Negotiators Podcast

I’m Derek Arden, and welcome to Monday Night Live. Tonight, we’re delighted to have Tim Durkin from Granbury, Texas, one of our founding members and long-time friends of the show. Tim first joined us when Monday Night Live launched on 23rd March 2020, and he’s been part of the family ever since.

Tim is an educator, a lifelong learner, and someone dedicated to sharing wisdom, insight, and practical ideas you can apply immediately. After months on the road, he told us he’d “missed the group, missed the learning, and missed all his MNL friends.” And tonight, he returned in classic Durkin form — thoughtful, humorous, and packed with gold.

So let’s dive into the three big transformational ideas Tim shared…

Tim opened with a model that he says has “saved his life… maybe twice.” Learned originally from Larry Wilson at the Pecos River Learning Center, it explains—beautifully and bluntly—why we get the results we do in life.

🧩 The Model in Brief:
Event → Evaluation → Response → Result → Next Event

Every event triggers an evaluation (“What does this mean?”), which drives a response, which creates a result… which becomes the next event.
Most people believe they should be getting love, happiness, financial security, peace, success. But Tim makes a provocative point:

“The results you should be getting are exactly the results you’re getting.”

Not as punishment — but because all the conditions that create those results are currently in place.

If you want different results?
You don’t always need to change your map (your beliefs, worldview, or identity)…
But you can always change your response.

And Tim’s wonderful little finger-rotation exercise proved it instantly:
Change your point of view — and what you see changes too. Magic.

Next, Tim introduced the elegant idea of via negativa — borrowed from Peter Drucker and inspired by Michelangelo’s “I just released David from the stone.”

Instead of endlessly adding tasks, books, goals, habits, apps, and projects…

Ask:
“What do I need to REMOVE?”

Complexity is often self-created.
Deleting requires courage.
And sometimes the bravest thing you can do is let go.

Tim suggested a brilliant New Year tradition:
New Year’s Dissolutions, not Resolutions.

Write down things you want to subtract from your life — unhealthy habits, pointless subscriptions, unhelpful commitments, even energy-draining people — and burn them in a “burning bowl” ritual.

(Maybe not in the Hilton Hotel like Derek’s friend Simon Zucchi… unless you enjoy triggering fire alarms!)

A killer question to evaluate anything you’re doing:
“If we weren’t already doing this, would we start today?”
If the answer is no — maybe it’s time to dissolve it.

Tim’s third idea dismantles a common myth:
The belief that achieving a goal creates lasting satisfaction.

It almost never does.

As Tim put it:
“Three people I know who reached the summit of Everest all had the same reaction: it’s just a bunch of rocks.”

The joy was in the months of preparation, the training, the challenge, the adventure.

From Winnie the Pooh to Ralph Waldo Emerson to Cervantes…
the timeless message is the same:

The journey is better than the destination.

Tim quoted world-number-one golfer Scottie Scheffler, who says after winning a tournament he enjoys about 10 minutes of satisfaction… then wonders what’s for dinner.

Because the practice is the joy.

Tim closed by reminding us that:

Derek added his own reflections on energy vampires (“they impose a YES tax”), post-it burning mishaps, and his travels to Fiji and New Zealand — which, he admitted, looked suspiciously like the Surrey Hills after 24 hours of jet lag.

A brilliant session packed with insight, humour, and practical wisdom.
Tim — thank you! 🙌

This week on Monday Night Live, your host Derek Arden welcomed renowned commentator Justin Urquhart‑Stewart to deliver an incisive and crowd-pleasing dive into the state of the global economy, financial markets and the shifting tides of investor confidence.

Expect a blend of big ideas, sharp clarity and practical insights you can use — all served with that signature Monday-night energy.

🌟 Host-guest chemistry & standout moments

Derek brought his trademark blend of incisive questioning and human storytelling, challenging Justin to go beyond surface-stats and probe deeper into meaning and mindset. Justin responded with crisp conviction, bringing decades of market experience and the ability to translate complexity into insight. The result? An episode that feels both strategic and grounded — perfect for Monday night reflection with purpose.

