Most people don't fail in difficult conversations because they lack knowledge — they fail because they lose control of themselves.

In this special episode, our host, negotiation expert Kwame Christian sits down with Ohio State Moritz College of Law Professor Katrina Lee to answer the toughest questions from her law students about negotiation, persuasion, emotional regulation, and conflict.

Together, they explore what separates great negotiators from everyone else—from mastering the empathy loop and building genuine trust to using storytelling, curiosity, and strategic listening to influence outcomes. Kwame shares practical techniques for staying calm under pressure, handling interruptions, navigating emotionally charged conversations, and finding confidence when the stakes are high.

You'll learn:

• Why listening is often more powerful than problem-solving

• How to use the 70/30 rule to create deeper connections

• The difference between genuine curiosity and strategic curiosity

• How storytelling shapes persuasion and decision-making

• Techniques for regulating emotions during difficult conversations

• Why humility is a hidden superpower in negotiation

• How to turn conflict into collaboration without sacrificing your goals

Along the way, Kwame shares personal stories from high-stakes business negotiations, lessons from coaching leaders around the world, and the mindset shifts that have helped millions of listeners become more effective communicators.

Whether you're a lawyer, leader, salesperson, entrepreneur, or simply someone who wants better conversations at work and at home, this episode will give you actionable tools to communicate with more confidence, influence, and emotional intelligence.

Because the best negotiators aren't the loudest people in the room—they're the ones who know how to listen.