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In this episode, I’m joined by Derrick Chevalier, negotiation strategist, speaker, and author of Evolve or Be Slaughtered: Negotiation for the 21st Century.
Many people think negotiation begins when it is time to talk numbers, price, or terms. In this conversation, Derrick challenges that idea and explains why negotiation actually starts much earlier, from the first impression to the first email, phone call, or meeting. We explore how negotiation is not just about deals. It is about people, relationships, trust, and communication.
Derrick shares his perspective on what he calls evolved negotiation, a framework that shifts the focus away from simply negotiating the issue and toward understanding the people involved. We talk about why assumptions can derail conversations, how better listening leads to better outcomes, and why asking stronger questions can completely change the direction of a negotiation.
One of the most interesting parts of our conversation was Derrick’s insight that effective negotiators are not just persuasive. They are observant, curious, and intentional. They pay attention to demeanor, meaning, and what is happening beneath the surface of a conversation. That awareness can make all the difference in business relationships and in the results we create.
This episode is a great reminder that negotiation is not separate from relationship-building. In many ways, it is relationship-building. When we listen well, stay curious, and seek to understand before reacting, we create stronger connections and better outcomes for everyone involved.
Key Takeaways
1. Negotiation starts earlier than most people think
It begins with first impressions, early communication, and the assumptions people make before any formal discussion takes place.
2. Great negotiation is really about people
Derrick emphasizes that contracts, numbers, and terms do not make decisions. People do.
3. Listening is a strategic skill
True listening means checking for shared understanding, not just hearing words.
4. Better questions create better outcomes
Open, thoughtful questions invite insight and move conversations forward more effectively than simple yes-or-no questions.
5. Relationships and negotiation go hand in hand
Trust, curiosity, and clear communication all play a vital role in reaching outcomes that strengthen rather than damage relationships.
You can reach Derrick at: https://h-c.com/
or on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-chevalier-6323272/
In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:
A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:
An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.
AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!
Connect with me:
http://JanicePorter.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/
https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1
https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/
Thanks for listening!
Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and
think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social
media buttons on this page.
Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in
the comment section below!
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please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.
You are going to love this episode! I know I did.
I’m joined by Gabrielle Dolan, global storytelling expert and author of Story Intelligence: The Craft of Authentic Storytelling Made Smarter with AI. Gabrielle has spent more than two decades helping leaders communicate with more clarity, connection, and trust through real stories.
We talked about why authentic storytelling matters even more now, especially as AI makes it easier than ever to create polished content quickly. Gabrielle shared what she learned from comparing human-written stories with AI-generated ones, and why authenticity is still the piece people feel when it is missing. This is fully explained with amazing story examples in her book also.
What stood out for me most was Gabrielle’s reminder that storytelling is not reserved for polished speakers or professional writers. We all have stories. The challenge is learning how to find them, shape them, and connect them to the message we want to share. She also gave practical guidance for using AI wisely as a tool to support communication without letting it replace our real voice.
This conversation is full of insight for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to build stronger relationships in business through more honest and human communication.
Key Takeaways
You can reach Gabrielle at:
Her website: gabrielledolan.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gabrielledolan
I do highly recommend her book also – which you can find on Amazon and anywhere books are sold.
In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:
A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:
An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.
AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!
Connect with me:
http://JanicePorter.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/
https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1
https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/
Thanks for listening!
Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and
think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social
media buttons on this page.
Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in
the comment section below!
Subscribe to the podcast
If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can
subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.
Leave us an Apple Podcast review
Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and
greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which
exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,
please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.
In this episode of Relationships Rule, I had the pleasure of speaking with intuitive artist and spiritual teacher Heather Eck about seeing people and relationships in a completely different way.
Heather experiences the world through synesthesia, a condition where senses overlap. In her case, people, emotions, and experiences appear as color. What began as a unique way of perceiving the world eventually became the foundation for her work as an artist and guide helping others reconnect with their intuition.
During our conversation, Heather shared how color can reveal emotional patterns, why intuition often speaks before logic does, and how paying attention to subtle signals can deepen our relationships. We also talked about her journey from a successful corporate HR career into the creative and spiritual work she now does helping people gain clarity and healing through color and art.
What I found especially fascinating was how Heather uses color as a language for understanding people. It reminded me that strong relationships are built not only on what we say, but also on how deeply we listen and how present we are with one another.
