Why “Nice” Negotiators Win More: Master the Soft Skills That Close Big Deals, with Derek Blazensky & Todd Camp @ The Pareto Group

Most people dread negotiations, whether it’s salary discussions, sales deals, or even personal conflicts. But what if negotiating didn’t have to feel stressful, combative, or uncomfortable? What if you could negotiate like an elite expert without ever feeling like a jerk?

In this episode of Don’t Be a Jerk, Healey sits down with Derek Blazensky and Todd Camp, negotiation advisors who’ve coached executives from some of the largest companies in the world, helping them navigate billion-dollar deals with ease and empathy.

Here’s just a taste of the practical negotiation tactics and strategies you’ll walk away with:

- The Four Reasons People Say No: Learn exactly why someone rejects your idea or offer (hint: it’s never personal), and discover how to address each issue to get to “yes.”

- How to Ask Better Questions: Small adjustments to your phrasing can immediately disarm defensiveness and make tough conversations collaborative instead of combative.

- Why Saying “No” Is Essential (and Powerful): Derek and Todd break down why the most successful negotiators actively embrace hearing and saying “no” — turning rejection into opportunity.

- Advanced Negotiation Mindset: Discover how to stay calm, confident, and clear-headed even in tense situations, transforming challenging conversations into win-win outcomes.

If you’ve ever struggled with negotiations, felt stuck after a rejection, or simply want to become a more confident, empathetic negotiator, this episode is your tactical playbook.

Tune in to the episode now wherever you get your podcasts (Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and more).