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 Exchange
• How Insights Exchange supports brands with tailored global research and insights
• Why market research is critical for navigating uncertainty and entering new markets
• Common pitfalls brands face when misinterpreting or misusing research data
• Key findings from recent reports across multiple international markets
• How strong insights can drive better strategy, product decisions, and market entry success

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 significant
• What Canadian corporates are realistically expecting from the trip
• Potential outcomes that would signal a positive shift in Canada–China relations
• Trade barriers affecting Canadian agriculture, food, and pet-related exports
• How Canadian consumer brands compete amid guochao and rising local champions
• Whether diplomatic tensions have held back Canadian business in China
• Why geopolitics rarely drive Chinese consumer purchasing decisions
• How a diplomatic reset could reduce risk and unlock new commercial momentum

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 globalization
• The types of companies and industries he most commonly supports today
• The most common challenges foreign brands face when manufacturing or sourcing in China—and how