In a rare public appearance, renowned entrepreneur and investor Duan Yongping joined Wang Shi and Tian Pujun for an in-depth dialogue in the documentary series "Speaking Together" Season 3. The conversation offered insights into Duan's business philosophy and personal values.
During the program, Duan systematically elaborated on his core principle of "Ben Fen" (doing what's right), which underpins his commercial and investment practices. He emphasized that investment fundamentally requires understanding the business, sharing key takeaways from his famous charity lunch with Warren Buffett—using "business model" and "corporate culture" as dual filters to identify companies like Apple and Kweichow Moutai.
Regarding corporate succession, Duan revealed that OPPO and vivo's sustained success stems not from individual authority but from prioritizing cultural fit over skills in hiring, coupled with a system that lets "time filter true companions." On marketing, he advocated absolute truthfulness distilled into practical methodology: "Communicate what users need to know with maximum efficiency."
Duan also shared unconventional perspectives on education, proposing that unconditional love builds security while bounded teaching establishes rules. He defined "ordinary mind" not as attitude but rationality—a perfect logical loop connecting to long-termism.
When asked about PDD Holdings Inc founder Huang Zheng being called his disciple, Duan clarified: "He never said that—we're friends. I've always considered him a good friend." He recounted bringing Huang to the Buffett lunch, where the most valuable lesson was Buffett's emphasis on business model as the primary filter for investments.
On contemporary issues, Duan advised young people against fixating on "involution" or "lying flat," urging them to find work they love. Regarding AI's rapid development, he acknowledged its efficiency-boosting potential while noting its unpredictable long-term impact.
Wang Shi praised Duan's ability to maintain an "ordinary mind" post-success, which Duan explained as rationality and long-term thinking—the essence of being a long-termist where "many problems resolve themselves over time."
The dialogue provided a comprehensive mapping of "Duan Yongping's intellectual system," demonstrating how sophisticated business strategy and grounded life philosophy share the same foundational code.
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