This conversation invites us to slow down, trust our intuition a little more, and become more aware of the energy we bring into our relationships.
Key Takeaways
In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:
A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:
An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.
AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!
Connect with me:
http://JanicePorter.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/
https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1
https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/
Thanks for listening!
Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and
think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social
media buttons on this page.
Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in
the comment section below!
Subscribe to the podcast
If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can
subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.
Leave us an Apple Podcast review
Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and
greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which
exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,
please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.
In this episode of Relationships Rule, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jimmy Page, leadership expert, author, and co-creator of the powerful One Word philosophy.
Jimmy has spent decades helping leaders, teams, and organizations improve culture, performance, and purpose. Through his work with athletes, businesses, and ministries around the world, he has trained more than 100,000 leaders and continues to inspire people to live what he calls an unstoppable life.
During our conversation, Jimmy shared how the simple idea of choosing one guiding word for the year can bring clarity and focus to every area of life. Instead of setting long lists of goals that often fade away, the One Word approach helps people align their decisions, habits, and relationships around a single intention.
We also talked about the importance of relationships in shaping our lives and leadership. One of my favorite moments in this conversation was the story involving my previous guest, Coach Jim Johnson. When Coach Jim recently reconnected with Jimmy, he realized Jimmy had actually been one of the high school basketball players he coached years earlier. It was a wonderful reminder that relationships often come full circle in unexpected and meaningful ways.
Jimmy’s message is simple but powerful: when you focus on what truly matters, you not only perform better, you build stronger relationships and live with greater purpose.
Key Takeaways
• A single guiding word can bring clarity and intention to your life and leadership.
• Simplifying your focus often leads to stronger results than chasing many goals.
• Purpose and performance are deeply connected to the relationships we build along the way.
• Leaders who focus on culture, mindset, and wellness create stronger teams.
• The right word can act as a compass for decisions throughout the year.
You can reach Jimmy at:
https://beunstoppable.live/ and https://getoneword.com/
In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:
A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:
An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.
AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!
Connect with me:
http://JanicePorter.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/
https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1
https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/
Thanks for listening!
Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and
think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social
media buttons on this page.
Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in
the comment section below!
Subscribe to the podcast
If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can
subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.
Leave us an Apple Podcast review
Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and
greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which
exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,
please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.
Trust feels more fragile than ever right now, and I believe leaders are being asked to navigate change, uncertainty, and higher expectations in ways we have not seen before. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller, EQ expert, TEDx speaker, and author of The Empathic Leader, to talk about empathy as a practical leadership skill that builds trust, improves culture, and drives results.
Melissa helped me broaden how I think about empathy. It is not only about “feeling what someone feels.” She explains emotional empathy, cognitive empathy, and self-empathy, and why leaders can take another person’s perspective even if they do not experience the same emotions. We also talk about the difference between real empathy and performative empathy, and why curiosity is one of the clearest signals that empathy is genuine.
One of my favorite moments was hearing her simple leadership reminder: trust is often built through visibility and small actions, one person at a time. If you lead a team, manage from the middle, or you are stepping into leadership for the first time, this conversation will give you both insight and real-world tools you can use immediately.
Key takeaways
You can find Melissa at:
https://eqviaempathy.com/
In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:
A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:
An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.
AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!
Connect with me:
http://JanicePorter.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/
https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1
https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/
Thanks for listening!
Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and
think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social
media buttons on this page.
Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in
the comment section below!
Subscribe to the podcast
If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can
subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.
Leave us an Apple Podcast review
Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and
greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which
exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,
please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.
This week, I sit down with Nick Richtsmeier to explore something many business owners feel but struggle to articulate: trust is eroding, and it is affecting every sales conversation.
Nick challenges the traditional growth playbook. Instead of treating hesitation, resistance, or disengagement as problems to fix, he reframes them as valuable data. Distrust is not a failure. It is information.
We talk about why digital systems reward speed and extraction over relationship building, and why small businesses feel the impact most. Nick introduces the idea of “trust nodes” as simple, human touch points that shape long-term loyalty far more effectively than funnels or persuasion tactics.
If you have ever wondered why prospects seem more skeptical, why sales cycles feel longer, or why pushing harder no longer works, this conversation will give you language and clarity.
At its heart, this episode is about returning to what actually grows business:
authentic relationships built on transparency, alignment, and integrity.
