The Global Architect: Dr. Leo Li on Bridging the East-West Silicon Divide

Leo Li, former CEO of Spreadtrum, recounts his journey from a childhood marked by the Cultural Revolution to becoming a driving force in China's semiconductor industry. He details his early life, including working on a farm and teaching himself math to escape rural life by entering university. Li describes his experiences studying in the U.S. and later returning to China to lead Spreadtrum, transforming it from a distressed company to a market leader. He shares insights on managing teams with both Western and Chinese cultural approaches, emphasizing teamwork and direct communication. Li also reflects on the current U.S.-China relations in the semiconductor industry, advocating for collaboration and understanding between the two countries.