NEGOTIATEx

In Episode 19, retired SWAT hostage negotiator Scott Tillema joins Nolan and Aram to share the crisis negotiation skills every leader needs. He explains how understanding, timing, delivery, and respect form the foundation of influence in high-pressure situations. Scott shows why leadership improves when connection becomes the goal and ego moves aside.  He discusses the value of patient listening, the importance of emotional awareness, and the impact of intentional communication. His insights reveal how crisis-tested skills can help leaders guide teams, reduce conflict, and build trust in daily interactions across professional and personal settings.  

In Episode 18, Travis Cyphers, instructor at the United States Military Academy at West Point, joins Nolan Martin and Aram Donigian for a powerful discussion. He explains how leadership and negotiation are deeply connected, each grounded in empathy, trust, and understanding. Drawing on his teaching experience, Travis shares how recognizing people's motivations and perspectives helps leaders build consensus and influence effectively. From leading upward to mentoring future officers, he reveals how communication and collaboration drive stronger outcomes across missions, organizations, and everyday relationships.  

In Episode 17, Leading with Compassion & Purposeful Play, hosts Nolan Martin and Aram Donigian speak with Belinda Chiu, founder of Hummingbird, about redefining leadership through compassion, mindfulness, and intentional play. Belinda explains how centeredness helps leaders make wiser decisions, and why purposeful play unlocks creativity and resilience.  By combining neuroscience with humanity, she shows that leadership isn't about control—it's about connection, curiosity, and courage. Through compassion in action and playful experimentation, leaders can build trust, manage chaos, and create environments where people and ideas thrive together.  

In Episode 16 of Negotiate X in Rewind, hosts Aram Donigian and Nolan Martin speak with leadership coach Nicole Posner about mastering difficult conversations in leadership. Nicole breaks down the three leadership archetypes—the People Pleaser, Warrior, and Fresher—and reveals how each affects communication.  She also explains the dangers of untested assumptions and introduces her MAP framework: Manage your mindset, know what to Achieve, and Plan ahead. By preparing intentionally and communicating with empathy, leaders can transform conflict into connection and guide their teams through challenging discussions with confidence and purpose.  

In Episode 15 of Negotiate X in Rewind, Nolan Martin and Aram Donigian welcome Mala Subramaniam to explore the rules for effective negotiation. Blending business insight with Eastern philosophy, Mala explains how alignment, empathy, and mindset turn conflict into collaboration.  She emphasizes focusing on the problem, not the person; asking "what" instead of "who"; and visualizing success to build trust and creativity. Through relatable stories and practical guidance, Mala shows how credibility, composure, and connection transform negotiations into opportunities for genuine partnership and growth.  

In Episode 14 of Negotiate X in Rewind, hosts Nolan Martin and Aram Donigian explore the art of uncovering interests in negotiation and why it's essential for lasting success. They break down how identifying both organizational and individual motivations—beyond surface-level positions—leads to stronger collaboration and smarter outcomes.  Using real-world examples, they illustrate how strategic, operational, and personal goals intertwine in every deal. From managing risks and relationships to understanding human needs through Maslow's hierarchy, the episode reveals how empathy and curiosity transform negotiations into meaningful, mutually beneficial problem-solving conversations rather than positional battles.  

In this episode of Negotiate X in Rewind, hosts Aram Donigian and Nolan Martin sit down with negotiation strategist Keld Jensen to explore the intersection of Trust, Strategy & the Science of Negotiation. Keld reveals why negotiation isn't instinct—it's a learned discipline grounded in research and structure.  Additionally, he introduces his SMARTnership approach, explaining how trust, clear strategy, and measurable value creation transform deals into true collaborations. From redefining partnership to using data-driven insights that uncover hidden value, this episode challenges professionals to approach negotiation scientifically—balancing analytical rigor with human connection for lasting results.  

In Episode 12 of Negotiate X in Rewind, organizational leader and stand-up comedian Courtney Bickert joins hosts Nolan Martin and Aram Donigian to reveal how humor eases negotiations. She explains the science behind laughter, showing how it reduces stress, sparks creativity, and strengthens bonds that foster collaboration.  Courtney also shares practical tips on setting a positive tone, using humor authentically, and finding the right moments to lighten the mood. Through stories from corporate retreats to tense international encounters, she demonstrates that humor is more than entertainment—it is a powerful tool for trust, connection, and successful outcomes.  

Episode 11 of the Negotiate X in Rewind series brings Robert Wilkinson and Naseem Khuri into conversation with Aram Donigian and Nolan Martin to unpack the art of mastering constructive disagreement in negotiation. The guests explain why conflict is inevitable but not inherently destructive, emphasizing that leaders must learn to distinguish between harmful struggles and productive tensions.  Additionally, they highlight the importance of slowing down before reacting, knowing when to provoke debate versus building unity, and modeling conflict skills at home and in professional life. This episode demonstrates how constructive disagreement fuels growth, innovation, and stronger connections.  

Episode 10 of the Negotiate X in Rewind series addresses a listener's question on stalled projects and pushback from supervisors. Nolan Martin and Aram Donigian explore the secret to overcoming resistance in negotiations, showing why success comes from stepping into the other party's shoes.  They discuss why resistance often makes sense from the other side's perspective, how to uncover hidden concerns, and why listening and inquiry are more effective than debating. With practical models like the Ladder of Inference, the episode highlights how negotiators can reframe "no" into dialogue, build trust, and transform resistance into collaborative agreement.