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There is wisdom in taking well considered steps in your life and business. The trouble is that sometimes, when the best move is a big one, we can write it off as unwise or reckless. How can we overcome what holds us back from making the right big moves? Well I am pleased to welcome back to the show someone who has lived out and navigated this problem. My friend and world renowned expert in communication and negotiation, Kwame Christian! Kwame Christian, Director of the American Negotiation Institute. He is the author of two bestselling books: Finding Confidence in Conflict and How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race He is a highly sought after keynote speaker and was a recent featured guest on the Mel Robbins Podcast. Kwame is dedicated to empowering others and has helped countless individuals overcome the fear, anxiety, and emotion often associated with difficult conversations through a branded framework called Compassionate Curiosity. As an attorney and mediator with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, a Master of Public Policy, and a Juris Doctorate (Law Degree), Kwame brings a unique multidisciplinary approach to making difficult conversations easier. We discuss: Big swings mentality and its impact on success The role of identity in behavior change Overcoming fear and limiting beliefs Practical strategies for habit formation The concept of strategic luck and positioning The importance of honesty and self-awareness Playing small is often rooted in limiting beliefs and fear. Adopting an identity-based approach can accelerate behavior change. Small, consistent actions lead to big ripple effects over time. Practicing identity shifts through experiments and reminders is effective. Embracing uncertainty and adaptability is crucial in a changing world. Links: www.kwamechristian.com REGISTER NOW FOR THE SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES! Build a Stronger Coffee Shop: One Step at a Time Great coffee shops don't happen by accident. They are built by hiring the right people, training them well, and leading them with clarity and consistency. In this live three-part Summer Webinar Series, Chris Deferio shares the practical systems and coaching insights that have helped coffee businesses build stronger teams, healthier cultures, and more resilient operations. Each webinar includes: Live instruction and Q&A PDF workbook One hour of virtual consulting for each live attendee Lifetime access to the recording Register for the individual sessions that fit your current needs, or scroll down to save 20% on the complete Summer Webinar Series. REGISTER NOW FOR THE SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES! chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now: https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min Related episodes:
In this episode, you'll learn why "one quadrant success" — chasing money while your health, relationships, and inner life fall apart — is the biggest lie in the self-development world, and what the four quadrants of true prosperity actually look like. You'll learn how to identify the beliefs you inherited about money, work, and worth, and how to "blow up" that programming and replace it with something that actually serves you. You'll learn Randy Gage's concept of the sovereign operator — the mindset that makes you unable to be guilted, manipulated, or controlled by other people, institutions, or fear. And you'll learn why creating a "vacuum" — letting go of what's not working — is often the prerequisite for the next level of growth, in business and in life. Randy Gage is the author of 16 books, including his new release Wealth Without Apology, and has built a coaching business that's generated tens of billions in revenue for himself and his clients. But before any of that, he was a 15-year-old sitting in a jail cell on an armed robbery charge. Kwame Christian sits down with him to trace that entire arc — and to pull out the exact frameworks you can use to stop feeling guilty about wanting more, and start building a prosperous life on your own terms. Connect with Randy Gage Randy's YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@randygage Randy's video called: Why I'd Burn an MBA Before I'd Frame One randygage.com Buy the book: Wealth Without Apology: A Prosperity Manifesto Connect with Kwame: Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn negotiateanything.com Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life! @kwamenegotiates across all social platforms
Because the best things in life are on the other side of difficult conversations.Mick Hunt welcomes Kwame Christian, CEO of the American Negotiation Institute, who reveals how to approach difficult conversations to change your business and life. This episode will equip you with a new negotiation framework.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN- The 3 Core Skills for better negotiation- How to avoid the "why" question trap- Building the "undeniable" personal brand- Why the entire sales process is negotiation- The power of Compassionate Curiosity frameworkQUOTES THAT HIT"Because the best things in life are on the other side of difficult conversations." - Kwame Christian"There's a big difference between being liked and being respected. Those are not the same thing." - Kwame Christian"My goal isn't to be good, my goal isn't to be recognized, my goal is to be undeniable." - Kwame Christian"The harder we push, the harder they push back." - Kwame ChristianCHAPTERS00:00 Welcome Kwame Christian to Mick Unplugged02:18 Kwame Christian's Life Purpose: "Because"04:54 Overcoming People-Pleasing With Mentorship10:02 Why Avoiding "Why" Questions Improves Conversations13:55 The Importance of Deep Knowledge and Credentials19:48 Empathy and Humility in Negotiation24:10 Convincing Others By Empowering Self-Persuasion31:39 Compassionate Curiosity Negotiation Framework35:23 The Origin of Kwame Christian's Negotiation Journey37:46 Big Swings Only: New Podcast Announcement43:27 Rapid Fire: Cooking, Loyalty, and InspirationQUESTIONS THIS EPISODE ANSWERSQ: How does a leader improve their negotiation skills?A: You need to recognize that negotiation requires three core skills: becoming a better listener, asking better questions, and managing your own and others' emotions.Q: Why should leaders avoid asking "why" questions in difficult conversations?A: The word "why" is often associated with judgment and criticism, triggering defensive responses and preventing open communication. Instead, use "what" or "how" questions to gather information.Q: What is the compassionate curiosity framework in negotiation?A: The compassionate curiosity framework has three steps: acknowledge and validate emotions, ask open-ended questions with compassion, and engage in joint problem-solving.Connect & Discover Kwame:Instagram: @kwamenegotiatesPodcast: Negotiate AnythingWebsite: kwamechristian.comLinkedIn: @kwamechristianX: @KwameNegotiatesTikTok: @kwamenegotiatesYouTube: @TheKwameChristianBook: Finding Confidence in ConflictFOLLOW MICK ON:Spotify: MickUnpluggedInstagram: @mickunplugged Facebook: @mickunpluggedYouTube: @MickUnpluggedPodcast LinkedIn: @mickhunt Website: MickHuntOfficial.comWebsite: howtobeagoodleader.comWebsite: Leadloudseries.comApple: MickUnpluggedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
What if one of the most important skills for your next chapter isn't leadership, strategy, or even communication? What if it's negotiation? Whether it's asking for what you want, setting healthy boundaries, leading a team, or navigating a new season of life, you're negotiating more often than you realize. In this episode, Mitch sits down with negotiation expert, attorney, bestselling author, and host of the Negotiate Anything podcast, Kwame Christian, to reveal why confidence in difficult conversations is a learnable skill - and how mastering it can transform your relationships, leadership, and even the conversations you have with yourself. __________ Have you been thinking about being a Coach or a speaker… but you've been wondering whether you have the authority to make it happen? The Authority Archetype Assessment is a free, research-based tool designed to help you identify your unique authority style and discover whether coaching, speaking, consulting, advising, or teaching might be part of your next season. Take the free assessment at https://mitchmatthews.com/6 __________ Resources & Links Kwame's book - Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life - https://amzn.to/3QZvSIB Check out Mitch's interview on Negotiate Anything - https://mitchmatthews.com/negotiate Organization: American Negotiation Institute - https://kwamechristian.com/ ___________ In This Episode: • Why negotiation happens every single day (whether you realize it or not) • The three core skills behind every great negotiator • How to stay calm when emotions begin to take over • Why curiosity is one of your greatest leadership superpowers • A simple framework for navigating difficult conversations • Why great negotiators "do the right thing until it works" • How difficult conversations can actually strengthen relationships • Why the most important negotiation you may have is the one you have with yourself ___________ Call to Action Let's make this practical. What's one conversation you've been avoiding that might deserve your attention? Where could you replace certainty with curiosity this week? Which of Kwame's three core skills - listening, curiosity, or emotional management - would make the biggest difference in your life right now? Pick one. Take one small step. Because as Kwame reminds us, the best things in life are often waiting on the other side of a difficult conversation. And hey... if someone came to mind while listening to this episode, send it to them. Then grab coffee and talk about it together. You never know what might happen when compassion, curiosity, and courage show up in the same conversation. Read the full show notes at https://mitchmatthews.com/459
Why do so many professionals avoid difficult conversations—and what does it cost them? Mike Wallberg, CFA, speaks with Kwame Christian, founder and CEO of the American Negotiation Institute and author of Finding Confidence in Conflict, about the psychology of negotiation, building confidence, and handling disagreement with empathy. They discuss compassionate curiosity, self-advocacy, salary negotiations, emotional intelligence, and practical techniques for navigating conflict while strengthening relationships. Whether you're leading a team, managing clients, or challenging investment ideas, this conversation offers actionable strategies for becoming a more effective communicator.
