How I Lost a Once-in-a-Lifetime Deal with Stevie Wonder

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 with Stevie Wonder to creating a framework that helps leaders master their craft, Derrick shares how true confidence is built through competence — not performance. What you'll learn: Why pretending to know something can ruin your credibility — permanently. The ICSEAR framework: a step-by-step model for mastering any skill, including negotiation. How to move beyond balance and embrace harmony in high-pressure conversations. Why great negotiators must learn to flow like jazz — and how to get there Connect with Derrick ⁠https://h-c.com/⁠ ⁠Follow Derrick on LinkedIn⁠ If you’ve ever walked out of a meeting thinking, “I should’ve done better,” this episode will show you how to make sure that never happens again. 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 no one’s following you, it’s not your message — it’s your mindset. In this raw and revealing episode, change strategist Pam Marmon exposes the hidden forces that sabotage even the smartest visions: fear, control, passive resistance, and the lie we keep telling ourselves — that change is just “hard.” You’ll learn: Why employees resist you, not just the change The subtle ways leaders micromanage without realizing it How your need to “get it done” is killing your influence The three forms of resistance and how to defuse each one What real listening looks like — especially when no one is talking Why every failed transformation begins with the wrong belief Whether you're rolling out a new initiative, rebranding your business, or simply trying to get your team to care — this conversation is your crash course in becoming the kind of leader people want to follow. Because if your people feel like change is happening to them, not with them — you’ve already lost. Contact Pam ⁠⁠Buy the book "No One's Listening and It's Your Fault"⁠ ⁠⁠Marmon Consulting⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Pam's 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!

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!

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 two decades of experience, Steve has honed his skills in resolving conflicts and building strong relationships across diverse settings. His unique approach, named "good conflict," emphasizes curiosity, humility, and prioritizing interests for successful negotiations. Explore more about Steve Beck's work and insights by visiting his website: ⁠https://cstevebeck.com/⁠. 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!

What if the most powerful negotiation tactic… was silence? In this masterclass episode, legendary negotiator William Ury, co-author of Getting to Yes and co-founder of Harvard’s Program on Negotiation, shares the unbelievable true story of how he helped prevent a civil war in Venezuela — not with force, but with silence, empathy, and preparation. You’ll hear how Ury kept calm while being yelled at by President Hugo Chávez… and how going to the “mental balcony” gave him the clarity to de-escalate the moment and shift the direction of an entire nation. 🎙 Hosted by Kwame Christian, founder of the American Negotiation Institute, this interview is packed with insight for anyone navigating high-stakes conversations, conflict resolution, or personal transformation. Why silence is the ultimate power move in conflict How to “go to the balcony” in heated conversations What most negotiators get wrong about preparation How empathy turns enemies into collaborators Why listening is more persuasive than talking The “Trust Menu” technique that works when dialogue breaks down ⁠www.williamury.com⁠ ⁠Buy the Book: POSSIBLE- How We Survive (and Thrive) in an Age of Conflict By William Ury

Discover the overlooked skill that sets top negotiators apart—authenticity. Most people think influence comes from being louder, more confident, or pretending to be someone they’re not. But real persuasion doesn’t come from performing — it comes from being grounded in who you are. In this powerful masterclass, three industry-leading experts show you why authenticity isn’t a “soft skill” — it’s the engine of trust, leadership, and negotiation. 🎙️ Featuring: How to Build Trust and Negotiate Authentically with Luke Fedlam – Sports attorney & NIL Academy educator Introvert's Edge: Negotiating Authentically with Matthew Pollard – Bestselling author of The Introvert’s Edge The Hidden Dangers of Avoiding Difficult Conversations Dr. Todd Dewett – Leadership expert and global speaker on authentic leadership

Most people misunderstand networking... and it’s costing them career growth. Forget awkward mixers and cold LinkedIn DMs — in this powerful masterclass, you’ll discover the real strategy behind career-defining relationships. Whether you’re introverted, uncertain, or tired of the same old “network” advice, this video will change how you connect — for good. Meet the Experts: Jewel Love– Leadership Coach Unpacks a proven 4-step framework to connect with purpose, build visibility, and master internal marketing — no extroversion required. Frank Agin – Executive StrategistShows how mindset shapes outcomes, why your network is your infrastructure, and how generosity builds trust. Stephanie Hanna – Career ExpertCracks the code on confidence, authenticity, and overcoming the fear of “self-promotion.”

People-pleasing feels generous… until it destroys your energy, your time, your confidence, and your relationships. In this masterclass, three experts break down why setting boundaries is so hard — and how to finally create limits that protect your peace instead of collapsing under pressure. Featured Episodes Kwame Christian opens with a solo lesson on political conversations at work — one of the hardest boundary-setting challenges we face. He explains why these discussions spiral, how to disengage without escalating, and how leaders can mediate conflict without losing trust. Next, negotiation coach Minson Vo joins Kwame for a raw, behind-the-scenes training session on saying no with clarity, confidence, and authenticity. Through live roleplay, they reveal the psychology behind hesitation, the power of emotional self-awareness, and how to use the “positive no” to protect your time without damaging relationships. Finally, career strategist Eliana Goldstein shares the emotional side of boundaries — burnout, guilt, fear of disappointing others, and how people-pleasing quietly sabotages your life and career. She teaches the mindset and communication skills needed to say no with compassion, stay firm during pushback, and create boundaries that actually hold.

AI is moving faster than anyone expected — and most leaders aren’t ready. In this masterclass, three experts reveal what’s actually changing, what isn’t, and the human skills you’ll need to stay relevant in a world where AI touches every job, every industry, and every conversation. Media executive Bonnie St. John explains how AI is reshaping storytelling, communication, and trust — and why leaders must learn to guide teams through fear, change, and uncertainty. Veteran educator and former military leader Dr. Heiss Gibson breaks down the mindset shifts required to lead humans in an AI-driven world, emphasizing humility, curiosity, and emotional intelligence over technical perfection. And innovation strategist Rich Farrell shows how to experiment, adapt, and help your team build AI confidence without losing sight of the mission.

When the stakes are high, your emotions are loud, and every option feels wrong… how do you make the right call? In this masterclass, three experts break down the hidden psychological, emotional, and strategic forces behind tough decisions — the things no one teaches you at work, in school, or in life. You’ll learn why your brain freezes under pressure, how fear distorts your judgment, and why overthinking often feels productive but keeps you stuck. Best-selling author Patrick McGinnis explains the origins of FOMO and FOBO and reveals how too many choices destroy clarity. Kwame Christian shows how internal conflict shapes external negotiation — and why timing, creativity, and emotional control matter more than logic. Leadership expert Stephanie Hanna shares how top performers simplify decisions, trust their instincts, and remove options to move forward with confidence. 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!⁠⁠