Big Swings Only

By Kwame Christian Esq., M.A.Business Education Self-Improvement

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Typical duration
63 min
per episode

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Big Swings Only episodes

April 09, 2025Feel Underpaid? Here’s the Truth About Getting a Raise (with The Naked Negotiator)
Hard work isn’t enough — you need strategy.

In this episode, Michael W. Phillips — veteran consultant and author of The Naked Negotiator — reveals why negotiation isn’t just for boardrooms. Drawing from 30 years of high-stakes deals, he shows how the same principles apply when asking for a raise, and why relying on “fairness” can quietly sabotage your career.

You’ll learn:
What managing your boss really means — and why it’s not sucking up
How to replace “fair” with “reasonable” to shift power in any negotiation
Why most people never even start the conversation — and how to build the confidence to ask

Whether you’re in procurement or pitching your own salary, this episode is a mindset reset you didn’t know you needed

Connect with Michael W. Phillips

Follow Mike Phillips On LinkedIn
https://www.phillipsconsulting.co.uk/
https://michaelwphillips.ampbk.com/
Buy now the book: The Naked Negotiator by Michael W Phillips

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!
23 min
April 08, 2025 Hard Work Isn’t Enough—You Have to Manage Up! - with Melody Wilding
Managing up is not about flattery. It’s about influence, and taking control of your career before someone else does.

Order Now the Book: Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge

In this episode, Melody Wilding—executive coach, professor, and author of Managing Up—joins Kwame to unpack one of the most overlooked (and misunderstood) career skills: learning how to manage your boss. If you’ve ever felt invisible, undervalued, or like you're doing everything right but still not moving forward, this conversation will shift your entire perspective on leadership at work.
You’ll learn:

• Why “being a team player” might be damaging your reputation and future

• How to set boundaries without making enemies or risking your job

• What managing up really means—and why it’s not the same as sucking up

Connect with Melody
melodywilding.com

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!
55 min
April 07, 2025How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty – A Masterclass in Boundaries with Eliana Goldstein
Saying yes all the time is the fastest road to burnout.

In this episode, career coach Eliana Goldstein breaks down why setting boundaries is essential—not just for your well-being, but for your success. Whether you're leading a team or pivoting your career, this is your wake-up call to stop people-pleasing and start protecting your energy.

What You’ll Learn:

Why saying “yes” too often can destroy performance and relationships

How to set boundaries without feeling guilty or selfish

The biggest mistakes people make when trying to advocate for themselves

Enroll in THE CAREER UPGRADE COURSE
Discount link: https://www.elianagoldsteincoaching.com/offers/hgjebgSL?coupon_code=NEGOTIATEANYTHING

BOOK A CAREER ASSESSMENT CALL!

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!
28 min
April 06, 2025Why Most People Fail to Persuade — And What to Do Instead — with Omar M. Khateeb
What if your biggest obstacle in sales isn’t your product — but how you’re pitching it? In this episode, Kwame sits down with persuasion expert and medtech strategist Omar M. Khateeb to explore the psychology behind why people actually say yes. From understanding emotional triggers to mastering persuasion at scale, this is a no-fluff conversation packed with insights you can use immediately.

What you’ll learn in this episode

The biggest persuasion mistake people make (and how it silently kills deals)

How to use Omar’s “Present Pain, Future Fear” framework to drive action

The difference between ethical persuasion and manipulation — and how to stay on the right side

Whether you're a sales pro, entrepreneur, or just trying to get better at influencing others, this episode is a masterclass in how to persuade without pushing.

Connect with Omar M. Khateeb

Omar's Social Media
Omar's blog
Follow Omar on LinkedIn
L[in] Profile Upgrade Course

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!
35 min
April 05, 2025From Fear to Influence: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company

In this insightful episode of "Negotiate Anything," host Kwame Christian is joined by strategic communications executive Maha Abouelenein. With extensive experience at top-tier companies like Google and Netflix, Maha shares invaluable advice on building personal brands, effective storytelling, and the power of self-reliance. Together, they delve into the nuances of value creation in professional relationships and overcoming fears in communication. With actionable tips and real-life examples, this conversation is a goldmine for anyone looking to elevate their negotiation skills and personal branding.

What will be covered:
Maha Abouelenein's professional background and her new book, "The Seven Rules of Self-Reliance."
Key strategies for effective communication and the importance of authenticity.
How to create value in relationships and why it's crucial for successful negotiations

Connect with Maha

Order the Book 7 Rules of Self-Reliance: How to Stay Low, Keep Moving, Invest in Yourself, and Own Your Future
Maha Website
Follow Maha on LinkedIn

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!
27 min
April 04, 2025The FBI’s Top Hostage Negotiator Reveals What Actually Works in Negotiation – with Gary Noesner
Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company

In this episode of "Negotiate Anything," host Kwame Christian sits down with Gary Noesner, a retired chief of the FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit with 30 years of experience in high-stakes negotiations. Gary shares captivating stories from his career, including his involvement in major cases like Waco, and offers profound insights into the principles of effective negotiation and conflict resolution. They discuss the essential qualities of a good negotiator, the importance of genuine communication, and the critical role of emotional intelligence. Listeners will gain valuable lessons on building respect in relationships, learning from mistakes, and the impact of authenticity in both professional and personal negotiations. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Gary's experiences and wisdom that have saved lives and resolved critical situations.