I'm Ending Negotiate Anything. Big Swings Only Starts Now. After 10 years and 1,800+ episodes, I'm closing the chapter on the world's #1 negotiation podcast — and betting everything on what comes next. This is the most honest, unscripted episode I've ever recorded. I'm Kwame Christian — founder and CEO of the American Negotiation Institute, bestselling author, and the host who built Negotiate Anything from a solo credibility play at age 27 into the most downloaded negotiation podcast on the planet. My clients include Google, Apple, NASA, Microsoft, and the Department of Defense. I've trained hundreds of thousands of people to have the conversations that change their lives. This isn't a goodbye. It's a becoming. What's next: Subscribe to Big Swings Only with Kwame Christian — a show about high performers who dared greatly, and what it actually takes to become who you were destined to be. Media inquiries & connections: simon@negotiateanything.com
Most people think confidence in a difficult conversation means speaking louder, pushing harder, or always knowing exactly what to say.But what if real confidence is staying calm, connected, and clear when the conversation gets uncomfortable?In this episode of the Kwik Brain podcast, I sit down with Kwame Christian, one of the world's leading experts on negotiation and conflict resolution, to talk about how to handle difficult conversations with more confidence, more emotional control, and better outcomes.Kwame shares how he went from being a people pleaser who avoided conflict to becoming a master negotiator, bestselling author, and founder of the American Negotiation Institute. We talk about why so many intelligent and capable people still struggle when conflict shows up, how self-doubt and emotional reactivity get in the way, and what it takes to build real confidence before the conversation even begins.In this episode, you'll learn:☑️ Why intelligent people often struggle with conflict☑️ The difference between conflict and combat☑️ Why confidence is a skill you can build, not just a feeling you hope for☑️ How to prepare for difficult conversations so you don't freeze under pressure☑️ Why the hardest negotiation often happens inside your own mind first☑️ How to use curiosity and emotional regulation to create better outcomes☑️ The three communication skills every great negotiator develops☑️ How to lower the emotional temperature in a tough conversation☑️ Why connection is one of the most powerful negotiation tools you haveIf there is a conversation you have been avoiding, this episode will help you shift your approach, communicate with more clarity, and take one step closer to the conversations that can change your life.
Most people don't fail in difficult conversations because they lack knowledge — they fail because they lose control of themselves. In this special episode, our host, negotiation expert Kwame Christian sits down with Ohio State Moritz College of Law Professor Katrina Lee to answer the toughest questions from her law students about negotiation, persuasion, emotional regulation, and conflict. Together, they explore what separates great negotiators from everyone else—from mastering the empathy loop and building genuine trust to using storytelling, curiosity, and strategic listening to influence outcomes. Kwame shares practical techniques for staying calm under pressure, handling interruptions, navigating emotionally charged conversations, and finding confidence when the stakes are high. You'll learn: • Why listening is often more powerful than problem-solving • How to use the 70/30 rule to create deeper connections • The difference between genuine curiosity and strategic curiosity • How storytelling shapes persuasion and decision-making • Techniques for regulating emotions during difficult conversations • Why humility is a hidden superpower in negotiation • How to turn conflict into collaboration without sacrificing your goals Along the way, Kwame shares personal stories from high-stakes business negotiations, lessons from coaching leaders around the world, and the mindset shifts that have helped millions of listeners become more effective communicators. Whether you're a lawyer, leader, salesperson, entrepreneur, or simply someone who wants better conversations at work and at home, this episode will give you actionable tools to communicate with more confidence, influence, and emotional intelligence. Because the best negotiators aren't the loudest people in the room—they're the ones who know how to listen. Contact ANIRequest A Customized Workshop For Your CompanyFollow Kwame Christian on LinkedInnegotiateanything.comClick here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
What if the biggest threat to your relationship isn't conflict — it's the way you communicate during it? In this thought-provoking conversation, negotiation expert and mediator Alice Shikina joins Kwame Christian to reveal why so many successful professionals excel at communication in the boardroom but struggle to connect with the people they love most. Drawing from years of mediation experience, Alice shares a powerful perspective: every relationship is a negotiation, and learning how to negotiate well can transform the way we handle conflict at home. Together, they unpack the hidden communication patterns that fuel arguments, including interruptions, defensiveness, emotional escalation, and the common misconception that listening simply means hearing someone speak. You'll discover why acknowledgment is often the missing ingredient in difficult conversations, how unspoken emotions drive seemingly unrelated conflicts, and why de-escalation begins long before an argument starts. Whether you're navigating challenges with a spouse, partner, child, colleague, or friend, this episode offers practical tools to help you listen more deeply, communicate more effectively, and strengthen your most important relationships. Key topics include: * Why every relationship is a negotiation * The real reason people feel unheard * How to prevent conversations from escalating * The role of emotional intelligence in conflict resolution * Why "I hear you" isn't enough * Practical techniques for active listening and acknowledgment * Creating relationship ground rules that actually work If you've ever walked away from a conversation feeling misunderstood—or struggled to understand someone else—this episode will change the way you think about communication forever. Connect with Alice:
Kwame Christian, negotiation expert and host of Negotiate Anything, reveals the conversation tactics most speakers never have time to share on stage — including how to regain control when someone else is running the room, how to draw out a person who goes completely silent, and why most hard conversations at home are doomed before they even start. This is a reverse interview. Kwame was the keynote speaker at the Life and Annuity Conference (hosted jointly by the Society of Actuaries, ACLI, and LIMRA LOMA) — and the audience Q&A ran so long they ran out of time on stage. So conference organizers Karen Terry and Joe Wurzburger brought the best questions straight to the podcast.
