🥋 How Does a Clear Agenda Transform Negotiations?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew discuss the 
often overlooked yet game changing role of setting a clear agenda in mediations and negotiations. Whether you’re discussing family plans or tackling high stakes boardroom deals, learn how agendas pave the way for trust, clarity, and efficiency.

Key Takeaways:

• Structure and Focus: Agendas keep conversations on track, ensuring key issues are addressed and distractions are minimised.
• The First Agreement: By agreeing on the agenda, parties build trust and reduce misunderstandings right from the start.
• Better Outcomes: Clear agendas foster collaboration and lead to more efficient decision-making and win-win solutions.
  
  

Stay tuned for next week’s episode, Bargaining and Exploring Outcomes, where Matthew unpacks the art of navigating options to reach agreements.

New episodes drop every Thursday!
 Thanks for listening.
 OSS!

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

If you are triggered by any content discussed in this episode and need support, please reach out to the following resources:
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
13YARN: 13 92 76

We acknowledge the Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, and to Elders past, present and future.

🥋 Why does a strong opening matter in negotiations?

In this solo episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew walks us through the essential role of opening statements in mediation and beyond. Learn how building trust, defining issues, and setting a positive tone at the start can strengthen your negotiations. 

Key Takeaways:

• Build Trust and Set the Tone: A strong opening establishes rapport, lowers the heat, and creates a safe space for communication.
  
  
•  Define the Issues: Share your perspective, listen actively, and uncover opportunities for win win solutions.
  
  
•  Communicate with Respect: Ground rules like active listening and no interruptions pave the way for progress.

Stay tuned for next week’s episode, “The Power of a Clear Agenda,” where Matthew unpacks how setting an agenda can keep your conversations focused, productive, and on track.

New episodes drop every Thursday!
Thanks for listening. 
OSS!

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

If you are triggered by any content discussed in this episode and need support, please reach out to the following resources:
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
13YARN: 13 92 76

We acknowledge the Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, and to Elders past, present and future.

🥋 How can understanding mediation principles elevate your negotiation skills?

In this solo episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew dives into the transformative power of mediation and how its principles can be applied to negotiations in every area of life. From resolving conflicts to sealing business deals, Matthew explores how structure, empathy, and collaboration can turn challenges into opportunities. 

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• Structure is Your Foundation: A clear process guides negotiations, keeping emotions in check and paving the way for resolution.
  
  
• Don’t Lose Focus: Ground your approach in strategy to navigate even the most heated disputes effectively.
  
  
• Plan to Win: Preparation is everything, map out your negotiation strategy to set yourself up for success.

Stay tuned for next week’s episode, “Setting the Stage: The Power of a Strong Opening in Mediation,” where we’ll explore the first steps to create a productive and collaborative negotiation process.

Thanks for listening, and see you next time on Rolling Through Negotiations! OSS!
 
🎙️ New episodes every Thursday.

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

If you are triggered by any content discussed in this episode and need support, please reach out to the following resources:
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
13YARN: 13 92 76

We acknowledge the Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, and to Elders past, present and future.

🐾 What can dog training teach us about leadership, discipline, and personal growth?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, we’re joined by Hans Verbruggen, a certified NePoPo® trainer and a master of modern dog training techniques. From his early days growing up in Belgium’s rich dog training culture to becoming a global coach for sport dogs, government agencies, and passionate dog owners, Hans brings unique insights into how training dogs can shape our own excellence.

Despite his expertise, Hans remains humble and down to earth, focusing on continuous learning and the shared journey of growth with his students. His global experience showcases remarkable adaptability and cross cultural competence, offering valuable insights for anyone passionate about understanding behaviours and fostering growth.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• Time and Patience: Hans shares why taking the time to build trust, patience, and confidence is critical for achieving excellence, whether with dogs, people, or yourself.
  
  
• Clear Goals Lead to Success: Just like finding the right job for a dog, setting realistic and meaningful goals can help us thrive in our chosen paths.
  
  
• Behaviours Speak Louder Than Words: Hans emphasises observing actions over words to understand true intentions, a skill equally vital in dog training and negotiations.

Join us as Hans explores how understanding behaviours, fostering discipline, and finding balance can transform not only how we train dogs but also how we approach negotiation.

Follow Hans and learn more about his work: https://www.hansverbruggen.com/

🎙️ New episodes every Thursday. Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you next time on Rolling Through Negotiations! OSS!

