Shan You: Global Business Strategist and Tech Leader at Smardaten Technologies
Shan You is a dynamic business leader, tech strategist, and public speaker, currently the International Division Head at Smardaten Technologies, specialising in big data, AI, and no-code solutions. Her career spans Fortune 500 consulting, luxury retail, and tech innovation, making her a bridge between business and technology.
A graduate of Shanghai Jiaotong University and HEC Paris, Shan began her career in strategy consulting with companies like Air Liquide and Accenture. Her entry into tech came unexpectedly when she took on an Executive Vice President role in business intelligence, quickly becoming a key industry voice at global summits like Huawei Connect Europe.
At Smardaten, Shan leads global expansion efforts, focusing on the EU, Middle East, Mexico, and Southeast Asia, driving innovation in Generative AI and automated solutions. Featured on BBC World News and BBC Radio 5, and a contributor to the World Economic Forum, she is known for her insights into cross-cultural collaboration and the ethical integration of AI into business.
Shan’s commitment to ethical tech and global innovation solidifies her as a key figure in the digital transformation space, shaping the future of business through responsible technology practices.
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Shan You’s career journey is anything but conventional. Transitioning from Fortune 500 companies and leading a luxury jewelry brand to becoming a tech expert in big data and AI was both unexpected and challenging. Currently the Head of International Division at Smardaten Technologies, Shan is at the forefront of a new wave of no-code technology powered by data and AI. Her adaptability and vision have positioned her as a key player in tech innovation.
The Journey from Jewelry to Tech Leadership
Shan’s entry into the tech world happened by chance. “I bumped into the IT industry purely unintentionally,” she says. After building her luxury jewelry brand, Orchira, and leading it for more than a decade, Shan returned to China to be closer to her elderly parents. It was during this time that she was approached by a Shanghai-listed business intelligence company, where she was appointed as Executive Vice President (EVP).
Within six months, Shan was already making waves, quickly rising as an industry expert and speaking at prestigious summits and conferences. She excelled in laying out strategic roadmaps, product blueprints, and marketing strategies. After 3.5 years, she joined Smardaten Technologies, a cutting-edge company specialising in big data-powered no-code platforms, as the Head of the International Division.
However, despite its advanced architecture, Smardaten faced significant challenges. As a Chinese start-up with almost no brand recognition outside of China, breaking into Western markets, especially with rising concerns over Chinese tech, was a formidable task. “The challenge is vast,” Shan explains. “Our 4th generation of big data-powered no-code technology is virtually unknown outside China. Cracking the Western markets is a big hurdle.”
Adaptability as a Key to Success
Shan attributes much of her success to her natural adaptability and versatility. From learning the violin to mastering French during her time at HEC Paris, she has always thrived in challenging environments. “During my business degree, I had zero knowledge of French, yet within three months, I achieved fluency and was admitted into one of the most prestigious programs, receiving high praise from President Nicolas Sarkozy.”
Her transition into the tech industry followed a similar path. “I was riding a rocket of learning every day,” Shan says. Her exceptional memory and comprehension skills allowed her to quickly grasp vast amounts of technical information, which she applied in client meetings and internal discussions. Within eight months, she was delivering keynote speeches at high-tech conferences, impressing attendees with her deep insights and innovative ideas.
Shan believes that her non-tech background has been an asset. “Coming from a different industry gives me fresh perspectives. I can spot core issues faster and come up with innovative solutions more easily than industry veterans,” she notes.
A Vision for the Future of Big Data, AI, and No-Code
Shan’s predictions for the future of big data, AI, and no-code technologies are compelling. “In the next five years, I see these three technologies merging deeper to create immense power and energy,” she explains. Smardaten’s technology, which treats data as the foundation for generating software and workflows, is paving the way for a new era of intelligent, autonomous systems.
With Generative AI (GenAI) now embedded in Smardaten’s no-code platform, the company is creating faster, more automated functionalities that improve efficiency across industries. “This fusion will give companies a true edge in delivering smoother, more efficient software solutions that better serve society.”
Strategic Goals and Global Expansion
Shan’s immediate goal is to establish Smardaten as a key player in international markets, including the EU, Middle East, Mexico, and Southeast Asia. “We are focusing on building a healthy network of channel partners in these regions to grow our pipeline and ensure long-term profitability,” she says. This global expansion strategy is at the heart of her mission for the coming years.
Personal Development and Influences
Beyond her professional goals, Shan is a strong advocate for mental clarity and self-development. She draws inspiration from spiritual leaders like Jiddu Krishnamurti, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Dzongsar Jamyang Kyentse Rinpoche. Their teachings have helped her achieve a state of inner peace and focus, allowing her to manage stress and enhance her productivity.
