Empathy at the Table: Real Conversations with People who Negotiate Every Day

Tony Anagor
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Welcome to "Empathy at the Table," the podcast that demystifies the world of negotiation and empowers listeners to navigate conversations with skill and compassion. Hosted by Tony Anagor, this show brings you enlightening conversations with experts and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds, all sharing insights from their unique spheres of influence within the realm of negotiation. Remember, it's not just about the deal on the table – it's about the relationships we nurture and the understanding we cultivate. Welcome to "Empathy at the Table."

  1. SEP 23

    Episode 55: Navigating Emotions in the Workplace - DB Bedford

    SummaryIn this episode of Empathy at the Table, host Tony Anagor interviews DB Bedford, an expert in emotional intelligence and workplace civility. DB shares his journey from a troubled youth in Oakland to becoming a thought leader in emotional intelligence. He discusses the importance of understanding emotions, the fragility of human interactions, and the need for intentional practice in emotional intelligence. DB also highlights the significance of civility in the workplace and how emotional intelligence can improve team dynamics. The conversation concludes with insights on implementing emotional intelligence programs and navigating difficult conversations.takeaways- Emotional intelligence is crucial for better decision-making.- DB Bedford's journey illustrates the power of personal growth.- Calmness can be a superpower in conflict resolution.- Emotions are fragile and should be handled with care.- Intentional practice is key to developing emotional intelligence.- Civility in the workplace enhances team dynamics.- Understanding personal values can prevent misunderstandings.- Emotional intelligence can be taught through structured programs.- Purposeful pauses can lead to better communication.- Everyone has the potential to grow emotionally, regardless of age.Sound Bites"Calmness be your superpower.""Don't bite the hook.""Can you take a purposeful pause?"Chapters00:00Introduction and Background of DB Bedford01:57DB's Journey to Emotional Intelligence05:11Transforming from a Troubled Past08:00The Fragility of Emotions10:59Intentionality in Emotional Intelligence14:18The Calling to Write 'I Never Worry'17:36Understanding Emotional Intelligence20:14Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace22:03Civility and Workplace Dynamics27:29Implementing Emotional Intelligence Programs30:53The Importance of Emotional Responsibility32:30Navigating Difficult Conversations33:48Conclusion and Future Endeavors Connect with DB Bedford Linkedin:

    39 min
  2. Episode 54: Empathy, Conflict and De-Escalation - Totti Karpela

    SEP 16

    Episode 54: Empathy, Conflict and De-Escalation - Totti Karpela

    Discover the incredible story of Totti Karpela, a former Finnish SWAT negotiator turned global conflict resolution expert. In this exclusive episode of Empathy at the Table with Tony Anagor, Totti shares how emotional intelligence, not force, is the real key to de-escalation—whether in hostage situations or high-stakes business deals. You’ll learn: What makes a “tough” negotiator How silence can change negotiations Why emotional triggers matter more than logic How to prevent workplace violence before it begins This episode is a must-watch for leaders, HR professionals, and negotiation specialists looking to navigate conflict with confidence and compassion. 👉 Subscribe for more episodes on leadership, empathy, and negotiation tactics! Connect with Totti Karpela on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tottikarpela/ To know more about Tony Anagor https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-anagor? FOLLOW Emotionally Intelligent Negotiation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/einegotiation/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emotionally-intelligent-negotiation-ein/ Website: https://einegotiation.com/ #EmpathyAtTheTable #TottiKarpela #ConflictResolution #EmotionalIntelligence #NegotiationTips #WorkplaceWellness #SWATStories #DeescalationTactics #LeadershipSkills #TonyAnagorPodcast

    36 min

  3. SEP 2

    Episode 53: Telling You Own Story Matters - Tony Anagor

    In this special episode, the tables are turned. Instead of hosting, I’m the one in the hot seat. Storyteller Esther Mogoda interviews me about my journey as an entrepreneur, coach, negotiation skills trainer, and podcast host.We dive into my origins, why I do what I do, and how I know this is the work I was born to do. It’s raw, honest, and deeply personal.If you’ve ever wondered why telling your own story matters, this episode is for you.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on leadership, negotiation, and emotional intelligence.

    1h 20m
  4. Episode 52: Getting Back to the Table - Lessons from Failure in Negotiation - Joshua Weiss

    AUG 19

    Episode 52: Getting Back to the Table - Lessons from Failure in Negotiation - Joshua Weiss

    In this episode of Empathy at the Table, host Tony Anagor speaks with negotiation expert Josh Weiss about his journey into the field of negotiation, the importance of education, and the role of failure in the negotiation process. They discuss how children's literature can be used to teach conflict resolution skills, the significance of resilience, and the necessity of debriefing after negotiations. Josh shares insights on different types of failure and the importance of political will in successful negotiations, emphasizing that negotiation is not just about making deals but also about building relationships.Josh shares insights on different types of failure and the importance of political will in successful negotiations, emphasizing that negotiation is not just about making deals but also about building relationships. 🔔 Subscribe for more stories from leaders redefining success through empathy and emotional mastery.#JoshWeiss #EmpathyInBusiness #FoundersJourney #LeadershipPodcast #BurnoutRecovery #EmotionalIntelligence #PurposeDrivenLeadership #EntrepreneurInsights #TonyAnagor👉 Subscribe for more episodes on leadership, empathy, and negotiation tactics!Connect with Josh Weiss on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-weiss-b1882a/To know more about Tony Anagorhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-anagor?FOLLOW Emotionally Intelligent Negotiation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/einegotiation/?hl=enLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/emotionally-intelligent-negotiation-ein/Website: https://einegotiation.com FOLLOW Emotionally Intelligent Negotiation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/einegotiation/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emotionally-intelligent-negotiation-ein/ Website: https://einegotiation.com/#FoundersJourney #LeadershipPodcast #BurnoutRecovery #EmotionalIntelligence #PurposeDrivenLeadership #EntrepreneurInsights #TonyAnagor

