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!
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com