You Need to Be Less Defensive. Here’s Why Stoic Empathy Changes Everything.

In this masterclass, three leaders from three completely different worlds — engineering, politics, and the creator economy — reveal how power, influence, and persuasion actually work when you don’t have formal authority. Each guest tackles the same question from a different angle: How do you get people to say yes when they don’t have to listen to you? Featured Episodes Mechanical engineer and leadership advocate Amreen Rahman breaks down how influence is built slowly through credibility, advocacy, relationships, and the quiet power of likability. Public affairs executive Jade Davis shares hard-earned lessons on leadership humility, managing egos, adjusting your role as you rise, and persuading up, down, and across an organization. And creator-entrepreneur Jay Clouse takes you inside the psychology of trust, the art of building an audience one person at a time, and why confidence — not pressure — drives people to buy, follow, or believe in your work. Across these conversations, you’ll learn how to cultivate allies, navigate organizational politics, sell your ideas without sounding salesy, and communicate with confidence instead of ego. A masterclass for anyone who wants to lead, persuade, and move people — even when you’re not the one holding the authority.

Workplace stress isn’t just about deadlines, deliverables, or difficult personalities — it’s about the emotions underneath that shape every decision, every conversation, and every conflict. In this special masterclass, three experts break down what really happens inside us during moments of pressure, burnout, tension, and disconnection — and how to navigate those moments with clarity and strength. Executive coach and author Melody Wilding reveals the psychology of “sensitive strivers” — the high-achieving professionals who feel everything more intensely — and how emotional overwhelm, people-pleasing, and lack of boundaries quietly sabotage their success. Leadership expert David Dye shows why most workplace conflicts escalate, how fear of status loss keeps people silent, and how a single courageous conversation can completely shift a relationship. Finally, researcher and consultant Steven Van Cohen exposes the loneliness crisis at work and teaches the emotional skills leaders need to build connection, belonging, and trust inside their teams. By the end of this masterclass, you’ll understand your emotions, protect your boundaries, communicate with confidence, and navigate workplace crises with a calm, grounded presence — even when everything around you is pulling you off balance.

Most people think negotiation is about strategy, scripts, or quick one-liners. But the truth is simple: you can’t negotiate with anyone until you learn to negotiate with yourself. In this rare, behind-the-scenes conversation, Kwame sits down with brand strategist Howie Chan to break down the daily mental routine he uses to build self-awareness, emotional control, and clearer decision-making. From metacognitive journaling to rewiring emotional triggers, Kwame shares the psychology that transformed his life — and has nothing to do with tactics at the table. Connect with Howie Chan www.howiechan.com Listen to the Influence Anyone Podcast

Authenticity wins — but only if you know how to share your story. In this episode, Shaquille Alexander reveals the power of authentic storytelling in leadership, sharing how his journey from adversity to public service became his greatest asset. As a first-time candidate running for City Treasurer in Whitehall, Ohio, Shaq opens up about his upbringing, his commitment to the community that raised him, and how he transformed personal struggles into a narrative that connects with voters. But this conversation goes beyond politics. You’ll discover how to craft a compelling story that inspires trust, motivates supporters, and even raises money — without ever feeling like you’re “selling.” Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or anyone trying to persuade others, this episode will show you how to lead with integrity and impact. Connect with Shaquille Alexander Instagram ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/shaqdeez27/?hl=en⁠⁠ LinkedIn ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaquilledalexander/⁠⁠ X ⁠⁠https://x.com/shaqdeez27?s=11&t=qqhIBC0srJUv2PauEhIQG

Most people think being “strong” means defending every point. But defensiveness is often what destroys clarity, connection, and influence. In this episode, Kwame and Shermin Kruse explore Stoic Empathy — the skill of staying grounded, aware, and emotionally balanced even when conversations get difficult. Shermin shares how to control your reactions, absorb emotional “hits,” and respond with intention instead of instinct. If you want to stay calm under pressure, lead with confidence, and navigate tough moments without losing yourself, this conversation will change everything. Connect with Shermin Kruse Buy the Book: Stoic Empathy The Road Map to a Life of Influence, Self-Leadership, and Integrity

