Most feedback fails not because it’s wrong — but because it triggers defensiveness. Buy the book Let's Talk: Make Effective Feedback Your Superpower by Therese Huston In this episode, cognitive scientist and author Therese Huston joins Kwame Christian to reveal the brain science behind effective, non-threatening feedback. You’ll learn why even well-meaning feedback can backfire, how to prevent emotional resistance before it starts, and what most managers get completely wrong when delivering ha...
Jun 07, 2025•35 min
You don’t need pressure to persuade — you need the right question. In this episode, Yale professor and bestselling author Zoe Chance joins Kwame Christian to share the most practical, science-backed influence strategies used by top leaders, negotiators, and communicators. You'll learn how to apply her signature "magic question" in real conversations, how unfair forgiveness can increase loyalty, and why most people misunderstand what real persuasion looks like. Zoe also breaks down why kindness i...
Jun 06, 2025•36 min
Two of the most powerful men in America—Elon Musk and Donald Trump—just had a very public, very personal falling out. What caused it? And more importantly, what can this teach us about trust, loyalty, power dynamics, and how relationships break down when interests collide? This is not about politics—it’s about people. In this non-partisan breakdown, negotiation expert Kwame Christian unpacks the deeper patterns behind the Trump-Musk conflict and reveals the hidden strategies you can apply to you...
Jun 06, 2025•16 min
Everyone talks about getting buy-in—but how do you actually do it when you have no product, no team, and no traction? In this episode, Marc Howland breaks down the exact strategy he used to build Breadless from scratch. From convincing a co-founder at a barbecue, to earning community trust through gym pop-ups, and finally closing $1.1M in funding—Marc reveals the step-by-step process to go from rejection to real support. If you're struggling to get others to believe in your idea, this conversati...
Jun 05, 2025•34 min
They smile, they compliment, they even laugh at your jokes—but something always feels off. In this episode, Kwame Christian sits down with NYU psychology professor and best-selling author Tessa West to uncover the real danger of workplace frenemies. From subtle mixed signals to the science of stress, you’ll learn how these ambiguous relationships drain your confidence, distort your judgment, and quietly sabotage your career. You’ll also discover: – Why consistency matters more than kindness – Th...
Jun 04, 2025•41 min
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 ...
Jun 03, 2025•53 min
What if the key to commanding respect wasn’t about proving yourself—but about being yourself? In this inspiring conversation, Elena Kohn, in-house counsel at AdventHealth and co-author of Women in Law: Discovering the True Meaning of Success, joins Kwame Christian to unpack the power of authenticity in high-stakes environments. As an immigrant, first-generation lawyer, and mother, Elena shares how she stopped chasing the image of the “perfect professional” and started embracing her accent, humor...
Jun 02, 2025•26 min
Is your fear of being seen as "too much" keeping you silent? Kwame Christian sits down with assertive communication expert Ivna Curi to dismantle one of the most damaging myths in leadership and workplace culture — that speaking up means being aggressive. You’ll learn the four pillars of true assertiveness, how to balance confidence with warmth, and why staying silent often creates more backlash than setting boundaries ever could. From high-stakes roleplays to actionable scripts, this conversati...
Jun 01, 2025•58 min
You don’t need to feel calm to stay in control. In this raw and eye-opening episode, Kwame Christian sits down with The Anxious Achiever host Morra Aarons-Mele to unpack what really happens when anxiety hits in the middle of a high-stakes conversation. Whether you're a leader, negotiator, or just trying to survive the next Zoom meeting, this conversation offers practical tools to ground yourself, recover in real-time, and stop letting anxiety run the show. Morra breaks down the science, shares l...
May 31, 2025•35 min
Most leaders won’t say what they really think — Nancy Medoff does. In this fearless conversation, Nancy returns to the show with a raw and honest look at what happens when a communication expert steps into politics and faces public scrutiny head-on. She shares the emotional toll, the unexpected memes, and the mindset shift that helped her stop chasing approval and start creating real impact. From small-town election drama to universal truths about people-pleasing, authenticity, and persuasion, t...
May 30, 2025•30 min
One bad reaction can destroy the trust you spent years building. In this episode, forensic psychologist and leadership expert Nashater Deu Solheim joins Kwame Christian to unpack the hidden emotional triggers that sabotage high-stakes conversations. You’ll learn how to recognize defensiveness before it takes over, use silence as a power move, and ask the one question that keeps you in control — even when you’re about to explode. Whether you're leading a team, navigating conflict, or trying to be...
