Frenemies at Work: The Hidden Threat You’re Ignoring
They smile, they compliment, they even laugh at your jokes—but something always feels off.
In this episode, Kwame Christian sits down with NYU psychology professor and best-selling author Tessa West to uncover the real danger of workplace frenemies. From subtle mixed signals to the science of stress, you’ll learn how these ambiguous relationships drain your confidence, distort your judgment, and quietly sabotage your career.
You’ll also discover:
– Why consistency matters more than kindness
– The behavioral cues that reveal discomfort and distrust
– How to collect real data on your workplace relationships
– What to do when a "nice" colleague is actually your biggest obstacle
If you've ever walked away from a conversation feeling confused, second-guessed your instincts, or felt tension with someone who's "never done anything wrong"—this episode is for you.
Connect with Tessa
Buy now the book: JOB THERAPY FINDING WORK THAT WORKS FOR YOU
Follow Tessa on LinkedIn
https://www.tessawestauthor.com/
Buy Now the book: JERKS AT WORK
Contact ANI
Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company
Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn
negotiateanything.com
Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
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