You’re not weak — your nervous system is just overwhelmed. In this deeply practical episode, Kwame Christian sits down with coach and educator Jay Fields to unpack why so many of us lose ourselves in high-stakes conversations. Whether it’s people-pleasing, freezing, or shrinking to avoid conflict, Jay explains how your body’s responses hijack your ability to stay present — and what you can do about it. You’ll learn: The difference between conceptual and embodied self-awareness How to stay connec...
Apr 20, 2025•31 min
Most people don’t lack talent—they lack the confidence to use it. In this enriching episode of "Negotiate Anything," host Kwame Christian welcomes Amandeep Thind, a seasoned public speaker and negotiation expert, to share his compelling journey from overcoming personal struggles to achieving professional success. Amandeep delves into the importance of confidence development, the necessity of applied knowledge, and the strategic negotiation techniques that have defined his career. The conversatio...
Apr 19, 2025•37 min
Most deals don’t fail on price — they fail on people. In this episode, Kwame sits down with Michiel Koopman, former Dutch soldier and current Head of Trading at Google, to break down why deals collapse even when everything looks good on paper. You’ll learn how ego, weak relationships, and a lack of empathy quietly sabotage negotiations — and what to do instead. Packed with real stories and powerful insights, this conversation will make you rethink how you approach every deal. Follow Michiel Koop...
Apr 18, 2025•42 min
Your hormones might be sabotaging your negotiations. In this episode, global speaking icon David JP Phillips reveals how to hack your internal chemistry—on demand—to show up with confidence, presence, and power when it matters most. Drawing from his best-selling book High on Life, David breaks down the six key neurochemicals that control your behavior (dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, endorphin, testosterone, and cortisol), and shows you how to intentionally trigger the right “emotional cocktail” ...
Apr 17, 2025•42 min
In this raw and revealing episode, Scott shares how his early abandonment shaped the way he saw himself — and others — and how it nearly destroyed everything he built. From his time in the military to leading a multimillion-dollar company, Scott opens up about the real cost of ego-driven success. 🔥 You’ll learn: — Why confidence without humility can backfire — The moment Scott realized he needed to change — and how he did it — How physical presence and emotional awareness impact negotiations — ...
Apr 16, 2025•30 min
You might be doing everything right — and still not getting the respect you deserve. In this episode, Kwame sits down with psychologist, professor, and author Alison Fragale to expose one of the most overlooked forces in negotiation and career advancement: status. Not money. Not power. Not charisma. But how others perceive your value — and how you can influence that perception. You’ll learn: What “status” really is (and why it’s more powerful than any tactic) Why competence isn’t enough if peopl...
Apr 15, 2025•38 min
If you've ever felt invisible, underestimated despite your results, or pressured to be someone you're not — this conversation will change the way you see yourself In this episode, executive coach Patience Ogunbona explains why the modern workplace favors extroverts — and how introverts can stop playing a rigged game. We break down the six pillars of courageous leadership, the hidden strengths of quiet thinkers, and why you don’t have to be the loudest in the room to lead it. If you've ever felt ...
Apr 13, 2025•27 min
Do you feel selfish, anxious, or even guilty just for saying “no”? You’re not alone — and it’s not your fault. In this eye-opening conversation, Kwame sits down with psychologist, author, and TED speaker Guy Winch to unpack the deep psychological roots behind our fear of rejection, the guilt of boundary-setting, and the hidden emotional costs of people-pleasing. You’ll learn: Why rejection hurts like physical pain (yes, literally) How to reframe fear and rewrite the labels you give yourself The ...
Apr 13, 2025•34 min
If you've ever felt uncomfortable “selling yourself” — this episode might just change everything. In this episode, Jason Harris, co-founder of the award-winning ad agency Mechanism and author of The Soulful Art of Persuasion, shares how he built a powerhouse business without using manipulation or salesy tactics. Instead, he leaned into empathy, generosity, and storytelling — values most people don’t associate with persuasion. We talk about how to lead with integrity, what it really means to infl...
Apr 12, 2025•35 min
Ever walk away from a conversation feeling more disconnected than before? You're not alone — and bestselling author Charles Duhigg is here to explain why. In this powerful episode, Charles (author of The Power of Habit and Supercommunicators) reveals the hidden science behind every conversation that fails — and exactly how to turn it around. Learn how to recognize the 3 types of conversations, why most breakdowns happen even with good intentions, and what super communicators do differently to bu...
