In Episode 16 of Negotiate X in Rewind, hosts Aram Donigian and Nolan Martin speak with leadership coach Nicole Posner about mastering difficult conversations in leadership. Nicole breaks down the three leadership archetypes—the People Pleaser, Warrior, and Fresher—and reveals how each affects communication. She also explains the dangers of untested assumptions and introduces her MAP framework: Manage your mindset, know what to Achieve, and Plan ahead. By preparing intentionally and communicating with empathy, leaders can transform conflict into connection and guide their teams through challenging discussions with confidence and purpose.
In Episode 15 of Negotiate X in Rewind, Nolan Martin and Aram Donigian welcome Mala Subramaniam to explore the rules for effective negotiation. Blending business insight with Eastern philosophy, Mala explains how alignment, empathy, and mindset turn conflict into collaboration. She emphasizes focusing on the problem, not the person; asking "what" instead of "who"; and visualizing success to build trust and creativity. Through relatable stories and practical guidance, Mala shows how credibility, composure, and connection transform negotiations into opportunities for genuine partnership and growth.
In Episode 14 of Negotiate X in Rewind, hosts Nolan Martin and Aram Donigian explore the art of uncovering interests in negotiation and why it's essential for lasting success. They break down how identifying both organizational and individual motivations—beyond surface-level positions—leads to stronger collaboration and smarter outcomes. Using real-world examples, they illustrate how strategic, operational, and personal goals intertwine in every deal. From managing risks and relationships to understanding human needs through Maslow's hierarchy, the episode reveals how empathy and curiosity transform negotiations into meaningful, mutually beneficial problem-solving conversations rather than positional battles.
In this episode of Negotiate X in Rewind, hosts Aram Donigian and Nolan Martin sit down with negotiation strategist Keld Jensen to explore the intersection of Trust, Strategy & the Science of Negotiation. Keld reveals why negotiation isn't instinct—it's a learned discipline grounded in research and structure. Additionally, he introduces his SMARTnership approach, explaining how trust, clear strategy, and measurable value creation transform deals into true collaborations. From redefining partnership to using data-driven insights that uncover hidden value, this episode challenges professionals to approach negotiation scientifically—balancing analytical rigor with human connection for lasting results.
In Episode 12 of Negotiate X in Rewind, organizational leader and stand-up comedian Courtney Bickert joins hosts Nolan Martin and Aram Donigian to reveal how humor eases negotiations. She explains the science behind laughter, showing how it reduces stress, sparks creativity, and strengthens bonds that foster collaboration. Courtney also shares practical tips on setting a positive tone, using humor authentically, and finding the right moments to lighten the mood. Through stories from corporate retreats to tense international encounters, she demonstrates that humor is more than entertainment—it is a powerful tool for trust, connection, and successful outcomes.
Episode 11 of the Negotiate X in Rewind series brings Robert Wilkinson and Naseem Khuri into conversation with Aram Donigian and Nolan Martin to unpack the art of mastering constructive disagreement in negotiation. The guests explain why conflict is inevitable but not inherently destructive, emphasizing that leaders must learn to distinguish between harmful struggles and productive tensions. Additionally, they highlight the importance of slowing down before reacting, knowing when to provoke debate versus building unity, and modeling conflict skills at home and in professional life. This episode demonstrates how constructive disagreement fuels growth, innovation, and stronger connections.
Episode 10 of the Negotiate X in Rewind series addresses a listener's question on stalled projects and pushback from supervisors. Nolan Martin and Aram Donigian explore the secret to overcoming resistance in negotiations, showing why success comes from stepping into the other party's shoes. They discuss why resistance often makes sense from the other side's perspective, how to uncover hidden concerns, and why listening and inquiry are more effective than debating. With practical models like the Ladder of Inference, the episode highlights how negotiators can reframe "no" into dialogue, build trust, and transform resistance into collaborative agreement.
Episode 9 of the Negotiate X in Rewind series explores one of the most common traps in negotiation: the belief that relationships and results must be traded off. Nolan and Aram explain why balancing relationships & substance for effective negotiation is not a compromise, but a discipline. They unpack why common tactics—like small talk, buying trust with concessions, or ignoring emotions—backfire. Instead, they advocate for unconditionally constructive strategies that combine respect, empathy, and problem-solving. Through practical stories and examples, this episode demonstrates how negotiators can achieve durable results while strengthening trust and connection at the same time.
Episode 8 of the Negotiate X in Rewind series features Maarten van Rossum, Head of Strategy at &FLUENCE, in a candid discussion on gender, culture, and tactics in negotiation. The episode explores why women negotiate better for others, highlighting research that shows traits like empathy, listening, and creativity often lead to stronger outcomes than competitive approaches. Maarten also emphasizes the need for systemic change in organizations while encouraging individual responsibility to drive progress. He explains how to recognize and counter dirty tricks at the table and underscores why lasting relationships ultimately matter more than short-term wins. This episode blends research, practice, and storytelling into actionable insights.
Episode 7 of the Negotiate X in Rewind series features Don Rossmoore in a powerful discussion on The Interplay of Mind, Body, and Voice in Effective Communication. Don explains how leaders can prepare for tough conversations by clarifying their message, anticipating reactions, and approaching discussions calmly. He emphasizes the importance of compassion, encouraging leaders to imagine how their words sound from the listener's perspective. From building trust in teams to staying focused in virtual settings, Don offers practical advice for fostering connection. His insights reveal that mastering communication requires practice, empathy, and alignment of mind and body.