In this episode of Negotiate Anything, host Kwame Christian welcomes back Brian Ahearn, Chief Influence Officer at Influence People, to discuss the powerful lessons and insights from Brian's new book, "His Story, My Story, Our Story." The book chronicles the complexities of Brian's relationship with his late father, a Marine Corps veteran who faced significant challenges after serving in Vietnam. Brian shares how understanding his father's experiences helped him develop empathy and strengthen their relationship. This episode delves into how these personal revelations can apply to negotiations and influence in everyday life. What will be covered: The story of Brian Ahearn's relationship with his father and the personal journey of reconciling past issues. Insights on establishing empathy and connection with loved ones who are military veterans. Techniques from the science of influence and negotiation applied to personal relationships. Connect with Brian https://brianahearn.biz/ Follow Brian On LinkedIn Order now the Book His Story, My Story, Our Story by Brian Ahearn Contact ANI Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn The Ultimate Negotiation Guide Click here to buy your copy of How To Have Difficult Conversations About Race! Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
The future you're building is scaring the people around you — and that's exactly why you feel stuck You're not stuck because you lack vision — you're stuck because the system fears the future you're trying to build. In this powerful conversation, futurist and strategist Hussein Hallak joins Kwame Christian to unpack what it really takes to lead when the future is uncertain, the past is pulling you back, and the system resists every step you take. We dive deep into: Why most people live according to decisions they made 10 years ago How to reclaim your narrative and stop outsourcing your future The real reason leaders burn out when trying to create change How AI is accelerating faster than we can psychologically handle What to do when your organization isn't ready for your vision This episode is for you if you're building something that doesn't exist yet — and you're tired of asking for permission to do it. husseinhallak.com Contact ANI Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn negotiateanything.com Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
You're not being ignored because your ideas are bad — you're being ignored because your delivery is forgettable. Buy the book: Speak, Memorably: The Art of Captivating an Audience by Bill McGowan In this episode, Emmy-winning journalist and communication coach Bill McGowan joins Kwame Christian to expose the hidden mistakes even smart professionals make when they speak. From meetings to pitches, presentations to interviews, you're probably missing key moments to influence — and you don't even realize it. You'll learn: Why “winging it” is sabotaging your credibility The 3 parts of a message your audience always remembers How to craft punchy openings, unforgettable closings, and sticky metaphors What “theftosterone” is — and how to protect your ideas from being stolen The truth about authenticity (and why faking it isn't always bad) Whether you're a leader, speaker, or content creator, this episode will sharpen the way you speak — forever. Contact ANI Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn negotiateanything.com Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
The Love, Happiness and Success Podcast With Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
Scientists gave people Tylenol before a social rejection. It worked. Your nervous system treats being left out the same way it treats a broken bone. That is why telling yourself to just get over it has never, ever worked. And it is why this conversation with negotiation expert Kwame Christian is going to change how you see your own fear of conflict. If you're non confrontational by nature, or you've spent years being a people pleaser to keep things smooth, what Kwame explains in this episode is going to feel like the first time someone has accurately described what is actually happening inside you. The fear is not weakness. It is biology. And there is a way through it. In this episode, I sit down with Kwame Christian, CEO of the American Negotiation Institute and host of Negotiate Anything. His framework, Compassionate Curiosity, is built entirely on empathy, genuine curiosity, and a clear sense of what you actually value. We did a live roleplay about household labor and invisible work, and I want to be honest with you: I felt the shift in real time. The resistance just left. That is what this approach does. In This Episode The neuroscience behind conflict avoidance, including why social rejection activates the same neural pathways as physical pain Kwame's origin story as a people pleaser and exactly how he treated his fear of conflict like a phobia to overcome it The difference between being liked and being respected, and why only one of them gets you where you want to go A complete reframe of what negotiation actually is, and why the goal is never to win but to discover what is possible The Compassionate Curiosity framework step by step, including the pre-conversation internal work that makes you harder to rattle The Situation/Impact/Invitation opener that dissolves defensiveness before the hard conversation even begins A live roleplay on the invisible work conversation with a real-time demonstration of the shift that happens when you stop fighting What confidence in conflict actually looks like when it is not swagger Why This Matters This episode is for anyone who has ever bitten their tongue in a conversation that needed to happen. For anyone who has let something slide one too many times and felt a piece of themselves go with it. And for anyone who suspects that the life they want is on the other side of a conversation they have been too afraid to have. The best things in life are on the other side of difficult conversations. This episode will help you get there. Episode Breakdown 03:01 Why Difficult Conversations Feel Like a Threat (Not a Choice) 05:56 Kwame's Origin Story — From People Pleaser to Negotiation Expert 10:16 The Difference Between Being Liked and Being Respected 16:36 Every Difficult Conversation Is a Relationship Test 26:01 How to Stop Caring If People Are Mad at You 39:21 Negotiation Isn't What You Think It Is 51:37 The Compassionate Curiosity Framework — Live Roleplay 01:06:02 What It Actually Means to Be Confident in Conflict Resources Full article: https://www.growingself.com/how-to-have-difficult-conversations/ Free Communication Training (2-part video + workbook): https://www.growingself.com/communication/ Relationship coaching at Growing Self: https://www.growingself.com/relationship-coaching/ If today's conversation stirred something in you, you do not have to work through it alone. My team of coaches and therapists at Growing Self is here. A free consultation, no pressure, just a real conversation about where you are and what might help. Come find us at growingself.com. And if you know someone who avoids conflict to keep the peace, please share this one. I bet you already have someone in mind. With love, xo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self Special thanks to this month's sponsors: Upwork — When you need specialized talent fast, Upwork gives you access to vetted professionals. No long recruiting cycles. No guesswork. Just the right person, when you need them. Check it out at upwork.com — posting a job is free. Shopify — The all-in-one platform for building and growing your online business. Visit shopify.com/lhs to explore their tools and access exclusive listener discounts. OSEA - Amazing, clean, science-backed skincare made with the power of the sea. Use code LHS at oseamalibu.com for 10% off your first order Quince — Quality products you'll actually use that feel like luxury without the price tag. Get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/lhs. LNutra Prolon — A science-backed, plant-based nutrition program that supports fat loss, metabolism, cellular rejuvenation, and overall longevity. Head to ProlonLife.com/LHS for 15% off your first order + a bonus gift.
This episode is a special reverse interview. Kwame was invited onto Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby's Love, Happiness and Success podcast, where she turned the tables and dug into the psychology, personal history, and hard-won inner work that built the negotiation expert you know from this feed. If you've ever wondered who taught the teacher — this is that conversation. Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby, LP, LMFT is a licensed psychologist, therapist, and relationship coach whose work lives at the intersection of emotional intelligence and real, lasting change. She asked the questions most podcast hosts don't think to ask. The result is one of the most honest, personal episodes Kwame has ever recorded. Listen to the Love, Happiness and Success with Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Contact ANI Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn negotiateanything.com Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
They judge you in milliseconds — before you say a single word. And if your presence doesn't match your message, you're not just being ignored — you're being dismissed. In this episode, Kwame Christian sits down with presence expert Evan Weiner to explore the hidden science behind how people experience you — and why that can instantly boost or sabotage your power in negotiation, leadership, and life. From physical presence and aesthetic identity to the neuroscience of dopamine and status, you'll learn: Why your style, posture, and polish matter more than you think How to build presence that defends your reputation and commands respect The surprising way your body language could be creating “communication dissonance” What to do today to become instantly more persuasive — without changing who you are If you've ever felt like people don't take you seriously — or don't listen no matter how well you speak — this episode will shift the way you show up forever. Connect with Evan Weiner www.evangweiner.com Contact ANI Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn negotiateanything.com Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
Two Major ALM Conferences back-to-back … Two years in a row! There were skeptics. The proverbial "they" said it couldn't be done. Once again, Legal Speak believed it … and was there to see it for themselves. For over 20 years now, the General Counsel Conference Midwest has been the premier event in the industry. Delivering practical solutions and key insights that today's General Counsel need to successfully overcome a litigation crisis, manage and better leverage C-Suite relationships, and do more with fewer resources. For the 3rd year, Legal Speak was there live to bring you interviews with interesting attendees as well as moderators and speakers from various panels from this year's event at the Chicago. In this episode, host Cedra Mayfield is joined by Kwame Christian, Founder and CEO of the American Negotiation Institute Host: Cedra Mayfield Guest: Kwame Christian Esq., M.A. Producer: Charles Garnar
What if the biggest mistake in your next negotiation isn't what you say—but when you say it? In this masterclass episode, Negotiate Anything pulls back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood—and most high-stakes—moments in your career: the conversation that determines your value. From first impressions to final offers, you'll hear how elite negotiation minds approach the same challenge from radically different angles—and how you can build a strategy that actually works for you. Join host Kwame Christian as he sits down with top experts to break down the psychology, strategy, and subtle language shifts that can mean the difference between leaving money on the table and commanding the offer you deserve. Learn how to master the infamous “tell me about yourself,” navigate early salary questions without losing leverage, and deploy powerful tactics like anchoring, deflection, and strategic repetition—all while staying gracious, confident, and in control. You'll also uncover: Why “no numbers until they love you” can transform your negotiating power The simple phrasing shift that instantly elevates your perceived value How to structure a counteroffer that can add tens of thousands to your salary The hidden role of tone, timing, and emotional discipline in high-stakes conversations This isn't theory—it's real-world negotiation, broken down step by step. And with multiple expert perspectives, you'll gain the clarity to craft your own approach—because success doesn't look the same for everyone. If you've ever second-guessed your worth, stumbled through a high-pressure conversation, or wondered how top performers consistently get more—this episode will change how you negotiate, forever.
