The Negotiation

WPIC Marketing + Technologies
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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.

  1. 4 HR AGO

    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 experience, from the early days of commercial search in the late 1990s to today's AI-powered shopping revolution. Under his leadership, Nomix Group has driven over $2.5 billion in verified product sales and built an ecosystem spanning five specialized divisions—Shopnomix, Appnomix, Fanomix, Pronomix, and Creatornomix—each tackling different aspects of how consumers discover, evaluate, and buy products online. Colin recently made waves by predicting that AI will drive a 30 percent surge in digital commerce spending across Western markets by 2027—a bold forecast reflecting fundamental shifts in consumer behavior. This conversation explores what's driving that transformation, how AI answer engines and agentic shopping are changing the game, and what Western brands should learn from China's leadership in social commerce, live-streaming, and creator-led shopping on platforms like Douyin, Xiaohongshu, and Taobao Live. From the "post-advertising" era to the rise of creator economies, Colin offers a comprehensive view of where digital commerce is headed and how brands can prepare for a future where content, community, and AI converge to create "Commerce, Everywhere." Discussion Points ·      Colin's background in digital commerce from the 1990s to today's AI revolution ·      What Nomix Group is and how its five divisions work together ·      The "post-advertising" phase of digital commerce and what's driving it ·      Colin's prediction: AI will drive 30% growth in digital shopping by 2027 ·      What AI-powered commerce actually looks like—answer engines, agentic shopping, conversational AI ·      The explosion of creator-driven commerce and influencer marketing ·      Lessons Western brands should learn from China's social commerce playbook (Douyin, Xiaohongshu, Taobao Live) ·      Building "agentic marketplaces" where AI connects content directly to commerce ·      The infrastructure behind "Commerce, Everywhere." ·      How performance marketing is evolving in an AI-first, creator-driven world ·      Democratizing AI commerce tools for small businesses and ensuring fair creator economics ·      What's next for Nomix Group and digital commerce ·      Key advice for brands preparing for the AI commerce shift

    53 min

  2. 25 FEB

    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 episode offers a unique perspective: Jacob was in Beijing during Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent visit to China—the first by a Canadian leader in years—giving him firsthand insight into the trip's significance. Together, Jacob and Bijan unpack what the visit means for Canadian business and Canada-China relations, with Bijan's deep expertise in trade policy, market access, and bilateral economic engagement complementing Jacob's on-the-ground observations. This conversation comes at a critical moment: as the U.S. administration raises questions about Canada's engagement with China, this episode cuts through the noise to focus on the facts—what was actually agreed, what it means for jobs and GDP, and why China remains a vital market for Canadian exporters and businesses. Discussion Points ·       The historical context and significance of Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to China ·       Whether the visit achieved a meaningful reset in Canada-China relations ·       Specific outcomes and agreements from the trip—sector-by-sector wins for the Canadian economy ·       CCBC's role during the visit and how members have reacted ·       How Canadian businesses are reassessing their perceptions of China post-visit ·       Next challenges CCBC will work to solve for Canadian business ·       Clarifying misconceptions around a potential "deal" with China and U.S. political concerns ·       The strategic importance of China to Canada's economy—jobs, GDP, and export opportunities

    26 min

  3. 18 FEB

    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 ties. Tom joins the show to unpack Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's recent visit to China—the first by a UK leader in eight years—and what it means for British business and UK-China relations. With deep expertise in bilateral trade and on-the-ground operations in China, Tom provides an insider perspective on the specific outcomes of the trip, CBBC's role during the visit, and what comes next for UK companies navigating the Chinese market. From visa-free travel to tariff reductions, Tom walks through the concrete agreements reached and explores what they mean for different sectors of the UK economy. The conversation also addresses the ongoing challenges and opportunities UK businesses face in China, and where the greatest potential lies for UK-China commercial cooperation in the years ahead. Discussion Points ·       Historical background to PM Starmer's visit—why the eight-year gap and how the trip came about ·       Whether the visit achieved a meaningful reset in UK-China relations ·       Specific agreements and announcements: visa-free travel, tariff reductions, and other key outcomes ·       CBBC's role during the trip and member reactions ·       Current challenges and opportunities for UK companies operating in China ·       Priority areas for UK-China commercial cooperation over the next few years ·       Key message for UK business leaders is still uncertain about China as a market

