PODCAST · business
The Negotiation
by WPIC Marketing + Technologies
Despite being the world’s most potent economic area, Asia can be one of the most challenging regions to navigate and manage well for foreign brands. However, plenty of positive stories exist and more are emerging every day as brands start to see success in engaging and deploying appropriate market growth strategies – with the help of specialists. The Negotiation is an interview show that showcases those hard-to-find success stories and chats with the incredible leaders behind them, teasing out the nuances and digging into the details that can make market growth in APAC a winning proposition.
Episodes
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China's Green Energy Transition with David Fishman
David Fishman is a Principal at The Lantau Group, an Asia-Pacific energy consultancy based in Shanghai. He has spent his entire career advising investors, corporations, and governments on China's power sector: from coal and nuclear to solar, wind, and green power procurement. In this episode…
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The Xi-Trump Summit with Dr. Henry Wang and Jacob Cooke
In a special episode of The Negotiation, WPIC CEO Jacob Cooke sits down with Dr. Henry Wang, founder and president of the Center for China and Globalization (CCG), one of China's leading policy think tanks. The conversation takes place fresh off the Trump-Xi summit — a historic meeting that put…
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Zak Dychtwald on Chinese Companies Going Global (Part 2)
In Part 2 of his conversation with The Negotiation, Zak Dychtwald, founder and CEO of BridgeWorks Global, shifts from diagnosing the hidden tax on global business to addressing what it means for companies operating in or competing against China. Zak regularly briefs executives from Qualcomm,...
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Zak Dychtwald on Why Global Teams Break Down (Part 1)
Zak Dychtwald is the founder and CEO of BridgeWorks Global, a cross-geography collaboration lab based in Shanghai. He is the author of Young China: How the Restless Generation Will Change Their Country and the World, has lived in China for over a decade, and speaks Mandarin. His clients include...
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Light Therapy, Chinese Tech Brands, and 15 Years in China: Jim Fields on Building Across Both Markets
Jim Fields is an American entrepreneur who has spent over 15 years living and building businesses in China. He speaks fluent Mandarin, began his career at Adobe in Silicon Valley, and moved to China, where he worked at Nokia and Reckitt Benckiser before founding Relay Video in 2016 - a...
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Ha Bao, Empty Nets, and 1.8 Billion Views: Mark Dreyer on Football, China, and the 2026 World Cup
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. It was a tournament full of drama, upsets, and cultural moments - not least in China, where Xiaohongshu streamed all 104 matches for free and Norwegian striker Erling Haaland generated nearly…
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Two Platforms, Two Audiences: Crystal Yu on the Business of Influencing Across Instagram and Xiaohongshu
Most influencers build an audience on one platform and stay there. Crystal Yu operates across two ecosystems that couldn't be more different: Instagram in the West and Xiaohongshu in China. The content strategies, audience expectations, brand partnership dynamics, and even the definition of...
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China Tech in 2026: Rui Ma on Robots, Chips, and the Companies Winning the AI Race
Rui Ma, founder of Tech Buzz China and one of the most trusted English-language voices on China's technology sector, is back to break down everything happening in China’s tech landscape, from DeepSeek to humanoid robots. Rui runs in-person tech immersion trips to China for investors and…
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Leif Rogers on North American Sports in Asia, New Deals, and the Business of Fan Building in China
For North American sports in China, the appetite is there - millions of fans, growing middle-class purchasing power, a government actively promoting winter sports and athletic culture. However, the path from interest to revenue remains complicated. Leif Rogers has spent his career navigating...
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Baiguan’s Robert Wu on Real Estate, Robotaxis, and What's Actually Driving the Economy in 2026
The headlines about China's economy often tell two contradictory stories at once: recovery and stagnation, consumer confidence and persistent caution, tech boom and structural drag. Making sense of what's actually happening requires someone who's tracking the data closely, week by week, from the...
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From Abstract Models to Ground Truth: Eric Stryson on Operating Credibly in Asian Markets
Most global businesses enter Asia with a playbook built elsewhere. The pricing models, growth assumptions, labour structures, and definitions of value that worked in North America or Europe get applied to markets that operate by fundamentally different rules. The result, as Eric Stryson has...
