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When emotions run high and the stakes are even higher, how do you negotiate resolution? In this episode, seasoned litigator and nationally recognized settlement counsel John Pion shares raw, real-world stories from the frontlines of high-stakes negotiations — including a moment where a gun was placed on the table.

John unpacks the human side of conflict resolution, showing why empathy, presence, and creativity often matter more than legal strategy. Whether you're a lawyer, leader, or anyone navigating tense conversations, this episode delivers practical wisdom on how to stay calm, build trust, and guide even the most volatile situations toward resolution.

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In this episode of Negotiation Made Simple, host John Lowry teams up with longtime friend and leadership expert Chris Allen to tackle one of the most overlooked leadership skills—negotiating inside your organization. From team conflict to change management and return-to-office policies, negotiation is happening everywhere in the workplace, even if we don’t call it that.

Together, John and Chris build a practical 7-step framework—live on the show—for navigating workplace tension with empathy, clarity, and courage. Whether you're a leader, manager, or team member, these steps will help you resolve conflict without compromising relationships or culture.

You’ll learn:

• Why most workplace problems are really negotiations in disguise
• How fear and belief systems drive conflict
• How to manage emotions and create safety in high-stakes conversations
• A 7-step process to move from tension to collaboration

This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to lead with intention and turn workplace friction into forward momentum.

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In this episode, John Lowry sits down with Peter Robinson — former director of the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine — to explore the foundational skills every negotiator needs. Peter shares stories and lessons from decades of teaching and practicing negotiation around the world, emphasizing the power of empathy, self-awareness, and preparation. You’ll learn how to uncover the real interests behind people’s demands, manage expectations effectively, and avoid common mistakes—like negotiating on autopilot or giving away too much too soon. Whether you’re navigating conflict, closing a deal, or just starting your negotiation journey, this conversation offers timeless wisdom and practical advice.

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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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