In this episode of Negotiate Anything, host Kwame Christian delves into the often-overlooked yet crucial role of saying "no" in negotiation. While many focus on getting to "yes," Kwame explains why mastering the art of saying "no" can actually enhance your negotiation results and relationships. Through insightful strategies like the "no sandwich" technique, listeners will learn to deliver their "no" in a way that is both respectful and effective. With practical examples and actionable advice, this episode equips you with the tools to handle difficult conversations with poise and clarity. What will be covered: The psychological barriers that make saying "no" challenging. Common ineffective strategies when people try to avoid saying "no." Techniques for saying "no" without damaging relationships, such as the "no sandwich." 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!

In this engaging episode of "Negotiate Anything," host Kwame Christian welcomes back Heather MacArthur to explore the intricacies of giving and receiving effective feedback. Heather, an expert in coaching and consulting with a wealth of experience across various industries, shares her unique insights into how to create a productive feedback dialogue. Listeners will learn about Heather's innovative "above the line" feedback model and how to handle feedback they might initially disagree with. This conversation is a goldmine for anyone looking to refine their negotiation skills and become better communicators within both professional and personal environments. What will be covered: Effective strategies for giving feedback without appear accusatory or confrontational. Techniques for receiving feedback positively and using it to improve interactions. Handling disagreement in feedback to maintain constructive dialogue. What listeners will learn: How to maintain an open mindset and genuine curiosity when giving feedback. The "LEAP" approach to receiving feedback while managing emotional responses. Ways to manage difficult conversations to foster trust, even when disagreements arise. Keywords: negotiation skills, effective feedback, communication strategies, handling difficult conversations, professional development. Connect with Heather MacArthur ⁠Low Man on the Totem Pole Podcast ⁠ ⁠Heather's Forbes Articles⁠ ⁠Follow Heather on LinkedIn⁠

Travel doesn’t just show you the world — it shows you yourself. And sometimes, what you discover is not what you expected. In this powerful conversation, journalist and travel creator Nicole Phillip joins Kwame to explore the intersection of identity, race, storytelling, and courage. She opens up about her life-changing study abroad experience in Italy — the joy she imagined, the racism she didn’t expect, and the moment she realized she wasn’t alone when hundreds of thousands of people reached out to say, “This happened to me too.” Nicole also shares the bold leap from ABC News and The New York Times to becoming a full-time travel creator — walking away from corporate America, trusting her voice, and building a platform rooted in truth, research, and authenticity. Connect with Nicole YouTube Channel Instagram Account

Think you’re in control of what you’re saying? Think again. Before you utter a single word, elite negotiators are already reading you — through your posture, your gestures, your tone, your tension. In this episode, Kwame sits down with The Master Negotiator Greg Williams, one of the world’s top experts in body language, to reveal the invisible signals that shape the outcome of every negotiation. You’ll learn how to spot the hidden meaning behind someone’s words, how to time your own message for maximum impact, and how to protect yourself when someone tries to use your own body against you. If you’re not reading these signs, you’re negotiating blind. Connect with Greg Williams ⁠⁠Follow Greg on LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.themasternegotiator.com/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Free Negotiation Blog by Greg⁠ 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!

Most of us spend years pretending — acting like we’re fine, performing for approval, or hiding the parts of ourselves we don’t think are “good enough.” But what if the real breakthrough happens the moment you stop pretending? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Julia Garcia sits down with Kwame to unpack what it truly means to be yourself. Her story is raw, courageous, and full of practical wisdom about hope, identity, and rebuilding your confidence from the inside out. Connect with Julia ⁠Buy the book the 5 Habits of hope - By Julia Garcia⁠ www.drjuliagarcia.com https://www.instagram.com/drjuliagarcia/ https://www.youtube.com/@DrJuliaGarcia https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjuliagarcia/ Julia opens up about: The moment her life collapsed — and why it became the turning point How pretending, perfectionism, and worthlessness quietly shape our identity Why hope has nothing to do with happiness (and why that matters) The emotional habits that can transform your entire life How a single word — maybe — changed her future If you’ve ever felt stuck between who you are and who you pretend to be… this episode will help you reconnect with the real you and take the first step toward the life you want.