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In this episode I'm looking at the 4-month long investigative report by the New York Times into the damning claims of wide-spread, systemic exploitation of underaged migrant workers in some of the biggest, most beloved household brands in America.

The articles headed by journalist Hannah Dreier, presented one of several investigative pieces into the enormous scale of trafficked and enslaved young people across America.
 
So who is looking after these kids?  More specifically, who is looking after the downstream 3rd party suppliers who introduced these illegal and unethical practices  into the supply chains and why did the enterprise supplier risk vetting fail so miserably?

We'll break that down and look at three ways we can all do more to mitigate this from happening in our companies.

Resources and Citations: 

Referenced News Articles:

• https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/25/us/unaccompanied-migrant-child-workers-exploitation.html (you can Google the Mar, Apr, May links from there) 
• https://www.msnbc.com/the-reidout/reidout-blog/joy-reid-child-labor-migrants-rcna72944
• https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/07/us/politics/child-labor-immigration-democrats-republicans-biden.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
• https://www.minimum-wage.org/colorado/child-labor-laws#:~:text=8%20hours%20of%20work%20per,hours%20per%20week%20are%20allowed 
• https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-02-21-gartner-survey-shows-third-party-risk-management-misses-are-hurting-ororganizations 

TPRM Resources:
✅  Get My FREE Third Party Risk for Leaders eGuide HERE  

• https://assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmg/uk/pdf/2021/04/outsourcing-and-third-party-risk.pdf 
• https://www.upguard.com/resources/whitepaper-third-party-risk-management-services 

✅  Past blog on forced labour and human trafficking HERE  

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How often are we told - "just be more confident"?

In my courses, I talk about confidence and competence as vital assets for positive outcomes.  Assessing your confidence before entering a negotiation is critical as it informs you of any additional preparation needed.  It does NOT mean “be more confident”.  

This type of advice is a particular frustration of mine because there are soooo many leadership podcasts and courses out there right now that casually talk about being more confident.  “Just be more confident”. “Woman-up.” “Man-up”.  Like you can just go pluck confidence off a shelf as if you were at the grocery store.  

This is not helpful.  

And this is not good leadership advice.  Of course confidence is critical in any deal making, but false confidence is a recipe for disaster because guess what?  

Your body will always betray the imposter.  Your amygdala will kick in and you will be left with self-doubt or worse.  In this episode I talk about how internal conflict creates vulnerabilities, how masking the issue can actually make matters much worse, and the three things you can do now - today - to manage it better whatever the circumstance.

Citations and Resources: 

“Inclined but less skilled? Disentangling extraversion, communication skill, and leadership emergence”.  Journal of Applied Psychology Publication:  Oct 2021.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34618518/ 

“Introverts make great leaders”.  Forbes. June 2023 https://www-forbes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/06/26/embracing-unique-strengths-why-introverts-make-great-leaders/amp/

 Jenny Radcliffe, Podcast: https://www.leadingauthorities.com/uk/speakers/jenny-radcliffe 

Jenny Radcliffe, Podcast: https://blog.pcisecuritystandards.org/coffee-with-the-council-podcast-meet-this-years-pci-ssc-community-meeting-keynote-speaker-jenny-radcliffe

Want to hear more about these topics? Please leave us a like and a review or join our mail list for information upcoming courses like our Negotiation Foundations course! www.kelliconfidential.com

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Hello friends!  I'm back after a few hectic weeks following some big deadlines and juggling a lot of balls.  And sometimes it can feel a bit like running with scissors - you know you should probably slow down and re-group before you hurt yourself - this was one of those times.  Does that sound familiar?

So this episode is dedicated to all those over-worked women living the crazy hustle; we're taking a bit of a departure from my typical, statistics-based tutorial for a more gentle chat about why and how we need to learn to slow down and proceed with caution while we regroup.  

And I'll share with you the three tips I know for refilling the tank when you're sputtering on empty and you feel like the world is sitting on top of you.  You're not alone!  So settle back, maybe grab a nice drink and enjoy this brief offramp.  You deserve it.

Want to hear more about these topics? Please leave us a like and a review or join our mail list for information upcoming courses like our Negotiation Foundations course! www.kelliconfidential.com

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This past week as I celebrated the tremendous victory of the Denver Nuggets sealing their first ever NBA championship (first in their 47-year history!), I couldn't help but reflect on the extreme pay disparity issue that took Brittney Griner and many of her WNBA teammates overseas, for years, trying to source better compensation in the off season.

