”Inspire Us” with J. Paul Nadeau

Episode 108: 2024: A Year of Hope Amidst Global Challenges

As we step into 2024, amidst the jubilant celebrations, it's essential to acknowledge that for many, it won't be a 'happy' new year. Yet, in the face of adversity, let's unite to make it the best year possible for everyone.
This podcast episode extends heartfelt wishes for a brighter year to all, while acknowledging the somber reality faced by those affected by global conflicts. It emphasizes the profound truth that true happiness emanates from within, even amidst tumultuous times. The podcast resonates with the sentiment that while our efforts may seem small, the collective thoughts and prayers for those in crisis do matter.
Central to its message is the reminder that humanity shares a common thread—the unity of the human race. It urges listeners to embrace this unity, transcending borders and differences, fostering a familial bond among all as brothers and sisters. A call to action echoes through the episode, emphasizing the importance of seeking understanding before seeking to be understood. It champions empathy, compassion, and the willingness to bridge divides, emphasizing the shared responsibility to create a more harmonious world.
This episode serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging everyone worldwide to channel our intentions towards compassion, understanding, and unity. It resonates with the idea that even small gestures can collectively make a significant impact, fostering a sense of solidarity and optimism for a better tomorrow.
"We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now." - Martin Luther King Jr.
"We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves." - Dalai Lama
"Unity is strength... when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved." - Mattie Stepanek
Conclusion: The podcast concludes by reiterating the power of collective goodwill and urges listeners to carry the spirit of empathy and unity throughout the year. It inspires hope, encouraging everyone to contribute their part towards a world where compassion and understanding prevail.

Episode 107: Negotiating in life and business - Essentials on how to get what you want

This is an episode of 'Negotiations Ninja' Episode 409 hosted by Mark Raffin! I'm simply resharing it here. 
What is Paul’s PIER negotiation process?
P = Preparation and planning: Planning is mental preparation and discovery. Where are you going to meet? Under what circumstances will you meet? Will you have a second negotiator? If you truly believe you can offer something of value, you proceed.
I = Intent: Your intent must be focused on your client (not yourself). It’s about opening the channels of communication and asking exploratory questions.
E = Engage: You must engage them from your first impression. You keep them engaged by asking engaging questions.
R = Relationship: Once you’ve successfully baked your PIE, the goal is to build a relationship.
If, at any point during the dating process, something goes wrong, you can amicably leave the process. And the more you know about who you’re negotiating with, the better you can serve them.
Preparation is key to success
You know you’re going to be meeting with someone. You know the topic you’ll be talking about. Hostage negotiators don’t have that luxury. They have to prepare for the unexpected. They do that by running through mock scenarios that they’d practice monthly. If you have a large negotiation in 3-4 days, you need to run through it. Ask someone to roleplay with you. Answer as thoroughly as you can. Most people don’t do this.
Negotiating is like dating
Negotiating and selling is like dating. When you start dating someone, you want to see if you have a connection. It’s an exploratory process. It’s the same in a negotiation. You want to ask questions to see if they can work together.
If you ask someone out on a date, your intent has to be focused on that person. You want to make it about them. You want to learn about them. Why? To build trust and likability and determine whether or not you’ll ask for date number two.
If you talk about yourself like you’re the best thing that’s come along, you’ll never get a second date. Your date might just leave. So would a company. Provide people with something they truly want that fits the needs they have.
People want to be seen, understood and appreciated. It’s the same in business. They’ll come back to someone who listens to them and knows their pain points.
We don’t sell to people; we sell for people
The goal isn’t to sell someone something they don’t want. You wouldn’t want a family member to work with someone who sells just for a commission. You’d want to send them to someone who cares about their outcome. They seek to understand what someone is looking to do with their product. You want to be that person.
Paul emphasizes that negotiations are not hard. They’re about connecting with another human being. It’s when two or more people get together to reach an agreement. You’re negotiating every day of your life. Don’t make it complicated. Seek to listen and understand the other person and focus your intent on them; it will open doors and build relationships.
Resources & People Mentioned
Dammit, Just Ask!
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Episode 106: Nurturing Resilience in Turbulent Times

