Episodios

  • Sarah Franklin: Leading in Tech as a Female CEO
    Aug 6 2025

    In this episode, we are joined by Sarah Franklin, CEO of Lattice and former President and Chief Marketing Officer at Salesforce. Sarah shares her journey from 16 successful years at Salesforce to leading one of the top HR tech companies. Listen to her insights on building confidence, negotiating culture, and empowering employees. Sarah also discusses the role gender has played in her career, offering valuable advice for young women in leadership. Learn about the importance of community, the value of emotions in the workplace, and her vision for a supportive infrastructure for women and families.


    00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

    01:04 Sarah Franklin's Trailblazer Moment at Salesforce

    02:37 Transition to CEO of Lattice and Culture Building

    04:39 Leading by Example and Empathy in Leadership

    07:25 Empowering Employees and Gender Dynamics in Leadership

    10:06 Challenges and Strategies for Women in Leadership

    14:17 Balancing Work and Family as a Female Leader

    20:29 Mentorship and Supporting Women in the Workplace

    29:55 Emotional Intelligence and Logical Decision Making

    39:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    39 m
  • Matt Abrahams: How to Think Faster, Talk Smarter
    Jul 23 2025

    In this episode, we dive deep into the art of communication with Matt Abrahams, a Stanford GSB professor and author of 'Think Faster, Talk Smarter.' Matt discusses the importance of empathy in communication, how to be persuasive, effective listening, and dealing with anxiety. The conversation also explores practical frameworks for structured and spontaneous communication, pitching techniques, and navigating difficult conversations. Matt shares his insights on influential communicators and offers valuable advice for young professionals and anyone looking to improve their communication skills. Don't miss this insightful discussion filled with actionable tips and strategies!


    Check out Matt's book: https://geni.us/qZXj?redirect_from=podpage

    Check out Matt's Conversation with Rachel Greenwald: https://bit.ly/4m2PMfG

    Check out Matt's Podcast: https://www.fastersmarter.io/


    00:00 Building Relationships Through Communication

    00:31 Introducing Matt Abraham's: A Communication Expert

    02:02 The Importance of Strategic Communication

    03:36 Frameworks for Effective Communication

    07:18 Understanding Your Audience

    12:46 Managing Public Speaking Anxiety

    25:48 Effective Pitching Techniques

    29:08 Key Components of a Successful Pitch

    30:05 The Importance of Spontaneous Communication

    30:48 Pattern Recognition and Preparation

    33:10 Handling Difficult Conversations

    36:15 The Power of Listening

    40:59 Effective Social Media Communication

    42:01 The Value of Small Talk

    45:45 Advice for Young Professionals

    47:53 The Art of Apologizing

    53:41 Recommended Reading on Communication

    54:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    56 m
  • Mike Cagney: Negotiation and the Blockchain
    Jul 8 2025

    In this episode, we dive into an insightful conversation with Mike Cagney, an influential entrepreneur recognized for his pivotal role in the fintech space. Mike co-founded SoFi, one of the most successful financial startups of all time, and later established Figure Markets, emphasizing blockchain to innovate and disrupt traditional financial markets.

    We explore Mike's experiences with cryptocurrency, his strategies for navigating complex negotiations, and his views on the future of blockchain in the financial ecosystem. Mike also shares valuable lessons from his entrepreneurial journey, including the intricacies of managing investor relations, regulatory challenges, and cultural dynamics within a fast-growing startup. This episode is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs, fintech enthusiasts, and anyone interested in blockchain technology.


    00:23 Introducing Mike Cagney: FinTech Pioneer

    01:09 Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Insights

    03:01 The Future of Payments and Stablecoins

    06:09 Disrupting Capital Markets with Blockchain

    08:18 Overcoming Blockchain Skepticism

    17:18 Navigating Regulatory and Lobbying Challenges

    27:53 Lessons from SoFi: Equity Splits and Fundraising

    31:33 The $10 Million Mistake

    32:12 Negotiating with Rakuten

    32:48 The SoftBank Pitch

    33:53 The $175 Million Commitment35:19 SoftBank Backs Out

    37:01 The Board Pitch

    39:42 Reallocating Founder Equity

    44:46 Lessons on Culture and Hiring

    48:51 Navigating Near-Death Experiences

    51:36 Final Thoughts on Negotiation

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    58 m
  • Don Faul: Platoon Leader → Silicon Valley Executive → CrossFit CEO
    Jun 25 2025

    In this episode, Don Faul, the CEO of CrossFit, shares his remarkable career journey, emphasizing the key lessons in leadership and negotiation he learned along the way. Starting his career as a Marine platoon commander, Don transitioned to Silicon Valley, working at Google, Facebook, and Pinterest during their early and hyper-growth phases before leading CrossFit. The discussion covers his leadership approach, negotiation tactics, and the strategies that helped transform CrossFit into a global fitness powerhouse.