“These books have greatly influenced my ability to eliminate unnecessary thoughts and focus on the present moment. It’s helped me conserve energy and purify my thinking, which has been invaluable in both my personal and professional life,” Shan reflects.
Dream Dinner Guests: Wisdom from Spiritual and Business Leaders
When asked who she would like to have dinner with, Shan selects three influential figures: Buddha Shakyamuni, Jiddu Krishnamurti, and Mr. Dewang Cao, the founder of Fuyao Glass Industry Group. “Buddha Shakyamuni and Jiddu Krishnamurti’s teachings have guided me in my spiritual practice, and I would love the opportunity to ask them deeper questions,” she says.
Mr. Dewang Cao, meanwhile, is a business legend whose story resonates deeply with Shan. Despite his humble beginnings, Cao built the world’s largest glass manufacturing company and applied Buddhist principles to both his business and personal life. “His wisdom intrigues me,” Shan shares. “He built an empire while staying true to his values, and that’s something I aspire to.”
Innovating the Future with Integrity
Shan You’s journey from luxury jewelry to big data and AI leadership demonstrates the power of adaptability, innovation, and perseverance. As she continues to lead Smardaten Technologies into international markets, her fresh perspective and visionary leadership are transforming how companies approach no-code and data-powered solutions.
With a focus on global expansion, ethical tech, and personal development, Shan is not just shaping the future of technology but also serving as a role model for leaders across industries.
For more information about Shan’s work and Smardaten Technologies, visit www.smardaten.net.
Q&A with Shan You: From Luxury to Leading in Big Data and AI
Q: How did you transition from running a luxury jewelry brand to becoming an expert in big data and AI?
Shan You: My entry into the tech industry was entirely unintentional. After over a decade running my jewelry brand, Orchira, I returned to China to be closer to my elderly parents. By chance, my profile caught the attention of a Shanghai-listed business intelligence company, and I was appointed as their EVP. The learning curve was steep, but I quickly adapted and started speaking at global conferences as an industry expert. After 3.5 years, I joined Smardaten Technologies, leading their international division, and focused on expanding their cutting-edge big data-powered no-code platform.
Q: What challenges did you face in introducing Smardaten Technologies to the global market?
Shan You: Smardaten’s technology is far more advanced than many other no-code platforms, but it’s still a young start-up with little global recognition. The fact that it’s a Chinese company adds to the challenges, especially with the Western world’s apprehension toward Chinese technology. Cracking the Western market has been one of our biggest hurdles, but we’re steadily building brand awareness and trust.
Q: How did you manage to adapt so quickly in such a different industry?
Shan You: I’ve always been highly adaptable, and I love learning new things. My diverse experiences, from playing the violin to learning French fluently within three months, prepared me to take on challenges. In tech, I absorbed vast amounts of information quickly through client meetings and internal discussions. I’ve found that coming from a different industry gives me fresh insights, which help me solve problems more creatively than some industry veterans.
Q: What are your predictions for the future of big data, AI, and no-code technologies?
Shan You: Over the next five years, I believe we’ll see a deeper fusion of these technologies. The combination of big data, AI, and no-code solutions will create immense power. Smardaten’s platform is a good example of this. We treat data as the core building block, and with Generative AI (GenAI) embedded, our platform is making software development faster and more efficient. This kind of technology will revolutionize industries by offering smoother, more intelligent systems that can adapt to ever-changing needs.
Q: What personal goals do you have for the future?
Shan You: My main focus is establishing a strong foothold for Smardaten Technologies in international markets like the EU, Middle East, Mexico, and Southeast Asia. I want to see healthy, sustainable growth in these regions, with a robust network of channel partners and a strong P&L. Personally, I’m also focused on self-development, drawing inspiration from spiritual practices to maintain a calm, focused mind.
Q: Are there any books that have greatly influenced you?
Shan You: Absolutely. Books by Jiddu Krishnamurti, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Dzongsar Jamyang Kyentse Rinpoche have had a huge impact on me. Their teachings help me clear my mind of unnecessary thoughts, conserve energy, and focus on the present moment. This clarity has been invaluable in both my personal life and my work.
Q: If you could have dinner with three people, alive or historical, who would they be?
Shan You: I would choose Buddha Shakyamuni, Jiddu Krishnamurti, and Mr. Dewang Cao, the founder of Fuyao Glass Industry Group. I’ve gained so much from Buddhist teachings, and I’d love to ask Buddha and Krishnamurti deeper questions. Mr. Cao is a legendary entrepreneur who built a global empire while staying true to his values, and his story resonates deeply with me.
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