Welcome to a special episode of "Inspire Us," where we dive deep into crucial topics for our ever-changing world. While I might not have 20 years of podcasting experience, my extensive background in negotiation, conflict resolution, and self-sabotage certainly adds a unique twist to this discussion.
**Episode Title: "Nurturing Resilience in Turbulent Times"**
In these trying times of global conflict and financial uncertainty, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless. The ongoing struggles in regions like Israel, Ukraine, and the rising costs of living remind us of the fragile nature of our world. But the key to navigating these challenges lies in understanding the power of self-care, focusing on the controllables, and embracing the gratitude mindset.
**Why Self-Care Matters**
1. **Control What You Can**: In situations beyond our control, it's essential to focus on what we can change - ourselves. Self-care isn't selfish; it's self-preservation. By prioritizing our physical and emotional well-being, we build a strong foundation to face external challenges.
2. **The Power of Gratitude**: Gratitude is a potent tool for transforming our mindset. Amidst chaos, it reminds us of the things we have instead of what we lack. By counting our blessings, we cultivate a more positive outlook on life.
3. **Resilience Through Self-Care**: The ability to bounce back from adversity is a hallmark of resilience. Self-care, including exercise, meditation, and nurturing personal relationships, provides the strength and mental clarity needed to persevere.
**Key Takeaways:**
- Embrace self-care as an act of self-preservation, not selfishness.- Cultivate gratitude by focusing on the abundance in your life.- Understand that resilience is built through self-care practices.  In uncertain times, remember that you hold the power to shape your response to life's challenges. Join me in this special episode as we explore the profound impact of self-care, gratitude, and resilience.
What are your thoughts on the importance of self-care, Paul? Your experience in negotiation and conflict resolution surely adds a unique perspective to this crucial topic.

Episode 105: How you can help bring peace to the world

In this thought-provoking podcast episode, J. Paul Nadeau, the renowned expert in negotiation, conflict resolution, and human interactions, delves into a timely and poignant topic: the importance of treating others with dignity and respect. In a world often marked by anger, division, and conflicts, Nadeau's powerful message serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the transformative power of empathy and understanding.
**The Current Landscape of Discord**
Nadeau opens the episode by addressing the current state of the world, where wars rage, political and religious divides run deep, and ideological battles such as the "woke" movement create tensions among people with differing worldviews. He acknowledges the myriad of issues that fuel anger and hostility in our society today, including the contentious debates over gender pronouns.
**A Life-Saving Encounter**
The heart of this episode revolves around a gripping and deeply personal story from Nadeau's own life. He recounts an incident from 2005 when he was on a peacekeeping mission in Iraq. In a powerful and emotional narrative, Nadeau shares how his life was saved by an unexpected source: a former terrorist. This story, originally told in his 2015 TED talk, underscores the profound impact that treating others with dignity and respect can have, even in the most challenging and hostile circumstances.
**The Power of Compassion and Listening**
Nadeau goes on to emphasize that while many things in the world are beyond our control, our own behavior and attitudes towards others are well within our power. He passionately advocates for a simple yet transformative concept: treating one another with empathy and respect. He argues that change begins at the individual level and that we all have the capacity to make a difference by listening to others without harsh judgment.
**It Begins with You**
In his characteristic warm and confident style, Nadeau drives home the message that change begins with each of us. He encourages listeners to take a moment to reflect on their own interactions and how they can contribute to a more respectful and harmonious society. By focusing on our own behavior and fostering empathy and open-mindedness, we can collectively move towards a world where differences are acknowledged, and dialogue takes precedence over discord.
In conclusion, this podcast episode featuring J. Paul Nadeau is a compelling call to action in a world marked by division and conflict. Through his moving personal story and impassioned message, Nadeau reminds us that treating others with dignity and respect is not only a moral imperative but also a path towards healing and understanding. It's a powerful reminder that, in a world filled with anger and discord, positive change begins with each of us. So, join Nadeau on this journey of empathy and compassion, and let's collectively strive for a more inclusive and harmonious world where treating others with respect is the foundation of our interactions.

