Negotiate Anything: Negotiation | Persuasion | Influence | Sales | Leadership | Conflict Management

Two of the most powerful men in America—Elon Musk and Donald Trump—just had a very public, very personal falling out. What caused it? And more importantly, what can this teach us about trust, loyalty, power dynamics, and how relationships break down when interests collide? This is not about politics—it’s about people. In this non-partisan breakdown, negotiation expert Kwame Christian unpacks the deeper patterns behind the Trump-Musk conflict and reveals the hidden strategies you can apply to your own life. Whether it’s a business partnership, leadership team, friendship, or marriage—these lessons apply to everyone.DISCLAIMER: This content is brought to you by the American Negotiation Institute, a non-governmental, non-partisan organization. Our mission is to help people communicate more effectively and resolve conflict with confidence. We use high-profile moments like this one to spark learning and growth for everyday people navigating complex relationships.In this video, you’ll learn: Why track rec

Everyone talks about getting buy-in—but how do you actually do it when you have no product, no team, and no traction? In this episode, Marc Howland breaks down the exact strategy he used to build Breadless from scratch. From convincing a co-founder at a barbecue, to earning community trust through gym pop-ups, and finally closing $1.1M in funding—Marc reveals the step-by-step process to go from rejection to real support. If you're struggling to get others to believe in your idea, this conversation is your blueprint. Connect with Marc Breadless Company⁠ ⁠Follow Marc 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

They smile, they compliment, they even laugh at your jokes—but something always feels off. In this episode, Kwame Christian sits down with NYU psychology professor and best-selling author Tessa West to uncover the real danger of workplace frenemies. From subtle mixed signals to the science of stress, you’ll learn how these ambiguous relationships drain your confidence, distort your judgment, and quietly sabotage your career. You’ll also discover: – Why consistency matters more than kindness – The behavioral cues that reveal discomfort and distrust – How to collect real data on your workplace relationships – What to do when a "nice" colleague is actually your biggest obstacle If you've ever walked away from a conversation feeling confused, second-guessed your instincts, or felt tension with someone who's "never done anything wrong"—this episode is for you. Connect with Tessa ⁠Buy now the book: JOB THERAPY FINDING WORK THAT WORKS FOR YOU⁠ ⁠Follow Tessa on LinkedIn ⁠ ⁠https://www.tessawestauthor.com/⁠

They judge you in milliseconds — before you say a single word. And if your presence doesn’t match your message, you're not just being ignored — you're being dismissed. In this episode, Kwame Christian sits down with presence expert Evan Weiner to explore the hidden science behind how people experience you — and why that can instantly boost or sabotage your power in negotiation, leadership, and life. From physical presence and aesthetic identity to the neuroscience of dopamine and status, you’ll learn: Why your style, posture, and polish matter more than you think How to build presence that defends your reputation and commands respect The surprising way your body language could be creating “communication dissonance” What to do today to become instantly more persuasive — without changing who you are If you’ve ever felt like people don’t take you seriously — or don’t listen no matter how well you speak — this episode will shift the way you show up forever. Connect with Evan Weiner

What if the key to commanding respect wasn’t about proving yourself—but about being yourself? In this inspiring conversation, Elena Kohn, in-house counsel at AdventHealth and co-author of Women in Law: Discovering the True Meaning of Success, joins Kwame Christian to unpack the power of authenticity in high-stakes environments. As an immigrant, first-generation lawyer, and mother, Elena shares how she stopped chasing the image of the “perfect professional” and started embracing her accent, humor, and humanity. Together, they explore how self-deprecating honesty, emotional maturity, and quiet confidence can transform tough conversations, negotiations, and even courtroom dynamics. This episode is a masterclass in how to show up fully as yourself—without shrinking, without posturing, and without apologizing. Whether you're a lawyer, leader, or just tired of feeling like you need to wear a mask to be taken seriously, this is your permission to be real—and still win. Buy The Book: Women in Law: Discoverin

Is your fear of being seen as "too much" keeping you silent? Kwame Christian sits down with assertive communication expert Ivna Curi to dismantle one of the most damaging myths in leadership and workplace culture — that speaking up means being aggressive. You’ll learn the four pillars of true assertiveness, how to balance confidence with warmth, and why staying silent often creates more backlash than setting boundaries ever could. From high-stakes roleplays to actionable scripts, this conversation is packed with tools to help you communicate clearly, respectfully, and powerfully — without becoming the villain in the room. If you’ve ever held back for fear of being misunderstood, this episode is your guide to showing up fully and being heard. Contact ANI ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠negotiateanything.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