Firstly,  top-performing athletes deserve to be compensated fairly.  And such equal pay is critical because, according to my discussion with clinical specialist, and consultant Dr. Nicky Kirk of Parker Performance Institute in Texas, the costs each athlete has to pay to mitigate, or recover from, injuries and to maintain top performance after months of physically gruelling games can be incredibly high.  This pressure is amplified all the more if you're a female athlete earning a fraction of your male peers.  

In US basketball for example, the average NBA player earned $9.6M in the 2022/23 season (rising to over $40M for top players); the average WNBA player earned $102K in the same season.

Want to know more?  Let's jump in!

Contributors:

Dr. Nicky Kirk, clinical specialist & consultant at Parker Performance Institute in Frisco, Texas

 References:

 Average Salary for an NBA player:  https://www.gaimday.com/blog/average-nba-salary/ 

Average salary for a WNBA player:  https://www.nbcsportschicago.com/wnba/who-are-the-highest-paid-players-in-the-wnba-in-2023/344112/

 Brittney Griner - WNBA Player Profile. WNBA Official Website. Retrieved from: https://www.wnba.com/player/203398/brittney-griner 

 Chicago Sky. WNBA Official Website. Retrieved from: https://sky.wnba.com/ 

 https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/34877115/brittney-griner-russia-drug-case-line-prison-trial-more 

Brittany Griner Press Conference:  The Phoenix Mercury (full version) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fhpe8VNAA2s

News conference 27 April 2023 https://edition.cnn.com/2023/04/27/sport/brittney-griner-press-conference-phoenix-mercury-spt-intl/index.html 

Life and career of Nikola Jokic:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87

NBA Annual Salaries – 2022/23 season  https://www.espn.com/nba/salaries 

 NBA Rookie Salary (Minimums) – 2022/23 season: https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-what-nba-league-minimum-salary-full-time-contracts-2022-23-season-looking-finances-salary-cap-lower-limits-this-year

US Women’s Soccer landmark settlement.   https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/u-s-mens-and-womens-soccer-teams-formally-sign-equal-pay-agreements

Want to hear more about these topics? Please leave us a like and a review or join our mail list for information upcoming courses like our Negotiation Foundations course! www.kelliconfidential.com

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What exactly does it mean to negotiate as an underdog - i.e from a defended position? It means trying to mitigate your position of disadvantage – regardless of what caused it.  It may be lack of leverage, lack of resources, it may be a poorly argued position that’s backfired and landed you on the back foot.  

I’m talking about those times when you feel cornered – you may in fact be cornered  - either in your logic or because options are limited or don’t exist, or it may appear that the odds are stacked against you, or you may be negotiating up against a giant (the Goliath to your David) where there’s no path to a successful outcome - or at least one that you can see.  Ever been in that situation?  I can think of a few times when I have!

In today's episode I'm covering three micro lessons to help you think differently about what disadvantage means and steps you can take to find opportunities even when you're the underdog.  Let's jump in!

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Resources & Citations:

The Fort William Henry Massacre &The Last of the Mohicans (historical account and reference to James Fenimore Cooper’s novel Last of the Mohicans) https://southwilliamstown.org/the-fort-williamhenry-massacre-the-last-of-the-mohicans/ 

Cameron McWhirter and Bill Rankin, Cox News Service  “Nichols is Captured in Atlanta”. The Story of Ashley Smith and Brian Nichols (2005):  https://www.deseret.com/2005/3/13/19881775/nichols-is-captured-in-atlanta 

Gladwell, Malcolm. “David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants”. Little, Brown and Company (2015). https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316204374?tag=hacboogrosit-20 

Kohnrieser, George. "Hostage At The Table: How Leaders Can Overcome Conflict, Influence Others, and Raise Performance." Jossey-Bass Publishing. San Francisco  (2006).

MacCurdy, J.T.  “The Structure of Morale”  Cambridge – The University Press. 1943. (revised Oct 2022):  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Structure-Morale-J-T-MacCurdy/dp/1015498787/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1685367142&sr=8-1 

Legend of David and Goliath  (Bible, 1 Samuel 17:1-58 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+17&version=NIV) 

Voss, Chris. “Never Split the Difference”. TEDx. (2016, September).  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEFK 

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Negotiations can be really unpredictable, and things may not always go your way. That's why it's crucial to have a Plan B, a backup strategy in case the primary negotiation plan falls through.

This is probably the most common area where I see inexperienced negotiators stumble and they are either forced to concede more than they had planned, or they have to fall-back and defer to another day - both of which will feel like a failure.

So what can the unlikely trio of Michael Phelps,  Alanis Morissette and Winston Churchill tell us about it?  Let's jump in and find out.