🔔 Don’t miss a beat …

• Subscribe to the channel so you’re notified for future episodes featuring top-tier guests, bold thinking and actionable insight.
• Drop a comment below: What surprised you most in this episode? Which macro trend will you keep an eye on this week?
• Share the episode with someone in your network who needs a fresh view on the world (and their mindset) for the week ahead.

✅ Final thoughts

Whether you’re monitoring markets, leading a team, negotiating a deal or simply staying sharp in a volatile world — this week’s Monday Night Live is your strategic pit-stop. Derek and Justin don’t just throw numbers at you: they invite you into the story behind the numbers, the mindset behind the moves and the opportunities emerging when the crowd is hesitating.

Thanks for tuning in — may your week ahead be informed, resilient and punchy.

🎙️ Monday Night Live with Derek Arden & Professor Paul McGee

🔥 The SUMO Philosophy — Shut Up, Move On & Live Brilliantly!

Hello everybody — Derek Arden here!
Welcome to another energising, thought-provoking, and downright entertaining episode of Monday Night Live!
This week, I was absolutely delighted to welcome back one of my favourite guests and long-time friend — Professor Paul McGee, the man behind the world-renowned SUMO philosophy — Shut Up, Move On!

Paul is one of the UK’s leading motivational speakers, a performance coach, and the author of 13 bestselling books, including the 20th-anniversary edition of SUMO: A Straight-Talking Guide to Creating an Enjoyable and Brilliant Life.

And yes, he’s still brilliantly straight-talking! 👏

Paul shared the wonderfully Scottish origins of SUMO.
It all started in 2002 when a Glaswegian on a counselling course blurted out,

“If all else fails, tell them to SUMO — Shut Up, Move On!”

That cheeky comment planted the seed that grew into a global philosophy — a toolkit for handling life’s curveballs with grit, humour, and emotional intelligence.

Paul calls it his “accidental brand,” born not from strategy, but serendipity — a great reminder that sometimes, success sprouts from staying curious and keeping your compass flexible, not rigidly chasing goals. 🧭

We also dove into Paul’s fascinating work with Premier League football teams — including Manchester United, Manchester City, and Everton.

His story about being invited into City’s inner circle was classic McGee: a mix of luck, networking, and perseverance.
One police officer loved SUMO, told her brother — who just happened to be Head of Player Care at Man City — and before long, Paul was coaching players and staff alike.

He’s worked with stars like Shay Given, Micah Richards, and Ben Mee, not to fix problems, but to help high performers get even better.
As Paul wisely put it:

“You don’t have to be ill to get better.” 💪

Paul’s insights into working alongside sports psychologists were refreshing.
While some might see him as competition, the best professionals — like Patrick Vieira, Pep Guardiola, and Mikel Arteta — embraced his presence and kept learning from anyone who could make them better.

“Despite their success, they stayed humble, hungry, and curious — that’s real greatness.” 🙌

Paul unpacked his classic themes — resilience, perspective, and personal responsibility — with plenty of wit and wisdom.

He warned against wearing the “Victim T-shirt”, a metaphor for surrendering control to negativity and blame culture.
He urged us to take back control of our mental diet, because too much CNN — Constant Negative News — can quietly drain your happiness and resilience.

His antidote?

“Focus on what you can influence. Improve your sleep, connect with others, and choose optimism.” ☀️

He also reminded us that modern life is more complex than ever — from endless washing machine options to parking apps that require a PhD — and this complexity fuels stress. The solution? Simplify where you can, and don’t take yourself too seriously.

Paul’s passion for helping young people shine came through loud and clear.
He’s brought SUMO into schools, mainly by empowering teachers first.

“Resilience in the classroom starts in the staff room.” 👩‍🏫

His book YESSS! The SUMO Secrets to Being a Positive, Confident Teenager has inspired children — and their parents — around the world.

