In this episode, we are privileged to be joined by negotiation expert Mike Inman. With a wealth of experience accumulated over more than a decade, Mike has trained the managers many of the world's leading Fortune 500 companies. His tenure as a negotiation trainer spans six continents, during which he has equipped over 7,000 B2B negotiators with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in competitive business environments. Mike's expertise extends is grounded in real-world practice, making him an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their negotiation skills.

We discuss negotiation expertise, exploring what it truly means to be an experienced negotiator. Through reflective discussions and insightful anecdotes, we unravel the evolution of negotiation skills over a career trajectory.

Mike shares personal experiences, recounting pivotal moments where their negotiation abilities underwent transformative growth. From navigating early career challenges to leveraging accumulated expertise for strategic advantage, each anecdote offers valuable lessons in negotiation.

We explore the relationship between experience negotiation outcomes, probing the significance of practice, repetition, and experiential learning versus formal training. Our conversation also touches on the dynamics between negotiating with experienced versus inexperienced counterparts, uncovering common pitfalls and mitigation strategies.

Drawing from Mike's experience, we explore the impact of guidance on negotiation development. Additionally, we examine areas for continued growth and improvement, emphasizing the importance of remaining adaptable and open to new approaches.

At the end, we distill practical advice for individuals seeking to enhance their negotiation skills, providing actionable strategies to maximize learning opportunities and accelerate growth in this dynamic field.