The Negotiators

Wow! I got to read Dr. Bruno Verdini’s book, “Winning Together: The Natural Resource Negotiation Playbook,” but getting to hear him talk about the negotiations himself is even more insightful, especially prior to the October 31st episode, as it really sets the stage for the modern day. Just the way the episode started, with how resources are framed in the context of Spanish colonialism and how Mexico may view the issue as “what could have been, and what was lost,” as well as the very real discrepancy between how Mexico and the U.S. thought about measuring a water shortage… quite illuminating. Dr. Verdini’s work ethic and passion is plain to see as well. It must certainly take a lot of grit to comprehensively capture the nuances of the Colorado River negotiations and get the stakeholders to agree to be interviewed for his work as well. Huge props to Host Jenn Williams as well for facilitating the conversation and to the team for great editing and framing. It was a great listen. In today’s world, in the context of several environmental challenges (given a race to net-zero by 2050, increasing droughts with global warming, etc.), hearing more about negotiations like these is so important to learn how to best approach future challenges. Many issues we face today are not necessarily about technology obstacles, but rather those of economic, policy, and social concerns. As an aspiring leader in climate and clean tech myself, I am very grateful for the opportunity to hear more about these scenarios in easy-to-digest formats like this podcast. Very important work here, and will certainly be a repeat listener to this podcast. Thanks for all your work!

I listen to this podcast and am always thrilled to listen to these real life spy stories

I’m already a big fan of Jennifer and this pod. But this is such a complicated story. An intimate look inside a truly remarkable outcome. Thanks for the level of detail. It renews some faith. Brava!

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