    46 min
  5. Episode 51: Real Talk on Tough Negotiations - Tony Shepherd

    AUG 5

    Episode 51: Real Talk on Tough Negotiations - Tony Shepherd

    In this episode of Empathy at the Table, I sat down with my good friend and seasoned negotiator Tony Shepherd—a lawyer, consultant, and straight-talker with over three decades of experience. This conversation pulled no punches.We challenged a lot of the feel-good ideas people have around negotiation—like the myth of “win-win” and the danger of being overly collaborative. Tony shared stories that made me rethink how I’ve handled certain business relationships—and honestly, how sometimes empathy is misunderstood or misused. We unpacked:Why “win-win” can be unrealistic—and even harmfulHow large companies manipulate relationships under the guise of trustThe importance of clear boundaries—even when emotions are high. The risks of being liked too much in negotiations, how to stay grounded in emotionally intelligent conflict, if you’ve ever felt used in a negotiation, struggled to stand your ground, or sacrificed too much in the name of “being nice”—this conversation will resonate with you. Connect with Tony Shepherd on LinkedIn To know more about ⁠⁠⁠⁠Tony Anagor⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW Emotionally Intelligent Negotiation ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠

    1h 3m
  6. Episode 50: Conscious Leadership for the Future - Sebastian Ross

    JUL 22

    Episode 50: Conscious Leadership for the Future - Sebastian Ross

    In this special 50th episode of Empathy at the Table, I sit down once again with Sebastian Ross, Academic Director at IESE Business School, to explore the deep inner transformation founders must undergo to scale not just their companies—but themselves. From emotional intelligence in startups and feedback-driven leadership to conscious capitalism and self-growth for entrepreneurs, this powerful conversation is a masterclass in modern leadership. Whether you're a founder, executive, or changemaker, this episode will challenge your mindset and inspire a new vision of what it means to lead with empathy. 🔔 Subscribe for more insights on emotional leadership, scaling mindfully, and building purpose-driven businesses. 📌 Topics Covered: How founders evolve emotionallyScaling yourself before scaling your businessConscious capitalism in practiceCultivating a feedback cultureLeading with humility and empathy 👥 Guest: Sebastian Ross – IESE Business School 🎙️ Host: Tony Anagor 🎧 Listen & grow with us in this milestone episode.

    1h 11m
  7. Episode 49: Leadership, Loyalty & Letting Go - Charles Kissel

    JUL 8

    Episode 49: Leadership, Loyalty & Letting Go - Charles Kissel

    In this deeply personal episode of Empathy at the Table, I sit down with Chuck Kissel, CEO of CSU Fullerton Auxiliary Services, to talk about leadership, loyalty, and life-changing perspective.Chuck spent over 30 years rising through the ranks of a $70M organization, leading nearly 2,000 people. But what truly shook me—and shaped this conversation—is what happened one day in the office during the pandemic: Chuck suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and was clinically dead for four minutes. In this powerful conversation, we talk about: ✅ The life lessons he learned after that near-death experience ✅Why leadership is about more than titles—it's about impact ✅ The emotional toll of decision-making at the top ✅ His negotiation mindset: patient, strategic, unafraid to walk away ✅ How empathy fuels long-term culture, retention, and resilience Whether you're an aspiring leader or a seasoned executive, Chuck’s journey will challenge you to rethink how you're showing up—for your team, and for yourself. Connect with Charles Kissel on LinkedIn To know more about ⁠⁠⁠Tony Anagor⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW Emotionally Intelligent Negotiation ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠

    44 min
  8. Episode 48: Peace and Leadership Psychology - Jeremy Pollack

    JUN 24

    Episode 48: Peace and Leadership Psychology - Jeremy Pollack

    In this episode of Empathy at the Table, host Tony Anagor sits down with Jeremy Pollack—martial artist, peace psychologist, and founder of Pollack Peacebuilding Systems—for a powerful conversation on the psychology of conflict and negotiation. From boardrooms to battlefields of the mind, Jeremy shares how emotional intelligence, nervous system awareness, and self-reflection shape how we resolve conflict—within ourselves and with others. This episode dives deep into how inner peace leads to better leadership, healthier relationships, and more productive conversations. Whether you're a team leader, founder, or just someone looking to get better at handling tough conversations, this is for you. If you’ve ever avoided a tough conversation, struggled with inner tension, or wanted to lead more mindfully, this episode will give you the tools, language, and mindset to handle conflict with clarity, courage, and compassion. Connect with Jeremy Pollack on LinkedIn To know more about ⁠⁠Tony Anagor⁠⁠ FOLLOW Emotionally Intelligent Negotiation ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Website⁠

    37 min
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About

Welcome to "Empathy at the Table," the podcast that demystifies the world of negotiation and empowers listeners to navigate conversations with skill and compassion. Hosted by Tony Anagor, this show brings you enlightening conversations with experts and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds, all sharing insights from their unique spheres of influence within the realm of negotiation. Remember, it's not just about the deal on the table – it's about the relationships we nurture and the understanding we cultivate. Welcome to "Empathy at the Table."

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