Negotiate Anything: Negotiation | Persuasion | Influence | Sales | Leadership | Conflict Management

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 Br

Most people are optimizing for the wrong kind of smart — and it's costing them everything when the world shifts. Liz Tran is a former venture capital executive, CEO coach, and author of AQ. She spent years inside the highest-pressure rooms in tech before walking away to build a coaching practice rooted in one conviction: the people who thrive in chaos aren't the smartest or the most emotionally intelligent — they're the most adaptable. Connect with Liz Website: https://liz-tran.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/liztran1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liztranwrites/ Headshot Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N6ik2WblfgHVX7NSRbfpR96g56f4Uxd6/view

What if the most powerful stress-relief tool you have access to is completely free — and you've been ignoring it your whole life? In this episode, Kwame sits down with Tracy Teuscher — PR strategist, branding expert, and certified eco-therapist — to explore why modern life is burning us out, and how reconnecting with nature can restore what chronic stress quietly destroys. They dive into the science of forest bathing and phytoncides, why kindness is not weakness, how to set better boundaries without losing your warmth, and what it really means to lead with authenticity in a world designed to distract you. Tracy also shares her deeply personal journey through loss, grief, and a decade of using nature as medicine — and gives you simple, actionable practices you can start today, whether you have a forest nearby or just a stone in your pocket. Connect with Tracy LinkedIn - Tracy Teuscher https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyteuscher Nature Therapy Earth Website - https://naturetherapy.earth/Nature Therap

What if the very thing holding you back from success isn’t your skill—but your silence? In this masterclass episode, we dive deep into the hidden cost of not advocating for yourself—and why staying quiet could be costing you far more than you realize. From physicians navigating burnout and unfair contracts to professionals leaving millions on the table by avoiding salary negotiations, this conversation unpacks the real stakes behind everyday decisions we’re often too uncomfortable to confront. You’ll hear powerful insights from industry leaders who challenge the belief that negotiation is conflict—and instead reframe it as a collaborative, career-defining skill. Discover why saying “no” is often the most professional thing you can do, how to build leverage without burning bridges, and why your long-term success depends on setting boundaries today. This episode isn’t just about negotiation—it’s about identity, courage, and reclaiming control over your career and your life. If you’ve ever hesitated to ask f

Most entrepreneurs talk about deals. Alex Jekowsky of CENTS has negotiated over $220 million worth of them. In this episode on negotiation, acquisitions, fundraising, and entrepreneurship, Alex breaks down the real psychology behind high-stakes dealmaking — from navigating multimillion-dollar acquisitions to building trust with investors, overcoming rejection, and turning painful setbacks into transformational opportunities. But this conversation goes far beyond tactics. Alex shares the emotional realities of entrepreneurship: the pressure, the uncertainty, the loneliness, and the resilience required to keep building when the odds are against you. From renegotiating a failed acquisition deal on the back of a coffee shop receipt to raising the largest venture round in laundry technology history, this episode is packed with battle-tested lessons on leadership, authenticity, reputation, and growth. You’ll learn:• Why the best negotiators focus on alignment, not manipulation• The hidden danger of “selling” in

What if the real reason you feel stuck, burned out, or unseen isn’t because you’re not capable… but because you’ve been performing as someone you’re not? In this deeply honest and powerful conversation, leadership coach, keynote speaker, and author Patience Ogunbona shares the internal negotiations that transformed her life, career, and voice. From walking away from performative success to embracing quiet confidence, Patience reveals why authenticity is the missing piece behind true influence, fulfillment, and courageous leadership. Together, we unpack: Why trying to “prove yourself” quietly destroys performance The identity shift that changes how you show up in conversations and leadership How introverts can lead powerfully without pretending to be extroverts The hidden connection between burnout and self-betrayal Why the wrong environment slowly erodes your confidence and worth How to trust your own voice again — even after years of masking The surprising power of “I am” statem

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: Why oversharing kills trust (and isn’t real connection) How to tell the difference between fear and truth How to adapt without losing yourself Why your presence speaks louder than your words — and how to own it Whether you're leading a team, having a tough conversation, or just trying to show up more powerfully — this episode will change how you think about being “yourself.” Connect with Jeanne ⁠jeannesparrow.com⁠ ⁠Buy now The Book - FEARLESS AUTHENTICITY - by Jeanne Sparrow⁠ Contac

What if everything you’ve been taught about persuasion is only scratching the surface—and the real edge lies in understanding how people actually behave, not what they say they’ll do? In this masterclass episode, we dive deep into the hidden psychology behind high-stakes negotiation, blending behavioral science, real-world data, and cutting-edge research to uncover what truly drives influence. You’ll hear from world-class experts across disciplines as they break down powerful, often counterintuitive strategies—from why admitting your weaknesses can increase your credibility, to how something as subtle as using precise numbers or asking the right kind of question can dramatically shift outcomes. Discover the science behind the “Stolen Thunder” effect, learn why most negotiators sabotage their own offers without realizing it, and explore how language—down to a single word—can make your message more memorable, persuasive, and trustworthy. You’ll also get a rare look into how AI and large-scale data are transfo