May 29, 2025•32 min
Negotiation isn’t just a skill — it’s a life-changing mindset. In this special crossover episode, negotiation expert Kwame Christian joins Mike Lander of Higgle to reveal how he went from avoiding conflict to teaching millions how to navigate it. You’ll hear the story behind his rise as a globally recognized voice on negotiation, the neuroscience that explains why most conversations go wrong, and the three skills that every top negotiator shares. Whether you’re closing a deal or setting a bounda...
May 28, 2025•39 min
If every hard conversation feels heavy, it’s time to change the script. In this episode, speaker and author Erin Diehl shares how joy, empathy, and humor can transform even the most uncomfortable interactions. Whether you’re negotiating with a client, giving feedback to a teammate, or bracing for a tense talk at home, Erin explains how to shift your mindset, calm your nervous system, and lead with radical presence—without losing your edge. You’ll learn: The real reason most difficult conversatio...
May 27, 2025•46 min
The worst deals don’t break you later — they fool you early. In this episode, sales strategist Kim Orlesky reveals why bad-fit clients slip through your filter, how to recognize red flags before it's too late, and what it really means to sell from a place of power. From walking away from misaligned deals to reframing budget conversations and asserting value without pressure, this conversation is a blueprint for anyone who negotiates, sells, or wants to stop saying yes out of desperation. You’ll ...
May 26, 2025•33 min
Why Doing Everything Right Still Leaves You Stuck? How to Finally Level Up? This episode is a masterclass in leadership evolution — raw, real, and exactly what high achievers need to hear when the next level feels just out of reach. Jade Davis, VP at the Port of Cleveland and advisor to the largest Black woman-owned public affairs firm in Ohio, joins Kwame to reveal the invisible shift that transforms good performers into true leaders. In this powerful conversation, Jade unpacks what it really m...
May 25, 2025•41 min
What if your next life-changing opportunity came from a single conversation with a stranger? In this electrifying episode, Dr. Ruth Gotian returns to share the real secrets behind connecting with anyone—from Nobel Prize winners to NBA champions. Whether you're an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between, Ruth breaks down her proven approach to building authentic relationships that open doors, spark collaboration, and create lasting impact—no awkward small talk required. Kwame and Ruth dive ...
May 24, 2025•33 min
What if the key to persuading someone wasn’t hiding your flaws—but revealing them? In this episode, Kwame Christian sits down with behavioral science expert and bestselling author Richard Shotton (The Illusion of Choice) to uncover the hidden psychological levers behind trust, influence, and decision-making. From the Stolen Thunder effect to the surprising power of using precise numbers, you’ll learn how small shifts in language and strategy can drastically increase your credibility and impact a...
May 23, 2025•31 min
You think you’re being authentic. You’re not. In this powerful conversation, media expert, keynote speaker, and author Jeanne Sparrow breaks down the real meaning of authenticity — and it’s not what you think. Most people confuse authenticity with oversharing. Others stay silent, mistaking fear for integrity. Jeanne explains why true authenticity isn’t about saying everything — it’s about knowing who you are, what you bring to the table, and how to use that power with intention. You’ll learn: Wh...
May 22, 2025•56 min
In a market where confidence is cheap and trust is everything — Nikko Santo Pietro delivers the real game. Selling real estate in Beverly Hills during the worst market in decades? That’s exactly what Nikko Santo Pietro is doing — and thriving. In this episode, Nikko breaks down how he closes multimillion-dollar deals by combining bold marketing, sharp pricing strategies, and next-level negotiation skills. You’ll learn how to win clients’ trust (even when they overvalue their homes), why wearing ...
May 21, 2025•32 min
Authenticity wins — but only if you know how to share your story. In this episode, Shaquille Alexander reveals the power of authentic storytelling in leadership, sharing how his journey from adversity to public service became his greatest asset. As a first-time candidate running for City Treasurer in Whitehall, Ohio, Shaq opens up about his upbringing, his commitment to the community that raised him, and how he transformed personal struggles into a narrative that connects with voters. But this c...