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

If you are triggered by any content discussed in this episode and need support, please reach out to the following resources:
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
13YARN: 13 92 76

We acknowledge the Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, and to Elders past, present and future.

🥋 What does life look like when balance becomes your foundation in Jiu Jitsu, business, and beyond?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, we are joined by Marcelino Freitas, a 5th degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, multiple time World Champion, and inspiring coach. From his early days in Rio de Janeiro’s community to leading a thriving BJJ community in Australia, Marcelino’s story is one of resilience, artistry, and passion for teaching.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• Balance as a Foundation: Marcelino explains how balance is deeply connected to trust and clarity of goals. In Jiu Jitsu, balance means trusting your preparation, mastering techniques until they become second nature, and trusting yourself to execute with confidence. By balancing trust, preparation, and clear goals, you can navigate challenges with focus and determination, whether on the mats or at the negotiating table. 
  
  
• Adaptability in Strategy: Marcelino shares how recognising the importance of a situation allows you to adjust your approach, whether in training or negotiation. When training for competition, focus and precision are key, but outside of competition, he uses training to experiment, take risks, and grow. Similarly, not every negotiation is life changing, and understanding this frees you to try new strategies, explore creative options, and learn from the experience without the pressure of a high stakes outcome.
  
  
• Bringing Art to the Mats: Marcelino’s famous handstand guard pass reflects his belief in blending creativity and personal style into your practice. It brings a unique flair that sets you apart, whether on the mats or in life.

So tie your belt and tune in to hear Marcelino’s insights on living authentically, staying grounded, and finding your balance on and off the mats.

Follow Marcelino on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcelinobjj

Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you next time on Rolling Through Negotiations!

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

If you are triggered by any content discussed in this episode and need support, please reach out to the following resources:
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
13YARN: 13 92 76

We acknowledge the Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, and to Elders past, present and future.

🎀 Ever wondered how a splash of pink can redefine the legal landscape?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, we welcome Nikolina Tully, the visionary behind Australia's first all pink law firm, Tully Law, which even features a café as vibrant as her practice. With over 18 years of experience in personal injury law, Nikolina's journey has been shaped by her Croatian-Australian heritage and a lifelong passion for fighting for people’s rights.

🎯 Key Insights:

• Authenticity as a Negotiation Tool: Nikolina emphasises the importance of knowing yourself, your values, and staying true to your principles when advocating for clients. She believes authenticity fosters trust and clarity in negotiations.
• Emotional Intelligence: She highlights the role of emotional intelligence in understanding both clients and opposing parties. By recognising emotions, behaviours, and triggers, she is able to navigate challenging conversations and maintain control in negotiations.
• Strategic Patience: Drawing parallels from her cycling background, Nikolina discusses how patience and timing are crucial in negotiations. Just as in a race, success often comes from reading the situation, knowing when to act, and not rushing into decisions.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, creativity, and how staying true to yourself can open doors in unexpected ways.

Follow Nikolina on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/nikolina-tully

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe for new episodes of Rolling Through Negotiations every Thursday. OSS! 

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

If you are triggered by any content discussed in this episode and need support, please reach out to the following resources:
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
13YARN: 13 92 76

We acknowledge the Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, and to Elders past, present and future.

🥋 How does a family lawyer balance empathy and strategy in high-stakes negotiations?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, we sit down with Daniel Dalli, a dedicated family lawyer and partner at Aston Legal Group. With over a decade of experience spanning family law, intervention orders, and criminal law, Daniel brings a holistic perspective to helping families navigate complex, emotionally charged disputes. 

🎯 Key Insights:

• Empathy Meets Strategy: Blending expertise with compassion can transform negotiations. By staying empathetic and focused, you can navigate even the most complex disputes with clarity and purpose.
  
  
• Clarity of Purpose: Understanding the ultimate goal in any negotiation or dispute is vital. Breaking the process into clear, practical steps keeps the path forward manageable and focused.
  
  
• Focus on Progress: Instead of fixating on perfection, celebrating small wins can lead to significant, lasting change. Progress, no matter how incremental, builds momentum toward better outcomes.

Join us as Daniel reflects on his journey, his role as a dad, and the importance of communication in both personal and professional settings.
 
