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.

Playing it safe is easy. It’s comfortable. And it will never take you to the next level.If you’ve got what it takes to hit the ball out of the park, the only thing holding you back is whether you’re brave enough to take a big swing.Big Swings Only is for people who were meant for more — the ones done playing by rules that were never built for them.Hosted by Kwame Christian, each week brings you the real stories of people who fought their fear, went after the life they actually wanted, and became who they had to become to get it.The psychology behind the swing. The strategy behind the risk. The nerve it takes to go all in.You were built for more, and this show was built for you. Subscribe now.

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)





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



For ad inquiries, please reach out to: Network+NA@yapmedia.com

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Playing it safe is easy. It’s comfortable. And it will never take you to the next level.If you’ve got what it takes to hit the ball out of the park, the only thing holding you back is whether you’re brave enough to take a big swing.Big Swings Only is for people who were meant for more — the ones done playing by rules that were never built for them.Hosted by Kwame Christian, each week brings you the real stories of people who fought their fear, went after the life they actually wanted, and became who they had to become to get it.The psychology behind the swing. The strategy behind the risk. The nerve it takes to go all in.You were built for more, and this show was built for you. Subscribe now. 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) 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 For ad inquiries, please reach out to: Network+NA@yapmedia.com

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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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