What if the biggest obstacle to winning negotiations isn’t your opponent—but your own reluctance to have tough conversations?

In this episode of Thrive LouD, Lou Diamond sits down with business strategist and negotiation expert Jonathan B. Smith—author of "Fight Less, Win More"—to debunk the myths about negotiation, decision-making, and what it really takes for teams to thrive.

You'll discover why most business problems stem from avoiding critical conversations, and how negotiation skills aren't just for closing deals—they're essential for everyday life, leadership, and even family dynamics. Jonathan B. Smith shares personal stories, unconventional negotiation scenarios, and key lessons from training with Chris Voss and the Black Swan Group.

Plus, get actionable tips on building a personal board of directors and the number one thing that makes or breaks any negotiation.

Episode Overview:

00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest01:23 Jonathan B. Smith's entrepreneurial background02:24 What is the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)?03:22 The most common problem in organizations today04:03 Genesis of "Fight Less, Win More" and working with Chris Voss05:25 Redefining negotiation and the power of listening06:42 Surprising ways negotiation skills improve everyday relationships07:39 The real-world wins and gifts from publishing the book08:45 Is negotiation always about fighting?09:41 Mastering emotional triggers and negotiation self-awareness11:09 The importance of coaches and building a personal support team12:05 Where to find Jonathan B. Smith online13:00 Big goals for spreading negotiation skills globally13:56 Fun Street: Movies, music, food, and more16:12 Where in the world Jonathan B. Smith would love to be16:25 Closing thoughts and gratitude

What if your greatest heartbreak became your ultimate source of power—and purpose?

In this episode of Thrive Loud, bestselling author, speaker, and certified wellness coach Jessica Moyer joins Lou Diamond to share how devastating loss led her to a life centered around health, wellness, and purposeful living. From losing her infant son and her father, to rebuilding herself and guiding others through grief, identity shifts, and health transformations, Jess reveals how “real” wellness isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a formula for reclaiming your strength and energy, no matter where you start.

Listeners will learn the secrets behind her R.E.A.L. Wellness approach (Realistic, Resilient, Energy, Action, Love), get debunked on hormone health myths, hear why prioritizing self-care is non-negotiable, and even catch personal insights—like her comfort food cravings and the power of belief over the noise of naysayers. Jess’s journey reminds us that thriving isn’t about avoiding pain, but transforming it into your life’s greatest contribution.

Timestamps Overview:00:00 - Welcome & episode intro01:08 - Jess Moyer’s journey: heartbreak to purpose02:21 - Purposeful living & wellness as a foundation03:55 - The R.E.A.L. Wellness framework explained05:27 - Hormone health, misconceptions, and advocacy08:00 - Becoming a bestselling author & sharing the REAL framework09:34 - Giving and receiving gifts through content creation10:40 - The audience’s biggest aha moment11:17 - Staying on track: Jess’s self-care rituals12:02 - “She believed she could, so she did”—the sign behind Jess12:36 - Where to find Jess online & her book13:18 - Fun Street: movies, music, food, and activities17:11 - Dream travel destination18:14 - Closing thoughts & gratitude

What if the leaders we all admire—those seemingly unstoppable CEOs and visionaries—are actually more isolated and vulnerable than anyone imagines?

Lou Diamond sits down with Carmen Leiser, organizational psychologist and leader at the Movi Collective, to reveal why the mask of confidence so many leaders wear can be both powerful and deeply exhausting—and why removing it just might transform leadership for the better.

Together, they break down the paradox of leadership performance, discuss the rise of peer-driven psychological safety, and share actionable insights on how leaders can foster genuine connection, personal growth, and resilience in themselves and their teams. Carmen also takes us inside the Movi Collective: a global community redefining what it means to network, support, and grow—both professionally and personally.

Listeners will discover:

• The hidden toll of leadership “performance” (03:27)
• How vulnerability, when balanced, creates unstoppable teams (04:58)
• What makes Movi Collective radically different from traditional “networking” groups (09:10)
• The life-changing impact of peer “nucleus” groups for high performers (15:32)
• Carmen’s personal journey, favorite energizers, and the small practices that keep leaders thriving—even on tough days
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Episode Timestamp Overview:

• 00:25 – Introduction to Carmen Leiser & global leadership paradox
• 03:27 – Why leaders feel pressure to “perform” and the cost
• 04:58 – The power (and limits) of vulnerability in leadership
• 07:06 – Creating genuine psychological safety with peers
• 08:56 – Inside the Movi Collective and its unique impact
• 15:32 – Life-changing “nucleus” groups & stories from the field
• 19:02 – Carmen’s thriving strategies & team support
• 21:00 – Fun Street: Techno jams, pizza, volunteering, and more

Tune in for a refreshingly honest look at leadership, growth, and the power of showing up as your real self.