Negotiators Podcast

In this episode of Monday Night Live Podcast, Derek Arden engages with triathlete Hilary Briggs, a remarkable businesswoman, Join us as we delve into Hilary’s fascinating journey and discover the valuable insights she has gained along the way.

Hilary’s journey began in Workington, England, where she was born with a natural inclination for process improvement. Her father’s work in the nuclear industry led their family to Vienna, Austria, where she started her schooling. She then attended Manchester High School for Girls and went on to study engineering at the University of Cambridge. Her corporate career kicked off at Rover Group, followed by stints at Whirlpool and Laird Group in Germany, where she eventually became the CEO.

In recent years, Hilary’s life took an exciting turn when she ventured into the world of triathlons. She achieved a remarkable feat by winning a gold medal in the 2023 World Championships as part of TEAM GB in her age group. This transition from corporate leadership to competitive triathlons marked a new chapter in her life.

Hilary shares that her triathlon journey can be broken down into three key phases: motivation, action, and measurement. She emphasizes the importance of caring deeply about your goals, taking action, and continuously measuring your performance to stay motivated and make improvements.

One of the challenges Hilary faced during her corporate career was her role in the male-dominated automotive industry, especially in Germany. She discussed the importance of trust-building and communication, even in situations where language barriers exist. Hilary’s experience in the triathlon world has taught her the value of being open to acknowledging problems and finding solutions, rather than dwelling on them.

Hilary encourages everyone to pursue their dreams and challenges the notion that it’s ever too late to start something new. She emphasizes the significance of focus and determination, stating that with these qualities, anyone can achieve remarkable feats. Excuses should be managed and put aside, as age should never be a limiting factor in pursuing one’s passions.

Join Hilary Briggs on her journey of continuous learning, growth, and inspiring achievements. Connect with her on LinkedIn to learn more about her experiences and insights.

In this captivating episode of Monday Night Live Podcast, Hilary Briggs shares her incredible journey from engineering to corporate leadership and ultimately winning a gold medal in triathlons. Her story teaches us that it’s never too late to chase our dreams and that with motivation, action, and continuous improvement, we can achieve remarkable success in any field. Join us in applauding Hilary’s inspiring journey and her valuable life lessons.

Derek Arden

In this episode of Derek Arden’s Monday Night Live Podcast, Carl Walsh provides a sneak peek into his upcoming book, sharing captivating stories and timeless lessons that blend the worlds of theater and business.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and be reminded of the fundamental principles that can help you succeed in both fields. Stay tuned for Carl’s book release in the coming year!

Theatre as a Business School: Carl Walsh, a successful actor, director, and business professional, discusses how his years in theatre provided valuable business insights. He emphasizes the importance of applying business principles to the world of entertainment.

Overcoming Challenges: Carl opens up about his personal journey, including dealing with a stutter and being underestimated by others. He highlights the power of being underestimated as a tool for success and its relevance in negotiation.

Lessons from the Stage: Carl shares lessons learned from his experiences in theatre, such as the significance of showing up, the joy in hard work, and the value of risk-taking with informed decisions.

Leadership and Collaboration: Carl emphasizes the importance of leadership, even when it comes from the bottom and the benefits of working with people who are better than you. He also stresses the importance of handling failures gracefully and learning from them.

Derek Arden

In this week’s Monday Night Live Podcast, Derek Arden sits down with Guildford architect Alan McCulloch to delve into the world of architecture, housing extensions, and the intricate art of negotiations.

The Architect as a Skilled Negotiator
Alan McCulloch opens up about the multi-faceted role of an architect, emphasizing the critical skill of negotiation. Architects are not only creative visionaries but also adept negotiators. Alan highlights how architects must negotiate with clients, planners, builders, and even within households to achieve a harmonious design and project outcome.

Teasing Out the Perfect Project Brief
Effective negotiation begins with the project brief. Alan emphasizes the importance of dedicating ample time to develop a comprehensive project brief. This negotiation with clients involves extracting their precise needs, desires, and constraints. Without a well-defined brief, architects risk designing solutions that don’t align with their client’s expectations.

