"Negotiation is our lifestyle. Every communication, every conversation, every dialogue that we have can be viewed as a negotiation." – Adam Dolejš

Are you someone who thinks negotiation is just for boardrooms and car dealerships? Think again! In this enlightening episode of "Awake in the Network," hosts Billy Dexter and Melissa G. Wilson welcome negotiation experts Gerry (founder of The Material Source) and Adam Dolejš (certified negotiator and ethical influence coach) for a masterclass on the art and science of effective negotiation.

What You'll Learn:

• Why negotiation is part of everyday life – even newborn babies are negotiating (and they're ruthless!)
• The psychology behind win-win solutions – it's not what you think it is
• The power of silence – a tactical negotiation tool anyone can use today
• How to build trust through emotional reciprocity and active listening
• Practical strategies to overcome the three biggest obstacles to good communication

From Gerry's journey starting in Northern Ohio to becoming a negotiation expert, to Adam's remarkable story of transforming a student club with zero budget into a $150,000 company in just two years, this episode is packed with real-world insights from professionals who've mastered the art of negotiation across cultures and industries.

Whether you're negotiating a major business deal, your salary, or simply trying to decide where to have dinner tonight, the wisdom shared in this episode will transform how you approach every conversation.

Key Takeaway:

"Slow down, stop talking, start listening, And if you want great deals and great relationships, you need to make other people on the other side heroes."

Brought to you by NetWorlding Publishing, books and more that make the world better. Follow the "Awake in the Network" podcast, where destiny happens.

Connect with Gerry and Adam on LinkedIn to learn more about their upcoming book "Negotiators on Negotiating."

Reach out to Adam at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dolejsadam/
Reach out to Gerry at https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerry-parran-mba-b51720176/

Connect with Billy @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billydexter/
Connect with Melissa @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagwilson/
Connect with John @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-st-augustine-1b3192/

"You are who Google says you are." - Anouk Pappers

In a world where first impressions increasingly happen online, understanding how to craft your personal brand has never been more crucial. On this episode of the "Awake in the Network" podcast, we welcome brand anthropologist and online presence architect Anouk Pappers, who shared her fascinating journey and powerful insights on personal branding.

Who is Anouk Pappers?

Born and raised in Amsterdam, Anouk's innate curiosity about different cultures led her to study anthropology. Since 2002, she has combined her anthropological background with branding expertise as CEO of Signitt and founder of CoolBrands People

Her career has taken her from Amsterdam to the south of France, Dubai, Brazil, New York, and now Miami—each move orchestrated through meaningful network connections that exemplify the podcast's theme of "destiny moments" happening through network awareness.

Around the World in 80 Brands

Anouk's passion for storytelling and cultural understanding led her to create "Around the World in 80 Brands," a storytelling expedition on which she traveled globally and interviewed over 900 CEOs and CMOs. These experiences shaped her understanding of what she calls "lifestyle nations"—communities of like-minded individuals who share values regardless of geographical location.

The Power of Future-Focused Branding

What sets Anouk's approach apart is her emphasis on future-focused personal branding. Rather than dwelling on past accomplishments, she encourages executives to articulate where they want to go clearly:

"The most important thing is always to have an idea of what your next goal is. It's about being future-focused... Most people talk about where they lived, what they did, where they worked, where they studied... but I think we should talk about where we want to go."

This forward-looking approach creates opportunities for meaningful connections, as others can help you reach your goals when they understand your direction.

Building Your Online Presence

In today's digital world, Anouk emphasizes that "you are who Google says you are." She shared three revealing questions she asks audiences:

1. Did you Google yourself lately? (Only about 1/3 of people do)
2. Do you Google others? (Almost everyone does)
3. What does this disconnect mean for your personal brand?

Anouk's work helps executives bridge this gap by developing online presences that authentically represent who they are and where they're headed. This isn't just about social media—it's about creating a cohesive narrative across all digital touchpoints that supports your goals.

The Red Brand

One delightful insight into Anouk's branding strategy is her deliberate use of the color red. Years ago, she found herself in a room full of grey and blue suits, so she chose red as her signature color to stand out. Today, it's become her "smashable brand"—a visual element so distinctive that even a small piece of it is immediately recognizable as hers.

Connect with Anouk

Ready to build your own powerful personal brand? Connect with Anouk Pappers on LinkedIn or visit AnoukPappers.com to learn more about her work with Signet Personal Branding.

Listen to the full episode of this podcast featuring Anouk Pappers to discover how being "awake in your network" can create destiny moments in your career and life.

Connect with Billy @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billydexter/
Connect with Melissa @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagwilson/
Connect with John @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-st-augustine-1b3192/

From the projects of Cabrini Green to becoming the first Black woman to lead the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, Kim Foxx's extraordinary journey is a masterclass in resilience, purpose, and authenticity.

JOIN HOSTS BILLY DEXTER AND MELISSA G. WILSON AS THEY EXPLORE:

• How growing up in Chicago's Cabrini Green shaped Kim's identity and fueled her determination
• The profound impact of meeting her first lawyer—a moment that changed the trajectory of her life
• Her groundbreaking achievements in criminal justice reform, including over 250 overturned wrongful convictions
• The challenges of navigating high-profile cases and media scrutiny while staying true to her values
• Kim's current journey embracing what she calls "the privilege of whimsy"—discovering dreams and possibilities beyond survival

"I firmly believe now in life that everything happens for you, not to you." - Kim Foxx

This robust conversation goes far beyond headlines to reveal how authentic connections can transform lives and communities. Kim's eloquent storytelling and Billy's shared understanding of overcoming incredible odds create a compelling dialogue about representation, possibility, and the power of seeing yourself in unexpected places.

Listen now to discover how someone from the margins can rise to create meaningful change while never forgetting where they came from.

Brought to you by NetWorlding Publishing: Books and more that make the world better.

"Until next time, everybody stay awake in the network where destiny really does happen."

Share your unique Awake-in-the-Network experience—you might be our next guest!

#AwakeInTheNetwork #KimFoxx #PrivilegeOfWhimsy #WhereDestinyHappens

Connect with Billy @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billydexter/
Connect with Melissa @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagwilson/
Connect with John @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-st-augustine-1b3192/