In this episode of The Negotiation podcast, Todd Embley hosts Marlene Sharp, an entertainment executive known for her role in globalizing Japanese game franchises like Sonic the Hedgehog. Throughout her career with LEVEL-5 abby and Sega of America, Marlene tackled the unique challenges of adapting Japanese franchises for global audiences. Now leading Pink Poodle Productions, she utilizes her extensive experience to provide specialized services for IP franchises that span the Asian and North American entertainment markets.

During the discussion, Marlene addresses the evolving landscape of international entertainment, emphasizing the rising influence of Japanese, Korean, and Chinese franchises in the West.

Discussion Points

· Marlene’s transition from working in traditional entertainment roles to specializing in Asian media properties.

· Challenges of adapting Japanese game franchises for global markets.

· The role of cultural considerations in international entertainment.

· Services offered by Pink Poodle Productions and their relevance to Asian markets.

· Differences in collaboration styles between Japanese and Korean partners.

· The evolving influence of Asian content in Western entertainment.

· Advice for navigating cross-cultural boundaries in the entertainment industry.

· Future projects and new markets of interest in Asia.

In this episode of The Negotiation, Darren Touch, founder and CEO of the Canada China Forum, discusses his interest in international relations with China and his experience as a Schwarzman Scholar at Tsinghua University. He shares his insights on the current state of Canada-China relations and the necessary steps to strengthen the relationship. Touch emphasizes the importance of people-to-people exchanges, educational programs, and language proficiency in building a new generation of leaders well-versed in China affairs. He also highlights the challenges of binary thinking and the opportunities for Canadians to gain hands-on experience in China and other parts of the world. Enjoy!

Key Points:

• Developing a nuanced understanding of China is crucial for building a balanced and informed approach to Canada's strategy towards China.
• People-to-people exchanges and educational programs are key to strengthening the Canada-China relationship.
• Language proficiency and hands-on experience in China are valuable competencies for future leaders in international policy and diplomacy.
• Challenges include binary thinking and the need to overcome biases and stereotypes about China.
• Opportunities lie in expanding educational programs and encouraging Canadians to gain international experience.
• Leaving one's comfort zone and experiencing different cultures and perspectives is essential for personal and professional growth.

In this episode of The Negotiation podcast, we take a look back at the Paris 2024 Olympics with Mark Dreyer, the preeminent analyst of China's sports scene. Mark, a seasoned China sports reporter, delves deep into China’s performance at the 2024 Games and the cultural phenomena surrounding Chinese athletes.

The discussion kicks off with a review of China's overall performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, looking at how China fared in the medal tally and significant victories and storylines.

One topic explored in depth is Zheng Qinwen’s gold medal victory in women’s tennis. Mark also addresses the controversies that clouded China's swimming successes, including Pan Zhanle’s world record in the 100-metre freestyle.

The conversation shifts to the societal impact of sports, examining the treatment of athletes as celebrities in China and the governmental steps taken to manage public obsession with star athletes.

Moreover, Mark touches upon other intriguing sports developments within China, including the influence and challenges faced by North American sports leagues operating in the Chinese market.

This episode is tailored for listeners eager to understand the nuances of China's evolving sports landscape and the broader implications for international sports dynamics.

Discussion Points:

• China's Olympic Performance: Evaluating the significance of the Paris 2024 Olympics for China and the emphasis on gold medals.
• Highlight on Zheng Qinwen: Discussing the impact of her gold medal win on China's sports scene.
• Controversies in Swimming: Analyzing the issues surrounding high-profile Chinese swimmers and their implications.
• Celebrity Culture in Sports: Exploring the phenomenon of athletes as celebrities and the social dynamics it creates.
• Broader Sports Developments: Delving into the presence and challenges of North American sports leagues in China.