What Will Be Covered:
Gary Noesner's experiences as a chief negotiator for the FBI, including high-profile cases like Waco.
The key traits of successful negotiators: genuineness, sincerity, trustworthiness, and reliability.
The parallels between law enforcement negotiations and business negotiations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining positive relationships.

Follow Gary Noesner on LinkedIn
Gary Noesner LinkedIn page
Gary Noesner website
Buy Gary's book: "Stalling For Time."

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!
51 min
April 03, 2025Why You’re Not Being Heard—And How to Change That Through Assertiveness
Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company

In this enlightening episode of "Negotiate Anything," host Kwame Christian welcomes Ivna Curi to discuss the art of assertive communication in negotiations. Overcoming numerous setbacks, the duo dives deep into the core of being assertive without losing warmth, an essential skill for both personal and professional life. Ivna shares invaluable insights from her extensive experience helping professionals, with a particular focus on women, to speak up confidently and effectively. The episode is packed with actionable strategies, practical examples, and proven techniques to master assertiveness in the workplace and beyond.
What will be covered:
The four components of assertiveness: expressing oneself, showing respect, maintaining calmness, and being effective.
Common myths about assertiveness, including perceptions of aggression and conflict.
Replacing negative communication habits, such as complaining and assuming, with actionable, solution-focused approaches.

Connect with Ivna

Follow Ivna Curi on LinkedIn
Assertive Way Institute LinkedIn page
Assertive Way website
Ivna's podcast: "Speak Your Mind Unapologetically."
Ivna's Ted Talk

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!
59 min
April 02, 2025The Silent Mistake Brilliant People Make When the Pressure’s On
Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company

In this episode of Negotiate Anything, host Kwame Christian and guest Matt Abrahams delve into the art of effective communication, particularly when responding on the spot in high-stakes situations. Matt, a communication expert, shares insights from his new book, "Think Faster, Talk Smarter," and emphasizes the importance of mindset, audience understanding, and empathy. They discuss common communication pitfalls and provide tangible strategies to improve spontaneity and connection in both personal and professional interactions. Listeners will discover how reframing mindset and practicing spontaneity can lead to more authentic and effective communication.

In this episode, we cover:
The significance of mindset and empathy in effective communication.
Strategies for improving spontaneity and adapting communication under pressure.
The importance of thinking about your audience's needs rather than just your message.
Listeners will learn:
How to approach spontaneous communication as an opportunity rather than a challenge.
Techniques to improve connection through paraphrasing and empathy.
Ways to prepare effectively for impromptu interactions in negotiations and daily conversations.
Keywords: negotiation, communication skills, spontaneous communication, effective communication, empathy in negotiation.

Connect with Matt

Buy the Book: Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot
Listen to: Think Fast, Talk Smart Podcast

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!
30 min
April 01, 2025Never Lead Alone: Keith Ferrazzi on the Mindset Behind Exceptional Teams
Buy the book Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship

In this engaging episode of Negotiate Anything, Kwame Christian sits down with Keith Ferrazzi, a high-performing teams coach and bestselling author, to discuss the transformative power of shifting from traditional leadership models to teamship paradigms. Throughout the conversation, they explore practical strategies for building trust, enhancing team accountability, and embracing conflict resolution to boost team performance. Keith emphasizes the importance of operationalizing these concepts with actionable steps and social contracts within teams. This discussion provides invaluable insights for leaders and team members looking to foster a more collaborative and dynamic organizational culture.
What will be covered:
The concept of moving from leadership to teamship and its impact on team dynamics.
Practices for fostering peer-to-peer accountability and resilience within teams.
Strategies for building trust through personal, structural, and professional levels of engagement.
What listeners will learn:
How to implement practical techniques to improve team performance and negotiation skills.
Ways to address and overcome trust deficits within organizations through simple practices.
Methods for team members to lead from within by promoting ownership and accountability.

Connect with Keith Ferrazzi

Buy the book Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship

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!
33 min
March 31, 2025Feedback Feels Like a Fight? Here’s How to Change That — with Heather MacArthur
Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company

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

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!
34 min

About Big Swings Only

From the publisher's feed

Playing it safe is easy. It’s comfortable. And it will never take you to the next level.If you’ve got what it takes to hit the ball out of the park, the only thing holding you back is whether you’re brave enough to take a big swing.Big Swings Only is for people who were meant for more — the ones done playing by rules that were never built for them.Hosted by Kwame Christian, each week brings you the real stories of people who fought their fear, went after the life they actually wanted, and became who they had to become to get it.The psychology behind the swing. The strategy behind the risk. The nerve it takes to go all in.You were built for more, and this show was built for you. Subscribe now.