Negotiate Anything - podcast cover

Negotiate Anything

Kwame Christian Esq., M.A.www.americannegotiationinstitute.com
Transform your relationships. Speak your truth. Get what you deserve—with Kwame Christian as your guide. This is the #1 negotiation podcast in the world with over 15 million downloads, but it’s about so much more than that. This isn’t about manipulation or domination—it’s about showing up more powerfully, leading with authenticity, and speaking your truth with more clarity. Whether you’re leading a team, parenting through stress, or learning to speak up without fear, the skills you’ll build here will transform how you show up in every area of your life.  Kwame doesn’t just teach strategy—he teaches transformation, helping you become the kind of person who moves through life with more clarity, courage, and compassion. Every episode is rooted in empathy, psychology, and Kwame’s signature warmth, blending real-world stories, expert guests, and practical frameworks so you can break through the fears that have been holding you back.  Join millions of listeners who’ve discovered that the best things in life really are on the other side of difficult conversations.  Ready to level up at work and at home? About the Host: Kwame Christian, Esq., M.A. Kwame Christian the founder and CEO of the American Negotiation Institute. He's known for his viral TEDx Talk, “Finding Confidence in Conflict,” and is a bestselling author of two books: • How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race (2022) • Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life (2020) As a degrees in law, psychology, and public policy, Kwame brings a wealth of knowledge to every episode. He’s also a LinkedIn instructor with over 2.3 million learners, making complex negotiation concepts accessible to everyone. Why This Podcast? At the American Negotiation Institute, we believe that the best things in life are on the other side of difficult conversations. Our mission is to empower you to negotiate anything, anywhere. Whether you’re a seasoned negotiator or just starting, our podcast equips you with the tools and confidence to navigate any conversation. Tune in to Transform Your Life: Join millions of listeners who have already unlocked the power of negotiation. Subscribe now and start mastering the skills that will transform your professional and personal life. Watch our episodes on YouTube for more visual insights and tips. Connect with Us: • Website: American Negotiation Institute • Email: [email protected] • LinkedIn: Kwame Christian • YouTube: Negotiate Anything Produced by the American Negotiation Institute

Episodes

The One Thing to Do Before Signing Any Contract — Most People Skip It

Contracts don’t secure deals — trust does. In this episode, Courtney Kelly reveals the hidden truth behind successful negotiations in high-stakes construction: building strong relationships before a single document is signed. As a pioneering project manager in a male-dominated industry, Courtney shares how proactive trust-building, emotional intelligence, and strategic communication transform conflict into collaboration. Whether you’re managing multi-million dollar projects or everyday deals, th...

May 09, 202530 min

Your Ideas Aren’t the Problem — You’re Pitching Them Wrong (Vinnie Potestivo’s Creative Deal Strategies)

Most people play it safe — and that’s exactly why they stay stuck. In this episode, Emmy Award-winning media advisor Vinnie Potestivo reveals how bold creative decisions can turn ideas into empires. From discovering stars at MTV to helping creators monetize their talent, Vinnie shares his blueprint for transforming creativity into success. You’ll learn the mindset shifts, strategic moves, and untold stories that can turn rejection into opportunity and take your career to the next level. Don’t ju...

May 08, 202540 min

The Secret Strategy FBI Negotiators Use — And You Can Too (with Melissa Fortunato)

This isn’t theory—this is negotiation at the highest level. In this gripping episode, FBI negotiator Melissa Fortunato reveals the real tactics used in hostage crises—and how you can apply them to your toughest conversations at work and at home. From infiltrating criminal organizations undercover to de-escalating a 15-hour standoff, Melissa shares raw, behind-the-scenes stories that show why connection always beats force. You’ll learn why diversity makes teams more persuasive, how to show author...

May 07, 202540 min

Stop Saying Yes to Everything — How Strategic Boundaries Can Save Your Career

Saying yes too much is killing your career. In this episode, tech strategy expert and executive coach Tiffany Rosik reveals how the simple act of saying “no” can transform your reputation, your workload, and your entire career trajectory. Drawing from her upcoming book That's Not the Help I Need, Tiffany breaks down how to escape the people-pleaser trap — without guilt, without drama, and without burning bridges. You’ll learn how to pause high-pressure conversations, reframe your identity at wor...

