{"podcast":{"title":"Big Swings Only","slug":"negotiate-anything-5844366","podcast_index_feed_id":5844366,"rss_url":"https://feeds.megaphone.fm/LI9239874689","website_url":"http://www.americannegotiationinstitute.com","image_url":"https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/17f9602a-ee8c-11ec-92bf-d711c1f4acfb/image/6855b3ea37e51bfd9caf2a499d1f3ad1.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress","author":"American Negotiation Institute","episode_count":1861,"summary":"Playing it safe is easy. It’s comfortable. And it will never take you to the next level.If you’ve got what it takes to hit the ball out of the park, the only thing holding you back is whether you’re brave enough to take a big swing.Big Swings Only is for people who were meant for more — the ones done playing by rules that were never built for them.Hosted by Kwame Christian, each week brings you the real stories of people who fought their fear, went after the life they actually wanted, and became who they had to become to get it.The psychology behind the swing. The strategy behind the risk. The nerve it takes to go all in.You were built for more, and this show was built for you. Subscribe now. 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) Tune in to Transform Your Life: Join millions of listeners who have already unlocked the power of negotiation. Subscrib…","last_synced_at":"2026-09-10T16:17:40.778620+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/negotiate-anything-5844366"},"episode":{"title":"Why the \"Just Be Yourself\" Is a Terrible Negotiation Advice - Dr. Laura Sicola","slug":"why-the-just-be-yourself-is-a-terrible-negotiation-advice-dr-laura-sicola","published_at":"2026-06-04T09:00:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/negotiate-anything-5844366/why-the-just-be-yourself-is-a-terrible-negotiation-advice-dr-laura-sicola","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/negotiate-anything-5844366","url":"https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/s.gum.fm/s-68b9f3f0d5d94d8302cbc0c0/traffic.megaphone.fm/YAP8399745845.mp3","audio_url":"https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/s.gum.fm/s-68b9f3f0d5d94d8302cbc0c0/traffic.megaphone.fm/YAP8399745845.mp3","summary":"What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't a lack of skill — it's your definition of authenticity? In this thought-provoking conversation, communication expert, TEDx speaker, and Speaking to Influence author Dr. Laura Sicola challenges one of the most common beliefs about personal growth: the idea that being authentic means staying exactly as you are. From navigating unexpected career pivots to breaking free from the \"expert's curse,\" Laura shares why the most successful people aren't the ones with perfectly planned paths—they're the ones willing to embrace discomfort, adapt their communication, and take opportunities before they feel fully ready. Together, we explore why fear often disguises itself as authenticity, how mastering different communication \"languages\" expands your influence, and why your next breakthrough may be hiding on the other side of a conversation you're afraid to have. You'll discover: Why \"How did you get where you are?\" might be the wrong question The hidden danger of the expert's curse How to communicate complex ideas without sounding simplistic The difference between authenticity and comfort Why code-switching isn't inauthentic—it's a leadership skill The role of courage, curiosity, and transferable skills in creating extraordinary opportunities This episode is packed with practical insights, powerful stories, and mindset shifts that will challenge the way you think about growth, influence, and what it really means to be yourself. If you've ever felt stuck between who you are and who you're becoming, this conversation is for you. Connect with Dr. Laura Sicola 🌐 - https://laurasicola.com/ 📖 - Speaking to Influence: Mastering Your Leadership Voice TEDx Talks - Want to sound like a leader? Start by saying your name right | Laura Sicola | TE…","meta_description":"What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't a lack of skill — it's your definition of authenticity? In this thought-provoking conversation, communica…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":3385,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/negotiate-anything-5844366/episodes/why-the-just-be-yourself-is-a-terrible-negotiation-advice-dr-laura-sicola/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/negotiate-anything-5844366/why-the-just-be-yourself-is-a-terrible-negotiation-advice-dr-laura-sicola.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}