    48 min

  4. 5 FEB

    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 — including playing a role in the infrastructure behind the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics — Justin brings a rare, on-the-ground perspective. More recently, his work in Japan’s ski market gives him a comparative lens on how Asia’s two most important winter sports economies are evolving. With the Milan 2026 Winter Olympics on the horizon, this conversation dives into participation trends, market growth, and where the biggest opportunities lie for brands, operators, and investors across China and Japan. Discussion Points ·       Where Justin is joining from and what he’s been focused on since his last appearance ·       A high-level assessment of the 2025–2026 ski season in China ·       Comparing the outlook for China and Japan’s ski markets — similarities and divergences ·       Data and trends around skier and snowboarder participation in China ·       How the profile of the “typical” Chinese skier has evolved in recent years ·       Chinese athletes to watch ahead of the Milan 2026 Winter Olympics ·       Whether Milan 2026 could spark another participation boost across China and Asia ·       The evolution of indoor skiing in China and its role in market development ·       Commercial opportunities across resorts, equipment, apparel, training, and experiences ·       Key takeaways on what the next five years hold for skiing in China and Japan

    40 min

  5. 21 JAN

    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 smarter decisions in complex and fast-changing markets. Nichola shares her career journey and the motivation behind founding Insights Exchange, a platform designed to connect companies with best-in-class research specialists around the world. She explains how her work helps organizations cut through noise, avoid costly missteps, and gain a clearer understanding of consumers across diverse markets. The conversation explores why market research has never been more important, particularly as brands expand internationally and respond to rapidly shifting consumer behaviors. Nichola also discusses common mistakes companies make when interpreting data, and highlights insights from recent global research reports that reveal how consumer attitudes and priorities differ across regions. Discussion Points Nichola’s professional background and the founding story behind Insights ExchangeHow Insights Exchange supports brands with tailored global research and insightsWhy market research is critical for navigating uncertainty and entering new marketsCommon pitfalls brands face when misinterpreting or misusing research dataKey findings from recent reports across multiple international marketsHow strong insights can drive better strategy, product decisions, and market entry success

    53 min

  6. 15 JAN

    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 of what this visit signals for Canada–China relations after nearly a decade of diplomatic and trade tensions. The discussion focuses on why the visit itself matters, particularly as Canada navigates U.S. tariffs, economic pressure at home, and shifting global trade dynamics. The conversation explores what Canadian businesses are hoping to see from the trip, including reduced friction, improved market access, and momentum on longstanding trade issues affecting sectors such as agriculture, seafood, and pet food.  Turning to consumer brands, Jacob examines how Canadian companies like Lululemon and Arc’teryx continue to compete in China amid the rise of guochao and strong domestic players such as Bosideng. He explains why success in China is less about nationality and more about performance, quality, and lifestyle positioning. Finally, the episode looks ahead at whether a diplomatic reset is necessary for renewed Canadian investment in China—and how improving political ties can help restore confidence in boardrooms, even without immediate policy breakthroughs. Discussion Points Why Mark Carney’s Beijing visit is symbolically and strategically significantWhat Canadian corporates are realistically expecting from the tripPotential outcomes that would signal a positive shift in Canada–China relationsTrade barriers affecting Canadian agriculture, food, and pet-related exportsHow Canadian consumer brands compete amid guochao and rising local championsWhether diplomatic tensions have held back Canadian business in ChinaWhy geopolitics rarely drive Chinese consumer purchasing decisionsHow a diplomatic reset could reduce risk and unlock new commercial momentum

    18 min

  7. 23/12/2025

    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 sectors, including agribusiness, manufacturing, healthcare, technology, sports, and education. His work spans China market entry, international trade, strategic alliances and joint ventures, IP licensing, and compliance—making him a trusted advisor for brands navigating the complexities of doing business in China. The conversation focuses on the realities of manufacturing and sourcing in China today: what has changed, what remains misunderstood, and how brands can protect themselves while still capturing the advantages of China’s manufacturing ecosystem. Discussion Points Richard’s personal journey into China and how his legal career evolved alongside China’s opening and globalizationThe types of companies and industries he most commonly supports todayThe most common challenges foreign brands face when manufacturing or sourcing in China—and how

    37 min

  8. 10/12/2025

    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 intense competition, and what their strategies reveal about China’s digital governance model. We discuss the globalization of Chinese platforms, the role of mega-shopping festivals like Singles’ Day, and the evolution of social commerce as short-video platforms transform product discovery and purchasing behavior. We also explore how China’s digital ecosystem may evolve over the next decade—and the one key lesson Lizhi hopes global audiences take away from her book. Listeners interested in cross-border commerce, platform governance, or the future of China’s digital market will find this second installment packed with insights. Discussion Points (Part 2): How platform competition among Alibaba, JD, and Pinduoduo shaped China’s e-commerce institutionsChina’s growing presence in global e-commerce and the rise of cross-border sellersSingles’ Day as a political-economic phenomenon, and whether these mega-festivals still matterThe evolution and significance of social commerce in ChinaPredictions for the next stage of China’s e-commerce developmentThe key takeaway Lizhi hopes readers remember from From Click to Boom

    29 min
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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 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.

Information

  • Creator
    WPIC Marketing + Technologies
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    261
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©2024 WPIC Marketing + Technologies
  • Show Website
    The Negotiation

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