This episode tackles the economic impact of supporting caregivers at work, highlighting productivity losses from absenteeism. It reveals barriers faced by caregivers, especially post-pandemic, and suggests that companies rethink recruitment strategies to attract diverse talent. The discussion emphasizes flexible arrangements for hidden workers and the financial benefits of caregiving support. Additionally, the role of government policies, such as paid family leave, is examined, revealing strategies to enhance workforce participation among women and older individuals.

Colin Powell, the former U.S. Secretary of State known for his diplomatic acumen, shares invaluable negotiation insights. He emphasizes the importance of understanding your counterpart's needs and maintaining respectful communication, even during criticism. Powell discusses the intertwining of hard and soft power, along with strategies for effective negotiation. He also introduces the concept of strategic empathy to enhance adaptability and speed in negotiations, ensuring that potential opportunities are seized without sacrificing respect and collaboration.

Colin Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State and four-star general, shares insights from a pivotal moment in U.S. history. He reflects on the internal negotiations leading to his controversial UN speech that justified the Iraq invasion. Powell discusses the pressure he faced, flawed intelligence, and how a more strategic approach might have changed the outcome. He emphasizes the value of thorough preparation and adaptability in high-stakes situations, offering valuable lessons on negotiation failures and their dire consequences.

Colin Powell, a distinguished soldier and former U.S. Secretary of State, shares his invaluable lessons in negotiation from a decorated career. He recounts high-stakes negotiations with Vladimir Putin over the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and a tense incident involving a U.S. spy plane in China. Powell also discusses mediating a potential conflict between Spain and Morocco, emphasizing the power of relationships, creative solutions, and adaptability in diplomacy. His stories illustrate profound insights into effective dealmaking and dispute resolution.

Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, and Rex Tillerson share their first-hand experiences negotiating with Vladimir Putin. They delve into the importance of preparation, interpersonal tactics, and cultural understanding when facing tough negotiators. Insightful anecdotes reveal the complexities of Putin's character and the necessity of building emotional connections. The conversation emphasizes adaptability and respect, providing strategies to turn challenges into opportunities for successful outcomes in high-stakes diplomacy.

John Branca was tasked by his client, Michael Jackson, to buy the Beatles’ catalog. Jackson’s instructions: “under any circumstances, do not lose this catalog, but do not overpay and don’t over-negotiate.” To pull this off, Branca was soon embroiled in a fierce competition against record companies and individuals such as Richard Branson who also craved this musical prize. Ultimately, John Branca must negotiate with its then-owner, ruthless Australian billionaire, Robert Holmes á Court, who frequently made reference to how the clever North Vietnamese bested the vastly stronger Americans.  Via tactics that have broader implications for other negotiators, Branca was able to pull off this deal for a much lower price than offered by others and parlay it into an unprecedentedly lucrative joint venture for Jackson with Sony.About the Podcast:From Disney’s acquisition of Pixar, to trade agreements with China, pivotal Blackstone deals, and the peaceful end of apartheid in South Africa, landmark agreements are often spearheaded by savvy negotiators who employ winning strategies and tactics. I’m Jim Sebenius, your host for Dealcraft. For decades, I've practiced, researched, advised high-level clients,  and taught effective approaches to complex negotiations.  These experiences led me to create Dealcraft.  I welcome you to join me each week as I share fascinating deal stories and distill practical insights for listeners to apply in their own toughest negotiations.Host: Jim SebeniusCo-Producers: Alex Green and Avery Moore KlossOutreach: PodglomerateMaterials courtesy of the American Secretaries of State Program, a joint effort of the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School, the Program on the Future of Diplomacy at Harvard Kennedy School, and Harvard Business School. Copyright © President and Fellows of Harvard College.

Tommy Koh, one of Singapore's top diplomats, shares his insights on negotiating a free trade deal with the United States. He recalls the unexpected origins of this agreement, sparked by a midnight golf game, showcasing how humor and strategy played key roles. Koh discusses the challenges he faced from high-profile opposition and emphasizes the importance of building bipartisan relationships. His unique blend of emotional intelligence and tactical adaptability shines through as he reflects on powerful lessons from his illustrious career in diplomacy.

Steve Schwarzman, Co-founder and CEO of Blackstone, shares his hardball negotiation insights from his illustrious career. He discusses navigating tough negotiations, including a railroad acquisition where psychological strategies played a key role. Schwarzman reflects on high-stakes situations like the economic turmoil post-Iraq and Blackstone's investment challenges. He emphasizes adapting tactics, understanding dynamics, and asserting authority to achieve successful outcomes. The conversation reveals the delicate balance between strategy and relationship-building in high-pressure deals.

Desirée Stolar, a recent Harvard Business School graduate and entrepreneur, dives into her high-stakes negotiations surrounding her startup, Unshrink It. She shares the intense dynamics of preparing for Shark Tank, including equity splits with her co-founder and navigating the sharks' contrasting personalities. Stolar discusses how they adapted their pitch in real-time and the critical lessons learned about relationship-building and strategy. Her unique insights highlight the pressures of negotiating under duress and the importance of continuous learning in business.

In a fascinating discussion, Steve Schwarzman, co-founder and CEO of Blackstone, shares insights from his journey transforming a vulnerable startup into a trillion-dollar giant. He recounts early fundraising hurdles and the importance of understanding investor needs for successful negotiations. Schwarzman delves into the complexity of high-stakes deals, emphasizing the role of personal relationships and creativity. His emphasis on empathetic negotiation highlights the significance of engaging deeply with all parties to craft innovative solutions.