Reading the Room and Decision-Maker Dynamics
Negotiation involves understanding the dynamics within a project. Alan discusses the art of “reading the room” during client meetings. Recognizing body language and identifying decision-makers within a household can be pivotal in achieving consensus on design choices. He provides insights into how architects can leverage this understanding to secure agreement and avoid costly design conflicts later.

Balancing Realism and Ambition
In negotiation, architects must balance clients’ ambitious desires and realistic outcomes. Alan shares his experience of gently steering clients away from impractical ideas, such as expanding a tiny house into a massive one without considering aesthetics and resale value. Negotiating these aspects is crucial for project success and client satisfaction.

Additional Insights:

Alan highlights a unique barn conversion project, showcasing the negotiation involved in retrofitting an existing structure to meet modern needs while preserving its integrity.
The conversation explores the negotiation landscape in permitted development, where architects aim to bypass planning objections and restrictions.
Alan touches on the challenges and prospects of incorporating heat pumps and energy-efficient technologies in negotiations, aligning with evolving sustainability standards.
Local objections and the “not in my backyard” phenomenon are discussed in the context of negotiations and planning permissions.

Conclusion:
In this engaging conversation, Derek and architect Alan McCulloch shine a spotlight on the pivotal role of negotiation in the world of architecture, particularly in housing extensions. Architects must master the art of negotiating with clients, deciphering decision-maker dynamics, crafting comprehensive project briefs, and steering design choices toward realistic and harmonious outcomes. Negotiation is the linchpin that ensures architects deliver successful projects that satisfy both client ambitions and practical considerations.

Derek Arden

In this week’s Monday live podcast, Derek Arden dives into two fascinating business books,

Diary of a CEO: 33 Laws of Business and Life

Derek starts by discussing “Diary of a CEO” by Steven Bartlett. He highlights how the book is not just about the life of a CEO but also encompasses 33 essential laws for both business and life. One of these laws emphasizes the importance of keeping five crucial “buckets” full: knowledge, skills, network, resources, and reputation. In the fast-changing world of 2023-2024, keeping knowledge and information updated is key to enhancing your skills and staying employable.

The Power of Teaching: Yogi Bhajan’s Wisdom

Derek emphasizes the value of teaching as a path to mastery, drawing inspiration from Yogi Bhajan’s teachings. Teaching not only enhances your understanding but also reinforces your knowledge. He encourages viewers to share their insights with their teams and engage in lifelong learning.

Ask, Don’t Tell: Influencing Behaviors Effectively

One key takeaway from Steven Bartlett’s book is the power of asking questions instead of making statements when trying to influence others.

Derek illustrates this concept by emphasizing the importance of starting questions with “Will.” This approach implies ownership and increases the likelihood of receiving a positive response, leading to more effective communication and influence.

Understanding the Chimp Paradox: The Human, Chimp, and Computer

Derek transitions to discussing “The Chimp Paradox” by Professor Steve Peters, a renowned author and psychiatrist who has worked with high-performing sports teams, including Tour de France winners. The book simplifies the complexities of the human brain into three components: the Chimp, the Human, and the Computer.

He explains how the Chimp represents our emotional, impulsive side, while the Human represents our rational, logical thinking. The Computer processes information from both the Chimp and the Human, helping us make decisions. Derek highlights how understanding these components can help individuals manage their behavior and thought processes more effectively.

Derek briefly touches on the controversy surrounding the Chimp Paradox’s anatomical description, emphasizing that its usefulness matters more than its accuracy. He encourages viewers to appreciate and integrate all aspects of themselves rather than viewing them as separate entities.

In closing, Derek underscores the importance of balance and self-awareness in managing the Chimp, the Human, and the Computer within ourselves. By doing so, individuals can make more rational decisions and navigate the complexities of life more effectively.

Stay tuned for more insightful discussions and reviews on Derek Arden’s Monday live podcast for lifelong learners in the world of business and personal development.

Derek Arden

Derek Arden Gets Tips From Participants on Monday Night Live Which Will Help in The New Business Term

“From Negativity to Positivity” encourages viewers to adopt a mindset that not only enhances their own well-being but also uplifts those around them, ultimately contributing to a more positive and harmonious environment.

The discussion covered strategies for effective meetings, focusing on customer relationships, and the power of authenticity and kindness.

Participants shared their experiences and advice, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, being genuine, and showing gratitude. They also highlighted the value of personal growth, continuous learning, and finding passion in one’s pursuits.