Episode 104 - A few thoughts on self-sabotage and what I’ve learned along the way

In this enlightening podcast episode, J. Paul Nadeau, an expert in negotiation, conflict resolution, and self-sabotage, delves deep into the intriguing topic of self-sabotage. Nadeau, drawing from his wealth of experience as a former hostage negotiator, international peacekeeper, and professional interrogator, provides invaluable insights into understanding and conquering this pervasive human behavior.
**Understanding Self-Sabotage**
Nadeau begins by unraveling the enigma of self-sabotage. He explains that it's not just about making poor decisions or hindering one's own progress; it goes much deeper. Self-sabotage often stems from the dark narratives we create about ourselves and our abilities. These narratives, shaped by past experiences and beliefs, can hold us back and prevent us from reaching our full potential. 
**The Power of Positive Narratives and Action**
In his characteristic warm and confident style, Nadeau emphasizes the importance of combating these dark narratives with positive ones. He highlights that it's not enough to merely think positively; action is key. Nadeau draws parallels to the iconic speech by Rocky Balboa, where the boxing legend reminds his son that life isn't all rainbows and sunshine. Just as Rocky implores his son to keep moving forward, Nadeau encourages us to take meaningful steps towards our goals, even in the face of adversity.
Nadeau's personal anecdotes and experiences as a hostage negotiator and peacekeeper add depth to his insights. He shares how he had to overcome self-doubt and fear in high-stakes situations, relying on positive narratives and decisive action to navigate through challenges successfully.
**Rebounding from Adversity**
Another profound aspect of this episode is Nadeau's discussion on rebounding from adversity and setbacks. He acknowledges that life can throw curveballs, but it's how we respond that defines our journey. Drawing on his diverse background, Nadeau illustrates how resilience and determination can lead to remarkable comebacks.
Throughout the podcast, Nadeau's warm and personable style keeps listeners engaged and inspired. His ability to blend his professional expertise with relatable anecdotes makes complex topics like self-sabotage accessible to everyone.
In conclusion, this podcast episode featuring J. Paul Nadeau is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand and conquer self-sabotage. With his unique blend of wisdom, experience, and positivity, Nadeau provides a roadmap to break free from limiting narratives and take meaningful action on the path to personal growth and success. It's a journey that, as Rocky Balboa reminds us, might not always be easy, but it's undoubtedly worth it. So, lace up your mental gloves and get ready to conquer your self-sabotage tendencies with the guidance of a true expert.

Episode 103: Tommy Jackson: Living one day at a time

Tommy Jackson has an incredible past and rejoices in helping others reach their full potential. His life purpose is to help others find their true potential. His accomplishments in business, music, coaching and mentoring youth span three decades. His efforts in the music industry have achieved over 175 consecutive sold out shows, placed artists in the Billboard Top 20, earned features in national publications and received music placements on TV shows, national commercials and promos. You have recently heard FNE's songs on The Today Show, World of Dance, American Idol, The Voice, Grey’s Anatomy, First Kill, Council of Dads, I Love Kellie Pickler, Black Ink Crew, The Neighborhood and more.
Some of Tommy’s achievements outside of music include: • Recognized as AUM’s Top 50 Most Influential Alumni • Awarded AUM Business Alumni of the Year 2017 • Ranked #1 financial advisor for the state of Alabama according to “Barron’s Top 100” List (2013) • Honored by Barron's magazine as a Top 1,000 Advisor (2009, 2011 & 2013) and as a Top 1,200 Advisor (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, & 2018) • Named to the Forbes “Best-In-State Wealth Advisors” List (2018 & 2019) • 3 Alabama State Championships (Coach @ Briarwood Christian High School)
In this podcast Tommy joins Paul to discuss the importance of taking control of our lives and living with intention.
Reach out to Tommy:www.tommyjacksonofficial.com
www.firstnoteentertainment.com
Clubhouse and IG:   first note entertainment