May 06, 202530 min

How I Went from People Pleaser to Confident Negotiator

Most people lose negotiations before they even open their mouth — here’s how to change that. In this raw and eye-opening conversation, Kwame Christian reveals the mindset shift that transformed him from a people pleaser into a confident negotiator. You’ll learn why most people fail — not because they lack skill, but because they’re stuck in outdated mental habits. He breaks down the difference between skill and talent, shows you how to disarm conflict with curiosity, and shares the one mental sh...

May 05, 202542 min

The One Thing That Saves a Deal When Everything Goes Wrong

When the pressure's on and everything's falling apart, this one principle can still save the deal. The deal is about to fall apart. The founder just died. Clients are backing out. Competitors are circling. What do you do? In this gripping episode, real estate leader Andy Newton shares how he led his team through a sudden tragedy — and what he learned about negotiation, leadership, and holding deals together when everything goes wrong. You’ll hear how one principle — simple, powerful, and often f...

May 04, 202536 min

Why Status Beats Strategy — And How to Build It from Scratch

Everyone talks about strategy, but what if that’s not the real problem? In this episode, Kwame Christian sits down with Shaahin Cheyene, serial entrepreneur and creator of a billion-dollar company, to reveal the hidden power that decides most negotiations before they even begin: status. You’ll learn how status works, why it silently determines your influence, and how to build it from zero — even if no one knows your name yet. Whether you're selling, pitching, or just trying to be taken seriously...

May 03, 202539 min

You’re Not Bad at Negotiating — You’re Just Emotional

The real battle in negotiation happens in your head. In this episode, negotiation expert and author Moshe Cohen joins Kwame to reveal the uncomfortable truth: most failed negotiations aren’t about tactics — they’re about emotions. You’ll learn why your inner stories, unconscious triggers, and emotional reactions hijack your performance when it matters most — and how to take back control. Whether you're facing a high-stakes meeting or just struggling to speak up, this episode is your playbook for...

May 02, 202537 min

Why New CEOs Fail—And How to Survive Your First 6 Months in Power

Becoming CEO is a dream for many—but few understand just how emotionally turbulent and strategically complex that transition really is. In this powerful episode, Dr. Ty Wiggins, global head of the CEO and Executive Transition Practice at Russell Reynolds, reveals what most leaders get wrong in their first year, why being “smart” isn’t enough, and how to avoid the crash that hits so many executives around the 6-month mark. With clients ranging from first-time CEOs to seasoned global leaders, Ty b...

May 01, 202532 min

The Mindset That Makes People Instantly Trust You — With Former FBI Spy Recruiter Robin Dreeke

You can’t fake real connection — but you can learn how to create it. Robin Dreeke spent his career recruiting spies for the FBI, building trust with people trained to trust no one. In this unforgettable conversation, he reveals the mindset that transforms strangers into allies — and the key habits that turn everyday conversations into powerful relationships. Whether you're trying to lead a team, build influence, or just stop overthinking your social interactions, this episode will reset how you ...

Apr 30, 202536 min

Caught Off Guard? The Secret to Bouncing Back in Tough Negotiations

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 ...

Apr 29, 20251 hr 9 min

How to Work (and Negotiate) With People You Don’t Like — From the Man Who United South Africa’s Enemies

Most people think collaboration requires trust. Adam Kahane’s life work proves otherwise. In this episode, Kwame Christian sits down with Adam Kahane, Director at Reos Partners, a pioneer in facilitating collaboration between fierce adversaries—from politicians and generals to guerrillas and activists. Adam shares the powerful story of how he helped leaders on both sides of apartheid South Africa work together toward democracy, and explains why understanding, not agreement, is the key to breakth...

Apr 28, 202541 min

How to Negotiate Like Your Career Depends On It — Insights from a Top Sports Agent

If you walk into a negotiation without leverage, you’re already losing — and NFL agent Henry Organ is here to make sure you never do. In this powerhouse episode of Negotiate Anything, host Kwame Christian sits down with Henry Organ, founder of Disruptive Sports Agency and author of The Informational Interview Playbook. Henry pulls back the curtain on how real power is built — from branding yourself strategically to controlling the leverage in every deal. Whether you're closing million-dollar con...

