How to Handle a Bully With Ken Sterling

What do you do when a high-stakes negotiation turns aggressive? In this episode, Ken Sterling—EVP at BigSpeak, USC professor, and legendary dealmaker—reveals why the loudest person in the room is often the least dangerous. Ken grew up on the rough streets of New York, where he learned that negotiation wasn't just a business skill; it was a survival tactic. He shares a harrowing story of surviving a literal gun to his head at age 15 by using the very principles of leverage and influence he uses to close multi-million dollar deals today. If you want to move from "amygdala hijack" to a position of absolute calm, Ken’s TILT Framework is your roadmap. Connect with Ken Sterling: Website: BigSpeak.com Book: Tilt: Trust, Influence, Leverage & Timing LinkedIn: Ken Sterling 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 thing holding you back in negotiations isn’t your strategy — but your mindset? In this powerful masterclass episode of Negotiate Anything, we bring together multiple expert voices to unpack what really drives success in negotiation—and why confidence, belief, and ambition often matter more than tactics alone. You’ll hear from Wies Bratby, founder of Women in Negotiation, whose clients have achieved an average 93% salary increase, alongside business coaches and legal experts who reveal how mindset shifts, communication skills, and relationship-building can transform your career and life. This episode goes far beyond surface-level tips. It dives into: Why most people aim too low—and how to start asking for what you actually deserve The hidden impact of underpayment and how to reposition your value How confidence, not just competence, drives breakthrough results The role of networking, collaboration, and an abundance mindset in long-term success Practical ways to set boundaries and navigate difficult conversations with clarity You’ll also learn why negotiation isn’t just about money—it’s about identity, self-worth, and the courage to step into bigger opportunities. If you’ve ever hesitated to ask for more, avoided a tough conversation, or questioned your value, this episode will challenge your thinking and give you the tools to move forward with intention. Because at the end of the day, the best opportunities aren’t given—they’re negotiated.

What does it really take to build a $745 million startup from the ground up? Hint: It’s messy, painful, and nothing like the glamorous success stories you’ve heard. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Kwame Christian sits down with Cas and Mike Lazerow—the entrepreneurial power couple behind the massive success of Golf.com, which they sold to Time Warner for $745 million. But behind the impressive exit lies a story of relentless struggle, countless pivots, and emotional battles most founders never talk about. Cas and Mike pull back the curtain on entrepreneurship’s harshest realities, sharing: How embracing brutally tough conversations transformed their business (and marriage). The secret mindset shifts that separate those who rise from those who burn out. Why falling in love with the hardest parts of your journey can become your ultimate competitive edge. This isn’t just another success story. It’s an honest look at the intense emotional cost that comes with high-stakes entrepreneurship—and a masterclass in how to survive the darkest moments of building something great. If you’re grinding day after day, wondering why success still feels impossibly far away, this episode offers the reset and insights you never knew you needed. Welcome to the real journey. It’s time to start shoveling. Hit play now, and discover what success truly costs. ⁠Buy The Book: Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story About the Entrepreneur’s Messy Path to Success⁠ 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!

You can have the best facts in the world, but if you’re a bad storyteller, your message will never land. In this special Masterclass edition of Negotiate Anything, we go deep into the art and science of Storytelling. You’ll hear from two experts with completely different lenses: Allegra Salomon, an award-winning fiction writer, and John Moore, a master of LinkedIn communication and IT marketing. Whether you are writing a book, prepping a keynote, or trying to win a deal on LinkedIn, these strategies will help you move from being "just another voice" to being truly unforgettable. Connect With Allegra Book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/there-s-nothing-left-for-you-here-allegra-solomon/7c35def4fe3bc669?ean=9781961897441&next=t Website: https://www.allegra-solomon.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldengxl/?hl=en Connect with John Moore Follow John on LinkedIn 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!

Conflict doesn’t have to break relationships—it can actually strengthen them when handled the right way. In this masterclass episode of Negotiate Anything, we explore the art and strategy of building rapport in even the most difficult conversations. Featuring insights from experts across law, business, and high-stakes negotiation, this episode reveals why connection—not control—is the real key to influence. You’ll learn how top negotiators stay composed in tense situations, use curiosity to uncover what’s really driving conflict, and ask the kinds of questions that make people feel heard and understood . From emotionally charged disputes to everyday workplace friction, the ability to build rapport can completely shift the outcome. But rapport alone isn’t enough. This episode also dives into the balance between empathy and strength—when to collaborate, when to hold firm, and how to position yourself strategically without damaging the relationship. Whether you’re navigating tough conversations at work or looking to sharpen your communication skills, this episode will give you practical tools you can use immediately.

