Podcast on Negotiation

by Remi Smolinski

As a negotiation professor, I've spent my academic career trying to answer a question what it means to negotiate well and helping my students and executives achieve better negotiation results. In the Podcast on Negotiation, I invite negotiation scholars and professionals to discuss the most recent research findings, analyze ongoing negotiations, and review negotiation strategies and tactics that really work!

Podcast episodes

  • Season 1

  • On building business relationships with Vladimir Bushin

    On building business relationships with Vladimir Bushin

    Vladimir Bushin is a renowned negotiation, influence, and business relationships coach, whose expertise has shaped the way professionals interact and build trust in the corporate world and beyond. As the author of the acclaimed rapport-building course, "7 Levels of Nurturing", and a Founding Member of the prestigious Cialdini Institute, Vladimir brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to our discussion. He is also the founder of the Negotiation Practice Community, where he has dedicated over four years to mastering the art of negotiation, training, and coaching. Vladimir’s journey is enriched by more than two decades of corporate leadership, demonstrating his profound impact on business communication and ethical influence. His mission is clear: to unlock the potential within every leader and transform the way individuals engage, resolve conflicts, and build trusting relationships. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Vladimir is an avid reader, a passionate windsurfer, a hiking enthusiast, and a dedicated blogger. In this podcast episonde with Vladimir, we will discuss how to build sustainable business relationships. In this episode, we explore the complexity of building strong business relationships, starting with an overview of Vladimir's background and what sparked his interest in this critical aspect of professional success. We discuss the core principles essential for nurturing robust business connections and discuss common pitfalls individuals often encounter in the process. Vladimir introduces the concept of the "7 Levels of Nurturing," explaining what nurturing entails in a business context and why it is pivotal for long-term relationship building. The discussion highlights the significance of aligning personal values with business relationships, offering insights into the profound impact this alignment can have on professional interactions. Listeners will gain practical advice on quickly establishing trust in new business relationships and learn strategies for improving their relationship-building skills. Vladimir shares valuable resources, including books, courses, and other materials, to aid listeners in enhancing their ability to form and maintain effective business networks. We also hear a key piece of advice for those just starting out in building their business network, emphasizing foundational practices. Finally, our guest reflects on figures renowned for their negotiation prowess, both historical and contemporary, providing inspiration and lessons from the masters of the art of negotiation.

  • On a woman's guide to negotiation with Beth Fisher-Yoshida

    On a woman's guide to negotiation with Beth Fisher-Yoshida

    Beth Fisher-Yoshida is a Professor of Professional Practice at Columbia University School of Professional Studies. She is also a Program Director of the Master in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution and Co-Executive Director of the Advanced Consortium on Cooperation, Conflict and Complexity and Director of the Youth, Peace, and Society program, both hosted by the Climate School / Earth Institute at Columbia University. Beth collaborates closely with clients to craft tailored strategies aimed at enhancing organizational performance. Leveraging her expertise gained in academia and practical experience, she seamlessly integrates theory with real-world application. As the founder of Fisher Yoshida International, she specializes in guiding organizations through transformative change, emphasizing improved communication and alignment with mission and vision. A prolific author, she has contributed to numerous publications and is set to release a new book on women and negotiation. Her primary areas of focus encompass Coordinated Management of Meaning, negotiation, intercultural communication, conflict resolution, and transformative learning. With Beth we will dicuss her hew book: "New Story, New Power: A Woman's Guide to Negotiation," in which she sheds light on the influence of internalized societal expectations, particularly on women, impacting their ability to negotiate effectively in various aspects of life. Despite conflicting cultural messages, women are breaking barriers in leadership roles. Through extensive interviews and research, Beth underscores the crucial role of self-awareness in shaping negotiation outcomes, emphasizing the need for women to challenge negative narratives and harness their inner voice for positive change. By fostering greater self-awareness, she empowers women to redefine their narratives and negotiate with confidence and clarity, transcending societal limitations. In this podcast episode, we explore the inspiration behind the book and the urgent need for its message in today's world. We briefly sketch the "old story" of negotiation that has long dominated the field and why it’s time for a transformative change. Beth sheds light on the unique challenges women face in negotiation scenarios that their male counterparts typically do not encounter. We discuss the alternatives to the outdated narratives and how women can adapt to varying contexts more effectively than men. The conversation highlights key lessons from the book, offering practical advice on handling gender bias and turning male-dominated industries to one's advantage. Confidence is a critical theme in negotiation, and Beth provides strategies for women to build and harness it. Learn how to overcome the fear of being perceived as too aggressive or pushy, and understand the long-term impacts [Author's Name] hopes her book will have on women readers. The episode also explores the evolving landscape of corporate support for women negotiators, with Beth sharing her observations on positive changes and areas needing improvement. She recounts surprising discoveries made during her research and how her own negotiation strategies have evolved since writing the book. We also touch on topics she wishes she could have explored further and discuss potential future projects that continue her mission of empowering women in negotiation. For young women at the start of their careers, Beth offers invaluable advice on becoming skilled negotiators.