Apr 11, 2025•50 min
Hise Gibson pulls no punches about what’s really standing in the way of successful AI integration: leadership failure. Drawing on decades of experience in combat, crisis, and the boardroom, Professor Gibson explains: Why most leaders are underprepared for the human side of AI adoption—and how to fix it How trust, not technology, determines whether teams resist or accelerate change The overlooked interpersonal deficit caused by the pandemic—and why your team’s soft skills may be your hardest prob...
Apr 10, 2025•34 min
Hard work isn’t enough — you need strategy. In this episode, Michael W. Phillips — veteran consultant and author of The Naked Negotiator — reveals why negotiation isn’t just for boardrooms. Drawing from 30 years of high-stakes deals, he shows how the same principles apply when asking for a raise, and why relying on “fairness” can quietly sabotage your career. You’ll learn: What managing your boss really means — and why it’s not sucking up How to replace “fair” with “reasonable” to shift power in...
Apr 09, 2025•23 min
Managing up is not about flattery. It’s about influence, and taking control of your career before someone else does. Order Now the Book: Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge In this episode, Melody Wilding—executive coach, professor, and author of Managing Up—joins Kwame to unpack one of the most overlooked (and misunderstood) career skills: learning how to manage your boss. If you’ve ever felt invisible, undervalued, or like you're doing everything right but still not...
Apr 08, 2025•54 min
Saying yes all the time is the fastest road to burnout. In this episode, career coach Eliana Goldstein breaks down why setting boundaries is essential—not just for your well-being, but for your success. Whether you're leading a team or pivoting your career, this is your wake-up call to stop people-pleasing and start protecting your energy. What You’ll Learn: Why saying “yes” too often can destroy performance and relationships How to set boundaries without feeling guilty or selfish The biggest mi...
Apr 07, 2025•28 min
What if your biggest obstacle in sales isn’t your product — but how you’re pitching it? In this episode, Kwame sits down with persuasion expert and medtech strategist Omar M. Khateeb to explore the psychology behind why people actually say yes. From understanding emotional triggers to mastering persuasion at scale, this is a no-fluff conversation packed with insights you can use immediately. What you’ll learn in this episode The biggest persuasion mistake people make (and how it silently kills d...
Apr 06, 2025•35 min
Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company In this insightful episode of "Negotiate Anything," host Kwame Christian is joined by strategic communications executive Maha Abouelenein. With extensive experience at top-tier companies like Google and Netflix, Maha shares invaluable advice on building personal brands, effective storytelling, and the power of self-reliance. Together, they delve into the nuances of value creation in professional relationships and overcoming fears in communication. W...
Apr 05, 2025•27 min
Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company In this episode of "Negotiate Anything," host Kwame Christian sits down with Gary Noesner, a retired chief of the FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit with 30 years of experience in high-stakes negotiations. Gary shares captivating stories from his career, including his involvement in major cases like Waco, and offers profound insights into the principles of effective negotiation and conflict resolution. They discuss the essential qualities of a good negotia...
Apr 04, 2025•50 min
Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company In this enlightening episode of "Negotiate Anything," host Kwame Christian welcomes Ivna Curi to discuss the art of assertive communication in negotiations. Overcoming numerous setbacks, the duo dives deep into the core of being assertive without losing warmth, an essential skill for both personal and professional life. Ivna shares invaluable insights from her extensive experience helping professionals, with a particular focus on women, to speak up ...
Apr 03, 2025•58 min
Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company In this episode of Negotiate Anything, host Kwame Christian and guest Matt Abrahams delve into the art of effective communication, particularly when responding on the spot in high-stakes situations. Matt, a communication expert, shares insights from his new book, "Think Faster, Talk Smarter," and emphasizes the importance of mindset, audience understanding, and empathy. They discuss common communication pitfalls and provide tangible strategies to im...
Apr 02, 2025•30 min
Buy the book Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship In this engaging episode of Negotiate Anything, Kwame Christian sits down with Keith Ferrazzi, a high-performing teams coach and bestselling author, to discuss the transformative power of shifting from traditional leadership models to teamship paradigms. Throughout the conversation, they explore practical strategies for building trust, enhancing team accountability, and embracing conflict resolution to boost team performance. K...