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Inside China's Beauty Market with Jing Daily's Lisa Nan
Lisa Nan, Beauty Editor at Jing Daily, joins The Negotiation to break down what's really happening in China's beauty and luxury markets right now. From the rise of C-beauty brands challenging international players to the unexpected virality of Kris Jenner as China's 'money goddess,' Lisa tracks…
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How AI Is Reshaping Consumer Behavior with Dr. Nici Sweaney of AI Her Way
In this episode of The Negotiation, host Todd Embley welcomes Dr. Nici Sweaney, founder of AI Her Way and one of the most compelling voices on ethical AI adoption, gender equity in technology, and responsible AI systems. Nici has an extraordinary background. She started in butterfly ecology…
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Jacob Cooke on Alibaba's AI Bet, AI in China, China E-Commerce Data, and the Canada-China Reset
In this rapid-fire update episode of The Negotiation, our host, Todd Embley, sits down with Jacob Cooke, CEO and Co-Founder of WPIC Marketing + Technologies, for a fast-paced conversation covering the biggest developments in China's e-commerce and AI landscape. Jake unpacks Alibaba's recent...
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Colin Jeavons on How AI and Creators Are Redefining Digital Commerce
In this episode of The Negotiation, host Todd Embley welcomes Colin Jeavons, Founder and CEO of Nomix Group—a forward-thinking holding company reshaping digital commerce through AI, performance marketing, and creator-driven commerce. Colin is a veteran of the digital space with over 25 years of...
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The Reset in Canada-China Relations with Bijan Ahmadi
In this special episode of The Negotiation, WPIC CEO Jacob Cooke steps in as host to interview Bijan Ahmadi, Executive Director & COO at the Canada China Business Council—one of the leading organizations supporting Canadian businesses in China and strengthening bilateral commercial ties. This...
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A New Era in UK-China Relations: Inside PM Starmer's Historic Visit with Tom Simpson
In this episode of The Negotiation, host Todd Embley welcomes Tom Simpson, Managing Director of China Operations and China Chief Representative for the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC)—one of the leading organizations supporting UK businesses in China and strengthening bilateral commercial...
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Skiing in China and Japan: Growth, Participation, and the Road to Milan 2026
In this episode of The Negotiation podcast, host Todd Embley welcomes back Justin Downes, President of Axis Leisure Management and one of the foremost experts on skiing and winter sports development in Asia. With nearly two decades of experience shaping China’s ski and snowboard industry —...
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From Insight to Impact: Global Market Research with Nichola Quail
In this episode of The Negotiation Podcast, host Todd Embley sits down with Nichola Quail, Founder and CEO of Insights Exchange and a leading global market research strategist. Nichola works at the intersection of strategy, research, and execution, helping brands access the right insights to make...
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Mark Carney’s Beijing Visit and What It Means for Canadian Business in China
In this episode of The Negotiation Podcast, host Todd Embley is joined by Jacob Cooke, CEO of WPIC Marketing + Technologies, to unpack the significance of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Beijing—the first by a Canadian prime minister in eight years. Jacob provides a timely analysis...
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Manufacturing, Sourcing, and Risk Management in China with Richard Kimber
In this episode of The Negotiation Podcast, host Todd Embley is joined by Richard Kimber, an Australian and Hong Kong–admitted lawyer who has helped more than 400 companies enter and operate in the Chinese market. Richard brings decades of experience advising international businesses across...
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The Political Economy of China's E-commerce Boom with Lizhi Liu, Part 2
In Part 2 of our conversation with Professor Lizhi Liu, we shift from the origins of China’s e-commerce boom to the competitive dynamics shaping its present—and its future. Lizhi breaks down how major platforms like Taobao/Tmall, JD, and Pinduoduo have shaped institutional innovation through...
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The Political Economy of China's E-commerce Boom with Lizhi Liu, Part 1
In this first installment of our two-part conversation with Professor Lizhi Liu, Todd sits down with one of the leading scholars shaping global understanding of China’s digital economy. Lizhi’s award-winning book, From Click to Boom, explores how political institutions and digital platforms...
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Inside China’s Influencer Economy with Elysia Guo
In this episode of The Negotiation, host Todd Embley sits down with Elysia Guo, a rising voice in China’s influencer economy and an entrepreneur who has built a unique career at the intersection of strategy, creativity, and digital influence. Elysia shares her journey from a strategy consultant…
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32 Cities in 60 Days: Olivia Plotnick on the Real China Consumer Story
In this episode of The Negotiation, host Todd Embley welcomes back Olivia Plotnick, Founder of Wai Social and one of the most insightful voices on Chinese consumer culture and digital marketing. Olivia recently embarked on a remarkable journey across 32 cities in China over 60 days, immersing...
