Harvard’s William Ury: The Hidden Power of Going to the Balcony

In high-stakes conflict, the greatest power is knowing when to pause. In this episode, Kwame Christian sits down with William Ury, Harvard negotiation master, co-founder of the Harvard Program on Negotiation, and co-author of the global bestseller "Getting to Yes." But beyond the books and accolades, Ury reveals his most profound secret — "Going to the Balcony." William Ury shares the gripping story of how this simple yet transformative technique helped him navigate high-stakes conflicts, including an explosive crisis in Venezuela that nearly spiraled into civil war. Ury explains how stepping back — both mentally and emotionally — is the ultimate power move, whether you're negotiating a billion-dollar deal, resolving a family dispute, or defusing an international crisis. Listeners will discover: The surprising power of silence and how it can change any negotiation. How to use "Going to the Balcony" to maintain control in the most intense situations. Why mastering yourself is the key to mastering any conflict. Real-world stories where Ury’s method transformed impossible negotiations. If you’ve ever struggled to keep your cool in tough conversations, this episode is your blueprint for turning chaos into clarity. Listen in and learn the technique that has saved lives, brokered peace, and transformed the way the world negotiates. www.williamury.com Buy the Book: POSSIBLE- How We Survive (and Thrive) in an Age of Conflict By William Ury 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