What if the most powerful move in negotiation isn’t saying yes—but having the courage to say no? In this masterclass episode, you’ll hear three dynamic voices unpack a deceptively simple idea: how boundaries, clarity, and conviction can transform the way you negotiate — at work, in business, and in life. From walking away from multimillion-dollar deals to reclaiming your time and energy, these conversations reveal what it really takes to stay aligned when the pressure is on. Nicole Walters shares the high-stakes decisions behind building—and not selling — a thriving business, and why protecting your autonomy is the ultimate leverage. You’ll learn how to slow down fast-moving deals, command respect at the table, and trust your internal compass even when everything looks perfect on paper. Then, Regan Walsh dives into the hidden cost of saying yes to everything — and how “shedding the shoulds” can unlock clarity, confidence, and control over your life. Her practical frameworks will help you make faster, clea

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

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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overlooked, or frustrated at work — this is the episode that changes how you play the game. In this masterclass episode, we dive deep into the uncomfortable, often unspoken art of managing up — and why most people get it wrong. From reframing your boss as your “most important customer” to navigating toxic leadership and workplace conflict, this episode delivers practical, real-world strategies you can actually use. You’ll hear powerful insights on how to: Influence your boss without triggering defensiveness Turn frustration into productive, business-focused conversations Address toxic behavior—whether it’s your manager or a difficult colleague Speak up early (before problems spiral) and reclaim your power at work Navigate high-stakes conversations—even in remote environments This episode goes beyond theory. It’s about mindset shifts, courageous conversations, and the reality that sometimes, the most powerful move isn’t changing your boss — it’s changing how

We don't get dopamine at the finish line — we get it in the chase. Which means every goal you're killing yourself to reach is quietly wired to disappoint you the moment you arrive. Jess Ekstrom found this out the hard way. She scaled Headbands of Hope to millions in revenue, got acquired, hit the Inc. 500 — and felt nothing within minutes. Her new book, Making It Without Losing It, is the framework she built from the wreckage of that realization. Connect with Jess jessekstrom.com Buy the Book Making it Without Losing It by Jess Ekstrom Contact ANI ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠negotiateanything.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to buy

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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, world-renowned chef and entrepreneur Robert Irvine reveals the turning point that changed his leadership forever.  He built his empire through grit and command — but it wasn’t until he embraced empathy that everything truly leveled up. Robert shares the raw, behind-the-scenes lessons that reshaped how he leads people, grows businesses, and connects in high-stakes negotiations. If you think success is just about pushing harder, this conversation will flip that idea on its head. ⁠chefirvine.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!

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

What if the hardest part of negotiation isn’t the other person — but the story you’re telling yourself? In this masterclass episode of Negotiate Anything, two expert perspectives reveal how identity, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence shape every conversation you have. Columbia professor Beth Fisher-Yoshida shares how slowing down, asking better questions, and resisting snap judgments can transform conflict into connection. Then, negotiation strategist Glenn explores why your identity — who you choose to be in the moment — is your greatest advantage. It’s not just about tactics; it’s about showing up with clarity, empathy, and intention. You’ll learn: Why curiosity outperforms confrontation How your internal narratives drive your outcomes When to push forward—and when to walk away This episode isn’t just about negotiating better deals — it’s about becoming a better communicator in every part of your life. Because how you show up changes everything.

Most high achievers don't have a skills problem. They have a belief problem — and the scariest part? The very belief that made them successful is often the one quietly holding them back. Muriel Wilkins is an executive coach with over 20 years of experience, co-founder of Paravis Partners, host of the Coaching Real Leaders podcast, and author of Leadership Unblocked: Breakthrough the Beliefs That Limit Your Potential. She has coached some of the most accomplished leaders in the corporate world — and what she keeps finding is that the ceiling isn't strategy. It's a story. Connect with Muriel www.murielwilkins.com www.linkedin.com/in/murielwilkins IG: coachmurielwilkins Buy the Book: Leadership Unblocked: Break Through the Beliefs that Limit Your Potential Contact ANI ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠

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 with "zombie goals," and offers a revolutionary, evidence-backed method for achieving big, life-changing goals. Through powerful stories and actionable insights, she shows you how to cultivate resilience, unlock your true potential, and shield your dreams from those who unknowingly sabotage them. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to achieve their biggest ambitions without falling into the trap of mediocrity. Connect with Caroline ⁠Buy Now: Big Goals: The Science of Setting Them, Achieving Them, a

Andy Henriquez turned a rejected job application into a masterclass in human influence — and the only tool he used was a 30-second story. Andy Henriquez is a business storytelling coach, founder of the Master Storyteller Academy and the Million Dollar Storyteller Mastermind, and a keynote speaker who has trained executives at Google, Accenture, Bacardi, and Pratt & Whitney. He's a protégé of the legendary Les Brown — and in this conversation, he makes a compelling case that storytelling isn't a soft skill; it's the most underutilized negotiation weapon you already own. This is one of those rare episodes where the guest doesn't just talk about their craft — they demonstrate it in real time, and Kwame admits on mic that this conversation fundamentally changed how he shows up as a speaker and negotiator. Connect with Andy Andy's YouTube channel www.fivestoryframework.com Andy's Instagram Contact ANI ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