Most people think being “strong” means defending every point. But defensiveness is often what destroys clarity, connection, and influence.
In this episode, Kwame and Shermin Kruse explore Stoic Empathy — the skill of staying grounded, aware, and emotionally balanced even when conversations get difficult. Shermin shares how to control your reactions, absorb emotional “hits,” and respond with intention instead of instinct.
If you want to stay calm under pressure, lead with confidence, and navigate tough moments without losing yourself, this conversation will change everything.
 
Connect with Shermin Kruse
<a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/770976/stoic-empathy-by-shermin-kruse/">Buy the Book: Stoic Empathy</a>
<a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/770976/stoic-empathy-by-shermin-kruse/">The Road Map to a Life of Influence, Self-Leadership, and Integrity </a>

Most people think being “strong” means defending every point. But defensiveness is often what destroys clarity, connection, and influence. In this episode, Kwame and Shermin Kruse explore Stoic Empathy — the skill of staying grounded, aware, and emotionally balanced even when conversations get difficult. Shermin shares how to control your reactions, absorb emotional “hits,” and respond with intention instead of instinct. If you want to stay calm under pressure, lead with confidence, and navigate tough moments without losing yourself, this conversation will change everything. Connect with Shermin Kruse Buy the Book: Stoic Empathy The Road Map to a Life of Influence, Self-Leadership, and Integrity

Most people think being “strong” means defending every point. But defensiveness is often what destroys clarity, connection, and influence.
In this episode, Kwame and Shermin Kruse explore Stoic Empathy — the skill of staying grounded, aware, and emotionally balanced even when conversations get difficult. Shermin shares how to control your reactions, absorb emotional “hits,” and respond with intention instead of instinct.
If you want to stay calm under pressure, lead with confidence, and navigate tough moments without losing yourself, this conversation will change everything.
 
Connect with Shermin Kruse
<a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/770976/stoic-empathy-by-shermin-kruse/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Buy the Book: Stoic Empathy</a>
<a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/770976/stoic-empathy-by-shermin-kruse/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Road Map to a Life of Influence, Self-Leadership, and Integrity </a>

You Need to Be Less Defensive. Here’s Why Stoic Empathy Changes Everything.

Transform your relationships. Speak your truth. Get what you deserve—with Kwame Christian as your guide. With over 16 million downloads and more than 1,600 episodes, Negotiate Anything was the world’s leading negotiation podcast for nearly a decade, reaching listeners in more than 180 countries. But it’s about more than negotiation—it’s about confidence, connection, and creating outcomes that respect your values.



About the Host: Kwame Christian, Esq., M.A.

Kwame Christian the founder and CEO of the American Negotiation Institute. He's known for his viral TEDx Talk, “Finding Confidence in Conflict,” and is a bestselling author of two books:

•	How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race (2022)

•	Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life (2020)

As a degrees in law, psychology, and public policy, Kwame brings a wealth of knowledge to every episode. He’s also a LinkedIn instructor with over 2.3 million learners, making complex negotiation concepts accessible to everyone.



Why This Podcast?

At the American Negotiation Institute, we believe that the best things in life are on the other side of difficult conversations. Our mission is to empower you to negotiate anything, anywhere. Whether you’re a seasoned negotiator or just starting, our podcast equips you with the tools and confidence to navigate any conversation.



Tune in to Transform Your Life:

Join millions of listeners who have already unlocked the power of negotiation. Subscribe now and start mastering the skills that will transform your professional and personal life. Watch our episodes on YouTube for more visual insights and tips.



Connect with Us:

•	Website: American Negotiation Institute

•	Email: simon@negotiateanything.com

•	LinkedIn: Kwame Christian

•	YouTube: Negotiate Anything



Produced by the American Negotiation Institute

Business

Education

Careers

Transform your relationships. Speak your truth. Get what you deserve—with Kwame Christian as your guide. With over 16 million downloads and more than 1,600 episodes, Negotiate Anything was the world’s leading negotiation podcast for nearly a decade, reaching listeners in more than 180 countries. But it’s about more than negotiation—it’s about confidence, connection, and creating outcomes that respect your values. About the Host: Kwame Christian, Esq., M.A. Kwame Christian the founder and CEO of the American Negotiation Institute. He's known for his viral TEDx Talk, “Finding Confidence in Conflict,” and is a bestselling author of two books: • How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race (2022) • Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life (2020) As a degrees in law, psychology, and public policy, Kwame brings a wealth of knowledge to every episode. He’s also a LinkedIn instructor with over 2.3 million learners, making complex negotiation concepts accessible to everyone. Why This Podcast? At the American Negotiation Institute, we believe that the best things in life are on the other side of difficult conversations. Our mission is to empower you to negotiate anything, anywhere. Whether you’re a seasoned negotiator or just starting, our podcast equips you with the tools and confidence to navigate any conversation. Tune in to Transform Your Life: Join millions of listeners who have already unlocked the power of negotiation. Subscribe now and start mastering the skills that will transform your professional and personal life. Watch our episodes on YouTube for more visual insights and tips. Connect with Us: • Website: American Negotiation Institute • Email: simon@negotiateanything.com • LinkedIn: Kwame Christian • YouTube: Negotiate Anything Produced by the American Negotiation Institute

Transform your relationships. Speak your truth. Get what you deserve—with Kwame Christian as your guide. With over 16 million downloads and more than 1,600 episodes,&nbsp;Negotiate Anything&nbsp;was the world’s leading negotiation podcast for nearly a decade, reaching listeners in more than 180 countries. But it’s about more than negotiation—it’s about confidence, connection, and creating outcomes that respect your values.



About the Host: Kwame Christian, Esq., M.A.

Kwame Christian the founder and CEO of the American Negotiation Institute. He's known for his viral TEDx Talk, “Finding Confidence in Conflict,” and is a bestselling author of two books:

•	How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race (2022)

•	Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life (2020)

As a degrees in law, psychology, and public policy, Kwame brings a wealth of knowledge to every episode. He’s also a LinkedIn instructor with over 2.3 million learners, making complex negotiation concepts accessible to everyone.



Why This Podcast?

At the American Negotiation Institute, we believe that the best things in life are on the other side of difficult conversations. Our mission is to empower you to negotiate anything, anywhere. Whether you’re a seasoned negotiator or just starting, our podcast equips you with the tools and confidence to navigate any conversation.



Tune in to Transform Your Life:

Join millions of listeners who have already unlocked the power of negotiation. Subscribe now and start mastering the skills that will transform your professional and personal life. Watch our episodes on YouTube for more visual insights and tips.



Connect with Us:

•	Website: American Negotiation Institute

•	Email: simon@negotiateanything.com

•	LinkedIn: Kwame Christian

•	YouTube: Negotiate Anything



Produced by the American Negotiation Institute

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You Need to Be Less Defensive. Here’s Why Stoic Empathy Changes Everything.

You Need to Be Less Defensive. Here’s Why Stoic Empathy Changes Everything.

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