  • On Star Wars and conflict resultion with Jen Reynolds and Noam Ebner

    On Star Wars and conflict resultion with Jen Reynolds and Noam Ebner

    Have you ever realized that at the core of Star Wars lies an eternal conflict? It's a clash as old as time itself: Jedi Knights pitted against Sith Lords, rebels challenging the might of the empire, and the eternal struggle between dark and light, good and evil. But beyond the mesmerizing visual spectacle, Star Wars serves as a mirror to our own existence, reflecting how we struggle with opposing interests, gravitating towards one side or the other, and wrestling with the consequences of our choices. From the sweeping battles of the Clone Wars to the struggles within characters' hearts, every aspect of Star Wars resonates with the tension of opposing forces. Whether it's the clash of lightsabers or the moral dilemmas faced by heroes and villains alike, conflict is the cornerstone upon which the vast and immersive universe of Star Wars is built. ... and what's better than a book on Star Wars and conflict resolution? Yes, you're right! A sequel of such book! In "Star Wars and Conflict Resolution: My Negotiations Will Not Fail," beautifully orchestrated by Jennifer Reynolds and Noam Ebner, experts from various fields—law, management, psychology, mediation, negotiation, communication, political science, and human resources—share their insights on negotiation and conflict management. Using examples from the Star Wars saga, the book offers valuable lessons on negotiation and leadership. It proposes alternative approaches, suggesting how the Jedi could have preserved peace by mediating disputes rather than resorting to aggressive tactics, potentially averting the downfall of the Galactic Republic and the rise of the Empire. By applying these insights to everyday interactions, the book empowers us to enhance their negotiation and conflict resolution skills, bridging the gap between the galaxy far, far away and our own. We begin this episode by sharing our immediate associations evoked by Star Wars, reflecting on its iconic imagery and cultural impact. From there, our discussion naturally transitiones to the root causes of conflict in the galaxy. This leads us to analyze negotiation within the Star Wars universe, particularly prompted by the subtitle of the book, "My negotiation will not fail." We debate whether negotiation consistently fails within the franchise, despite characters' assertions to the contrary. Our conversation also touches upon the leadership styles of characters like Padmé Amidala and Palpatine, focusing on the lessons we can learn from them. We examine critically the failures of the Jedi Order in maintaining peace in the galaxy, questioning whether they were adequately trained to prevent conflict and resolve it peacefully. Moreover, we consider faction one might prefer to work for, weighing the merits and drawbacks of the Republic, Trade Federation, Empire, and Alliance. Our exploration extendes to negotiating like a Sith, analyzing their negotiation styles and the perceived power of the dark side. Finally, we reflect on the character of Luke Skywalker, questioning whether he is truly a hero or if we can learn more from his mistakes. Tune in and may the Force be with you!

  • On experience in negotiation with Mike Inman

    On experience in negotiation with Mike Inman

    In this episode, we are privileged to be joined by negotiation expert Mike Inman. With a wealth of experience accumulated over more than a decade, Mike has trained the managers many of the world's leading Fortune 500 companies. His tenure as a negotiation trainer spans six continents, during which he has equipped over 7,000 B2B negotiators with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in competitive business environments. Mike's expertise extends is grounded in real-world practice, making him an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their negotiation skills. We discuss negotiation expertise, exploring what it truly means to be an experienced negotiator. Through reflective discussions and insightful anecdotes, we unravel the evolution of negotiation skills over a career trajectory. Mike shares personal experiences, recounting pivotal moments where their negotiation abilities underwent transformative growth. From navigating early career challenges to leveraging accumulated expertise for strategic advantage, each anecdote offers valuable lessons in negotiation. We explore the relationship between experience negotiation outcomes, probing the significance of practice, repetition, and experiential learning versus formal training. Our conversation also touches on the dynamics between negotiating with experienced versus inexperienced counterparts, uncovering common pitfalls and mitigation strategies. Drawing from Mike's experience, we explore the impact of guidance on negotiation development. Additionally, we examine areas for continued growth and improvement, emphasizing the importance of remaining adaptable and open to new approaches. At the end, we distill practical advice for individuals seeking to enhance their negotiation skills, providing actionable strategies to maximize learning opportunities and accelerate growth in this dynamic field.

  • On ransomware negotiations with Pim Takkenberg

    On ransomware negotiations with Pim Takkenberg

    Ransomware negotiations constitute the complex and often ethically challenging process of communication and compromise between targeted entities and cybercriminals seeking financial gain through extortion. In the aftermath of a ransomware attack, negotiators, typically representing the victimized organizations, engage in dialogue with hackers to navigate the terms of payment, decryption keys, and the potential release of sensitive information. This high-stakes exchange involves a delicate balance between securing the affected data and succumbing to the demands of malicious actors. Negotiators grapple with moral dilemmas, legal constraints, and the urgency to minimize business disruptions, making ransomware negotiations a complex and evolving aspect of the cybersecurity landscape. In this episod of the Podcast on Negotiation, we speak with Pim Takkenberg, the General Manager of Northwave Investigations and his special guest Boris about ransomeware negotiations, We discuss the complexities of negotiating with cybercriminals, debunk common myths, and discuss the emotional challenges involved. Highlighting prevalent ransomware types and evolving attacker tactics, the guest recounts some of their cases and successful strategies. The conversation covers preventative advice, the evolving landscape of ransomware, the importance of law enforcement collaboration, and ethical considerations in ransom negotiations. With an eye on the future, they explore the impact of technology advancements and cryptocurrency on ransomware attacks, emphasizing the necessity of ongoing education and proactive cybersecurity measures to mitigate risks and protect vulnerable sectors. Northwave Cyber Security is a leading firm specializing in comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, providing expert services to safeguard organizations against evolving digital threats. With a strong focus on proactive defense strategies, Northwave offers a range of services encompassing threat intelligence, risk assessment, incident response, and vulnerability management. The company is renowned for its innovative approach, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and seasoned cybersecurity professionals to deliver tailored solutions that address the unique challenges faced by its clients. Northwave's commitment to staying ahead of emerging threats, coupled with its dedication to client collaboration, establishes it as a trusted partner in the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity, contributing significantly to the resilience of businesses against cyber threats.