Follow Daniel on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/dallimelbournefamilylawyer

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe for new episodes of Rolling Through Negotiations every Thursday. Tune in next week for more insights!

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

If you are triggered by any content discussed in this episode and need support, please reach out to the following resources:
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
13YARN: 13 92 76

We acknowledge the Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, and to Elders past, present and future.

🥋 How can cultural pride and knowledge shape your approach to negotiation?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, we’re joined by Uncle John Smith Gumbula, a proud Wakka Wakka and Gurang Gurang Cultural Ambassador, artist, and community advocate. Known for his commitment to uplifting First Nations communities, John shares his journey from Queensland to global cultural stages, offering wisdom on how deep rooted knowledge of one’s culture can be transformative in both personal and business negotiations.

🎯 Key Insights:

• Cultural Anchoring: John discusses the importance of knowing and honouring your heritage. By embracing his culture and the values passed down through generations, he’s found a guiding light for authentic, impactful negotiations.
• Finding Your Tribe: John emphasises the need to surround yourself with people who support your vision. In negotiations, knowing your tribe can help reinforce your goals and keep you grounded, even in challenging environments.
• Moral Compass: A strong moral compass is at the heart of John’s approach. By staying true to one’s values and intentions, he believes negotiations can transcend transactional goals, creating meaningful connections and long lasting impact.

Connect with Uncle John’s Work
Support John’s impactful work by exploring his businesses, each designed to celebrate Indigenous culture and support sustainable development:

• ☕ Buran Coffee – Enjoy premium Indigenous-grown coffee from Queensland, supporting John's community initiatives.
• 🖼️ I Love Indigenous – Discover authentic art, designs, and gifts celebrating Indigenous culture.
• 🏛️ Gunyah Group – For those interested in Indigenous led design and development projects.

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe for new episodes of Rolling Through Negotiations every Thursday. Tune in next week for more insights!

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

If you are triggered by any content discussed in this episode and need support, please reach out to the following resources:
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
13YARN: 13 92 76

We acknowledge the Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, and to Elders past, present and future.

In this solo episode, Matthew steps into new territory, sharing insights on the emotional side of negotiation for the first time, exploring those often unspoken factors that play an influential, almost strategic role in negotiations.

Emotions aren't just background noise, they’re active forces, subtly shifting dynamics and shaping possibilities at every turn.

While logic is essential, it's the ability to recognise and harness emotions that truly sets skilled negotiators apart.

Understanding and managing emotions is key to successful negotiation, and Matthew unpacks practical techniques to navigate the emotional waves that can make or break any deal.

So, tighten your belt and join us to discover how emotional control might be the most powerful negotiation tool you didn’t know you had.
 
Follow Matthew on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/matthew-karakoulakis-2334621b

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

If you are triggered by any content discussed in this episode and need support, please reach out to the following resources:
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
13YARN: 13 92 76

We acknowledge the Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, and to Elders past, present and future.

🥋 How does knowing your roots shape the way you negotiate?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, we sit down with Nancia Guivarra, a Meriam (Magaram), Wuthathi, and Bindal Juru woman, investigative journalist, and storyteller. With over two decades of experience media production, communications and entertainment, Nancia shares how her deep connection to her culture and heritage informs her approach to journalism and negotiation.

🎯 Key Insights:

• Know Your Roots: Nancia emphasises how understanding where you come from, your culture, and the people that came before you gives you the strength to navigate the world with confidence, especially when negotiating in high stakes environments.
• Master the Art of Questioning: As a journalist, Nancia shares a powerful technique: starting with lighter questions before delving deeper into the core issues. This method is crucial in negotiations, helping to build trust and uncover the real interests behind the conversation.
• The Coconut Tree: When you are grounded in your values and cultural foundations, you can adapt to changing circumstances with strength and flexibility. Just like the coconut tree, your foundation in culture helps you stay steady, while new strategies and approaches (like new leaves) evolve as needed.

Nancia's wisdom will inspire you to explore your own story, bringing strength and insight into your negotiations, whether in business or personal life.

We encourage you to explore more of Nancia’s work on Australia’s premier Indigenous current affairs program, Living Black: https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/living-black

Thanks for listening! Tune in next week for another episode of Rolling Through Negotiations.

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

If you are triggered by any content discussed in this episode and need support, please reach out to the following resources:
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
13YARN: 13 92 76

We acknowledge the Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, and to Elders past, present and future.