Episode 102: Sales Savviness with Vikram Deol and J. Paul Nadeau

The world of sales and negotiations is one everyone should master in their lives. In these turbulent times, knowing how to sell and negotiate can make the difference between making ends meet and meeting the end. In this episode, sales expert and coach Vikram Deol speaks with Paul on the topic of selling from the heart.
 
About Vikram:
Coach Vikram has been teaching sales and influence since the ripe age of 17. He immediately fell in love with growing others and watching them succeed. As the years progressed, Coach Vee (as his clients call him) found that teaching others to be successful was more rewarding than doing it on his own.
 
After 3 years in real estate and close to $50,000,000 in personal sales, he brought on his first team member and worked with him to grow him into a multiple 6 figure earner. Vikram created systems and training that allowed him to continue to serve his clients to build a large real estate team that crossed over $250,000,000 in sales in a few short years.
 
Vikram has had businesses in tele-communications, health and wellness, flipping homes, Cutco and of course real estate sales and coaching.
 
He is passionate about self-growth, and spent a year touring the world as a Tony Robbins Groupie, has spent 100's of hours in meditation retreats, 50+ hours in relationship courses and 1000's of hours in sales and business seminars. His thirst for knowledge is unparalleled.
 
Vikram is a heart centered individual and teaches how to lead with your heart to create genuine connections with prospects and clients.
 
You will find Vikram after hours, cooking with friends, cycling the world, at the gym, or reading. He keeps himself busy with living life to the fullest and we welcome you to follow his journey on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
@coachvikramdeol
 
 

Episode 101: Burak Yilmaz - If My Mother Never Left

Burak Yilmaz was thrown into Turkish prison in 2002. His crime? Being a homosexual. Burak had written a Sex in the City-style book about the gay community and his gay exploits in Islamic Turkey, hoping an anonymous pen name would keep him safe. Once the book hit bestseller, the Turkish government came looking. After years of torture in prison, Burak was released. He immediately fled to New York, where he endured homelessness, sexual abuse, and racism while working to become a registered nurse. His new book, If My Mother Never Left, details his incredible journey from torture to freedom.
BIO: Burak Yilmaz was born and raised in Turkey. He always wanted to write, using it as an escape from the harsh reality of being forced to hide who and what he truly was. Life took a twist when Burak’s father discovered his son was gay. At just seventeen years old, Burak was thrown out into the streets and left to survive on his own in a society that didn’t want him. Instead of breaking, Burak summoned the depths of his strength and wrote his first book.Burak published his first book at twenty-two years old. He wrote the book under the penname Devrim Yilmaz to protect himself from dangers that will come from writing such a book called Bir Escinselin Siradan Hikayesi (An Ordinary Story of a Homosexual) became an instant bestseller, earning him accolades and unwanted attention. Burak was arrested and tortured after completing a television interview. Again, Burak clung to his self and, after being released, managed to escape Turkey. His journey took him to the United States, where he currently resides.Life seldom asks what we want, however. Burak worked as a model for erotic magazines, websites, and worked in some of the most popular nightclubs in New York City. It was a poison filled life, leaving him at the point of moral bankruptcy, depressed, and suicidal.The light dawned on Burak after checking in to a rehab psychiatric facility and he turned his life around. After receiving his GED, he graduated from nursing school at NYU with honors and multiple scholarships. Now a successful Registered Nurse in critical care settings, Burak is pursuing his degree in Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.Once again, Burak opened up the depths of his soul for the world to read. If my Mother Never Left, is detailing raw and emotional events after his first book.
 
Check out his book and story: "If My Mother Never Left," and his website:
www.burak212.com