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References and Additional Reading:

Michael Phelps:

• https://www.si.com/olympics/2021/07/21/which-olympian-has-the-most-medals-all-time 
• https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/tokyo-olympics/most-decorated-olympians-all-time-and-their-medal-counts 
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Phelps 

 
Alanis:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alanis_Morissette 
•  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyRveTKSpXY  (pop up concert in NY Underground)
• https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/09/16/the-grunge-womens-revenge
• https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/10-great-grunge-songs-853522/
• https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/grunge-100-greatest-songs-76471/
• https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/rock-bands-who-went-grunge-1228552/ 

Churchill and Roosevelt's Plan B:

• https://www.history.com/news/d-day-roosevelt-churchill-doubts-planning 
• https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/operation-dragoon-anglo-american-alliance 
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Overlord 

Want to hear more about these topics? Please leave us a like and a review or join our mail list for information upcoming courses like our Negotiation Foundations course! www.kelliconfidential.com

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In this episode, I talk about a negotiation tool that you should use right at the beginning of your deal making  - that’s right – I’m talking about rapport.  But what you may not know is that this innocent sounding “soft skill” - as it’s described – is actually one of the most tactical, stealth-like tools you can employ among all other intelligence-gathering aids used when your negotiation hits a stalemate or worse.  

Why is rapport so important in negotiation?  Because as experts in the psychology of conflict will tell us, a person’s world-view is the centrepoint of their belief system.

And one of the most effective ways to find accord or common ground with that worldview, is to show the other party that they’re being listened to and that they are heard and understood.  Sounds simple right?  Something that a little small-talk will address, right?  Actually, that’s probably the most misunderstood part of building rapport, and the most common mistake I see amongst inexperienced negotiators trying to lay out their foundations.  And unfortunately, many, many business people are taught – incorrectly  - to rely on small talk as a tool for entering sales dialogue with a stranger.

 So say it with me – rapport building is not small talk.  Want to know more?  Let's jump in!

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Reference material from this episode:

• Driver, Janine. (2016, May). “You Can Spot a Liar. Here's How” [Video]. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/janine_driver_you_can_spot_a_liar_here_s_how 
• Driver, Janine. “You Say More Than You Think”.  Three Rivers Press.  New York.  2010. https://www.amazon.com/You-Say-More-Than-Think/dp/0307453987 
• Kohlrieser, G. “Hostage at the table: How leaders can overcome conflict, influence others, and raise performance”, 2016 edition.  https://www.amazon.com/Hostage-Table-Leaders-Conflict-Performance/dp/0787983847 
• Dr. Liz Stokoe.  https://www.forbes.com/sites/tanyatarr/2021/06/30/what-we-get-wrong-about-building-rapport-according-to-an-expert/
• Dr. Elizabeth Stokoe.  https://twitter.com/LizStokoe/status/1397615216964345857 

Want to hear more about these topics? Please leave us a like and a review or join our mail list for information upcoming courses like our Negotiation Foundations course! www.kelliconfidential.com

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The difference between a good leader and a remarkable one is not about making great decisions, or even brave ones, but in how you execute on it.

In today’s episode, I’m honoured to host veteran military sergeant, avid sportswoman, marine mammal medic, book publisher and unstoppable charity fundraiser Gina Atkinson who shares with us a glimpse into her impressive military career, her successes in running women-owned businesses, and her tireless commitment to serving others in need.

To say Gina is paying it forward is an understatement.  Across countless volunteer and ambassadorship hours, Gina's hugely successful fundraising has literally raised hundreds of thousands of pounds (and awareness) for veterans charities, animal welfare groups, cancer support groups and others.  

Most especially, Gina wants you to know about the most gruelling challenge she’s yet to face – which is the upcoming Freedom Quest Solo Challenge, a 300-mile, 3 week trek, paddle and cycle across Scotland  - all starting on 30th April.  And as the name describes – Gina will be doing this challenge totally alone and unsupported.  She will be carrying her food and gear in a backpack, sleeping rough in a tent for the duration of the trek.  Her aim?  To smash her goal of £3000 in support of three deserving charities: SSAFA, ACT UK and Sporting Force.  You can read more/donate HERE.

Want to know more about Gina and the organisations she supports?  Keep reading below!