One of his favourite lessons?
“Hippo Time is OK.”
Sometimes you need to wallow a bit when life knocks you down — but remember, it’s temporary.

“It’s a detour, not a destination.” ✨

Paul discussed how the rise in childhood labels (like ADHD or autism) is complex.
While many diagnoses are valid and helpful, he cautioned against letting labels limit people:

“Let’s treat differences as superpowers — not excuses.”

That kind of straight-talking empathy is what makes Paul’s message land — from classrooms to corporate stages.

In 2019, Paul was awarded the title of Visiting Professor at the University of Chester — recognition for his gift of translating academic ideas into real-world life lessons.
He’s what his brother calls an “outward-facing academic” — making psychology accessible, engaging, and memorable for everyone.

Or as Paul puts it:

“I’m just plain Paul… the SUMO guy.” 😄

Paul left us with this gem:

“Don’t let your routines become roots. Step out of your comfort zone. Try something new — even if it’s just a different drink at your café. You might discover something brilliant.” ☕🌱

Simple, wise, and perfectly McGee.

Want to bring Paul’s SUMO wisdom to your conference, business, or school?
Just search “The SUMO Guy” — you’ll find him.

Hello everybody! I’m Derek Arden, and welcome to another inspiring episode of Monday Night Live – your weekly masterclass in life, learning, and leadership.

This week’s show is something truly special. My guest is Jasma Patel, a remarkable woman whose journey from corporate marketing to yoga teacher and cancer survivor is nothing short of extraordinary. 🌱🧘‍♀️

Jasma began her career in the corporate world, working for major brands like Gallagher and Tesco. But after long hours, relentless pressure, and a life-changing comment from a security guard – “There’s got to be more to life than this” – she knew it was time for a change.

Her next steps were bold: she walked away from the corporate treadmill, followed her passion for interior design, and later applied her marketing skills to support her husband’s property business. Yet life had even more profound lessons ahead.

Ten years ago, Jasma faced a devastating diagnosis: stage 4 womb cancer that had spread to her lungs, brain, and liver. Doctors told her she had just two weeks to live. But Jasma had other plans.

Through unimaginable pain, she focused not on fear, but on what she would do afterwards. She turned instinctively to visualisation, music, and breathwork – powerful yogic tools she didn’t even know she was using.

Despite failed chemotherapy, she took a chance on a trial immunotherapy drug – a 50/50 bet on life. And it worked. 🙏 Today, she’s not only surviving but thriving – walking, teaching, and inspiring hundreds through yoga and mindfulness.

Jasma’s message on Monday Night Live is simple but profound: your breath is your superpower – it’s free, it’s portable, and it’s with you everywhere you go.

She taught us how long, conscious exhales can switch the body from “fight or flight” (the sympathetic nervous system) into “rest and restore” (the parasympathetic state). With just a few mindful breaths, you can dial down stress, change your mindset, and reconnect with calm – even in the middle of chaos.

💡 “If you take nothing else from tonight,” Jasma says, “remember this: your breath can transform your life.”

Jasma also shared insights from Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga – a 5,000-year-old guide to living well. Most of us think yoga is just about stretching, but it’s really a way of being:

Mastering the early steps – especially breath – lays the foundation for everything else. And as Jasma shows, it can even save your life.

Jasma guided us through a short breathing exercise you can do anywhere:

Even a few minutes of this can calm your nervous system, sharpen your focus, and bring a sense of inner peace.

Jasma also reminded us of the power of stillness and the language we use. Inspired by her 85-year-old mother’s lifelong meditation practice, she’s learned that how we react to life’s challenges can transform how we experience them.

And meditation? It’s not about silence or an empty mind. It’s about finding stillness within the noise – even if that noise is just your own thoughts.

As we closed this unforgettable session, Jasma left us with a simple challenge:

“Next time you’re frustrated, rushed, or overwhelmed, use your breath. It’s free, it’s within you, and it’s the most powerful tool you have.”