Key Takeaways
You can find Nick at: Culturecraft.com
In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:
A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:
An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.
AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!
Connect with me:
http://JanicePorter.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/
https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1
https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/
Thanks for listening!
Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and
think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social
media buttons on this page.
Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in
the comment section below!
Subscribe to the podcast
If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can
subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.
Leave us an Apple Podcast review
Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and
greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which
exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,
please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.
In this episode, I sit down with Coach Jim Johnson, a long-time educator, championship basketball coach, and inspirational speaker who has spent decades helping people see what’s possible for them. Right away, I could see how closely Jim’s leadership style reflects what I’ve witnessed firsthand, with my husband. (He was a lifelong high school basketball coach too.) Leading with belief, care, and encouragement, and understanding that the words we choose can stay with someone for life.
Jim shares honest lessons from early in his career, including a humbling season that forced him to rethink what leadership really requires. We talk about why “caring” and “challenging” are not opposites, and how the best leaders hold high standards while still building trust. Jim also explains how he became more intentional with communication, including a shift from “having the agenda” to becoming what he calls the Chief Question Asker.
We also talk about the unforgettable J-Mac story, a moment that captured the world’s attention and still stands as a powerful reminder of what happens when a team chooses “we over me.” It’s a conversation about trust, team culture, resilience under pressure, and how relationships and words shape performance, confidence, and lives.
Takeaways
Jim can be reached at: https://coachjimjohnson.com/
In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:
A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:
An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.
AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!
Connect with me:
http://JanicePorter.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/
https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1
https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/
Thanks for listening!
Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and
think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social
media buttons on this page.
Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in
the comment section below!
Subscribe to the podcast
If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can
subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.
Leave us an Apple Podcast review
Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and
greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which
exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,
please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.
In this episode, I sit down with David Homan, master connector, podcaster, start-up founder, co-author of Orchestrating Connection and founder of Orchestrated Connecting. We explore how connection, generosity, and purpose can transform our businesses and our lives.
David shares how he’s built a system to track and honor referrals — so that connectors get recognized for the value they create. We also talk about his insight that while most people are great at helping others, they often struggle to ask for what they need.
We dive into why being intentional about who you surround yourself with matters, and how success often comes down to the right people in the right conditions.
Key Takeaways:
David can be found at: orchestratedconnecting.com
In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:
A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:
An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.
AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!
Connect with me:
http://JanicePorter.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/
https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1
https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/
Thanks for listening!
Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and
think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social
media buttons on this page.
Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in
the comment section below!
Subscribe to the podcast
If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can
subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.
Leave us an Apple Podcast review
Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and
greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which
exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,
please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.
In this episode I welcome back Stacey Brown Randall, author of The Referable Client Experience. Stacey challenges the old idea that referrals come from asking. We talk about why excellent work alone doesn’t lead to referrals, what clients are quietly thinking as they move through your process, and how small, human touchpoints build trust, safety, and pride, the emotions that make people willing to put their name behind you.
Key Takeaways
Stacey can be found at: staceybrownrandall.com
Her book is in book stores and on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0bhNAExm
In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:
A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:
An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.
AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!
Connect with me:
http://JanicePorter.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/
https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1
https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/
Thanks for listening!
Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and
think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social
media buttons on this page.
Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in
the comment section below!
Subscribe to the podcast
If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can
subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.
Leave us an Apple Podcast review
Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and
greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which
exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,
please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.
In this episode I’m joined by Dr. Robin Hills, founder of Ei4Change and a long-time educator in emotional intelligence. We explore why the future is human, how empathy drives real performance, and what leaders can do that AI never will. Robin shares how self-awareness translates into intelligent behavior, why personality assessments are only useful when we apply them, and how the seven basic human emotions show up in everyday leadership. We also talk cultural context, creating safe learning environments, and Robin’s updated take on emotional resilience in business – his updated 2nd edition of: The Authority Guide to Emotional Resilience in Business.
Key Takeaways
Robin can be found at:
Website: https://ei4change.com/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robinhills
In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:
A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:
An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.
AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!
Connect with me:
http://JanicePorter.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/
https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1
https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/
Thanks for listening!
Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and
think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social
media buttons on this page.
Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in
the comment section below!
Subscribe to the podcast
If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can
subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.
Leave us an Apple Podcast review
Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and
greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which
exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,
please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.
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