    Whether you're interested in the dynamics of leadership, the intricacies of negotiation, or the evolution of a fitness brand, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Tune in to learn about the negotiation principles Don applied both internally and externally and the importance of understanding and aligning with people's motivations.


    00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Guest Don Faul

    01:04 Don Faul's Career Journey

    02:38 The CrossFit Experience

    08:39 Challenges and Changes at CrossFit

    19:56 Management and Innovation at CrossFit

    27:20 Reflections on Leadership and Negotiation

    28:05 Reflecting on Negotiation Lessons from the Marines

    28:30 Managing Emotions in High-Stress Situations

    29:52 The Importance of Taking a Step Back

    30:29 Early Career Decisions and Learning from Mistakes

    31:22 Navigating Free Speech Challenges at Facebook

    32:15 Internal Negotiations and Policy Conflicts

    41:23 Lessons from Pinterest: Scaling and Structuring

    46:47 Overcoming Challenges in Equity Compensation

    52:31 Negotiating with Big Brands as a Small Company

    56:59 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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    58 m
  • Chad Hutchinson: From NFL quarterback to buying sports teams
    Jun 3 2025

    In this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Chad Hutchinson, one of only seven individuals to have played in both the NFL and the MLB. Chad was both a pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals and a quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. But he didn't just hang up his boots and call it quits after his pro-sports career: he went back to the bottom of the finance world and worked his way to becoming a Partner at the successful PE firm Arctos, pioneering sports franchise acquisition.


    Discover how Chad transitioned from the ultra competitive world of sports to a thriving career in finance. Chad shares insights on his decision-making processes, from choosing between MLB and NFL offers to navigating complex negotiations with sports team owners in private equity. Learn about the values and lessons Chad acquired from his mentors and the pivotal moments that shaped his path. Don't miss Chad's inspiring story and his practical wisdom on achieving success in multiple high-stakes arenas.

    00:00 Introduction to Winning and Success

    00:19 Meet Chad Hutchinson: Dual-Sport Athlete

    01:03 Chad's Early Life and Sports Beginnings

    01:58 High School Breakthroughs and College Decisions

    04:32 Negotiation Lessons from Scott Boris

    08:19 Transition to Professional Baseball

    10:24 Steroid Era and Lessons from Mark McGuire

    16:25 Transition to Professional Football

    20:03 Negotiating with Jerry Jones

    26:13 First NFL Game Against Peyton Manning

    28:03 Transition from Sports to Finance

    29:12 Facing the Daunting Transition from Sports to Finance

    29:47 Building Marketable Skills and Networking

    30:39 Humbling Beginnings in the Workforce

    32:20 Navigating the Financial Crisis and Buying Distressed Assets

    33:26 Grit and Persistence in Business

    34:38 Experience at Sixth Street and Learning Agriculture

    39:21 Transition to OSE Partners and the Business of Sports

    51:56 Investing in College Sports and NIL

    58:20 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts

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    1 h y 2 m
  • Four-Star General Stanley McChrystal: What War Taught Me About Resolving Conflict
    May 20 2025

    In this episode, we are honored to have a conversation with General Stanley McChrystal, a legendary military leader. We delve deep into his thoughts on the importance of negotiation in the military, his experiences leading JSOC operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the crucial role of character in leadership. General McChrystal shares valuable insights from his new book, 'On Character: Choices That Define a Life,' and discusses the intricate art of negotiation, from dealing with heads of state to commanding elite special forces, and the value of relationships in both military and civilian spheres.


