This episode of The Negotiation features part 1 of our conversation with Igor Duc. Igor is the Founder & CEO of Native Union, a consumer electronics accessories company that combines the finest hand-picked materials, thoughtful design, and considerate details to create products with personality, empowering the modern lifestyle.
In today’s episode, we caught up with Igor to learn more about why he chose to base his business in Hong Kong, the impetus behind Native Union, and his goal to enhance the way we live with technology. We also explore the consciousness of consumers today, how it has developed over the years, brand legitimacy, and other engaging topics. Enjoy!
Topics Discussed and Key Points:
● Why Igor created a brand in Hong Kong
● The story of Native Union's conception
● Dealing with counterfeit products
● Why Native Union almost died
● How to deal with trademark and copyright infringement issues for new brands entering Asia and the APAC region
● The consciousness of consumers today
Notable Quotes
“I could qualify myself as a creative person but without creative talent. And fortunately, since I started my professional career, I've always tried to surround myself with talented, creative people."
“Hong Kong can offer probably even more vibrant outdoor experiences than the very interesting city centre. I loved Hong Kong so much that I decided to craft a life project around relocating here.”
“It's very unconventional to create a brand in Hong Kong. I don't think you can name any brand that you know that was born in Hong Kong."
“At CES< there is a world of technology, but it is a world of utilitarian technology, kind of boring technology. We came up with something fun, and colourful, and it had never been seen before. .”
“I think people should think about and spend on what they use intensively every day. That's the smart thing to do.”
“It's much better to buy a premium cable. It is maybe 30%, 40% more expensive than the cheap mass one. But that's going to last you five years, instead of buying five cables every year.”
Loud Quitting and Quiet Luxury, Ralph Lauren and Chanel Earnings, Miniso and Florasis Expansion, and China's Fashion Trends with Jing Daily's Julienna Law
Mastering Marketing On Xiaohongxu (Little Red Book), with Olivia Plotnick, Founder of Wai China
The Pulse of US-China Relations, The Potential Impact of the Upcoming US Election, and Strategies for MNCs to Mitigate Geopolitical Risk, with Joe Mazur of Trivium China
Rwandan Coffee in China; Bringing Global Brands onto Tmall; Indonesian E-commerce Boom and more, with Dean Diabate
Australia China Business Council CEO Tom Parker on Warming Bilateral Ties
Grace Wu | Becoming a Little Red Book Influencer and Fostering Australia-China Connections
Head of Global Marketplace ROW @ Coupang - Gerald Hoe | Navigating South Korea's E-commerce Boom
The APAC Playbook | Red Phoenix's Guide to Growing Western Sports Properties in APAC
Justin Downes - President @ Axis Leisure Management | The Booming Ski Industry In China
Mark Dreyer, Founder of China Sports Insider | Messi Drama in HK, F1 Is Back in Shanghai, Women's Tennis, the Skiing Boom, and All Things China Sports
Crystal Tai - Senior Managing Editor @ Jing Daily | Canadian Brands Enjoying Success in China (and Why) & The Top Chinese Fashion Trends For 2024
Filip Zieliński | China's EV, Education, & Start-up Landscapes
Charles Lavoie - Head Of Creative Labs @ WPIC | Douyin & The New China Playbook For Brands
Jacob Cooke, CEO @ WPIC Marketing + Technologies | The 2024 Outlook for PDD, Douyin, Alibaba, & The Chinese Consumer
Andrew Methven | The Importance of Understanding Mandarin's History As a Language
Claire Urry | Expanding Trade & Investment Between UK And China
Denni Hu | Singles' Day, China's Fashion Trends, & The Rise of Chinese Designers
Heidi Dugan | The Australian Prime Minister's Visit To China, Warming Australia-China Relations, CIIE, & Singles Day
Jing Zhang, Global Editor in Chief @ Jing Daily | China's Luxury Consumption Landscape In 2023
Our 200th Episode Featuring Jacob & Joseph Cooke
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Commercial Edge: Unleash the Power of People
The emPOWERed Half Hour
Right About Now with Ryan Alford
The Marketing Secrets Show
The Agile Brand™ with Greg Kihlstrom
B2B Agility™ with Greg Kihlström
The Goal Digger Podcast