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Awards:
Winner:  Ministry of Defense Soldiering On,  Inspiration of the Year Award 2022
Finalist:  English Veterans 2022

Books:
“Military Memories” an anthology of poems written by veterans, serving personnel, families of those who have served, and the wider forces family with all profits going to military charities

Charities & Outreach groups:

-        Freedom Quest Solo Challenge

-        SSAFA The Armed Forces Charity

-        ACCT UK  The Youth Army Cadets

-        Sporting Force  The Veterans Sports Charity

-        End Suicide  a hybrid lifeline mobile application that operates in the prevention of Suicide, Rape, Lone Emergencies, Missing Persons, Terrorism and more

-        British Divers Marine Life Rescue 

-        Candy Cane Rescue, Animal Aid and Flying Irish Greyhound rescue groups

-        Purple Warriors Veterans Dragon Boat Team

Want to hear more about these topics? Please leave us a like and a review or join our mail list for information upcoming courses like our Negotiation Foundations course! www.kelliconfidential.com

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In the concluding Part 2  of this series - Monica Hanaway shares some warm and, at times, funny insights peppering her unusual career, the extraordinary people who influenced it (including Archbishop Desmond Tutu), and she breaks down for us:

•  why people really search for security at work
•  why COVID destabilised our belief system so much
• what 21st century leaders can do to get people back to work (with conviction)

Monica Hanaway is an accredited mediator, author, senior lecturer, Existential leadership coach and trainer.  When not seeing clients in her private practice, or enjoying time with her family in Oxfordshire, Monica is usually mediating, writing or speaking at international conflict management forums.  And together with her business partner Diana Mitchell, M&D Associates have taught Advanced Mediation in Singapore, Romania, Latvia, South Africa, Malta and the Channel Islands.

Check out our show notes below for information on how you can work with Monica.

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Resources and References:
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Monica Hanaway: LinkedIn 

M&D Associates (Mediation Services & Training): https://manddassociates.com/meet-the-team/ 

Mediation Courses – 2023 Schedule: https://manddassociates.com/training/ 

Books by Monica Hanaway:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AMonica+Hanaway&s=relevancerank&text=Monica+Hanaway&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1 

“The Existential Leader”:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Existential-Leader-Monica-Hanaway/dp/0367023385/ref=sr_1_5?qid=1680520867&refinements=p_27%3AMonica+Hanaway&s=books&sr=1-5&text=Monica+Hanaway 

“Existentialism in Pandemic Times”:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Existentialism-Pandemic-Times-Psychotherapists-Organisations-ebook/dp/B0B3KH894P/ref=sr_1_4?qid=1680521017&refinements=p_27%3AMonica+Hanaway&s=books&sr=1-4&text=Monica+Hanaway 

The Tutu Foundation:  https://tutufoundationuk.org/ 

Want to hear more about these topics? Please leave us a like and a review or join our mail list for information upcoming courses like our Negotiation Foundations course! www.kelliconfidential.com

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When you think of mediation - what image comes to mind?  I suppose the stereotypical view is one of somber suited professionals shuffling paperwork and divorce cases.    I'll bet it isn't the image of a tall, elegant woman working with rival street gangs to settle turf disputes, or the same soft-spoken woman mediating with Irish paramilitary loyalists.   

This week I'm delighted to host Monica Hanaway,  accredited mediator, author, senior lecturer, Existential leadership coach and trainer.

Part 1 of this two-part series:
Considered an expert in Existential leadership and mediation, Monica shares with us her early journey from art college through to becoming an international mediator, author and educator.  We'll hear about the key people and influences that shaped her decision-making to leave behind traditional norms in favour of a highly challenging yet more authentic life.

‘The first initiatives in existential coaching practice… were led by established existential psychotherapists Emmy van Deurzen, Freddie Strasser, Monica Hanaway, and Ernesto Spinelli who made the first strides in Europe.’

The Wiley Handbook of Existential Therapy (2019)

Join us later this week to hear Part 2  of the series - the fascinating conclusion of our interview with Monica where she shares some funny insights peppering her unusual career and explains what Existentialism means and what 21st century leaders need to do to re-connect with staff in a post-Covid workforce.

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Resources and References:
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Monica Hanaway: LinkedIn 

M&D Associates (Mediation Services & Training): https://manddassociates.com/meet-the-team/ 

Mediation Courses – 2023 Schedule: https://manddassociates.com/training/ 

Books by Monica Hanaway:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AMonica+Hanaway&s=relevancerank&text=Monica+Hanaway&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1 

“The Existential Leader”:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Existential-Leader-Monica-Hanaway/dp/0367023385/ref=sr_1_5?qid=1680520867&refinements=p_27%3AMonica+Hanaway&s=books&sr=1-5&text=Monica+Hanaway 

“Existentialism in Pandemic Times”:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Existentialism-Pandemic-Times-Psychotherapists-Organisations-ebook/dp/B0B3KH894P/ref=sr_1_4?qid=1680521017&refinements=p_27%3AMonica+Hanaway&s=books&sr=1-4&text=Monica+Hanaway 

The Tutu Foundation:  https://tutufoundationuk.org/ 

Want to hear more about these topics? Please leave us a like and a review or join our mail list for information upcoming courses like our Negotiation Foundations course! www.kelliconfidential.com