Faking Confidence Is a Trap — Here’s What to Do Instead - with Derrick (The Van Gogh of Negotiation) Chevalier (Part I)
One mistake. One moment of faking expertise. And it cost him a deal with Stevie Wonder.
Order NOW The Book: EVOLVE or Be Slaughtered: Negotiation For The 21st Century (Beyond Negotiating) by Derrick (The Van Gogh of Negotiation) Chevalier
In this unforgettable episode, Kwame Christian sits down with Derrick Chevalier — bestselling author of Evolve or Be Slaughtered and executive VP at Harrison Chevalier — to unpack the painful but powerful story that changed his life. From a failed negotiation with Stevie Wonder to creating a framework that helps leaders master their craft, Derrick shares how true confidence is built through competence — not performance.
What you'll learn:
Why pretending to know something can ruin your credibility — permanently.
The ICSEAR framework: a step-by-step model for mastering any skill, including negotiation.
How to move beyond balance and embrace harmony in high-pressure conversations.
Why great negotiators must learn to flow like jazz — and how to get there
Connect with Derrick
https://h-c.com/
Follow Derrick on LinkedIn
If you’ve ever walked out of a meeting thinking, “I should’ve done better,” this episode will show you how to make sure that never happens again.
Contact ANI
Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company
Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn
The Ultimate Negotiation Guide
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Om Podcasten
Transform your relationships. Speak your truth. Get what you deserve—with Kwame Christian as your guide. This is the #1 negotiation podcast in the world with over 15 million downloads, but it’s about so much more than that.
This isn’t about manipulation or domination—it’s about showing up more powerfully, leading with authenticity, and speaking your truth with more clarity. Whether you’re leading a team, parenting through stress, or learning to speak up without fear, the skills you’ll build here will transform how you show up in every area of your life.
Kwame doesn’t just teach strategy—he teaches transformation, helping you become the kind of person who moves through life with more clarity, courage, and compassion. Every episode is rooted in empathy, psychology, and Kwame’s signature warmth, blending real-world stories, expert guests, and practical frameworks so you can break through the fears that have been holding you back.
Join millions of listeners who’ve discovered that the best things in life really are on the other side of difficult conversations.
Ready to level up at work and at home?
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