You don’t need to feel calm to stay in control. In this raw and eye-opening episode, Kwame Christian sits down with The Anxious Achiever host Morra Aarons-Mele to unpack what really happens when anxiety hits in the middle of a high-stakes conversation. Whether you're a leader, negotiator, or just trying to survive the next Zoom meeting, this conversation offers practical tools to ground yourself, recover in real-time, and stop letting anxiety run the show. Morra breaks down the science, shares life-saving techniques from her work with high performers, and reveals why anxiety isn't something to conquer — it's something to understand, respect, and work with. This episode is not about avoiding discomfort. It's about learning to lead through it. Connect with Morra ⁠https://morraam.com/⁠ BUY NOW: The Anxious Achiever: Turn Your Biggest Fears into Your Leadership Superpower Contact ANI ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Most leaders won’t say what they really think — Nancy Medoff does. In this fearless conversation, Nancy returns to the show with a raw and honest look at what happens when a communication expert steps into politics and faces public scrutiny head-on. She shares the emotional toll, the unexpected memes, and the mindset shift that helped her stop chasing approval and start creating real impact. From small-town election drama to universal truths about people-pleasing, authenticity, and persuasion, this episode is a masterclass in what leadership actually looks like when the stakes are high and the spotlight is real. Connect With Nancy Medoff ⁠nancymedoff.com⁠ ⁠Buy Now UNMUTE YOURSELF® Speak Up to Stand Out by Nancy Medoff⁠ ⁠Listen now to Unmute Yourself - The Podcast⁠ ⁠Follow Nancy on LinkedIn Contact ANI ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

One bad reaction can destroy the trust you spent years building. In this episode, forensic psychologist and leadership expert Nashater Deu Solheim joins Kwame Christian to unpack the hidden emotional triggers that sabotage high-stakes conversations. You’ll learn how to recognize defensiveness before it takes over, use silence as a power move, and ask the one question that keeps you in control — even when you’re about to explode. Whether you're leading a team, navigating conflict, or trying to be heard without losing your cool, this episode gives you the practical tools to respond with clarity instead of emotion. You’ll discover: Why most feedback feels like an attack (and how to fix it) The ABC model for building trust in every conversation How to use body language to send the right message — without saying a word Why asking “why” makes people shut down A simple mindset shift that instantly lowers the emotional temperature Master the moment — before it masters you. Conn

Negotiation isn’t just a skill — it’s a life-changing mindset. In this special crossover episode, negotiation expert Kwame Christian joins Mike Lander of Higgle to reveal how he went from avoiding conflict to teaching millions how to navigate it. You’ll hear the story behind his rise as a globally recognized voice on negotiation, the neuroscience that explains why most conversations go wrong, and the three skills that every top negotiator shares. Whether you’re closing a deal or setting a boundary at home, Kwame’s Compassionate Curiosity framework will help you manage your emotions, build trust fast, and lead tough conversations with confidence. You’ll learn: What the “amygdala hijack” is — and how to stop it How to use AI roleplay to rehearse high-stakes conversations Why tone is more persuasive than tactics The 3-core skill model every negotiator should master How trust (not technique) drives long-term success If you’ve ever struggled to be assertive, this is your roadmap

If every hard conversation feels heavy, it’s time to change the script. In this episode, speaker and author Erin Diehl shares how joy, empathy, and humor can transform even the most uncomfortable interactions. Whether you’re negotiating with a client, giving feedback to a teammate, or bracing for a tense talk at home, Erin explains how to shift your mindset, calm your nervous system, and lead with radical presence—without losing your edge. You’ll learn: The real reason most difficult conversations go wrong How to rewire negative thinking using simple mental “interrupts” Why humor is a leadership tool—not a distraction How to access your frontal lobe (instead of flipping out) What improv teaches us about negotiation, empathy, and trust This isn’t fluff—it’s neuroscience-backed, results-driven communication reimagined through joy. If you’ve been holding your breath through every tough talk, this episode is your exhale. Connect with Erin www.itserindiehl.com Buy the book: I

The worst deals don’t break you later — they fool you early. In this episode, sales strategist Kim Orlesky reveals why bad-fit clients slip through your filter, how to recognize red flags before it's too late, and what it really means to sell from a place of power. From walking away from misaligned deals to reframing budget conversations and asserting value without pressure, this conversation is a blueprint for anyone who negotiates, sells, or wants to stop saying yes out of desperation. You’ll learn: The hidden “winner’s curse” of closing the wrong deals How to qualify clients by alignment, not just money The question to ask that instantly shifts the power dynamic What most sales pros get wrong about budget How to hold your price — and your standards This is the mindset shift that separates burned-out closers from confident negotiators. Connect with Kim ⁠Visit Kim's Website⁠ ⁠Connect with Kim on LinkedIn Contact ANI ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Request A Customized Wo

Why Doing Everything Right Still Leaves You Stuck? How to Finally Level Up? This episode is a masterclass in leadership evolution — raw, real, and exactly what high achievers need to hear when the next level feels just out of reach. Jade Davis, VP at the Port of Cleveland and advisor to the largest Black woman-owned public affairs firm in Ohio, joins Kwame to reveal the invisible shift that transforms good performers into true leaders. In this powerful conversation, Jade unpacks what it really means to lead without ego, influence without force, and grow by being radically honest — especially with yourself. You’ll learn: Why being a “doer” can sabotage your leadership potential The career-changing advice his wife gave him (that he didn’t want to hear) How to earn trust and drive results without controlling everything What vulnerability looks like when you're managing up, down, and across\ Connect with Jade Follow Jade Davis on LinkedIn ⁠Awards Jade Davis⁠ ⁠Port of