When a negotiation catches you off guard, the real battle isn't with the other person — it's with your own mind. Buy the Book Sharp 14 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life with Brain Science Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company In this eye-opening conversation, cognitive scientist Dr. Therese Huston joins Kwame Christian to reveal how to recover quickly, stay calm, and turn unexpected pressure into strategic advantage. Drawing on neuroscience and real-world stories, they break down why your brain freezes under stress — and how simple techniques can help you think sharper, react smarter, and protect the deal when it matters most. If you want to master emotional resilience and negotiate like a true pro, this episode is for you. Connect with Dr. Therese Huston theresehuston.com Buy the Book - Sharp - 14 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life with Brain Science Follow Therese on LinkedIn Contact ANI Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn negotiateanything.com Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
They told us that vulnerability was a flaw — a sign of weakness. But what if the truth is the opposite? In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Kwame Christian, bestselling author and CEO of the American Negotiation Institute, sits down with Jamie Librot, former Global Head of Executive Talent Management at JPMorgan and author of Find Your Gobi. Together, they flip the script on what real strength looks like — exploring why our greatest growth begins the moment we stop pretending to have it all figured out.
AI can write, edit, even cast—but it still can't do what made TV legend Bonnie Hammer unstoppable: read the room. In this candid conversation with Kwame Christian, Bonnie unpacks the human meta‑skill behind great leadership and negotiation—reading people and context in real time—and how it powered her “Blue Skies” era at USA & SYFY (Monk, Psych, Burn Notice). She shares why “fake it till you make it” fails (and what to do instead), how to hire for humility and team-first culture, why presence matters (“be in the room”), and how to build a spider‑web career that thrives through industry upheaval, streaming shakeups, and the rise of AI. What you'll learn Reading the room: the irreplaceable skill that beats AI and drives better decisions, deals, and teams. Face it till you make it: Bonnie's upgrade to the old career cliché—and how to apply it immediately. Hiring & culture: spotting humility, collaboration, and truth‑tellers (not cheerleaders). Media shifts: streaming, bundling, budget pressure—and what creators should do now. AI & guardrails: what to protect, what to embrace, and where human storytelling wins. Presence & influence: first impressions, listening deeply, and speaking the language of the room. Mentorship that works: why challenging mentors accelerate growth (Barry Diller story inside). Women at work: the most damaging “lie” and how to replace it with actionable strategy. Discount code "KWAME" gives 30% discount over 3 months TL;DR what is folk? folk is a CRM, and extension, that helps businesses build real relationships and close deals. Why is folk better? folk is simple, integrated, and proactive to use. folk's value proposition? folk CRM does the busy work for you, so you can focus on growing your service business. folk's tagline folk, like the sales assistant your team never had What product details will most excite your audience? • Our seamless integrations with social channels • Our 1-click Enrichment that finds contact details for y ou • Know the best leads to reach out to with AI Follow-up s Useful links & resources • folk's website • folk's Linkedin • Simo, our CEO's, LinkedIn • folk's Youtube Keywords: Bonnie Hammer, reading the room, negotiation, leadership, team culture, hiring, mentorship, women at work, Blue Skies brand, USA Network, SYFY, Monk, Psych, Burn Notice, streaming strategy, AI in media, presence, career advice, spider‑web career, truth‑teller mentors, Kwame Christian, Negotiate Anything Podcast Connect with Bonnie Buy Bonnie's new book, 15 Lies Women Are Told at Work bonnie-hammer.com Contact ANI Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn negotiateanything.com Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
In this enlightening episode of "Negotiate Anything," host Kwame Christian sits down with expert Jack Schafer to explore the intricate dynamics of deception and how it fits into the broader context of negotiation and human interaction. Schafer, with his extensive background in law enforcement and behavioral analysis, shares insights into understanding deception not merely as a negative influence, but as a complex element of communication. The discussion covers the art of deception detection and techniques to manage conversations where dishonesty is present, emphasizing empathetic and respectful approaches that maintain relationships. Listeners are equipped with innovative techniques that integrate strategic questioning, observation of non-verbal cues, and ways to make people feel respected and valued, which can transform the negotiation landscape. What will be covered: Techniques to detect deception through behavioral and verbal cues. The use of elicitation in negotiations to gain truthful information without direct confrontation. Strategies to handle deception while preserving relationships in negotiations. Connect with John R. "Jack" Schafer Buy Now: The Truth Detector: An Ex-FBI Agent's Guide for Getting People to Reveal the Truth (The Like Switch Series Book 2) Buy Now: The Like Switch: An Ex-FBI Agent's Guide to Influencing, Attracting, and Winning People Over (1) (The Like Switch Series) Contact ANI Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn negotiateanything.com Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
Why do smart, successful people feel trapped in constant busyness? In this episode, Dorie Clark — author of The Long Game — joins Kwame Christian to reveal why thinking long-term feels almost impossible in a world that rewards urgency. They explore the psychology of busyness, how scarcity rewires our decisions, and what it takes to find courage, patience, and joy in the process — even when the world keeps screaming “faster.” In this episode: Why “I'm busy” has become the new humble brag The emotional roots of scarcity and overwork How to build meaning instead of chasing more The courage required to think long-term What AI and technology mean for the future of communication Connect with Dorie dorieclark.com Buy the Book: THE LONG GAME How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World Contact ANI Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn negotiateanything.com Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
In this episode, Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia, joins Kwame Christian to explore one of the biggest challenges of our time: the collapse of trust. From misinformation and social media outrage to AI deepfakes and short-term thinking, Jimmy shares what he's learned about truth, integrity, and human connection after decades shaping the world's largest source of information. Discover why trust is disappearing—from our politics to our personal relationships—and what it actually takes to rebuild it. This conversation dives deep into how algorithms shape what we believe, how technology manipulates emotion, and how each of us can bring honesty and balance back into our lives. If you've ever felt that the Internet is dividing us more than connecting us, this episode will change how you see the digital world—and what you can do about it. Connect with Jimmy Buy the book The Seven Rules of Trust: A Blueprint for Building Things That Last by Jimmy Wales Contact ANI Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn negotiateanything.com Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
Gaslighting isn't just a relationship issue—it happens at work too. In this powerful conversation, psychotherapist and author Farah Harris opens up about her own painful experience with a toxic hire who weaponized her teachings, blurred boundaries, and tried to undermine her confidence as a leader. Buy The Book: The Color of Emotional Intelligence by Farah Harris Fara's website: www.workingwelldaily.com Together with Kwame Christian, Farah unpacks: The subtle red flags of manipulation and gaslighting in the workplace Why emotionally intelligent leaders are prime targets for toxic behavior How to set healthy boundaries without losing your empathy Practical tools to stay grounded, reclaim your power, and protect your well-being If you've ever left a meeting or conversation feeling drained, confused, or doubting yourself—this episode is for you. Learn how to spot manipulation early, safeguard your leadership, and build healthier professional (and personal) relationships. Contact ANI Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn negotiateanything.com Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