Episode 6 of Negotiate X in Rewind brings John Lowry, President of The Lowry Group, into focus as he shares top negotiation tips that transform everyday conversations into opportunities for stronger outcomes. John explains how negotiation is not just a transactional skill but a strategic communication process central to professional success. He highlights why internal negotiations can be more challenging than external ones, and how both introverts and extroverts can leverage their natural strengths at the table. By weaving empathy, creativity, and problem-solving together, John shows that great negotiators focus on solutions that satisfy all sides.
In Episode 5 of the Negotiate X in Rewind series, The Mind Power of Empathy, Andy Fairie reveals how empathy and active listening can reshape conversations, build trust, and ease tension. He explains the difference between sympathy and empathy, sharing practical ways to develop emotional awareness through labeling emotions, practicing with people you disagree with, and expanding your vocabulary. From his work with protest groups in Scotland to his insights as a CBT therapist, Andy shows how self-awareness and small communication shifts can transform interactions. This episode offers real, actionable strategies to strengthen empathy in both life and work.
In Episode 4 of the Negotiate X in Rewind series, real stories of negotiation in life and work take center stage. Gary Ortiz and J.B. Andreassi share honest examples from their professional and personal experiences, revealing how trust, communication, and strategy shape outcomes. From navigating internal dynamics in technical teams to managing subcontractors and clients on job sites, they show that negotiation is not limited to formal deals. It happens in everyday moments that matter. This episode offers practical insight into how influence is earned, relationships are built, and decisions are guided through effective negotiation.
In this episode of Negotiate X in Rewind, we revisit powerful insights on crisis management and communication from Michael Baker and Kenneth Dekleva. Michael emphasizes that crises are deeply personal and must be understood from the other person's perspective. He highlights the power of active listening to uncover root causes rather than addressing surface-level issues. Kenneth shares real-world experiences from hostage negotiations, illustrating why flexibility, patience, and human-centered solutions are vital in complex, high-stakes situations. Together, they reveal how prioritizing empathy over rigid protocols can build trust, protect victims from further harm, and ultimately lead to better outcomes in negotiations.
In episode 2 of the Negotiate X in Rewind series, Nolan and Aram explore how to negotiate a raise like a pro through real-world stories and practical strategies. They discuss the importance of building strong relationships, understanding mutual interests, and communicating transparently. Listeners learn why negotiation is not always necessary, how to assess their true value, and what creative solutions employers can offer when budgets are tight. Whether you are seeking a raise or managing compensation, this episode provides clear, actionable advice to help you approach salary conversations confidently, purposefully, and professionally.
In this episode of the Negotiate X in Rewind, we explore what it truly means to negotiate confidently. Experts Moshe Cohen, Julie Salganik, Aram Donigian, Nolan Martin, and Sara Laschever explore the emotional and psychological barriers that often hold people back, even when they have the right tools. From managing fear and reframing self-doubt to navigating salary discussions and confronting systemic bias, the conversation shows that confidence is both an internal mindset and a strategic skill. Listeners will gain practical insights into self-advocacy, emotional preparation, and recognizing when change must come from the system, not just the individual.
In this episode of the Negotiate X Podcast, Jonathan Hughes explores the dynamics of power in negotiation across business, military, and government contexts. He unpacks how empathy, legitimacy, and human behavior shape influence more than authority or force. The conversation dives into internal vs. external negotiations, managing up with humility, and why internal alignment often feels harder than dealing with outsiders. Jon also reflects on how teaching deepens leadership and emphasizes that aggression often stems from fear, not strength. His insights offer a powerful reminder: effective negotiation is not about control, but about understanding, connection, and thoughtful collaboration.
In this episode of the Negotiate X Podcast, Jonathan Hughes, a global consulting leader at BDO USA, shares insights from over 30 years of experience in strategy, innovation, and supply transformation. He explores how collaborative conflict resolution transforms high-stakes negotiations, strengthens partnerships, and fuels innovation. Jon emphasizes the importance of empathy, curiosity, and understanding the people behind business decisions. He also cautions against overreliance on technology in supply chains, advocating for a balanced approach that combines competitive pressure with long-term trust. His insights offer a practical, human-centered framework for navigating complexity in today's fast-evolving business environment.
This episode of the NEGOTIATE X Podcast explores how negotiation preparation serves as a strategic advantage in today's complex sales landscape. David Chapnick of Vantage Partners shares insights on frameworks like FOCUS, the rise of AI in sales training, and the shift toward virtual negotiations. He emphasizes aligning internal teams, building trust with clients, and balancing collaboration with co-opetition. Listeners will learn why effective preparation—not just tactics—drives better outcomes, deeper relationships, and long-term value. With real-world examples and practical advice, the conversation underscores that meaningful negotiation capability is built over time through intentional practice, coaching, and investment in people—not quick fixes.
In this episode of the NEGOTIATE X Podcast, David Chapnick, Partner at Vantage Partners, shares how strategic alignment transforms negotiation, sales, and organizational culture. From a formative internship to leading global initiatives, David reflects on lessons in alliance building, collaborative negotiation, and salesforce transformation. He emphasizes the importance of listening, understanding customer needs, and building trust in high-stakes environments. Additionally, David outlines how piloting small changes, embracing thoughtful preparation, and shifting away from transactional mindsets create long-term value. His insights offer a practical roadmap for professionals aiming to improve negotiation effectiveness and drive meaningful, sustainable outcomes across industries.