What happens when two relentless negotiators face off, both determined not to give an inch? Why do so many high-level business discussions go nowhere? And what could change the outcome?
This week on S4N, Gene unpacks the story of Bill McGowan – a groundbreaking but often overlooked figure who paved the way for the cell phone you’re holding in your hand right now. McGowan helped dismantle AT&T’s monopoly through bold leadership at MCI and ultimately transformed U.S. telecommunications through a pivotal negotiation with AT&T chairman John DeButts that exposed the dangers of ego-driven dealmaking.
This negotiation’s missteps and missed opportunities act as great teachers for anyone doing business today – from tech entrepreneurs trying to disrupt incumbents, to executives competing for market access, to lawyers who think it would be easier to just file a lawsuit.
Remember: negotiation is life.
Mentioned in this episode:
- The Deal of the Century: The Breakup of AT&T by Steve Coll
- "Long Distance Warrior: The Story of MCI vs. Ma Bell"
Popular Podcasts
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.