Thank you, Jasma, for sharing your story, your wisdom, and your breath with the Monday Night Live community. 🌟 And thank you to all our viewers and listeners for joining us.

📩 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share – and join us every week for more inspiring conversations with fascinating guests.

This week, we dived deep into the world of neuroscience, creativity, movement, and the hidden secrets of the human mind with our brilliant guest, Caroline Williams – award-winning science journalist, bestselling author, lifelong learner, and explorer of cutting-edge brain science.

From swallowing vibrating pills in the name of research to rewiring her own brain with electricity, Caroline has travelled the world exploring how science can help us understand why we think, feel, and behave the way we do. Tonight’s conversation was packed with surprising insights, practical takeaways, and a few “wow” moments that will change the way you think about your brain and your body. Let’s dive into the highlights! 👇

Caroline kicked things off by defining neuroscience as the study of how the brain and nervous system create our thoughts, feelings, behaviour, and consciousness.
It’s a field full of unanswered questions, and that’s what makes it so exciting. “Anyone who says we fully understand how the brain creates the mind is lying,” Caroline laughed.

Our brains are powerful but imperfect – capable of compassion, creativity, and optimism, but also vulnerable to anxiety, distraction, and depression. Understanding how it all works helps us get the best out of our minds and navigate the glitches that come with being human.

One of the most jaw-dropping parts of the evening was Caroline’s story of undergoing brain stimulation in Kansas City. Scientists gently reduced activity in her prefrontal cortex – the brain’s goal-setting “control centre” – to boost her creative thinking.

And it worked! 🧪 Before-and-after data showed a remarkable difference. By temporarily turning down the “taskmaster” part of the brain, the rest of the mind was free to wander, connect ideas, and innovate. It’s the same principle behind “flow state” – when hours disappear as we’re completely immersed in a task.

Ever had a “gut feeling”? Caroline took part in an experiment to prove that’s more than a metaphor. She swallowed a pill equipped with a tiny motor that buzzed inside her stomach, helping researchers map how gut signals are processed by the brain.

The results? The brain has dedicated networks that respond to internal sensations – and understanding this “gut-brain axis” could transform treatments for eating disorders, IBS, pain, and more. These same devices are already FDA-approved to treat constipation. Talk about science in action!

Caroline’s first book, Move, explores how movement supercharges the brain. Just 120 steps a minute – a brisk walk or dance pace – boosts blood flow to the brain by up to 20%, sharpening focus and fuelling creativity.

It’s no coincidence most pop songs sit around 120 beats per minute – our brains love that rhythm. Even short “movement snacks” throughout the day, like squatting while unloading the dishwasher or dancing in the kitchen, counteract the harmful effects of sitting too long.

Breathing isn’t just about oxygen – it’s a powerful switch for your brain state. Breathing six times per minute through your nose syncs your brainwaves, increases calm alpha waves, and activates the vagus nerve, shifting your body into “rest and digest” mode.

Slow it down even further to three breaths per minute, and you may enter a deeply relaxed, meditative state where thinking fades and pure awareness takes over – something monks have practiced for millennia.

We explored how moving in sync with others builds trust and collaboration. From toddlers bouncing in time to world leaders dancing together (a scientist’s dream!), synchronised movement blurs the boundary between “me” and “you”, making us more cooperative and empathetic.

This ties into the idea of mirror neurons – brain cells that fire when we observe and imitate others – explaining why mirroring someone’s tone or gestures builds rapport in negotiation and communication.

Sorry, pop psychology fans – the idea that one side of the brain is “creative” and the other “logical” is an oversimplification. The two hemispheres work together constantly, communicating via the corpus callosum. Even jazz musicians improvising on stage use both hemispheres in harmony.

Caroline shared new research on mitochondria – the “powerhouses” of our cells – and how they shape how energetic or exhausted we feel. Overloading them with too much sugar or fat actually reduces energy output.

Their health may even be linked to mental health conditions like depression and chronic fatigue. The future of neuroscience could lie in understanding how to fuel these tiny engines effectively.