What does it really take to build a $745 million startup from the ground up? Hint: It's messy, painful, and nothing like the glamorous success stories you've heard. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Kwame Christian sits down with Cas and Mike Lazerow—the entrepreneurial power couple behind the massive success of Golf.com, which they sold to Time Warner for $745 million. But behind the impressive exit lies a story of relentless struggle, countless pivots, and emotional battles most founders never talk about. Cas and Mike pull back the curtain on entrepreneurship's harshest realities, sharing: How embracing brutally tough conversations transformed their business (and marriage). The secret mindset shifts that separate those who rise from those who burn out. Why falling in love with the hardest parts of your journey can become your ultimate competitive edge. This isn't just another success story. It's an honest look at the intense emotional cost that comes with high-stakes entrepreneurship—and a masterclass in how to survive the darkest moments of building something great. If you're grinding day after day, wondering why success still feels impossibly far away, this episode offers the reset and insights you never knew you needed. Welcome to the real journey. It's time to start shoveling. Hit play now, and discover what success truly costs. Buy The Book: Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story About the Entrepreneur's Messy Path to Success Contact ANI Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn negotiateanything.com Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
Narcissists don't negotiate—they manipulate. In this episode, negotiation expert Kwame Christian interviews attorney and bestselling author Rebecca Zung to break down how narcissists think—and how to outsmart them in any negotiation. You'll learn how to recognize narcissistic behavior, set strong boundaries, and protect yourself from manipulation. Rebecca shares her powerful S.L.A.Y. Method, designed to help you negotiate with high-conflict, toxic personalities at work, in relationships, and beyond. Whether you're navigating divorce, workplace conflict, or family drama, this episode offers practical tools to handle narcissists with confidence, clarity, and control. If you've ever felt powerless with a toxic person, this is your roadmap to take your power back. Follow Rebecca on LinkedIn Rebecca's website Contact ANI Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn negotiateanything.com Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
In this episode, Ken sits down with negotiation expert Kwame Christian. Learn how to stay calm in hard conversations, handle conflict at work and at home, and build stronger relationships through humility and curiosity. Next Steps:
Negotiate Anything: Negotiation | Persuasion | Influence | Sales | Leadership | Conflict Management
Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company In this gripping episode of "Negotiate Anything," host Kwame Christian welcomes self-defense guru Tony Blauer to delve into the intricate relationship between fear and negotiation. The conversation explores how fear impacts decision-making and performance, emphasizing practical mechanisms for mastering fear in high-stress situations. Tony shares insightful stories and psychological frameworks, equipping listeners with strategies to convert fear into a dynamic driving force. Their discussion reveals how understanding and negotiating with oneself can drastically improve handling confrontational scenarios, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking to enhance their negotiation prowess and emotional resilience. - Exploring Tony Blauer's concept of "Making Friends with Fear" and its application to negotiation - The role of self-awareness and stress inoculation in mastering fear in sudden violent or high-pressure negotiations - How to practice and apply fear management techniques in professional and personal situations Listeners will learn: - Strategies to enhance negotiation skills by managing personal fear and self-talk - The importance of maintaining focus and presence in achieving a flow state during negotiations - Practical tips on translating fear into constructive energy that enhances performance and decision-making in high-stake scenarios Negotiate Anything: Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code ANYTHING at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/anything incogni.com Personal Information Removal Service | Incogni | Incogni Data brokers are collecting, aggregating and trading your personal data without you knowing anything about it. We make them remove it. Connect with Tony Follow Tony Blauer on LinkedIn Blauer Tactical Systems LinkedIn page Blauer Spear website Contact ANI Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn The Ultimate Negotiation Guide Click here to buy your copy of How To Have Difficult Conversations About Race! Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
Negotiate Anything: Negotiation | Persuasion | Influence | Sales | Leadership | Conflict Management
Most people burn out chasing success… but what if “fun” is the missing ingredient for sustainable growth? In this episode, Kwame Christian sits down with Dr. Mike Rucker (behavioral scientist, author of The Fun Habit) to unpack the science of fun, why chasing happiness can trap you on the hedonic treadmill, and how small “micro-moments” of joy help you build resilience, connection, and long-term performance. Negotiate Anything:Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code ANYTHING at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan:https://incogni.com/anything incogni.com Personal Information Removal Service | Incogni | Incogni Data brokers are collecting, aggregating and trading your personal data without you knowing anything about it. We make them remove it. Connect With Dr. Mike Rucker michaelrucker.com Buy the Book The Fun Habit: How the Pursuit of Joy and Wonder Can Change Your Life Contact ANI Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn negotiateanything.com Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
Negotiate Anything: Negotiation | Persuasion | Influence | Sales | Leadership | Conflict Management
Kwame Christian and Tom Hardin (Tipper X) explore why ethical breakdowns happen before anyone can see them—inside private rationalizations. Tom explains how to reduce risk by addressing the Fraud Triangle and creating a culture where people feel safe surfacing pressure, uncertainty, and gray-area requests. Negotiate Anything:Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code ANYTHING at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan:https://incogni.com/anything incogni.com Personal Information Removal Service | Incogni | Incogni Data brokers are collecting, aggregating and trading your personal data without you knowing anything about it. We make them remove it. Connect with Tipper X tipperx.com Order the book: Wired on Wall Street: The Rise and Fall of Tipper X, One of the FBI's Most Prolific Informants by Tipper X Contact ANI Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn negotiateanything.com Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
Negotiate Anything: Negotiation | Persuasion | Influence | Sales | Leadership | Conflict Management
Unlock the hidden negotiation advantage you never knew you had. What if the very trait you've been told is holding you back is actually your greatest strength at the bargaining table? In this powerful Negotiation Masterclass edition of Negotiate Anything, Kwame Christian curates three eye-opening conversations that challenge everything you think you know about introversion, persuasion, and performance. From bestselling author Matthew Pollard's journey from terrified door-to-door salesman to the #1 rep in the largest sales organization in the Southern Hemisphere, to expert insights on energy, silence, storytelling, and strategy, this episode reveals why introverts may have a natural edge in sales, networking, and negotiation. You'll discover: Why introversion isn't about shyness—but energy. How systems and preparation outperform “winging it” every time. The storytelling framework that can make you 22x more memorable. How silence, listening, and strategic pacing become persuasion superpowers. Practical ways introverts (and extroverts) can negotiate more effectively. Whether you identify as an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between, this episode will reshape how you see communication, confidence, and influence. Because success doesn't belong to the loudest voice in the room — it belongs to the most strategic one. Negotiate Anything: Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code ANYTHING at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/anything Data brokers are collecting, aggregating and trading your personal data without you knowing anything about it. We make them remove it.
