In our daily lives, negotiation plays an integral role, weaving itself into interactions ranging from persuading our children to eat their vegetables to reaching agreements in complex legal cases. As a lawyer deeply entrenched in both legal and leadership perspectives, I've come to realise that negotiation is an art that, when mastered, can be transformative in both the legal industry and the broader business arena.

Negotiation is an intricate dance, requiring a balance of empathy, strategy, and ethical considerations. Whether rooted in trust or positioned adversarially, mastering negotiation can lead to profound outcomes in both the legal profession and the broader business world. By focusing on interests over positions, leveraging key negotiation variables, and acknowledging the emotional dimensions at play, we can refine our approach, negotiating not just agreements but lasting and meaningful partnerships.

Links:

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As I sat down recently for a deeply engaging conversation with my friend and esteemed colleague, Gabrielle Forbes, I couldn't help but reflect on a pervasive challenge I've observed spanning my years in the law and business: ego.

In the pressure-cooker environment of professional services, where intellect and competition dance a fine line, ego can either serve as a driving force or become a career-stalling impediment. Over our discussion, Gabbi and I explored how unchecked ego can undermine leadership, especially in the uniquely collaborative world of law. Our conversation was not just about the theory of ego in leadership but about real experiences and strategies to foster genuine collaboration and growth in competitive environments.

My dialogue with Gabbi was a crucial reminder that leadership is not about who stands in front, basking in their own glory, but about who works behind the scenes to build an inclusive, empowered, and cohesive team.

Thank you to Gabrielle Forbes for a candid and inspiring dialogue.

Links:

Website | LinkedIn | YouTube

Leaving the comfort of a secure job is never an easy decision, especially when you're walking away from something often referred to as "the golden handcuffs." In the legal industry, these handcuffs are not only golden but intricately woven with the prestige and stability of being part of an established law firm. So why did I leave big law, a global business that I helped launch in the Australian market, to embark on a new path as a mediator and leadership coach?

For me, the decision wasn't just about financial readiness to take a risk, although that was a pragmatic reason. It was more about a deep-seated need for change and challenge. As time went by, I found myself getting too comfortable in my role, and I realised that comfort wasn't where I wanted to be. I needed an environment that pushed me, an opportunity to grow in different directions.

In shedding those golden handcuffs, I’ve embraced a life that’s richer in creativity and personal fulfilment. I hope you'll join me in exploring the possibilities that lie in embracing change and unleashing your own potential. Thanks for being part of my journey.

Links:

Website | LinkedIn | YouTube

As someone who's always had a keen interest in the dynamics of leadership and the intricacies of mediation and negotiation, I found myself at a crossroads where I wanted to connect the dots between these passions and my professional journey. This is how "The Resolution Room" was born. A podcast designed to discuss topics around leadership, mediation, negotiation and team building.

You might wonder, why the name "The Resolution Room"? This title encapsulates the dual purpose of my mission at Evolve Resolve: resolving claims and elevating leadership. I've found that in professional services, many people overlook the transition required to move from being a skilled technician to becoming an effective people leader. This transition is both a challenge and an opportunity - one I intend to explore through my podcast, with insights from my own experiences and conversations with insightful guests.

Themes and Focus

In The Resolution Room, we'll tackle two central themes. First up is negotiation and mediation. While my day-to-day work often involves the legal community, given my collaboration with lawyers, the principles of negotiation extend far beyond law. They're integral to leadership. After all, negotiation is a critical tool for anyone looking to lead effectively. Secondly, we'll dive into leadership itself. My passion lies in leading oneself, leading others, building better teams, and even crafting a personal brand that stands out.

The Connection Between Mediation and Leadership

Why the crossover? Why combine mediation with leadership within a single podcast? For me, it makes perfect sense. The skills required to resolve issues or disputes as a mediator are remarkably similar to those needed in leadership. Whether it's managing team dynamics, maintaining profitability, fostering client and stakeholder relationships, or navigating the day-to-day challenges a leader faces, resolution skills come into play. Moreover, leadership isn't just about dealing with immediate issues; it's about having the strategic foresight to anticipate and adapt to larger disruptions in business and the industry.

About Me—Damien Van Brunschot

I was originally admitted as a solicitor back in 1996. Fast forward to 2007, and alongside a business partner, we established a law firm that rapidly scaled from four people to a team of fifty in just eight years. Our growth trajectory led us to align with a global brand, which offered unique opportunities and challenges. Eventually, I became the managing partner of this international enterprise in the Australian market, combining startup and scale-up experiences with the perspective of a global brand. This journey has equipped me with a unique lens, which I aim to bring into every episode of The Resolution Room.

The podcast is an avenue not only for me to share my insights and learnings but also to engage with like-minded individuals who are curious about leadership and resolution. I hope you'll find value in the conversations that unfold in The Resolution Room. Thank you for joining me on this journey.

Links:

Website: https://www.evolveresolve.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damien-van-brunschot-95b05755/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@evolveresolve