Apr 27, 202526 min

If You Sell Like Everyone Else, You Lose — Lisa McLeod Shows the New Way

If you're selling for the money, your buyers can feel it — and you're leaving the best deals on the table. In this game-changing episode, bestselling author Lisa McLeod reveals why the sales strategies you were taught are keeping you broke, stressed, and replaceable. Forget "closing the deal" — Lisa shows you how the world’s top salespeople drive higher revenue, bigger margins, and deeper loyalty by selling with noble purpose. You’ll learn how to de-commoditize your business, take control of the...

Apr 26, 202538 min

Why BATNA Might Be Your Biggest Negotiation Mistake - with Derrick (The Van Gogh of Negotiation) Chevalier (Part II)

Order NOW The Book: EVOLVE or Be Slaughtered: Negotiation For The 21st Century (Beyond Negotiating) by Derrick (The Van Gogh of Negotiation) Chevalier What if the rule we’ve all been taught — “never negotiate without a BATNA” — is the very thing limiting your success? In this mind-expanding conversation, Kwame Christian sits down with Derrick Chevalier, negotiation strategist and author of Evolve or Be Slaughtered, to expose the hidden danger of over-relying on your BATNA. Together, they explore...

Apr 25, 202532 min

Faking Confidence Is a Trap — Here’s What to Do Instead - with Derrick (The Van Gogh of Negotiation) Chevalier (Part I)

One mistake. One moment of faking expertise. And it cost him a deal with Stevie Wonder. Order NOW The Book: EVOLVE or Be Slaughtered: Negotiation For The 21st Century (Beyond Negotiating) by Derrick (The Van Gogh of Negotiation) Chevalier In this unforgettable episode, Kwame Christian sits down with Derrick Chevalier — bestselling author of Evolve or Be Slaughtered and executive VP at Harrison Chevalier — to unpack the painful but powerful story that changed his life. From a failed negotiation w...

Apr 24, 202527 min

He Was a Nervous Student — Then Negotiation Changed Everything

A Real Story of Confidence, Clarity, and Breakthroughs In this episode, Kwame talks with Kevin Tuinte, a mechanical engineering student from the Netherlands who discovered the power of negotiation… and never looked back. Through his work with the Negotiation Project Twente, Kevin went from anxious in tough conversations to leading high-level negotiations — even winning global tournaments against top law and business schools. You’ll learn how Kevin trains soft skills in a technical world, why bre...

Apr 23, 202550 min

The Body Language Trick That Instantly Exposes Weakness —(FBI Expert Explains)

What if your body is sabotaging your negotiation — and you don’t even know it? In this episode, legendary FBI agent and behavioral expert Joe Navarro reveals the subtle cues that expose confidence, weakness, and intent — long before words are spoken. With 25 years in the FBI, Joe shares stories from counterintelligence missions, elite spy-catching operations, and high-stakes negotiations where every movement mattered. You’ll learn: – The nonverbal mistake that ruins deals before they start – How...

Apr 22, 202556 min

Stop Aiming for Peace. Aim for Good Conflict Instead

Most conflict conversations fail before they even begin. Steve Beck shares his Good Conflict framework — a practical, human-centered approach that helps you prepare, structure, and recover from difficult conversations. Learn how to deal with competing desires, uncover hidden narratives, and build trust that lasts. Whether at home or at work, this episode will change how you approach conflict forever. Steve Beck is a seasoned expert in organizational leadership and conflict resolution. With over ...

Apr 21, 202544 min

The Real Reason You Freeze — And How to Break Through

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, 202531 min

You’re Not Lacking Talent — You’re Lacking Strategy: How to Speak, Sell, and Succeed

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, 202537 min

Why Smart People Still Lose Deals — And How to Stop It

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, 202542 min

How to Control Your Hormones Before You Ruin the Negotiation — with David JP Phillips

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, 202542 min

What Losing Everything Taught Me About Negotiation - L. Scott Ferguson

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, 202530 min

You’re Not Missing Skills — You’re Missing Status. Here’s How to Get It, with Alison Fragale

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, 202538 min

Feel Guilty Saying No? The Science Behind Why — And How to Break Free - with Psychologist Guy Winch, TED Speaker & Author

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 14, 202534 min

Not Loud Enough to Be a Leader? — Learn to Lead on Your Terms

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, 202527 min

The Soulful Way to Get What You Want — Without Manipulating Anyone

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, 202535 min

Struggling to Be Heard? Learn the Secret of Super Communicators — with Charles Duhigg

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, 202550 min

The One Thing Smart Leaders Miss About AI: Professor Hise Gibson

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, 202534 min
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