Finally, Caroline reminded us of the power of nature and daylight – especially in the darker months. Even short walks outside can reset our body clock, lift our mood, and spark creativity. No wonder Darwin had his famous “thinking path” for daily walks!

Caroline Williams’ work reminds us that the key to unlocking our brain’s potential often lies in the simplest things: move more, breathe deeply, walk often, connect with others, fuel wisely, and step outside.

It’s been an inspiring, eye-opening session on Monday Night Live – full of practical tools you can use to boost your creativity, focus, energy, and wellbeing.

📖 Connect with Caroline:
🌐 carolinewilliams.net
📸 Instagram: @carolinewilliams_science
💼 LinkedIn: Caroline Williams – Science Journalist

Thank you, Caroline, for sharing your passion and wisdom. And thank you all for joining us – until next time, keep learning, keep moving, and keep your brain buzzing!

✍️ Watch the full replay above and don’t forget to subscribe for more world-class conversations every Monday night with me, Derek Arden, on Monday Night Live! 🚀

1. Welcome to the AI Frontier 🤖

Derek kicks off this week’s Monday Night Live with a bold question — are we truly ready for the AI era?
Joining him is Graham Jones, the renowned Internet Psychologist and author, who dives deep into how artificial intelligence is reshaping our professional and personal worlds. Together, they unpack what’s real, what’s hype, and what’s coming next — all in classic Monday Night Live style: sharp, insightful, and full of energy.

One of the night’s most powerful moments comes early: Graham warns that millions of white-collar jobs could vanish or radically transform by 2027.
But it’s not all doom and gloom — it’s a wake-up call to reinvent how we work, learn, and lead. Derek presses Graham for practical advice on how professionals can stay valuable in an AI-dominated economy.

Forget seeing AI as just a tool — Graham explains how some systems are already functioning as team members.
These “agentic AIs” can analyse documents, make recommendations, even draft policies. Derek asks the burning question: Are we ready to manage machines as colleagues?

Not all AI tools are created equal.
Graham breaks down why some models “hallucinate” — inventing false facts — and why others are becoming far more reliable. The conversation turns to which models currently lead the pack and why accuracy is the new currency in AI. Derek reminds the audience: “If you wouldn’t rely on it in court, don’t rely on it in business.”

In a fascinating segment, Graham shares how he built a custom GPT that mimics a real CTO’s thought process to help students learn through simulated dialogue.
It’s part education, part innovation, and a glimpse into the next wave of interactive learning. Derek challenges: If we can model human expertise this well — what does it mean for training, mentorship, and coaching?

General AI is giving way to specialist systems — finely tuned for law, medicine, or education.
Graham predicts this focus will drive the next decade of progress. These niche tools are faster to train, safer to use, and more immediately useful. Derek sums it up perfectly: “In the future, we won’t just talk about AI — we’ll talk about which AI.”

Behind every AI leap is a hardware revolution.
Graham introduces Neural Processing Units (NPUs) — chips designed specifically for AI workloads. These are the future of computing, enabling massive power with less energy. Derek jokes: “By next Christmas, your laptop might be the slow one in the room!”

Can a machine show empathy?
Surprisingly, yes. Graham reveals research showing that people often rate AI-driven chatbots as more empathetic than humans. The duo debate whether emotional intelligence can be programmed — and what that means for therapists, teachers, and negotiators.

Universities are struggling to keep up with the pace of change.
Graham warns that traditional degrees may soon be outdated before students even graduate. Derek adds, “Lifelong learning isn’t optional anymore — it’s the new currency of success.” The takeaway: adapt, upskill, and stay curious.

The episode closes with practical steps anyone can take today.
From integrating AI tools into small businesses to personal productivity hacks, Derek and Graham offer a roadmap to getting started safely and effectively. No hype — just smart, actionable insights.

Did something in tonight’s chat make you think differently about AI and the future?
Drop your thoughts and experiences in the comments — we want to hear from you!

If you’re a leader, learner, or innovator, Monday Night Live is where your ideas meet inspiration.