Apr 01, 2025•33 min
Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company In this engaging episode of "Negotiate Anything," host Kwame Christian welcomes back Heather MacArthur to explore the intricacies of giving and receiving effective feedback. Heather, an expert in coaching and consulting with a wealth of experience across various industries, shares her unique insights into how to create a productive feedback dialogue. Listeners will learn about Heather's innovative "above the line" feedback model and how to handle fe...
Mar 31, 2025•34 min
Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company In this enlightening episode of "Negotiate Anything," host Kwame Christian is joined by Dr. Mat Park, an organizational development specialist and sports psychology expert, to discuss mastering your mindset and performing under pressure. Dr. Park shares his multifaceted approach to leadership coaching and mental training, drawing from his experience with elite golfers and executives. Together, they explore the importance of balancing craft, body, an...
Mar 30, 2025•29 min
In this episode of Negotiate Anything, host Kwame Christian delves into the often-overlooked yet crucial role of saying "no" in negotiation. While many focus on getting to "yes," Kwame explains why mastering the art of saying "no" can actually enhance your negotiation results and relationships. Through insightful strategies like the "no sandwich" technique, listeners will learn to deliver their "no" in a way that is both respectful and effective. With practical examples and actionable advice, th...
Mar 29, 2025•33 min
Buy Now The Broken Rung: When the Career Ladder Breaks for Women--and How They Can Succeed in Spite of It In this enlightening episode of "Negotiate Anything," host Kwame Christian is joined by Kweilin Ellingrud and Simon Perez to discuss strategies for career advancement, overcoming workplace biases, and the importance of financial and physical health. Kweilin, a senior partner at McKinsey & Co, shares insights from her book "The Broken Rung," focusing on how women can proactively navigate thei...
Mar 28, 2025•43 min
Buy Now The Book Don't Say Um: How to Communicate Effectively to Live a Better Life In this episode of Negotiate Anything, host Kwame Christian welcomes expert communicators Michael Hoeppner and Simon Perez to discuss the intricacies of effective communication, especially under pressure. Michael shares his unique insights into enhancing delivery rather than just focusing on content, emphasizing the importance of being present and other-focused in high-stakes situations. They delve into practical...
Mar 27, 2025•47 min
Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company In this enlightening episode of "Negotiate Anything," host Kwame Christian is joined by Elizabeth Husserl, a financial advisor and money therapist, to explore the intriguing relationship between money, psychology, and negotiation. Elizabeth shares her journey of blending economics and psychology for effective financial planning, emphasizing the importance of understanding our emotional relationship with money. Through personal stories and expert ins...
Mar 26, 2025•40 min
Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company Most employees want to do a good job but they don't always know how to tell you what they need. In this episode, Melina Palmer Applied Behaviour Economist, author, and host of the podcast The Brainy Business explains the things your employees need from you that they can't always tell you. She also provides tips on how to break down barriers to change and create micro-habits that will help your team succeed. Connect with Melina Follow Melina Palmer o...
Mar 25, 2025•30 min
Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company In this insightful episode of "Negotiate Anything," host Kwame Christian and guest Melissa Hereford delve into the art of setting effective boundaries in negotiation. Melissa, with over 23 years of experience in teaching negotiation skills, shares her unique perspective on how these skills are applicable beyond the corporate world, affecting personal and professional relationships. Through engaging discussions and role-playing scenarios, they explor...
Mar 24, 2025•41 min
Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company This episode is essential for anyone looking to break free from the constraints of silence to lead a more fulfilled, authentic, and vocal life. Whether you’re striving to assert your ideas more confidently, aiming to create a more inclusive and expressive workplace, or simply seeking to live more fully, “Unlearning Silence” offers the opportunity and the tools needed for change. Join Kwame Christian, CEO of the American Negotiation Institute, for an...
Mar 23, 2025•46 min
Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company In this eye-opening episode of Negotiate Anything, host Kwame Christian sits down with Catherine Mattice, founder of Civility Partners, to tackle one of the biggest workplace challenges—dealing with difficult colleagues and navigating workplace conflict. Feeling drained by office politics? Struggling to stand up to overbearing coworkers? Unsure how to address workplace tension without making things worse? This episode is for you. Catherine, an exper...
Mar 22, 2025•38 min
