E93 Gabby's Journey from China to Celebrity Marketing in New York City

Join us as Gabby Gabriel, the visionary founder of GAB Inc. and GAB China, shares her incredible journey from teaching English in Shanghai to leading a global marketing empire. With an adventurous spirit and a talent for turning challenges into opportunities, Gabby transformed a spontaneous move to China into a decad of entrepreneurial success. From building one of China’s largest LGBTQ communities to launching GAB China—a powerhouse agency connecting brand with Chinese markets—and expanding her vision through GAB Inc., Gabby’s story is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and cross-cultural leadership. In this episode, Gabby takes us through her evolution from a private tutor in Shanghai to a celebrated entrepreneur featured by the BBC as a “Shanghai expert.” She dives into the inception of GAB China, her navigation of China’s complex digital landscape, and the serendipitous New York encounter that led to Second Wind Media, a venture with Lady Gaga’s father, Joe Germanotta. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a global thinker, or simply captivated by stories of grit and connection, Gabby’s narrative offers profound insights into building businesses that bridge cultures and create lasting impact. 🔑 KEY HIGHLIGHTS GAB CHINA: BRIDGING BRANDS AND CHINA’S MARKETS Gabby unveils how GAB China became a go-to agency for international brands, leveraging her expat insights to help companies like Marriott and Adidas thrive in China’s dynamic digital ecosystem. FROM COMMUNITY TO EMPIRE: THE BIRTH OF GAB INC. Learn how Gabby’s early ventures—like growing an LGBTQ+ WeChat group to 10,000 members—laid the foundation for GAB Inc., a global parent company driving marketing innovation across Asia and the Americas. THE APP THAT SPARKED RESILIENCE Gabby reflects on her bold attempt to launch an LGBTQ+ app, its funding struggles, and how its failure fueled her determination to succeed with GAB China and beyond. NEW YORK SERENDIPITY: SECOND WIND MEDIA Hear how a chance happy hour in New York led to a partnership with Joe Germanotta, spawning Second Wind Media—an entertainment marketing venture blending Gabby’s global expertise with American flair. SURVIVING SHANGHAI’S LOCKDOWN Gabby shares her harrowing experience during the 2022 Shanghai lockdown, a turning point that accelerated her U.S. return and sharpened her remote leadership skills. ACTIONABLE ADVICE FOR ENTREPRENEURS Gabby offers gems on working smarter—prioritizing relationships over immediate profits, embracing partnerships, and trusting gut instincts—plus her call for young entrepreneurs to live abroad for self-discovery. RESOURCES & LINKHS Learn More About GAB Inc.: thegabinc.com Explore GAB China: gab-china.com Connect with Gabby on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gabbygabriel Podcast Website: foundersecretspod.com 🔔 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: @foundersecretspod TikTok: @foundersecrets Twitter: @founder_secrets LinkedIn: Founder Secrets Podcast 🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/4h59tyer WATCH THE PODCAST https://www.youtube.com/@foundersecretspod ⚡ SPONSORED BY DASH Simplify your success with Dash! From CRM management to social media, bookkeeping, and more, Dash provides top-tier remote talent solutions so you can focus on growing your business. Learn more: hirewithdash.com 🔔 DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE! Enjoyed this episode? LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring conversations with world-changing founders.