Q+A: Jeff Lyndon

I have a very tight schedule during workdays. If I have time at weekends, I spend it with family.

Jeff Lyndon, co-founder and executive vice-president of iDreamsky.

How often do you play games?

When I was a kid, I spent all my time playing all sorts of games. I was a bad model. I seized all the opportunities to play games on school nights when my parents were not around. I don't have that much time to play now but I still manage to try as many games as I can because I need the experience for my business.

What's your favorite game?

8 Ball Pool from Miniclip (SA) and Star Wars: Tiny Death Star from Disney (The Walt Disney Co) are the games that I play most at the moment.

What are the most important elements to make a successful mobile game?

Quality, theme and culture.

What are your most treasured possessions?

My family.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

Professionally speaking, we've successfully grown a six-man company into a leader in the mobile game industry. But, personally speaking, to be able to support my family to have a better and happier life is a bigger achievement than my professional gain.

What's the best way to break the ice with a Western businessman you've met for the first time?

The most important way to break the ice with a potential foreign partner is to understand their concerns about the Chinese market. I believe a lot of foreign businesspeople have heard some horror stories about doing business in China. You need to see whether or not you can help with their concerns. If not, they can never trust you the way you want them to.