For those who still believe they are the bee’s knees, come out to East Asia and you’ll soon have the stuffing knocked out of you. No matter what previous hits you’ve racked up, you start off from zero, as just another loudmouthed puffed-up Caucasian (or ethnic — same difference) when dealing with an East Asian firm (yes, possible to generalize in this matter).

For an excruciating lesson in humility (extending to humiliation) go work in Japan a couple of years. Or try to link up with a reputable Chinese or Singaporean company. They’ll teach you how to behave yourself (if you’re lucky — otherwise they’ll just slough you off).