The conversation touched on aspects like positive communication, avoiding negativity, and embracing challenges to stay motivated and adaptable.

Overall, the session provided a mix of practical and philosophical insights to help viewers navigate the upcoming year with renewed perspectives and strategies.

Derek Arden

In this enlightening episode of Monday Night Live, we have the privilege of hosting two remarkable guests who share their expertise and passion for improving lives. Join us as we explore ways to enhance physical strength and promote inclusivity within our communities.

Staying Strong with Allison: Unlocking the Secrets to a Healthy Body

In the first segment, we delve into the world of physical well-being with Allison, a seasoned physiotherapist. Allison emphasizes the importance of maintaining strength as we age. She begins by highlighting the latest trend in fitness—keeping our bones strong. As we reach the age of 50 and beyond, our bones begin to lose density, making it crucial to engage in activities that strengthen them.

Posture Matters: The Foundation of Strength

Allison stresses the significance of posture, encouraging us to visualize our shoulder blades moving freely and our heads positioned between them. A simple exercise involves turning our heads in each direction, feeling the stretch at the end of each movement. These basic movements can be performed daily to keep our bodies active and engaged.

Working the Arms and Legs: Simple Yet Effective

To further enhance our strength, Allison introduces accessible arm exercises. She demonstrates the use of household items like a bag of dog food or a resistance band. By standing with proper posture and lifting weight up to the shoulders, we can work the muscles in our upper arms. Allison encourages everyone to start with 8-12 repetitions of each exercise, 2-3 times a week, emphasizing that weight training need not be daunting.

Empower Yourself: Inclusive Strength Training

Allison’s message is clear: strengthening our muscles not only improves our physical health but also increases blood supply to our bones, ensuring their long-term strength and our safety. Her practical advice extends to activities as simple as doing push-ups against a wall, making it easy for anyone to incorporate strength training into their daily routine.

Gen Dearman and Challengers Charity: Unlocking Opportunities for Disabled Children and Their Families

Transitioning to the second part of the episode, we welcome Gen Dearman, the Chief Executive Officer of Challengers Charity. Challengers Charity operates in the Southeast of England, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for disabled children, teenagers, and their families.

Gen’s Journey: From Healthcare to Non-Profits

Jen offers a glimpse into her life and career, which spans two decades in the charity sector. Her journey from working in healthcare to leading a non-profit organization was fueled by her desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Jen is not only a professional but also a mother of two sons, one of whom, Teddy, is a remarkable seven-year-old.

The Charitable Heart of Challenges: Promoting Inclusivity

Gen shines a light on Challenges Charity’s exceptional work, stressing its commitment to inclusivity. Challenges Charity embodies the social model of disability, emphasizing that individuals are disabled by society, not their condition. The charity seeks to eliminate barriers and create an environment where everyone can thrive.

Supporting Families in Crisis: A Vital Role

One of the charity’s crucial functions is providing short breaks for families of disabled children during weekends and school holidays. Jen highlights that 94% of such families don’t have access to safe outdoor spaces. Challenges Charity steps in to fill this gap, offering a safe environment for children to play and learn. This support is invaluable to families, especially when they face crises.

Challenges and Resilience: Coping with Funding Cuts

Gen candidly discusses the challengers charity faces, particularly the impact of funding cuts from local authorities. The funding has remained stagnant for five years, making it difficult for the organization to continue providing its essential services. Jen reveals the heart-wrenching conversations she’s had with parents who rely on the charity’s support, knowing that they can’t serve all those in need.

The Impact of Challengers: Beyond Statistics

Jen shares heartwarming success stories, emphasizing how Challenges Charity has transformed the lives of disabled children. She recounts the story of a child with cerebral palsy experiencing the joy of sliding down a giant slide with the assistance of a mobile hoist. Such moments exemplify the charity’s commitment to making the impossible possible.

Audience Q&A: Digging Deeper into Challengers Charity

The episode includes a Q&A session with questions from the audience. One inquiry focuses on how Challenges Charity measures its social return on investment (SROI). Jen explains the importance of gathering feedback from service users and parents to understand the impact of their programs.

