Why Leaders Fail (and How to Become the One People Respect)

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 confidently and effectively. The episode is packed with actionable strategies, practical examples, and proven techniques to master assertiveness in the workplace and beyond. What will be covered: The four components of assertiveness: expressing oneself, showing respect, maintaining calmness, and being effective. Common myths about assertiveness, including perceptions of aggression and conflict. Replacing negative communication habits, such as complaining and assuming, with actionable, solution-focused approaches. Connect with Ivna ⁠Follow Ivna Curi on LinkedIn⁠  ⁠Assertive Way Institute LinkedIn page⁠  ⁠Assertive Way website⁠ ⁠Ivna's podcast: "Speak Your Mind Unapologetically."⁠  ⁠Ivna's Ted Talk⁠  Contact ANI ⁠Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company⁠ ⁠Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn⁠ ⁠The Ultimate Negotiation Guide⁠ ⁠Click here to buy your copy of How To Have Difficult Conversations About Race!⁠ ⁠Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!

You can have the greatest idea in the world, but if you can’t sell it, it doesn’t exist. In this episode, Carmine Gallo—Harvard instructor and author of the global bestseller Talk Like TED—explains why most business presentations fail before the first slide even appears. Carmine has worked with executives at Amazon, Google, and Microsoft to prove that great speakers aren't born; they are made through practice and a specific, repeatable structure. If you've been relying on data and bullet points to persuade people, you are working against the human brain, which is wired for stories. Connect with Carmine Gallo Website: CarmineGallo.com New Audio Original: Viral Voices LinkedIn: Carmine Gallo 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!

What if the biggest workplace conflict today isn’t about skills or strategy — but about generations misunderstanding each other? In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the complex dynamics of the modern multigenerational workplace and uncover why generational conflict is often misunderstood — and how organizations can turn it into a powerful advantage. Through insights from organizational behavior expert Chris DeSantis and leadership researcher Quincy Penn, this conversation challenges common stereotypes about “Boomers,” “Gen X,” “Millennials,” and “Gen Z,” revealing how perception, bias, and cultural upbringing shape the way we work, communicate, and negotiate with one another. You’ll discover: Why many generational conflicts are perception-driven rather than reality-based How bias and “conversational coordination” reinforce workplace stereotypes Why younger professionals often value dialogue and autonomy over hierarchy The surprising research showing major differences in motivation between Gen X and Millennials Practical ways leaders can create cultures that engage every generation in the workforce From loyalty and leadership to flexibility and the future of work, this episode explores how generational diversity — when understood correctly — can become one of the most powerful drivers of innovation, collaboration, and organizational growth. If you’ve ever wondered why colleagues from different generations think, communicate, and lead differently — and how to bridge those gaps — this episode will change the way you see workplace dynamics forever.

Buy the Book: ⁠⁠For the Forces of Good: The Superpower of Everyday Negotiation⁠⁠ In this episode of "Negotiate Anything," host Kwame Christian sits down with Lucia Kanter St. Amour to discuss the complex dynamics of negotiating with bullies. Lucia, an expert in negotiation and mediation, shares her personal experiences and insights on handling bullying, drawing from her new book "For the Forces of Good: The Superpower of Everyday Negotiation." Through engaging storytelling and practical advice, the episode explores Lucia's approach to negotiation, emphasizing the importance of building coalitions, understanding emotional dynamics, and strategizing effectively against high-conflict personalities. Using real-life examples, they delve into the societal roots of bullying, offering listeners valuable tools to manage these difficult conversations. What will be covered: Lucia's personal experiences with bullies and how they shaped her negotiation strategies. The societal roots of bullying and its prevalence in adult interactions. Practical negotiation techniques when facing bullies, including building rapport and understanding emotional dynamics. What listeners will learn: How to identify and respond to bullies using effective negotiation techniques. The importance of coalition-building and having allies when negotiating with difficult personalities. Strategies to maintain composure and protect oneself in high-pressure negotiation scenarios. SEO Friendly Keywords: negotiation techniques, negotiating with bullies, handling difficult conversations, mediation strategies, emotional dynamics in negotiation. Connect with Lucia Lucia's Podcast: ⁠⁠Forces of Good: The Superpower of Everyday Negotiation⁠⁠ Book Synopsis: ⁠⁠FOR THE FORCES OF GOOD⁠⁠ Buy the Book: ⁠⁠For the Forces of Good: The Superpower of Everyday Negotiation⁠⁠ Web: ⁠⁠Pactum Factum⁠⁠ Contact ANI ⁠⁠Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠⁠The Ultimate Negotiation Guide⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Click here to buy your copy of How To Have Difficult Conversations About Race!⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!