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Crystal Tai on China Luxury, Sportswear Trends, and Consumer Sentiment
In this episode of The Negotiation, host Todd Embley welcomes back Crystal Tai. Crystal is a journalist, cultural strategy researcher, and Managing Partner at Nüora Global Advisors. Formerly Senior Managing Editor at Jing Daily, her work explores how changing values + consumer behaviors, and…
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What’s Next for Canadian Business in China with CCBC’s David Perez-Des Rosiers
In this episode of The Negotiation, host Todd Embley sits down with David Perez-Des Rosiers, Director of the Beijing Chapter of the Canada-China Business Council (CCBC). The CCBC has been a cornerstone of Canada–China business relations for over four decades, supporting Canadian enterprises as…
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Unlocking China’s Cross-Border Boom with Tmall Global’s Nicole Lin
In this episode of The Negotiation, we are joined by Nicole Lin, Business Development Country Manager at Tmall Global. This conversation comes ahead of the China Cross-Border Summit in Los Angeles on October 16, 2025, co-hosted by WPIC and Tmall Global. Nicole shares how Tmall Global is helping...
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Inside China’s Demand for Wellness, Supplements, and Lifestyle Products with Emmanuel Poupelle
In this episode of The Negotiation, we welcome Emmanuel Poupelle, WPIC Marketing + Technologies’ Director of Growth for Europe, to explore how European lifestyle and health brands can succeed in China’s fast-changing consumer landscape. Originally recorded as a webinar, there were so many...
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Inside China’s Trail Running Boom with Clementine Pippa Ebel
In this episode of The Negotiation, we speak with Clementine Pippa Ebel, a cultural strategist and expert on China’s rapidly growing outdoor sports market. Clementine works for KAILAS, one of China’s top domestic outdoor gear brands, and brings unique insight into how Chinese consumers are...
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Housing, Confidence, and Consumption: China’s Demand-Side Story with Tianchen Xu (Part 2)
In Part 2 of our interview with EIU economist Tianchen Xu, we turn our focus to the Chinese consumer. Is spending recovering? What’s happening in the housing market? And are the big headline sales events like 618 masking deeper issues in consumer confidence? Tianchen walks us through the mixed...
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Navigating Growth and Geopolitics: A Mid-Year Outlook on China with Tianchen Xu (Part 1)
In Part 1 of our conversation with Tianchen Xu, Senior Economist at The Economist Intelligence Unit, we dig into China’s macro performance in the first half of 2025—and what the future may hold. Tianchen analyzes Q1’s headline 5.4% growth, discusses why the London trade truce between the US and...
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Jacob Cooke on 618, China’s Consumer Climate & What Tariffs Mean for Global Brands
In this episode of The Negotiation, host Todd Embley welcomes back WPIC CEO Jacob Cooke to share insights around two pivotal developments for global consumer brands: the framework trade agreement between the US and China, and China’s massive 618 shopping festival. Jacob breaks down the…
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AI, Chips, and Cloud: Kevin Xu on Where China’s Tech is Really Headed
In this episode of The Negotiation, host Todd Embley sits down with Kevin Xu, founder of the bilingual newsletter Interconnected, which offers sharp analysis on the intersection of technology, investing, and geopolitics between the United States and China. Kevin has become one of the most...
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Dr. Chui Chui Tan Part 2 | What Spotify, Bumble & Global Brands Get Right (and Wrong) About Cultural Expansion
In Part 2 of this special episode of The Negotiation, host Todd Embley continues the conversation with Dr. Chui Chui Tan, founder of Beyō Global. This episode focuses on practical examples from Chui Chui’s work with global brands, including Spotify and Bumble, and what it really takes to launch...
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Global Growth Starts with Culture: Dr. Chui Chui Tan on APAC Expansion and Strategic Insight
In Part 1 of this two-part episode of The Negotiation, host Todd Embley welcomes Dr. Chui Chui Tan, founder of Beyō Global and a leading voice in international growth strategy. With over 16 years of experience helping brands like Spotify, Bumble, and Google expand into new markets, Dr. Tan shares...
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Bringing European Brands to Asia with WPIC’s Director of Growth Emmanuel Poupelle (French Language Episode)
In this special French-language edition of The Negotiation, we welcome Emmanuel Poupelle, WPIC’s newly appointed Director of Growth, for a conversation hosted by Charles Lavoie, VP of Marketing at WPIC. Emmanuel brings years of on-the-ground experience in China’s retail and e-commerce industry.…
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Mark Kruger on China’s Macro Outlook
In this episode of The Negotiation, host Todd Embley is joined by Mark Kruger, a Senior Fellow at the Yicai Research Institute, Centre for International Governance Innovation, and the University of Alberta’s China Institute. Formerly with the Bank of Canada for three decades, Mark now resides in...