Incorporating Orange into Challenges: A Symbol of Hope

Nigel Kirby raises a question about the significance of the colour orange in Challenges Charity’s branding. Jen highlights that Challenges rebranded with the colour orange six years ago, symbolizing hope, energy, and inclusivity. It has since become an emblem of the charity’s mission.

Gen’s Collaborations with Local MPs: Advocating for Change

Gen reveals her collaborative efforts with local MPs like Jeremy Hunt. While she modestly insists she doesn’t “bend his ear,” Gen acknowledges Hunt’s openness to dialogue and his support for the charity’s initiatives.

The Power of Learning: Stephen Bartlett’s Influence

The conversation takes a brief detour to discuss entrepreneur Stephen Bartlett’s influence. Jen shares her admiration for Bartlett’s insights, particularly his ability to communicate profound ideas effectively. Bartlett’s focus on continuous learning and adaptability resonates deeply with Jen.

Final Thoughts and Tips: Making a Difference

As the episode nears its conclusion, the guests offer their final words of wisdom. Allison encourages viewers to incorporate strength exercises into their daily routines, emphasizing the importance of consistency and practicality. Jen leaves the audience with a powerful message: to think about their role in making the world more inclusive and accepting of differences.

Conclusion: In this enlightening episode of Monday Night Live, we’ve explored the significance of physical strength and the vital work of Challengers Charity in promoting inclusivity for disabled children and families. The conversations with Allison and Gen remind us of the importance of staying physically and socially strong, and inspire us to make a positive impact in our communities.

Derek Arden

In this Monday Night Live interview, Derek Arden interviews Jane Gunn, a mediator, discussing various aspects of mediation and its evolution in the age of COVID-19. Jane’s impressive qualifications include FCI, FRSA, FPSA, CMC, IMI, and recognition in the Who’s Who Hall of Fame.

Jane and Derek delve into the world of mediation, highlighting its close connection to negotiation. Jane’s insights reveal that mediation has seen significant changes since the onset of the pandemic, particularly in its transition to online platforms like Zoom. While online mediation lacks the nuances of body language and carries the risk of participants easily leaving the virtual meeting, it offers unique advantages such as convenience and flexibility in scheduling.

One notable shift Jane mentions is that parties who were initially reluctant to meet face-to-face have increasingly embraced online mediation. This adaptation often eliminates the need for lengthy travel and accommodation expenses, making it more accessible for parties who prefer not to meet in person.

Another change in mediation dynamics discussed is the potential for “pre-mediation” deals or requests for offers and documents before formally entering the mediation process. Jane clarifies that mediation relies on a confidentiality agreement, ensuring that discussions and offers made during the mediation process won’t impact participants’ legal cases later on. Attempting to negotiate or exchange documents beforehand often disrupts the essential confidentiality that mediation relies on.

Derek’s questions also touch on the preparation involved before a mediation session. Jane emphasizes the importance of thoroughly reviewing legal documents, position statements, and other pertinent materials, which can take several hours. She discusses the shift to reading documents on screens and highlights the challenges of not being able to mark up physical copies.

The conversation explores the presence of legal teams, including solicitors and barristers, in mediation sessions, which can significantly increase costs. Jane explains the difficulty of private discussions with parties due to the need for consent and confidentiality.

Jane also shares her approach to setting ground rules during mediation, emphasizing values such as listening, learning, love, and laughter. These principles aim to create a psychologically safe space for participants, allowing for effective communication and problem-solving.

The interview touches on the unpredictability of legal outcomes and how mediation focuses on helping parties make informed decisions based on their individual circumstances and the potential consequences of protracted litigation.

Towards the end, the discussion briefly touches on the impact of social media on mediation. Jane underscores the importance of respectful disagreement and open dialogue in an increasingly polarized world.

Derek Arden

Derek Arden Gets Tips From Participants on Monday Night Live Which Will Help in The New Business Term

“From Negativity to Positivity” encourages viewers to adopt a mindset that not only enhances their own well-being but also uplifts those around them, ultimately contributing to a more positive and harmonious environment.

The discussion covered strategies for effective meetings, focusing on customer relationships, and the power of authenticity and kindness.

Participants shared their experiences and advice, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, being genuine, and showing gratitude. They also highlighted the value of personal growth, continuous learning, and finding passion in one’s pursuits.