Fear is often the invisible force shaping our biggest decisions — and our toughest conversations. But what if fear isn’t something to eliminate… but something you can learn to negotiate with? In this powerful masterclass episode of Negotiate Anything, host Kwame Christian sits down with political strategist Sarah JanTausch and executive coach Jeff, two experts who unpack how fear quietly influences negotiations, leadership, fundraising, and everyday conversations. From imposter syndrome and perfectionism to the pressure of asking for money or advocating for yourself, they reveal why even the most accomplished professionals still feel fear — and how they move forward anyway. You’ll discover how successful negotiators turn fear into fuel, why perfectionism can sabotage your results, and the simple techniques that help people navigate high-stakes conversations with confidence and clarity. In this episode, you’ll learn:• How to recognize and negotiate your own internal fears before a difficult conversation• Why imposter syndrome shows up for high achievers—and how to act despite it• The role of incentives and perspective in understanding the other side of a negotiation• Practical ways to practice negotiation skills in low-stakes situations• Why making the direct ask is often the most powerful move in any negotiation• How to pause, respond thoughtfully, and avoid reacting from fear Whether you're negotiating a salary, pitching an idea, fundraising, or navigating difficult conversations at work or home, this episode will help you approach those moments with greater courage, awareness, and skill. Because the truth is: the most important negotiation you'll ever have… is the one happening inside your own mind.

Most people talk about resilience. Rachel Druckenmiller lived it. Six weeks into a global pandemic, while trying to save a brand-new business, Rachel was out for a run when she was literally hit by a Chevy Silverado. Two days later—with a spinal fracture and wearing a back brace—she was on Zoom teaching leaders how to find hope in uncertainty. But this isn't just a "hustle culture" story. In this episode, Rachel reveals the deep, often painful work of Post-Traumatic Growth. She explains why we often choose the "safe" path of being muted over the brave path of being seen, and how a brush with death finally gave her the courage to stop silencing her own voice. Connect with Rachel Druckenmiller: Website: RachelDruckenmiller.com Hire Rachel to Speak: Booking Form Listen to her Music: Available on Spotify Instagram: @unmutedlife LinkedIn: Rachel Druckenmiller 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!

Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company⁠ How do leaders navigate tough conversations, build collaboration across political and community lines, and handle high-stakes negotiations? In this insightful episode, Kwame Christian sits down with Mayor Tony Roswarski (Lafayette, IN) and Mayor Erin Easter (West Lafayette, IN) to explore the art of negotiation in city leadership. Together, they break down: The power of finding common ground in divided communities Active listening as a tool for trust and persuasion The challenge of misinformation and how to counter it in public discussions Emotional intelligence in leadership—how to repair missteps and foster collaboration The hidden power of relationships in negotiations Whether you're leading a team, managing community disputes, or handling difficult conversations in your daily life, this episode is packed with practical negotiation strategies you can apply immediately. Contact ANI ⁠Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company⁠ ⁠Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn⁠ ⁠The Ultimate Negotiation Guide⁠ ⁠Click here to buy your copy of How To Have Difficult Conversations About Race!⁠ ⁠Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!

If you think you’re logical in conflict, think again—your brain is quietly sabotaging you.In this masterclass episode, we unpack the hidden psychology of bias and how it shapes every difficult conversation you have—at work, at home, and across cultural lines. From in-group vs. out-group dynamics to microaggressions, emotional triggers, and the fight-or-flight response, you’ll learn why disagreements escalate so quickly—and how to interrupt the pattern in real time.This conversation goes beyond theory. You’ll discover practical tools to:Humanize the person you disagree with (even when it feels impossible)Respond to perceived bias without escalating the conflictShift from arguing about the past to negotiating the futureSlow down reactive “System 1” thinking and engage intentional reasoningUse curiosity to disarm defensivenessTalk about how you’re talking—so the conversation actually improvesYou’ll also explore a powerful truth: every interaction is intercultural. What you see as “common sense” may simply be your conditioning—and recognizing that can change everything.If you want to be more persuasive, more self-aware, and more effective in high-stakes conversations, this episode will challenge how you think—and show you exactly how to do better.Because winning difficult conversations doesn’t start with changing the other person.It starts with mastering yourself.

Stop Accusing People of Lying. There’s a Better Way to Get the Truth. What if I told you that most "gotcha" moments in a negotiation are actually failures of leadership? In this episode, Mike Reddington, a certified forensic interviewer and author of The Disciplined Listening Method, reveals why you should never accuse someone of lying—even when you know they are. Mike has spent his career in high-stakes environments where evidence was often nonexistent, and he learned that a lie isn't an insult; it’s actually intelligence in disguise. If you want to stop being a "shallow strategist" and start earning the truth, this masterclass on disciplined listening is for you. Connect with Mike Reddington disciplinedlistening.com michaelreddington.com Buy the book: The DisciplinedListening Method 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!⁠⁠⁠

What makes someone inspiring instead of infuriating—and can you learn the difference? In this masterclass edition of Negotiate Anything, Kwame Christian brings together three elite leaders—a Columbia professor, a public affairs executive, and a championship-winning coach—to reveal what persuasive, service-driven leadership really looks like . You’ll learn how to manage egos (including your own), lead with vulnerability, build trust through listening, and turn everyday moments into opportunities for influence. Inspiration isn’t a personality trait. It’s a practice—and this episode shows you how to build it.