Get free marketing videos from Donald Miller every week at: https://WeeklySoundbite.com/ Most of us avoid hard conversations. We tell ourselves it's not worth the tension. We don't want to look needy or rock the boat, so we let things slide. At work, at home, with friends. But every time we stay silent, something inside us shrinks. Resentment builds, and the relationships that matter most slowly drift off course. We don't lose influence because we lack talent. We lose it because we lack the courage to say what needs to be said. And that silence costs us opportunities, connection, and even our identity. But what if your next big breakthrough is waiting on the other side of one honest conversation? In this episode, Don sits down with negotiation expert Kwame Christian to explore how difficult conversations shape our confidence, relationships, and success. Kwame shares how overcoming people-pleasing transformed his life, why respect matters more than being liked, and how negotiation is about connection, not manipulation. You'll learn why many negotiations fail before they start, how to plant seeds instead of dropping bombs, and why great negotiators focus on long-term trust over short-term wins. Listen in for a masterclass in how to protect your identity and create better outcomes, one conversation at a time. Hire Kwame at: https://kwamechristian.com Connect with Donald Miller on social media: https://www.instagram.com/donaldmiller/ https://www.facebook.com/donaldmillerwords http://StoryBrand.com Building a StoryBrand 2.0 is now available! https://buildingastorybrand.com/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=&utm_term=cb&utm_content=SB_Framework Make your marketing and messaging work with the StoryBrand framework—and you can do that with the updated version of the book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0, now available!
Negotiate Anything: Negotiation | Persuasion | Influence | Sales | Leadership | Conflict Management
What if the career you want is hiding on the other side of a conversation you're afraid to have? In this powerful episode of Negotiate Anything, host Kwame Christian sits down with Scott Anthony Barlow, founder of Happen to Your Career and newly minted #1 Amazon bestselling author, to unpack the hidden role that difficult conversations play in career fulfillment and success. Together, they explore why so many professionals negotiate themselves into roles they don't actually want — and how clarity, self-honesty, and truth-telling can completely change the outcome. Scott shares eye-opening stories from his coaching practice, including real-life examples of professionals who redefined their roles, negotiated more autonomy, and even worked fewer hours while earning more — simply by getting clear on what they wanted and having the courage to ask for it. The conversation dives deep into introspection, cognitive distortions, and why telling the truth is often the most underrated (and effective) negotiation strategy. If you've ever felt stuck, undervalued, or uncertain about your next career move, this episode will challenge the way you think about work, negotiation, and success — and give you practical tools to start creating a career that actually fits. Negotiate Anything: Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code ANYTHING at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/anything incogni.com Personal Information Removal Service | Incogni | Incogni Data brokers are collecting, aggregating and trading your personal data without you knowing anything about it. We make them remove it.
Negotiate Anything: Negotiation | Persuasion | Influence | Sales | Leadership | Conflict Management
What if confidence in negotiation isn't something you're born with — but something you can systematically build, rep by rep? In this Negotiation Masterclass episode of Negotiate Anything, Kwame Christian brings together three powerhouse perspectives to break down what real confidence looks like at the negotiation table — and how to develop it when the stakes are high. You'll hear from an NFL agent negotiating multimillion-dollar contracts, a salary negotiation coach helping professionals claim what they're worth, and a negotiation trainer redefining collaboration and leadership under pressure . Across these conversations, you'll learn how leverage is created long before the deal begins, why preparation beats bravado every time, and how confident negotiators manage emotions — both theirs and the other side's — without backing down or burning bridges. From navigating salary talks to handling aggressive counterparts and knowing when to walk away, this episode shows how confidence isn't about being loud or forceful — it's about clarity, strategy, and self-trust. If you want to negotiate with calm authority, make smarter decisions under pressure, and turn difficult conversations into opportunities, this masterclass will give you the mindset and tools to do exactly that. Negotiate Anything: Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code ANYTHING at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/anything incogni.com Personal Information Removal Service | Incogni | Incogni Data brokers are collecting, aggregating and trading your personal data without you knowing anything about it. We make them remove it.
Negotiate Anything: Negotiation | Persuasion | Influence | Sales | Leadership | Conflict Management
Failure isn't the end of a negotiation — it's the beginning of your biggest breakthrough. In this thought-provoking episode of Negotiate Anything, Kwame Christian sits down with renowned negotiation expert Joshua Weiss to tackle one of the most uncomfortable — and misunderstood — topics in negotiation: failure. Why do smart, capable negotiators struggle so deeply after setbacks? And more importantly, how can failure become a strategic advantage instead of a source of shame? Joshua introduces the powerful ideas behind his book Getting Back to the Table, breaking down why most people learn the wrong lessons from failed negotiations — and how that mistake quietly sabotages future outcomes. Together, they explore the psychology of failure, the role of ego and identity, and the critical difference between blaming yourself, blaming others, and facing the cold, hard facts with clarity and resilience. This episode goes far beyond tactics. It's a deep dive into mindset, self-awareness, and personal growth — revealing how negotiators, leaders, parents, and professionals can reframe failure as a tool for learning, confidence, and long-term success. If you've ever walked away from a conversation replaying what went wrong, this conversation will change how you see failure forever. Negotiate Anything: Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code ANYTHING at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/anything incogni.com Personal Information Removal Service | Incogni | Incogni Data brokers are collecting, aggregating and trading your personal data without you knowing anything about it. We make them remove it.
Negotiation isn't a “business skill” — it's an everyday relationship skill. Today we sit down TED Talk speaker, best-selling author, and podcast host of Negotiate Anything, Kwame Christian. He is recognized as one of the world's top negotiation experts, and he got good at it by treating tough conversations like a learnable muscle (not a personality trait). He breaks great negotiation down into three core skills—listening, curiosity, and emotion management—and offers a flexible framework (“compassionate curiosity”) that keeps things collaborative instead of combative. The big shift: do the internal work first (name your feelings, get clear on what you want), then enter the conversation ready to validate, get curious, and problem-solve—without handing your well-being to the other person. Skill, not talent Everyday negotiations Unlearn Hollywood Self-awareness first 3 core skills Compassionate curiosity Give Me Discounts! Check out Relationship Academy! Cozy Earth - Black Friday has come early! Right now, you can stack my code “IDO” on top of their sitewide sale — giving you up to 40% off in savings. These deals won't last, so start your holiday shopping today! Beducate - Use code relationship69 for 65% off the annual pass. AG1 - AG1 has become my go to every morning. Simple Practice - If you're in mental health and not using simple practice then what are you doing??? Spark My Relationship Course: Get $100 off our online course. Visit SparkMyRelationship.com/Unlock for our special offer just for our I Do Podcast listeners! Skylight - Use code “IDO” for $30 off your 15 inch calendar. If you love this episode (and our podcast!), would you mind giving us a review in iTunes? It would mean the world to us and we promise it only takes a minute. Many thanks in advance! – Colter, Cayla, & Lauren Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Negotiate Anything: Negotiation | Persuasion | Influence | Sales | Leadership | Conflict Management
What if changing someone's mind isn't about being right — but about understanding how people actually think? In this Negotiation Masterclass edition of Negotiate Anything, Kwame Christian curates three powerful conversations that unpack one of the hardest challenges in communication: influencing deeply held beliefs. Drawing from psychology, change management, and behavioral science, this episode explores why people resist change, how strong opinions are formed, and — most importantly — what actually helps minds open instead of shut down . You'll hear from a persuasion scientist who breaks down why confidence and emotion don't always mean an opinion is unchangeable, a change-management expert who reveals why resistance is often a signal — not a setback — and a renowned science journalist who explains the surprising techniques used to help people rethink even their most entrenched views. Across all three perspectives, one theme becomes clear: the best negotiators don't argue harder — they listen better. Whether you're navigating tough conversations at work, addressing polarizing topics, or trying to lead meaningful change, this masterclass will give you practical frameworks to reduce resistance, build trust, and guide conversations toward real understanding. Negotiate Anything: Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code ANYTHING at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/anything incogni.com Personal Information Removal Service | Incogni | Incogni Data brokers are collecting, aggregating and trading your personal data without you knowing anything about it. We make them remove it.