The conversation touched on aspects like positive communication, avoiding negativity, and embracing challenges to stay motivated and adaptable.

Overall, the session provided a mix of practical and philosophical insights to help viewers navigate the upcoming year with renewed perspectives and strategies.

Derek Arden

I’m Derek Arden, and welcome to Monday Night Live. Tonight, I’ve got a nutritionist, Anna Gray, who has had an interesting journey through her business career, starting as a nurse, transitioning into healthcare PR, and finally becoming a nutritionist. Welcome to Monday Night Live, Anna. Thank you for joining us. Could you give us a snapshot of your life?

Anna began her career as a nurse, driven by her fascination with the workings of the human body. Although nursing didn’t feel like the perfect fit, she found her calling in healthcare PR after responding to a unique job advert.

For 25 years, she has been working with corporate healthcare organizations, promoting brands, creating programs for patients, and educating clinicians and nurses.

Anna’s health took a toll, becoming the “poster child” for the pharmaceutical industry due to her struggles with Lyme disease. Despite taking numerous medications, she didn’t experience significant improvements. This experience prompted her to explore alternative ways to improve her health and led her to focus on nutrition and stress management.

Anna’s journey with nutrition began when she sought help from a nutritional therapist to improve her health. The positive results she experienced inspired her to study nutrition and become a nutritional therapist.

While excelling in her career as a PR director for a global agency, Anna faced the challenges of long working hours, frequent travel, and high levels of stress.

Her health struggles led her to focus on the impact of stress on the body, which eventually became a key area of interest in her nutritional practice.

Anna emphasized the significant connection between gut health and brain function. The gut-brain axis, connected via the vagus nerve, plays a crucial role in overall health and performance. Proper nutrition can support brain health, cognitive function, and even athletic performance.

Anna emphasized the importance of a balanced diet, including a variety of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and quality proteins.

For athletes, carbohydrates are essential for energy, and protein aids in muscle repair and growth. Adequate hydration with water is crucial for overall health and cognitive function.

For those looking for simple fixes, Anna offered practical tips:

Anna Gray’s journey from nursing to healthcare PR and finally to nutrition offers valuable insights into the interconnectedness of health and nutrition.

Her expertise highlights the importance of gut health, balanced nutrition, and hydration for optimal brain function, sports performance, and overall well-being. As we continue to learn from Anna’s expertise, we can enhance our understanding of nutrition’s impact on our lives.

Derek Arden

Welcome to Monday Night Live, live and uncut. If you’re watching this on YouTube or listening to this on Spotify, tonight I’ve got a special guest, Sanjay Patel, a remarkable development entrepreneur who has achieved great success in property investment and serviced accommodation.

Join us as we delve into Sanjay’s inspiring journey from Uganda to becoming a thriving development entrepreneur.

Sanjay’s story is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship.

From humble beginnings, he has built a diverse portfolio of ventures, displaying his prowess as a development entrepreneur.

Starting with property investment, Sanjay recognized the potential in the market and seized opportunities during his university years. His astute decision-making and hard work propelled him to great heights, making property investment a cornerstone of his entrepreneurial career.

Not stopping at property investment alone, Sanjay’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to explore the lucrative realm of serviced accommodation.

With a keen eye for emerging trends, he identified the growing demand for quality lodging at affordable prices. As a development entrepreneur, Sanjay capitalized on this opportunity, establishing serviced accommodation businesses in both Bournemouth and Liverpool.

His strategic locations and commitment to providing top-notch experiences have made him a formidable force in the industry.

Throughout his journey, Sanjay has faced various challenges, including navigating changing regulations in the housing market and adapting to evolving customer demands.

However, his unwavering dedication to delivering excellence and working smartly has consistently driven his success as a development entrepreneur.

Join us as Sanjay shares invaluable insights and advice for budding development entrepreneurs. From the importance of hard work and persistence to the power of networking and creating opportunities,

Sanjay’s experiences will inspire and motivate aspiring entrepreneurs to embark on their own entrepreneurial journeys.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Sanjay Patel, a remarkable development entrepreneur who has defied the odds and achieved extraordinary success. Tune in to our YouTube channel or listen on Spotify to gain valuable knowledge and inspiration from Sanjay’s entrepreneurial journey

Derek Arden