What if your next life-changing opportunity came from a single conversation with a stranger? In this electrifying episode, Dr. Ruth Gotian returns to share the real secrets behind connecting with anyone—from Nobel Prize winners to NBA champions. Whether you're an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between, Ruth breaks down her proven approach to building authentic relationships that open doors, spark collaboration, and create lasting impact—no awkward small talk required. Kwame and Ruth dive deep into: Why you should stop mimicking morning routines and start cultivating curiosity The underrated power of showing up (with or without an agenda) Ruth’s game-changing 24-7-30 follow-up rule for lasting connection How to approach keynote speakers without feeling like a stalker (plus the one thing never to do) Real stories of how genuine interest—not business cards—builds trust that lasts This isn’t just about networking—it’s about building a life and career through meaningful

What if the key to persuading someone wasn’t hiding your flaws—but revealing them? In this episode, Kwame Christian sits down with behavioral science expert and bestselling author Richard Shotton (The Illusion of Choice) to uncover the hidden psychological levers behind trust, influence, and decision-making. From the Stolen Thunder effect to the surprising power of using precise numbers, you’ll learn how small shifts in language and strategy can drastically increase your credibility and impact at the negotiation table. Whether you’re a negotiator, marketer, or just someone who wants to get better at persuading others without manipulation, this episode offers actionable insights grounded in decades of research. Connect With Richard Buy Now: ⁠The Illusion of Choice: 16 1/2 Psychological Biases That Influence What We Buy ⁠ ⁠Follow Richard Shotton on LinkedIn Contact ANI ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Kwam

You think you’re being authentic. You’re not. In this powerful conversation, media expert, keynote speaker, and author Jeanne Sparrow breaks down the real meaning of authenticity — and it’s not what you think. Most people confuse authenticity with oversharing. Others stay silent, mistaking fear for integrity. Jeanne explains why true authenticity isn’t about saying everything — it’s about knowing who you are, what you bring to the table, and how to use that power with intention. You’ll learn: Why oversharing kills trust (and isn’t real connection) How to tell the difference between fear and truth How to adapt without losing yourself Why your presence speaks louder than your words — and how to own it Whether you're leading a team, having a tough conversation, or just trying to show up more powerfully — this episode will change how you think about being “yourself.” Connect with Jeanne jeannesparrow.com Buy now The Book - FEARLESS AUTHENTICITY - by Jeanne Sparrow Contact AN

In a market where confidence is cheap and trust is everything — Nikko Santo Pietro delivers the real game. Selling real estate in Beverly Hills during the worst market in decades? That’s exactly what Nikko Santo Pietro is doing — and thriving. In this episode, Nikko breaks down how he closes multimillion-dollar deals by combining bold marketing, sharp pricing strategies, and next-level negotiation skills. You’ll learn how to win clients’ trust (even when they overvalue their homes), why wearing a cowboy hat can be a power move, and how to sell authentically without ever needing a suit. Whether you’re in sales, real estate, or any high-stakes negotiation, this episode shows you how to stand out, qualify yourself, and lead with strategy — not ego. Connect with Nikko Instagram: @nikkoshow ⁠Follow Nikko on LinkedIn Contact ANI ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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?

Stop being afraid to ask — because staying silent is costing you. In this episode, Crystal Ware shares her powerful insights on why so many people, especially women, struggle to ask for what they deserve. Whether it’s negotiating your salary, setting boundaries, or simply speaking up, Crystal reveals how to overcome the fear of asking and finally own your worth. You’ll discover practical strategies to define your value, communicate it with confidence, and never leave money on the table again. If you’ve ever hesitated to ask for a raise, a promotion, or even respect, this episode is your guide to becoming unapologetically bold. Connect with Crystal Want to subscribe to "The Clarity" Newsletter, visit us here: ⁠www.crystalwaremedia.com⁠ ⁠Follow Crystal on LinkedIn ⁠ ⁠crystalwaremedia.com ⁠ ⁠cadenceinsurance.com ⁠ ⁠https://linktr.ee/crystalware⁠ ⁠Listen to Get Clear with Crystal Ware Podcast⁠ Contact ANI ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Master the secret tactics spies use to win trust and uncover the truth. In this gripping episode, Jeremy Hurewitz, corporate intelligence expert and author of "Sell Like a Spy," reveals the secret persuasion tactics used by the CIA, FBI, and elite intelligence officers. Hurewitz draws on his years of experience working alongside former CIA case officers, FBI negotiators, and counterintelligence experts to share powerful strategies for winning trust, gathering intelligence, and persuading anyone — even when they don’t want to share. From the art of elicitation and radical empathy to mastering deception detection and reading people like a book, this episode is packed with real-world spycraft secrets you can use in sales, negotiations, and everyday interactions. Hurewitz also shares jaw-dropping stories of espionage, including how intelligence agents use access agents and covert techniques to gain crucial information. How spies turn targets into traitors — and how you can ethically turn leads into loy