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The Next China Is Still China: Rui Ma (Part 2) on Tech, Tensions & Transformation
In Part 2 of our conversation with Rui Ma on The Negotiation podcast, we explore the evolving consumer tech and innovation landscape in China beyond AI. Rui shares her analysis on the rise of local life services, humanoid robotics, and China's dominance in electric vehicles—highlighting the…
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China’s Consumer Comeback: Jacob Cooke Breaks Down 2024 Consumption Data
In this episode of The Negotiation, we’re joined once again by Jacob Cooke, Co-founder and CEO of WPIC Marketing + Technologies. Jacob walks us through the key insights from WPIC’s latest data report profiling the fastest-growing consumer segments in China’s e-commerce market. Drawing from GMV…
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Rui Ma: The US-China AI Race (Part 1)
In this episode of The Negotiation podcast, host Todd Embley is joined by Rui Ma, a distinguished expert with nearly two decades of experience working in technology and finance in the U.S. and China. Rui provides deep insights into the current landscape of AI, focusing particularly on the...
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From Shanghai to Hokkaido: Skiing Across APAC with Justin Downes
Justin Downes returns to The Negotiation podcast to reflect on the recently concluded ski season in China and to discuss his new role in Hokkaido, Japan. With a career dedicated to advancing winter sports in Asia, Justin has been instrumental in the infrastructural development of ski resorts in...
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Peter Park on Growing Australian Brands in APAC
In this episode of The Negotiation podcast, Todd Embley sits down with Peter Park, WPIC’s latest addition in Melbourne and a recognized expert in Australia’s consumer brand sector and the APAC e-commerce landscape. Peter delves into his professional journey, his role at WPIC, and why the firm is…
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Joe Mazur: Analyzing U.S.-China Relations Under Trump's Second Term
In this episode of The Negotiation podcast, host Todd Embley speaks with Joe Mazur, Senior Analyst at Trivium China, on the complexities of the U.S.-China relationship in the early days of the second Trump administration. Joe offers a comprehensive overview of the trade measures implemented by…
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Elyse Ribbons on KOL Marketing in China
In this episode of The Negotiation podcast, Todd Embley has a captivating conversation with Elyse Ribbons, a seasoned expert in the dynamics of influencer marketing in China. Elyse shares her extensive experience and insights into the unique landscape of social media and influencer engagement in...
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Martech in China and How To Advertise on RedNote with David Nottingham
In this episode of the Negotiation Podcast, Todd Embley interviews David Nottingham, the EU General Manager for IPinYou, a leading Chinese martech company. David shares his journey from Southeast Asia to the ad tech world, discussing the unique challenges and opportunities within the Chinese...
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From TikTok to Red Note, The Great Social Media Migration with Olivia Plotnick
In this episode of The Negotiation podcast, host Todd Embley is joined once again by Olivia Plotnick, a seasoned expert in China marketing and the founder of Wai Social. Today, they dive into the explosion of Xiaohongshu, or “Red Note”, in the United States because of the impending ban of TikTok....
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Cynthia Dearin On How To Take Your Brand Global
In this episode of The Negotiation Podcast, Todd Embley interviews Cynthia Dearin, founder of Dearin and Associates, who shares her unique career journey from diplomat to management consultant. She discusses the importance of global expansion for businesses, the services offered by her company…
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Unlocking Japan: E-Commerce Strategies and Insights with WPIC’s Anton Lapunov
In this episode of The Negotiation podcast, host Todd Embley sits down with Anton Lapunov, WPIC’s Key Account Manager and Strategy Lead for Japan. Anton shares his extensive experience and insights into the unique aspects of Japan's e-commerce landscape—and offers strategic advice for brands...
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Navigating China's Health Products Market with Jeff Crowther
In this episode of The Negotiation podcast, Todd Embley talks with Jeff Crowther, Executive Director of the Health Products Association - China (HPA-China). Jeff shares his insights into the dynamic world of dietary supplements and nutritional ingredients in China, providing a deeper…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Despite being the world’s most potent economic area, Asia can be one of the most challenging regions to navigate and manage well for foreign brands. However, plenty of positive stories exist and more are emerging every day as brands start to see success in engaging and deploying appropriate market growth strategies – with the help of specialists. The Negotiation is an interview show that showcases those hard-to-find success stories and chats with the incredible leaders behind them, teasing out the nuances and digging into the details that can make market growth in APAC a winning proposition.
HOSTED BY
WPIC Marketing + Technologies
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Negotiation have?
The Negotiation currently has 275 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Negotiation about?
Despite being the world’s most potent economic area, Asia can be one of the most challenging regions to navigate and manage well for foreign brands. However, plenty of positive stories exist and more are emerging every day as brands start to see success in engaging and deploying appropriate market...
How often does The Negotiation release new episodes?
The Negotiation publishes regularly with 275 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Negotiation?
You can listen to The Negotiation on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Negotiation?
The Negotiation is created and hosted by WPIC Marketing + Technologies.
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