's legacy, which he easily could do."

Nixon himself is very aware of his family heritage in China.

"Knowing the great things my great-uncle has done for the world is a very humbling feeling for me. I always remember, in the back of my mind, that I am representing the Nixon family, and the legacy that comes with that. I have to be aware of how I act at all times," he said.

Above all, Devon Nixon is happy to be experiencing and learning about China, a country he feels he will always be connected with.

This connection stems not only from his great-uncle, but also from his own strong belief that China and the US will be the two superpowers of the 21st century.

Nixon does not rule out politics in his future, but says his first priority is to start a company and become successful in business. He is trying to hone the skills needed to understand and succeed in China - learning the Chinese language and culture and getting to know the country.

Also, he says, he is learning on a daily basis about the "cultural differences or nuances behind communication." Such lessons are important for anyone, but especially for someone hoping to run a cross-cultural business, he believes.

"I hope I can be of assistance in fostering understanding between the two nations and bringing them together. These two countries will be guiding the world and making decisions to either benefit, or not benefit, the people of the world," he said.

"I want to do everything I can to make sure they are hand in hand and moving in the right direction and doing positive things for people."