Rolling Through Negotiations

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In this powerful episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew yarns with Jahna Cedar, a proud Nyiyaparli woman and visionary leader whose work bridges culture, business, and community. Jahna shares her insights on empowerment, governance, and cultural integrity, exploring what it truly means to walk in two worlds.

With over two decades of experience in business management, leadership, social justice, and advocacy, Jahna leads by example through Jahna Cedar Consulting, blending innovation with an unwavering commitment to equity, diversity, and i...

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How many times do we know the right thing to do… and still take the shortcut?
 You know you should listen more in a negotiation.
 You know you should pause before sending that email.
 You know you should double-check the contract, or ask that follow-up question.

But instinct says: “Move faster. Be confident. Push through.”
And that’s when mistakes happen.

If you don’t have technique, you don’t have an answer.
And when you have no answer, you react on instin...

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In this beautiful episode, Uncle David Arden a Kokatha and Gunditjmara songman, celebrated musician, and cultural leader joins host Matthew for a heartfelt yarn that flows through identity, resilience, and the healing power of music.

From his early days in Fitzroy and Collingwood to performing alongside legends like Archie Roach, Ruby Hunter, and Paul Kelly, Uncle David shares how music became his teacher, his medicine, and his way of reconnecting to culture after the deep wounds of the Stolen Generations. Through...

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In this new episode Matthew Karakoulakis sits down with Nigel Denning, Director and Counselling Psychologist at Integrative Psychology & Medicine. Nigel brings decades of experience working with individuals, couples, families, and corporate clients, drawing on a strength and awareness-based philosophy to help people navigate life’s toughest challenges.

Together, Matthew and Nigel explore the psychology behind effective negotiation, how our inner state shapes the way we show up in critical conversations. From the role of breath in regulating our nervous system, to shifting from co...

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In this new episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, host Matthew Karakoulakis sits down with Cameron Morrall, a proud Wotjobaluk man and co-founder of Little Wombats, an early childhood education initiative dedicated to sharing the richness of First Nations culture with young learners.

Cameron shares how storytelling, music, dance, and art become powerful tools to engage children in Aboriginal culture, helping them build respect, understanding, and a sense of pride from a young age. He opens up about the challenges of keeping cultural integrity...

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In this powerful episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew yarns with Shelley Ware a proud Yankunytjatjara and Wirangu woman, educator, author, broadcaster, and advocate who has spent more than two decades shaping conversations in sport, education, and community.

Shelley shares her journey from being one of the first Aboriginal women on mainstream television to becoming a nationally respected voice for change. With wisdom and warmth, Shelley reflects on the lessons learned from her mentors and parents, the power of self-talk and mantras, and how she...

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Next month is Indigenous Business Month a nationwide celebration of the strength, innovation, and resilience of First Nations businesses and leaders. But we didn’t want to wait until October to start the conversation.

In this special highlights episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, we revisit two powerful yarns with Megan Highfold and Selena McGuire. This edit is a short just a short summary designed to share some of the most inspiring moments. If you’d like to hear the full...

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In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew yarns with Murray Smith, founder of Grip 6 and Certified EOS Implementer™, to explore how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) can transform the way leaders and teams approach challenges.

Murray brings lessons from his experience building and re-engineering organisations, backed by an MBA from MIT, a Master’s in HR & Industrial Relations, and studies at Harvard. 

Together, Matthew and Murray break down: 

Why discipline and consistency are more powerful than motivation.How EO...

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In this new episode, Matthew yarns with Cecilia McKenzie, a proud Wiradjuri woman, First Nations advocate, classically trained vocalist, and lived experience practitioner.

With more than a decade of community and counselling work, Cecilia combines her professional knowledge with an artist’s soul, using her voice in both storytelling and music to share hope, healing, and cultural strength.

Cecilia journey is a powerful reminder that strength is often forged in our deepest valleys, and that finding your voice can inspire and up...

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🥋 What does it really take to turn passion into a thriving business while staying true to your values?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew yarn with Sharon Brindley a proud Yamatji Noongar woman, Founder/CEO of Jala Jala Treats, and serial entrepreneur behind multiple ventures including Cooee Café & Catering and TrapEase.

Sharon shares her journey from starting out with raw enthusiasm to becoming an award-winning businesswoman who champions authenticity, diversity, and Black excellence. From the tough lessons of m...

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🥋 What does it take to challenge the thinking of CEOs and boards and help them see the blind spots in their own business?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew sits down with John Kounas, Business Strategist and Advisor to C-Suite Executives and Boards, to unpack the structures, strategies, and mindset shifts that drive real results.

From building vision, mission, and values that teams actually buy into, to pivoting fast when the market shifts, John shares why clarity, agility, and integrity are non-negotiable for lea...

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🥋What does genuine reconciliation really look like?

In this episode, we yarn with Professor Andrew Gunstone, Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor Reconciliation at Federation University and founder of the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth and Justice.

We unpack the uncomfortable truth behind many so-called reconciliation efforts, where flying flags, wearing t-shirts, and hosting morning teas are treated as the full story, not just the starting point. We look beyond performative gestures and ask what it really takes to create structural change, build accountability, and stay grounded in sel...

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🥋 What does it mean to truly listen, not just in a conversation, but in life, business, and negotiation?

This week on Rolling Through Negotiations, we yarn with EJ Garrett, a proud Darumbal and Wulli Wulli man, filmmaker, and founder of EJ Garrett Pty Ltd, an Indigenous-owned media company leading powerful community based projects.