📅 Join us next Monday — same time, new insights, and another guest w

“Nature Leadership & Wellbeing: The Power of the Outdoors”

Tonight’s guest on Monday Night Live (MNL) is our good friend David Skinner 🌟.
David has just returned from an intense week as a senior volunteer trainer at the Leadership Trust in Ross-on-Wye, where he’s been guiding leaders through their demanding executive development programme. 14 hours a day of coaching, supporting, and stretching people to reach their leadership potential – and then straight back to MNL to share his insights with us! 💪

But that’s not all. David is also a passionate advocate for the healing power of nature 🍃. Recently, David has been volunteering with A Dose of Nature, a charity dedicated to helping people improve wellbeing by reconnecting with the natural world.

David reminds us that while nature isn’t a medicine (if you’re unwell, you should always see a doctor), research shows time and time again that spending time outdoors can have measurable benefits for:

And far from being “woo woo,” this is solid, evidence-based science with powerful implications for our daily lives.

David shared fascinating studies that show the colour green has real physiological effects:

Takeaway: Surround yourself with greenery 🌳 – it literally boosts brainpower and speeds up recovery.

From the rustle of leaves to birdsong and running water, the research is clear:

David highlighted that when we’re out walking with headphones on, we often miss these natural benefits. Perhaps it’s time to unplug, tune into the sounds around us, and let nature do its work.

Unlike sight and sound, smell goes deeper – compounds we inhale actually enter our bloodstream. 🌲

Next time you’re in a pine forest after rain, breathe deeply – it’s good for you! 🍋🌿

A University of Michigan study showed students performed 20% better on tests after walking in a park compared to a city street.

Why? Because nature helps restore attention. Instead of constant stimulation from phones, traffic, or screens, natural settings give our minds space to relax, reset, and recharge.

It turns out dirt isn’t just dirt. The microbes we’re exposed to in soil can strengthen our immune systems.

Message: Don’t fear a little mud – it’s part of nature’s gift.

David’s closing message was inspiringly simple:

This was another brilliantly researched and eye-opening session on Monday Night Live. David combined science, stories, and practical wisdom to show us how reconnecting with nature can transform our wellbeing, performance, and resilience.

🚴 It’s no surprise David is often found cycling across the South Downs or the Scottish Highlands – living proof of the benefits of nature in action.

📬 If you’d like to connect with David, you can reach him via LinkedIn or through Derek.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and join us for future episodes of Monday Night Live with Derek Arden – where brilliant guests bring insights that matter.nding us of the power of connection, kindness, and confidence. 🌟

📺 MONDAY NIGHT LIVE – WHERE IDEAS COME TO LIFE
Hosted by Derek Arden | Negotiation Expert | Speaker | Connectorotiation Expert | Speaker | Connector

🌟 Monday Night Live with Derek Arden – Special Guest: Tracy Hooper! 🌟

Welcome to Monday Night Live! I’m Derek Arden, and tonight we had the absolute pleasure of hosting the wonderful Tracy Hooper – best-selling author of The Now Hello and founder of The Confidence Project. Tracy joined us live from Portland, Oregon, sharing travel tales, life lessons, and confidence-boosting tips – all sprinkled with fun, laughter, and inspiration.

Tracy began by sharing the excitement of traveling from the U.S. to London with her husband Henry and daughter Margaret. After a delayed flight, she arrived determined to make a great first impression – wrinkle-free outfit, bright lipstick, big smile… because, as Tracy says:

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression!”

Our in-person meet-up? A memorable boat ride on the River Thames, stories over pints in a centuries-old pub, and sightseeing across historic London.

We laughed about the Americans who thought they bought Tower Bridge but ended up with London Bridge – which now sits in Arizona! Being in person meant spontaneous stories, real laughter, and unforgettable moments.