May 20, 2025•29 min
Stop being afraid to ask — because staying silent is costing you. In this episode, Crystal Ware shares her powerful insights on why so many people, especially women, struggle to ask for what they deserve. Whether it’s negotiating your salary, setting boundaries, or simply speaking up, Crystal reveals how to overcome the fear of asking and finally own your worth. You’ll discover practical strategies to define your value, communicate it with confidence, and never leave money on the table again. If...
May 19, 2025•33 min
Master the secret tactics spies use to win trust and uncover the truth. In this gripping episode, Jeremy Hurewitz, corporate intelligence expert and author of "Sell Like a Spy," reveals the secret persuasion tactics used by the CIA, FBI, and elite intelligence officers. Hurewitz draws on his years of experience working alongside former CIA case officers, FBI negotiators, and counterintelligence experts to share powerful strategies for winning trust, gathering intelligence, and persuading anyone ...
May 18, 2025•36 min
Stop chasing tactics — strategy is what wins big deals. In this episode, Patrick Tinney reveals the truth behind successful negotiations: it’s not about clever tricks or aggressive tactics — it’s about strategy. From navigating high-stakes deals to mastering leverage and risk management, Patrick shares the secrets that have helped him close hundreds of millions of dollars in deals. You’ll learn why most people fail in negotiations, how to avoid the “split the difference” trap, and how to build t...
May 17, 2025•34 min
In high-stakes conflict, the greatest power is knowing when to pause. In this episode, Kwame Christian sits down with William Ury, Harvard negotiation master, co-founder of the Harvard Program on Negotiation, and co-author of the global bestseller "Getting to Yes." But beyond the books and accolades, Ury reveals his most profound secret — "Going to the Balcony." William Ury shares the gripping story of how this simple yet transformative technique helped him navigate high-stakes conflicts, includ...
May 16, 2025•1 hr 11 min
Most people spend their lives chasing success — but they never realize they’re running in the wrong direction. In this episode, former NFL running back Raymont Harris reveals the shocking truth about mindset that transformed his life — from growing up in poverty and losing his mother at birth to achieving his dreams in professional sports and beyond. Raymont shares the secrets behind his elite mindset, why talent alone is never enough, and how the right beliefs can change everything. Whether you...
May 15, 2025•25 min
Why Most People Lose Big Without Noticing In this episode, Jeremy Delk reveals how his journey from a small town in Kentucky to Wall Street was shaped by the toughest negotiations of all — the ones with himself. Jeremy’s raw stories of losing millions, battling self-doubt, and building a multimillion-dollar venture capital firm expose the brutal truth most people miss: Success isn’t just about strategy — it’s about facing your own fears, mastering your mindset, and daring to take bold risks. Lis...
May 14, 2025•36 min
Most people are failing at their goals because they’ve been taught the wrong way to set them. Buy Now: Big Goals: The Science of Setting Them, Achieving Them, and Creating Your Best Life by Caroline Miller In this transformative episode, Caroline Miller, a leading expert in goal setting and positive psychology, exposes the fatal flaws of the widely accepted SMART goals approach. Caroline reveals the difference between learning goals and performance goals, explains why most people are stuck wit...
May 13, 2025•58 min
Saying "yes" when you mean "no" is a slow poison. Buy The Book Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes In this episode, Dr. Sunita Sah, a physician turned organizational psychologist, reveals the hidden costs of excessive compliance and how it silently destroys your self-worth. Learn why we mistake compliance for consent, how social conditioning traps you in silence, and the psychology of "insinuation anxiety"—the fear of offending others that keeps you stuck. Discover the true power...
May 12, 2025•43 min
Most leaders are blind to the biggest threat to their team’s success. In this episode, Anne Chow, former CEO of AT&T Business, reveals the hidden leadership myth that quietly undermines team performance and destroys trust. Drawing on decades of experience leading thousands, she exposes why even well-meaning leaders can fall into this trap — and how you can avoid it. Discover the critical shift you must make to lead with impact, build real connections, and unlock your team’s full potential. C...
May 11, 2025•43 min
Trust is your most valuable currency in negotiation — and most professionals waste it. In this episode, Keld Jensen, a globally recognized negotiation expert and author of 26 books, reveals why trust is more powerful than any contract. He explains why negotiating without first aligning on how you will negotiate is a costly mistake, how to leverage behavioral economics to understand irrational human decisions, and how the world’s best companies are using Centers of Excellence to transform their n...
May 10, 2025•38 min