EJ has written, directed, and produced documentaries for NITV, and his approach to storytelling is deeply grounded in respect, listening, and the power of relationships. In this episode, he shares what he's lea...

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🥋 What if mastering sales could help you create real change, not just in business, but for community too?

In this episode we yarn with Richard Hurst, a proud Gamilaroi man whose career spans property, education, recruitment, and leadership across both government and corporate sectors. Richard shares powerful insights from his journey. 

We unpack:

The misunderstood art of sales (and why it starts with listening)How First Nations programs benefit from real connectionsThe power of asking the right questionsBlack excellence in the workplace 

💬 "Don’t sell you...

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🥋 Ever wondered what it really means to ‘find your gold’ and how that mindset shapes your leadership and negotiation skills?

In this episode, we roll through the power of mentoring, self-awareness, and behavioural flexibility with Lindsey Leigh Hobson, a 2024 LinkedIn Top Voice in Mentoring and Founder of The Learning and Development Collective.

Lindsey breaks down the difference between coaching and mentoring, shares practical tools to overcome imposter syndrome, and explains why self-leadership is the foundation of great negotiation.

💬 “Be the person who would in...

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🥋 What does real co-design look like and how do we shift from consultation to genuine collaboration?

This week is NAIDOC Week, a time to celebrate and recognise the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It’s also a time to listen. 

In this episode, we sit down with Marius Little, a proud Arrernte man and engagement specialist who has spent years navigating the spaces between government, business, and community. From his early days in the South Australian public sector to foundi...

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🥋 What makes a leader worth following and how does negotiation fit into the picture?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew sits down with Brent Szalay, the Managing Director of Leaders In Business & SEIVA to unpack the connection between leadership, negotiation, and purpose.

Brent shares insights drawn from decades of experience advising SMEs, leading strategic planning programs, and mentoring business owners to focus on what matters most. From building resilience and measuring success to overcoming fear and setting high stretch goals, this conversation is fil...

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In this episode, we sit down with James d’Apice, the commercial litigator behind the beloved podcast Coffee and a Case Note. Known for serving up short, sharp legal insights over a long black, James brings his sharp wit, humility, and storytelling chops to a longer yarn with Matthew.

Key Takeaways:

The real-life tension between director duties and day-to-day business reality.How “co-owner conflicts” often come down to missed values and unspoken expectations.Why James believes humility, not just legal knowledge is the ke...

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In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew has a yarn with Gemma Lloyd a proud Dunghutti and Gumbaynggirr woman, founder of Sacred Country Consulting, and a leader whose journey bridges community, business, and spirituality.

Gemma shares how she weaves cultural protocol, integrity, and connection into every aspect of her work. From unpacking the grey areas of black cladding to offering powerful analogies on how First Nations economies operate, this yarn gets to the heart of what authentic Aboriginal business looks and feels like.
 
Whether y...

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🥋 What does it take to bring together 27 Aboriginal businesses, amplify truth-telling, and pass the baton to the next generation?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew sits down with Christine Ross a proud Arrernte and Kaytetye woman from Central Australia, long time resident of Boorloo (Perth), and the powerhouse behind some of the biggest Aboriginal conferences in the country.

With over 35 years of experience convening national events, Christine shares what it means to be a respected Aunty, why she won’t compromise on integrity, and t...

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🥋 What happens when purpose, profit, and Indigenous culture all roll into one?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew sits down with Lane Stockton, a proud Wiradjuri man and the Founder & CEO of Yarn’n, Australia’s only Indigenous-owned, Australian-made toilet paper brand.

Yarn’n is all about sharing First Nations culture in everyday homes, backing sustainability, and giving 50% of profits to the Yalari Foundation to support Indigenous education. Lane opens up about how he made the switch from building houses to building a legacy, t...

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🥋 What does it take to lead high-performing teams in one of the most demanding work environments contact centres?
 
 In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew sits down with Saebah an operational leader with a track record of turning struggling teams into high-performing ones. Saebah shares what it really takes to lead in environments where emotions run high, burnout is common, and success depends on more than just hitting KPIs.

There’s talk of empathy. Of courage. Of quotes that stick with you when things get har...

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🥋 What does it really mean to walk in two worlds and how can culture, community, and country shape the way we negotiate?

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Tina McGhie, a Wiradjuri-Ngunnawal woman and Co-CEO of Carugio. Drawing from her own lived experience, Tina shares what it takes to navigate complex negotiations while staying true to cultural integrity. With decades of work across community development, government, and First Nations advocacy, her reflections offer insight into the realities of walking in two worlds where business expectations mee...

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🥋 How do we protect what’s sacred, and why does cultural heritage matter in everyday negotiations?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew sits down with Dr Jillian Comber, archaeologist, mediator and Director of Comber Consultants, to explore what it takes to balance development with genuine respect for First Nations heritage and Country.

With over 35 years of experience across consulting, government and academia, Dr Jillian has worked on some of the most significant cultural heritage landscapes in Australia, including Parramatta Park and the North Parra...

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🥋 What does it mean to train with integrity and how can martial arts shape the way we show up in the rest of our lives?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew sits down with Craig Donaldson, founder and head instructor of Integrity Martial Arts Academy. With a deep lineage under legends like John Will and Raymond Floro, Craig shares how decades of experience across BJJ, Kali, Judo, Muay Thai and close quarters combat have shaped his skills and values.

Key Takeaways:

I...