    Read the General's New Book: https://bit.ly/3F1aGfx


    00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

    01:36 General McChrystal's Book: On Character

    03:46 Leadership and Team Dynamics in Special Operations

    06:34 The Hunt for Al-Qaeda Leader Zarqawi

    12:12 Building Trust and Managing Risk in Military Operations

    20:00 Interagency Collaboration and Negotiation

    34:17 Challenges of Leading International Forces in Afghanistan

    36:14 Navigating International Military Partnerships

    38:53 The Importance of National Character

    42:23 Building Trust with President Karzai

    47:41 Challenges in Command and Communication

    51:22 Reflections on Leadership and Negotiation

    51:56 The Need for Character in Politics

    01:01:52 Negotiating with Difficult Parties

    01:10:23 Lessons from Military History

    01:11:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


    Host Stan Christensen has spent his career working as a professional negotiator in a variety of arenas. He has also taught a popular course on negotiation at Stanford University for over twenty years. #Negotiation #Stanleymcchrystal #StanChristensen

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    1 h y 12 m
  • Joel Clark: Turning Kodiak Cakes into a household name
    May 13 2025

    Stan chats with Joel Clark, the CEO of Kodiak Cakes. Joel takes us through his 25-year journey building the original whole grain protein-packed pancake mix company. Joel shares insights on early misconceptions about negotiation, the importance of open and transparent discussions, and how he negotiated his way through relationships with suppliers, retailers, and family members. Learn about the humble beginnings of Kodiak Cakes, the importance of standing for something, and Joel's strategies for forming strong partnerships. Don't miss this action-packed entrepreneurial story full of highs and lows, valuable lessons, and tips on successfully navigating the complex world of business negotiations.


    00:00 Introduction to Negotiation

    00:36 Meet Joel Clark: CEO of Kodiak Cakes

    01:27 The Humble Beginnings of Kodiak Cakes

    03:21 From Neighborhood Sales to Gift Shops

    05:49 Breaking into Grocery Stores07:53 Building Relationships and Overcoming Challenges

    12:40 Cold Calling and Early Sales Strategies

    17:50 Balancing a Job and Growing a Business

    19:49 Supplier Relationships and Product Quality

    23:07 The Importance of Trust in Business

    27:55 Rebuilding Trust and Early Decisions

    28:36 Quitting the Job and Distribution Wins

    29:06 Working with Family and Launching New Products

    29:50 Bringing in a New Partner

    32:04 Challenges and Successes with Costco

    36:02 Consumer Feedback and Brand Integrity

    39:41 Family Business Dynamics

    44:55 Raising Capital and Choosing the Right Partners

    50:36 Conclusion and Reflections

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    50 m
  • Keith Rabois: Negotiation Lessons From the Startup Trenches.
    Apr 30 2025

    In this episode, Stan interviews Keith Rabois, an esteemed entrepreneur and venture capitalist known for his pivotal role in companies like PayPal, Square, and LinkedIn. Keith discusses the crucial role of persuasion in scaling a company, sharing stories from his early entrepreneurial days and providing valuable advice for startups on raising capital and negotiation. Keith delves into his philosophy of negotiation, the art of hiring relentlessly resourceful talent, managing employee motivation, and the importance of clarity in negotiations. The conversation also explores Keith's approach to investing, emphasizing the need for founders to possess persuasive skills, and highlights memorable pitches from companies like Airbnb. Keith offers practical advice for those looking to break into startups or secure meetings with influential figures. This rich dialogue is filled with actionable insights and real-world examples that aspiring entrepreneurs and investors will find invaluable.


    00:00 The Importance of Persuasion in Scaling a Company

    00:25 Introducing Keith Rabois: Entrepreneur and Investor

    01:16 Keith's Negotiation Philosophy and Tactics

    05:03 Lessons from PayPal and Other Early Ventures

    10:13 Recruiting and Identifying Talent

    14:05 Management and Employee Motivation

    20:22 Transitioning to an Investor Role

    23:16 The Path to CEO: Sales vs. Technical Founders

    24:23 The Art of Persuasive Pitches: Lessons from Airbnb

    27:14 Evaluating Teams: The CEO's Role

    28:33 Friends and Family in Business: Risks and Rewards

    32:03 Navigating Leadership Conflicts: Lessons from PayPal

    34:39 Measuring Inputs vs. Outputs: Risk and Persuasion

    36:28 Career-Changing Persuasion: From Law to Tech

    40:08 Getting Noticed: How to Pitch to Investors

    41:26 Persistence Pays Off: Breaking into Startups

    42:16 Long-Term Relationships in Business

    43:30 Full Circle: A Fun Anecdote

    44:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts



    Host Stan Christensen has spent his career working as a professional negotiator in a variety of arenas. He has also taught a popular course on negotiation at Stanford University for over twenty years.


    #Negotiation #keithrabois #stanchristensen

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    44 m