Tracy explained how confidence is a skill anyone can learn – whether at work, traveling, or simply chatting with strangers. Some of her key lessons:

From Hyde Park hat shopping 🏞️ to visiting the Victory Services Club – founded in 1918 for returning soldiers – Tracy shared how travel connects people across generations, especially when sprinkled with courtesy and kindness.

One highlight? Margaret scoring a last-minute ticket to an Arsenal game thanks to a chance conversation on the boat ride. That’s the magic of meeting people in real life – opportunities appear when you least expect them! ⚽

On the Tube, signs read “Someone may need this seat more.” And Londoners lived up to it – offering seats with kindness. Tracy reminded us:

“Confidence is contagious… but so is courtesy.”

Tracy’s travels continued to Ireland – weddings in castles 💒, the moving Titanic Museum in Belfast, and even tiny Rathlin Island with just 110 residents! Each stop offered history, heart, and humor.

At Kew Gardens, it wasn’t just about beautiful plants – but also groundbreaking research on climate change and medicine. Travel isn’t only about seeing the past; it’s about learning the future. 🌍

Tracy shared her famous “Words to Lose” tips – swapping weak, filler words for strong, confident language. And yes, we Brits say “sorry” far too much! 😅

Tracy’s #1 tip for 2026 and beyond?

“Meet people in person whenever you can. Have coffee. Share stories. Connect.”

Because real conversations create real memories.

From confidence tips to travel tales, this episode had it all – history, humor, and heart. Thank you, Tracy, for reminding us of the power of connection, kindness, and confidence. 🌟AS COME TO LIFE
Hosted by Derek Arden | Negotiation Expert | Speaker | Connector

Welcome to Monday Night Live

🎥 – Monday Night Live

🌟 Monday Night Live with Derek Arden – Special Guest: Tracy Hooper! 🌟

Welcome to Monday Night Live! I’m Derek Arden, and tonight we had the absolute pleasure of hosting the wonderful Tracy Hooper – best-selling author of The Now Hello and founder of The Confidence Project. Tracy joined us live from Portland, Oregon, sharing travel tales, life lessons, and confidence-boosting tips – all sprinkled with fun, laughter, and inspiration.

Tracy began by sharing the excitement of traveling from the U.S. to London with her husband Henry and daughter Margaret. After a delayed flight, she arrived determined to make a great first impression – wrinkle-free outfit, bright lipstick, big smile… because, as Tracy says:

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression!”

Our in-person meet-up? A memorable boat ride on the River Thames, stories over pints in a centuries-old pub, and sightseeing across historic London.

We laughed about the Americans who thought they bought Tower Bridge but ended up with London Bridge – which now sits in Arizona! Being in person meant spontaneous stories, real laughter, and unforgettable moments.

Tracy explained how confidence is a skill anyone can learn – whether at work, traveling, or simply chatting with strangers. Some of her key lessons:

From Hyde Park hat shopping 🏞️ to visiting the Victory Services Club – founded in 1918 for returning soldiers – Tracy shared how travel connects people across generations, especially when sprinkled with courtesy and kindness.

One highlight? Margaret scoring a last-minute ticket to an Arsenal game thanks to a chance conversation on the boat ride. That’s the magic of meeting people in real life – opportunities appear when you least expect them! ⚽

On the Tube, signs read “Someone may need this seat more.” And Londoners lived up to it – offering seats with kindness. Tracy reminded us:

“Confidence is contagious… but so is courtesy.”

Tracy’s travels continued to Ireland – weddings in castles 💒, the moving Titanic Museum in Belfast, and even tiny Rathlin Island with just 110 residents! Each stop offered history, heart, and humor.

At Kew Gardens, it wasn’t just about beautiful plants – but also groundbreaking research on climate change and medicine. Travel isn’t only about seeing the past; it’s about learning the future. 🌍

Tracy shared her famous “Words to Lose” tips – swapping weak, filler words for strong, confident language. And yes, we Brits say “sorry” far too much! 😅

Tracy’s #1 tip for 2026 and beyond?

“Meet people in person whenever you can. Have coffee. Share stories. Connect.”

Because real conversations create real memories.

