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In this episode of Negotiation Made Simple, John Lowry sits down with high school teacher and coach Tristan Wheeler to explore the unexpected parallels between education and negotiation. Tristan shares how teaching seniors and coaching soccer have shaped his understanding of influence, transformation, and connection. Together, they unpack powerful concepts like closing the gap between where someone is and where they could be, the importance of empathy over expertise, and the joy found in introducing new ideas. From pre-mortems and post-it note lesson plans to Lumineers lyrics and Trader Joe’s flower stories, this conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone looking to lead, teach, or negotiate with purpose.

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In this episode of Negotiation Made Simple, John Lowry sits down with a seasoned university president and faith-driven leader to explore the human side of negotiation. From managing complex relationships to navigating high-stakes decisions, this conversation unpacks the quiet disciplines and mindset shifts that shape truly effective leaders. Whether you're leading a team or closing your next deal, you'll walk away with powerful insights you won’t want to miss.

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In this episode of Negotiation Made Simple, we sit down with Aaron Dorn, CEO of Studio Bank and former U.S. Marine Corps officer, to explore what it really takes to lead, negotiate, and grow in today’s business world. From founding a billion-dollar bank to navigating high-stakes deals, Aaron shares hard-earned wisdom on the people side of negotiation, the power of clarity, and how to build trust that drives results.

We dive into:

• Aaron’s journey from banking to the battlefield and back again
• The leadership lessons that shaped his approach to business
• Why great negotiators always start with understanding, not just terms
• How deal momentum, trust, and clear expectations make or break success
• What separates top-tier dealmakers from the rest

Whether you're a CEO, entrepreneur, or just someone who wants to master negotiation, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

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In this episode of Negotiation Made Simple, host John Lowry sits down with Doug Ryan, a commercial real estate expert with over 25 years of experience at Colliers Nashville. Doug has played a pivotal role in some of Nashville’s biggest real estate deals, and he credits advanced negotiation training as a game-changer in his career.

Doug shares how investing in negotiation skills transformed his ability to close deals, build relationships, and navigate complex business transactions. He reveals key insights, including:
✅ The biggest "aha moment" from negotiation training
✅ Why everything in business is either an “X” (competitive) or an “O” (cooperative)
✅ The one simple tactic that helped him get more out of every deal
✅ How to slow down negotiations in uncertain economic times

John and Doug also discuss the upcoming Negotiation Made Simple Live Workshop in Nashville (April 29-30, 2025), where professionals can sharpen their skills in real-world negotiation exercises.

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Negotiation is both an art and a science, and few people understand this better than Dr. Keld Jensen. As the author of 12 books and a leading expert in negotiation, trust, and behavioral economics, Dr. Jensen has spent years studying what makes deals successful—and what causes them to fall apart. In this episode, he shares invaluable insights on how negotiators can create more value, build stronger relationships, and approach deal-making with a strategic mindset. Whether you're a seasoned negotiator or just looking to improve your skills, this conversation will give you practical tools to navigate high-stakes discussions with confidence. Let’s get started. 

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What can a billion-dollar fighter jet deal teach you about negotiation? In this episode, host John Lowry takes you behind the scenes of a high-stakes negotiation between President Donald Trump and Lockheed Martin CEO Marilyn Hewson. Discover how Hewson navigated public criticism, transformed a tense situation into a collaborative opportunity, and secured billions for her company while delivering taxpayer savings.

Tune in for a powerful story, practical insights, and actionable tips to take your negotiation skills to the next level!

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In this episode, John Lowry sits down with Ryan Hawk, the host of the acclaimed Learning Leader Show podcast and a bestselling author. Ryan shares invaluable insights from his journey as a leader, podcaster, and keynote speaker, including lessons learned from over 600 deep-dive interviews with some of the world’s top leaders.

Together, they explore the intersection of leadership and negotiation, uncovering strategies for fostering meaningful relationships, creating long-term wins, and navigating the challenges of managing diverse teams. Ryan also discusses his philosophy on balancing empathy and assertiveness as a leader, the importance of providing clear feedback, and the value of connecting with mentors.

Whether you’re a leader looking to hone your negotiation skills or a professional seeking to grow in your role, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you lead and negotiate more effectively.

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In this episode we dive into an incredible 18-year journey that proves the power of persistence, creativity, and relationship-building in high-stakes negotiations. Our guest, Brian Tucker took on a seemingly impossible challenge—turning a breathtaking piece of land into Punta Brava one of the most exclusive golf courses in the world. Along the way, he faced resistance, setbacks, and moments where most would have walked away.

Through candid stories and hard-earned lessons, you'll hear how he navigated cultural dynamics, overcame power imbalances, and found creative solutions to bring his vision to life. This is a story about mastering the art of negotiation when the stakes are sky-high and the odds are stacked against you.

Whether you’re a seasoned dealmaker or just starting to hone your negotiation skills, this episode offers insights you won’t want to miss.

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In this special episode of Negotiation Made Simple, host John Lowry sits down with renowned attorney and mediator Ken Feinberg, whose expertise has helped shape the outcomes of some of America’s most tragic and high-profile cases, from the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund to the Boston Marathon bombing and Deepwater Horizon spill. Over the course of an insightful conversation, Feinberg shares the lessons he’s learned from decades of negotiating for victims and their families, the importance of empathy in the negotiation process, and how to manage complex emotions in high-stakes situations.

Feinberg offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to navigate sensitive, high-profile disputes, emphasizing the power of patience, transparency, and active listening. He reflects on how his early inspirations from President Kennedy have guided his commitment to public service and why he believes that, even amid tragedy, the role of the mediator is ultimately about creating paths for healing. This episode dives deep into the essence of peacemaking, the value of empathy, and the unifying power of community, leaving listeners with practical strategies for negotiating in any arena.

Join us for a powerful exploration of negotiation that goes beyond tactics and strategies, illustrating the profound impact of compassion and humanity at the negotiation table.

Kenneth R. Feinberg, one of the nation’s leading lawyers, specializes in mediation and alternative dispute resolution and has helped to administer the response to some of the most complex public crises in recent American history, including Agent Orange, executive compensation following the 2008 financial crisis, the BP Deepwater Horizon Gulf oil spill, the Boston Marathon bombings, and, notably, the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund.  A former prosecutor and member of two Presidential Commissions, he is also adjunct Professor of Law at Georgetown University, the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, and New York University. He lives in Washington D.C.

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Artificial intelligence is one of the most disruptive forces in the world today, but it can be an incredibly powerful tool for your negotiations. In today’s episode we’re covering 3 powerful ways you can partner with AI to improve your negotiations. 

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