Negotiate Anything: Negotiation | Persuasion | Influence | Sales | Leadership | Conflict Management
What if the secret to winning tough negotiations isn't saying more — but seeing people more clearly? In this special Negotiation Masterclass episode of Negotiate Anything, host Kwame Christian brings together three elite mediators from radically different backgrounds to tackle the same universal challenge: navigating conflict when emotions run high and stakes are real. From workplace disputes to high-stakes legal battles, these experts reveal how conflict actually unfolds — and what separates resolution from ruin. You'll learn why we instinctively dehumanize the people we disagree with, how leadership conflict avoidance quietly poisons organizations, and the subtle de-escalation techniques that can instantly change the tone of everyday conversations. Along the way, our guests break down ego, identity, empathy, and power — showing how preparation, perspective, and human connection drive better outcomes than brute-force tactics ever could. Whether you're a leader, negotiator, mediator, or simply someone who wants to handle difficult conversations with more confidence and clarity, this episode will give you multiple perspectives, practical tools, and mindset shifts you can apply immediately. Listen in — and start building a negotiation style that actually works for you. Negotiate Anything: Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code ANYTHING at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/anything incogni.com Personal Information Removal Service | Incogni | Incogni Data brokers are collecting, aggregating and trading your personal data without you knowing anything about it. We make them remove it.
Negotiate Anything: Negotiation | Persuasion | Influence | Sales | Leadership | Conflict Management
What if the single skill separating average negotiators from truly exceptional ones isn't persuasion — but curiosity? In this special Negotiation Masterclass episode of Negotiate Anything, Kwame Christian brings together three extraordinary experts to explore how curiosity — internal, external, and behavioral — can completely transform the way you communicate, influence, and connect. Across three powerful conversations, you'll hear how a clinical psychologist, a DE&I strategist, and a former FBI counterintelligence agent each approach the same challenge from radically different angles — and why that diversity of perspective is your secret advantage. You'll discover how internal curiosity helps you regulate emotions and avoid self-sabotage, how human-centered curiosity builds trust and alignment in high-stakes conversations, and how subtle behaviors — body language, tone, timing — can quietly tip negotiations in your favor. From boardrooms to family conversations to international espionage, this episode reveals why the best negotiators don't force outcomes — they invite understanding. If you want to negotiate with more confidence, authenticity, and impact — without sacrificing your values — this masterclass will change the way you show up in every conversation that matters. Negotiate Anything: Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code ANYTHING at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/anything incogni.com Personal Information Removal Service | Incogni | Incogni Data brokers are collecting, aggregating and trading your personal data without you knowing anything about it. We make them remove it.
Negotiate Anything: Negotiation | Persuasion | Influence | Sales | Leadership | Conflict Management
What if the secret to winning negotiations, building a powerful brand, and creating lasting influence isn't doing more — but getting clearer? In this Negotiation Masterclass edition of Negotiate Anything, Kwame Christian brings together three expert perspectives to reveal how top performers win the long game through clarity, focus, and strategic cooperation — not complexity. You'll hear how creative leaders turn alignment into leverage, how credibility and composure shape personal brand in high-stakes moments, and why the strongest brands (and careers) are built by choosing focus over noise. From negotiation tables to boardrooms and creative industries, this episode breaks down what actually creates long-term power. In this episode, you'll learn: Why clarity beats cleverness in negotiation and branding How personal brand is forged under pressure The role of creative cooperation and strategic positioning Why saying no is often the fastest path to influence This isn't about winning a single deal — it's about building authority and trust that compound over time.
Negotiate Anything: Negotiation | Persuasion | Influence | Sales | Leadership | Conflict Management
Preparation isn't optional — it's the difference between hoping a negotiation works and knowing it will. In this special Negotiate Anything masterclass, Kwame Christian brings together three powerhouse perspectives to explore one deceptively simple skill that separates average negotiators from exceptional ones: preparation. From public speaking coach Mariana Swallow's practical framework for audience-focused readiness, to real estate CEO Jody McLean's high-stakes lessons from multimillion-dollar deals, to groundbreaking research proving that preparation measurably improves outcomes, this episode shows why “winging it” is the fastest way to lose leverage. You'll discover: Why knowing your content is not the same as being prepared How audience recon and emotional readiness shape persuasion and trust What elite negotiators do before the conversation ever starts How preparation boosts confidence, ethics, and long-term results If you want to negotiate with clarity, confidence, and consistency — whether in the boardroom, on Zoom, or in everyday conversations — this episode is your blueprint. Preparation doesn't just improve negotiations. It transforms them. Negotiate Anything: Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code ANYTHING at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/anything
Negotiate Anything: Negotiation | Persuasion | Influence | Sales | Leadership | Conflict Management
Winning in real estate has less to do with price — and everything to do with how you negotiate. In this Negotiation Masterclass edition of Negotiate Anything, Kwame Christian brings together three real estate experts from vastly different markets to reveal how elite negotiators win when competition is fierce and the stakes are real. You'll hear how top residential agents win bidding wars by setting expectations early, building trust fast, and positioning offers so effectively they beat higher prices. You'll learn how luxury brokers use pricing psychology and instant credibility to create leverage in cutthroat markets—and how commercial negotiators play the long game, where emotional discipline and reputation drive success over decades, not just deals. In this episode, you'll learn: Why trust and authenticity outperform tactics How pricing is negotiation strategy How to manage emotions in high-stakes deals When walking away strengthens your position How elite negotiators build reputations that compound over time Whether you're in real estate, sales, or leadership, this masterclass will change how you negotiate when pressure is high and competition is relentless.
Negotiate Anything: Negotiation | Persuasion | Influence | Sales | Leadership | Conflict Management
What do you do when the person across the table isn't just tough—but openly hostile? In this episode of Negotiate Anything, Kwame Christian welcomes back attorney and negotiation expert Jamie Lieberman, Esq. for a practical deep dive into managing hostile negotiators and navigating high-conflict conversations without losing your composure — or your leverage. Jamie breaks down why difficult negotiators trigger such strong emotional reactions, how to prepare for those moments before they happen, and the mindset shifts that allow you to stay calm while others escalate. Together, Kwame and Jamie explore how to build rapport when the other side seems unwilling, how to gather and use information strategically when facts alone aren't enough, and how to change the dynamic from adversarial to collaborative — even when the other party is interrupting, bullying, or refusing to engage productively. Packed with real-world legal examples and actionable tactics, this episode equips you to protect your interests, reclaim control, and negotiate with confidence under pressure. If you've ever dreaded a conversation because you knew the other person would be aggressive, dismissive, or impossible to deal with, this episode will change how you approach tough negotiations for good.