From confidence tips to travel tales, this episode had it all – history, humor, and heart. Thank you, Tracy, for reminding us of the power of connection, kindness, and confidence. 🌟AS COME TO LIFE
Hosted by Derek Arden | Negotiation Expert | Speaker | Connector

Welcome to Monday Night Live

🎥 – Monday Night Live

A Grand Reunion of Old Friends & New Ideas!

Hello everybody! I’m Derek Arden, and welcome to another engaging episode of Monday Night Live – the place where ideas spark, friendships deepen, and knowledge flows freely. After a refreshing summer break, we’re back with a powerful RESTART. This week, we gathered some of our long-standing MNL friends to reflect, recharge, and share what they’ve been up to over the summer. 🌞🌍

From festivals to forest bathing, from TikTok experiments to hiking across Europe – this session is full of energy, insight, and inspiration!

“What did YOU do with your two months?”
We asked our special guests to reflect on their summer break – not just what they did, but what they learned and how their experiences could benefit us all.

Derek kicked us off with tales of crossing the Atlantic (almost), sipping pints in historic pubs older than America 🇺🇸🍻, and witnessing the Arctic Circle magic aboard a Norwegian coastal boat. Oh, and yes – he’s on TikTok now! 🎥 #DerekOnTikTok

Five years after Monday Night Live launched, Tracy made her long-awaited return to London – the first time since 2006 after her recovery from breast cancer. She brought beautiful energy, shared the joy of visiting the Natural History Museum with her son, and left us all looking forward to her deeper dive next week. 🦕💙

John Baker brought us behind the scenes of his incredibly successful dance festival in Swanage. With 63 performers and over 70 volunteers, it was a masterclass in community spirit, branding, and handling tents in gale-force winds! 🕺💃🌬️

Tony updated us from Albania with tales of hiking through France’s medieval trails. After receiving his Albanian residency 🇦🇱, he set off on one of the toughest 11-day hikes he’s ever done. Wildfires paused his Spanish trek, but we’re hoping for a full photo tour from Tony this winter! 🔥🌲

From paradise to protest – our Hawaiian guest shared powerful stories of returning to a home covered in ash after wildfires. Amidst the clean-up and environmental activism, they reminded us that rebuilding is as much about spirit as it is about structure. 🌺🧹

Broadcasting all the way from Inverness, Carol shared her journey to Turkey, her visit to the ancient city of Ephesus, and the launch of her online “library of healing”. With a blend of physics, meditation, and natural energy, Carol continues to inspire those seeking balance in today’s chaotic world. 🏛️🌿📚

Mike joined from Dorchester, fresh into the school term, managing 7,000 students and 700 teachers. With new government reforms coming, his insights into education’s evolving landscape were enlightening. 🎒📘

Original MNL member Mary brought us stories from the tracks – volunteering on heritage railways and recognizing the unsung heroes who quietly keep things running behind the scenes. A beautiful metaphor for leadership and collaboration. 🚂🛤️

Nigel has taken on a major project across emergency services and prisons in the UK – managing a £11.3M research project and championing silent voices through digital platforms like Miro. His passion for inclusion and trauma-informed approaches is truly groundbreaking. 🚓📋🧠

From TikTok wisdom to healing forests, from festival tents to French negotiations – this episode proves that Monday Night Live is more than just a Zoom call. It’s a global community of lifelong learners committed to growth, generosity, and sharing wisdom.

This week’s reunion reminded us how far Monday Night Live has come – and how much further we can go. THANK YOU for being part of the journey. 🙏🌍 Whether you’re new or you’ve been with us since 2020, there’s always a seat for you at our virtual table.

💬 Like, comment, and subscribe if you’re inspired by real people doing extraordinary things.
📆 Join us next week for an exclusive session with Tracy as she unpacks more powerful insights and life lessons.

📺 MONDAY NIGHT LIVE – WHERE IDEAS COME TO LIFE
Hosted by Derek Arden | Negotiation Expert | Speaker | Connector