Evolve or Be Slaughtered: Derrick Chevalier on Negotiating People, Not Problems

Oct 27, 2025

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Guest: Derrick Chevalier — H-C (h-c.com), Evolve or Be Slaughtered (Amazon #1)
Core ideas:
- Negotiate people, not problems; products don’t change—people do
- “Feel good” ≠ “win-win”; feelings aren’t facts
- Persuasion vs influence: persuasion is seen, influence is felt
- Antidote axiom: the antidote to any tactic is that tactic (or its opposite) elevated
- Harmony > balance for life/work integration
Tactics & frameworks:
- Identify counterpart intent (not just demeanor)
- When splitting the difference can be smart—and when it’s a trap
- Cooperative empathy: share just enough of your constraints to co-design terms
- Post-deal audit: judge outcomes by ROI over time, not end-of-meeting vibes
Stories & examples:
- From hostage talks to aerospace & automotive deals
- Coaching a skeptic who becomes a “gold medallion” client and top negotiator/lawyer
- Miles Davis “wrong chord → resolution” as a model for harmony
Takeaways:
- Prepare to discover what you don’t know about the other side
- Don’t avoid “sales”—upgrade your definition and skill set
- Use influence to align behavior, not manipulate
Resources:
- Book: Evolve or Be Slaughtered (Amazon)
- Connect with Derrick: IG @derrick_chevalier, FB /anyproblemsolved, LI profile

Free 30-min consult link via h-c.com

(01:00) How did you get to be where you are today?

(03:43) Who do you serve today?

(05:38) So if I wanted to come work with you, what would be some of the criteria that you would be looking for?

(09:37) So on that note, how do you get in front of your potential client?

(12:34) What are some commonalities, mistakes, misconceptions that people have when they start working with you or when they come to you?

(25:24) Can you talk to us about how negotiation impacts everyday life, whether it's business or personal?

(30:41) Have you heard of Chris Voss?

(42:34) What is your take on balance in life and work?

(49:34) What is the best advice you have ever received?

(51:21) What's the best advice you've ever given?

(58:23) We've talked about a few things. Is there something that we haven't touched on yet that you would like to talk about?

(59:39) Where can we learn more about you and what you do and your book?

Virginia Purnell

Funnel & Visibility Specialist

Distinct Digital Marketing

(833) 762-5336

virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.com