Negotiate Anything: Negotiation | Persuasion | Influence | Sales | Leadership | Conflict Management
What if the hardest conversations you'll ever have are the ones that define your leadership? In this powerful episode of Negotiate Anything, Kwame Christian sits down with real estate investor and entrepreneur Liam Leonard for a raw, unfiltered conversation about delivering bad news with empathy — and making decisions that hurt in the short term but serve everyone in the long run. As market volatility forces Liam to shut down an entire business division, he walks us through the mindset shifts, board-level conversations, and emotionally charged employee discussions that tested him as a leader. You'll hear how confidence can become a liability, why being persuadable is a leadership superpower, and how grounding tough decisions in the best interest of others transforms painful conversations into purposeful ones. This episode is a masterclass in navigating change, embracing failure, and leading with clarity when there's no easy way out. If you're facing layoffs, restructuring, or any high-stakes conversation where emotions run high and the right answer isn't comfortable, this is an episode you can't afford to miss.
Negotiate Anything: Negotiation | Persuasion | Influence | Sales | Leadership | Conflict Management
Negotiations don't fall apart because of bad tactics — they fall apart when emotions go unmanaged. In this Negotiation Masterclass episode of Negotiate Anything, Kwame Christian explores why emotional intelligence is the real difference-maker in high-stakes conversations. Through three expert perspectives, you'll see how self-awareness, emotional control, and empathy shape outcomes long before strategy ever comes into play. You'll learn how to regulate your emotions under pressure, read others more accurately, build trust before conflict, and avoid the costly mistakes that come from emotional blind spots. This episode shows why the best negotiators aren't just skilled communicators—they're emotionally disciplined leaders. If you want to negotiate with clarity, composure, and long-term influence, this masterclass will change how you approach every difficult conversation.
Negotiate Anything: Negotiation | Persuasion | Influence | Sales | Leadership | Conflict Management
Most people leave hundreds of thousands of dollars on the table — not because they aren't qualified, but because they don't believe they're worth it. In this Negotiation Masterclass edition of Negotiate Anything, Kwame Christian brings together three leading voices in salary negotiation to break down how high performers learn to value themselves, advocate confidently, and navigate the mental and emotional barriers that stop most people from asking for more. You'll learn how to identify and communicate your true value, prepare for high-stakes salary conversations, and negotiate beyond base pay to build a compensation package that actually reflects your worth. The episode also tackles the hidden forces at play — fear of rejection, bias, identity, and mindset — and shows how elite negotiators work around them instead of being blocked by them. In this episode, you'll discover: - Why knowing your value is the foundation of every successful negotiation. - How preparation beats confidence when asking for more money. - Ways to navigate bias and fear without losing leverage. - How to negotiate salary as a collaborative problem-solving conversation. - Why asking is uncomfortable — but essential for long-term success. If you're ready to stop underpricing yourself and start negotiating from a place of clarity and confidence, this masterclass will change how you think about money, value, and your career.
Negotiate Anything: Negotiation | Persuasion | Influence | Sales | Leadership | Conflict Management
Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company: https://www.americannegotiationinstitute.com/services/workshops/ Looking to take your negotiation skills to the next level? Join host Kwame Christian and guest David Johnson, an esteemed legal professional and design thinking expert, as they delve into the world of design thinking applied to negotiations. Gain invaluable insights into this innovative approach and learn how to leverage design thinking principles for success in your own negotiations. Tune in for actionable strategies and a fresh perspective on achieving better results. David Johnson Bio: David Johnson is a respected legal practitioner with extensive courtroom experience and a passion for teaching and research. He teaches at Stanford Law School and the Hasso Plattner School of Design, specializing in the intersection of law and design. With a background in both law and technology, David brings a unique perspective to negotiations, applying design thinking principles to enhance problem-solving and drive impactful outcomes. His expertise and dedication to improving social activism make him a sought-after speaker and author. Visit his personal website for more information on his groundbreaking work. Negotiation By Design Course https://dschool.stanford.edu/classes/negotiation-by-design Follow Dave on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/djohnsonllc/ Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwamechristian/ The Ultimate Negotiation Guide: https://www.americannegotiationinstitute.com/guides/ultimate-negotiation-guide/ Click here to buy your copy of How To Have Difficult Conversations About Race!: https://www.amazon.com/Have-Difficult-Conversations-About-Race/dp/1637741308/ref=pd_%5B%E2%80%A6%5Df0bc9774-7975-448b-bde1-094cab455adb&pd_rd_i=1637741308&psc=1 Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!: https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Confidence-Conflict-Negotiate-Anything/dp/0578413736/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PSW69L6ABTK&keywords=finding+confidence+in+conflict&qid=1667317257&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjQyIiwicXNhIjoiMC4xNCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMjMifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=finding+confidence+in+conflic%2Caps%2C69&sr=8-1
In today's episode, I sit down with Kwame Christian, the founder and CEO of the American Negotiation Institute, for a conversation about what negotiation really is and why most people misunderstand it. We talk about recognizing when you're actually negotiating, knowing your timing and risk tolerance, and understanding the difference between convincing and conveying your value. Kwame shares how he built his confidence from being a people pleaser to becoming a leading voice in the field, along with a powerful story about protecting his bottom line during a major media deal. His perspective on fairness, leverage, and long-term reputation reframes negotiation entirely.
Hard conversation on your calendar? Breathe! You've got a playbook now. In this episode, negotiation expert Kwame Christian shares how to stay calm under pressure, be heard without getting heated, and turn conflict into collaboration. We break down the 3-step Compassionate Curiosity method, the empathy loop that makes people feel understood, and how to find the leverage you're missing. Get ready to learn scripts and mindset shifts you can use at work, at home, and anywhere stakes feel high. In This Episode, You Will Learn The 3-STEP COMPASSIONATE CURIOSITY FRAMEWORK to handle any hard conversation. How to ACKNOWLEDGE & VALIDATE EMOTIONS to lower the emotional temperature. The OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS that build rapport. How to see the OPPORTUNITY overshadowed by the power element. How to SHIFT from EGOCENTRIC to EMPATHETIC PERSUASION so your message lands. The EMPATHY LOOP that makes people feel heard. Resources + Links Listen to Kwame's podcast HERE Learn more about Kwame HERE Grab your copy of Kwame's book How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race HERE Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/monahan Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning at NetSuite.com/MONAHAN. Want to do more and spend less like Uber, 8x8, and Databricks Mosaic? Take a free test drive of OCI at oracle.com/MONAHAN. Get 10% off your first Mitopure order at timeline.com/CONFIDENCE. Get 15% off your first order when you use code CONFIDENCE15 at checkout at jennikayne.com. Call my digital clone at 201-897-2553! Visit heathermonahan.com Sign up for my mailing list: heathermonahan.com/mailing-list/ Overcome Your Villains is Available NOW! Order here: https://overcomeyourvillains.com If you haven't yet, get my first book Confidence Creator Follow Heather on Instagram & LinkedIn Kwame on Instagram & LinkedIn