Narcissists don’t negotiate—they manipulate. In this episode, negotiation expert Kwame Christian interviews attorney and bestselling author Rebecca Zung to break down how narcissists think—and how to outsmart them in any negotiation. You’ll learn how to recognize narcissistic behavior, set strong boundaries, and protect yourself from manipulation. Rebecca shares her powerful S.L.A.Y. Method, designed to help you negotiate with high-conflict, toxic personalities at work, in relationships, and beyond. Whether you're navigating divorce, workplace conflict, or family drama, this episode offers practical tools to handle narcissists with confidence, clarity, and control. If you’ve ever felt powerless with a toxic person, this is your roadmap to take your power back. ⁠Follow Rebecca on LinkedIn⁠ ⁠⁠Rebecca's website⁠ 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 reason you’re being overlooked isn’t your performance — but your relationships? In this masterclass episode, we unpack the uncomfortable truth most high achievers avoid: doing great work isn’t enough. If you’ve ever watched less qualified colleagues rise faster, felt invisible in meetings, or wondered why your career isn’t matching your effort, this conversation will hit home. Featuring insights from relational intelligence expert Ronen Olshansky and leadership veteran Mark Miller, this episode challenges everything you thought you knew about networking, influence, and leadership. You’ll discover why “networking” feels fake (and how to fix it), how small acts of generosity can transform your career trajectory, and the mindset shifts that turn relationships into your greatest competitive advantage. We go beyond surface-level tactics and dive into: The hidden reason top performers get passed over — and how to change it How to build authentic, strategic relationships without feeling transactional Why asking for help is actually a powerful act of leadership The concept of “co-elevation” and how to create a network that actively lifts you The leadership habits that multiply your influence — both in conversations and in life Whether you’re a heads-down operator ready to step into leadership, or a seasoned professional looking to deepen your impact, this episode gives you a clear, practical roadmap to stop being overlooked — and start being remembered. Because success isn’t just about what you do. It’s about who you bring with you — and who’s willing to speak your name when you’re not in the room.

We love hero stories where everything works out—but those stories are actually hurting the next generation. In this episode, Dr. Alexis Redding, a leader at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and co-author of The End of Adolescence, reveals why our "triumphant narratives" prevent us from connecting with young people. After reopening a "lost" 50-year study, Alexis discovered that the loneliness and uncertainty we see in Gen Z today are identical to what college students felt in the 1970s—we’ve just forgotten how hard it actually was. If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t belong or you’re struggling to give meaningful advice to others, this masterclass on memory, bravery, and "micro-mentorship" is for you. Connect with Dr. Alexis Redding: Website: AlexisRedding.com YouTube: Professor Redding Books: The End of Adolescence and Mental Health in College Social Media: Instagram and LinkedIn 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 real reason you freeze in high-stakes moments isn’t a lack of confidence — but a nervous system trying to protect you? In this powerful conversation, somatic coach and author Jay Moon Fields reveals why so many high-performing professionals sabotage themselves in the moments that matter most — and how to reclaim control using the intelligence of the body. Drawing from over 20 years of work with Fortune 100 leaders and organizations like Apple, the United Nations, and Patagonia, Jay shares the surprising truth behind people-pleasing, emotional shutdown, and overthinking. You’ll learn why your body often knows what’s happening before your mind does — and how learning to listen to those signals can transform the way you lead, communicate, and negotiate. Together, we explore Jay’s powerful “Hey, Wait” framework, a simple yet profound method for pausing in the middle of stressful interactions, reconnecting with your internal experience, and showing up with clarity instead of fear. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why high achievers often freeze, overthink, or people-please in critical moments The body signals that reveal when you’re abandoning yourself in conversations How to interrupt emotional hijacking before it takes over A practical 3-step method to stay grounded during difficult feedback, negotiations, and conflict Why learning to say “Hey, wait” can radically change how you relate to others — and yourself If you’ve ever walked away from a meeting thinking “Why didn’t I say what I meant to say?”, this episode will give you the tools to stop freezing, trust your instincts, and show up with presence when the stakes are highest. Because the most powerful conversations don’t start with better scripts — they start with better awareness of yourself.

Failure isn’t a setback — it’s the fastest path to growth, clarity, and real success. In this masterclass episode of Negotiate Anything, we dive deep into the idea that the most important breakthroughs don’t come from getting it right — they come from getting it wrong and choosing to move forward anyway. Entrepreneur Jeremy Delk shares his journey from small-town beginnings to Wall Street, revealing how losing big, taking risks, and embracing uncertainty shaped his success. Alongside him, learning scientist Manu Kapoor introduces the concept of “productive failure,” explaining why intentionally stepping into discomfort is the key to mastering any skill — from negotiation to leadership. Together, they unpack why the hardest conversations are often the ones we have with ourselves, how authenticity accelerates better outcomes, and why action — not overthinking — is the real catalyst for progress. This episode will challenge the way you see failure, push you to rethink your approach to growth, and give you practical insights you can apply immediately. Because the goal isn’t to avoid failure. It’s to use it — on purpose.