Rolling Through Negotiations: First Nations Leadership, BJJ & Business Strategy

Rolling Through Negotiations: First Nations Leadership, BJJ & Business Strategy

🎙 Welcome to Rolling Through Negotiations, the podcast where strategy and resilience meet negotiation mastery. Hosted by Matthew Karakoulakis, one of Australia’s top lawyers, this podcast blends the principles of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), First Nations wisdom, and business strategy to help you negotiate like a pro. Featuring insights from: ✅ First Nations leaders sharing traditional knowledge that strengthens negotiation techniques ✅ Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athletes revealing how discipline, adaptability, and mindset shape decision-making ✅ Top business leaders and legal professionals breaking down high stakes negotiation strategies We explore how mental resilience, business growth, leadership, and personal development are all connected. Whether you're in the boardroom, on the mats, or negotiating in everyday life, Rolling Through Negotiations brings you powerful strategies, transformative stories, and practical tools to sharpen your negotiation skills.

Episodes

May 7, 2025 47 mins

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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...

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🥋 What does it really mean to be like water in business, on the mats, and in life?

This week on Rolling Through Negotiations, we welcome Steve Kwan, host of the world’s most popular Jiu-Jitsu concepts podcast, BJJ Mental Models, a show that’s reshaped how thousands think about training, strategy, and growth in Jiu-Jitsu.

Key takeaways:

  • The top 3 mental models every grappler and negotiator s...
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🥋 What does it take to become one of the first female black belts in a male dominated sport and how does that mindset translate to life off the mats?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew sits down with Kim Cousins, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and co-host of the Roll or Die podcast. With over 15 years on the mats, Kim reflects on the lessons that have shaped he...

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🥋 Can the mindset you build on the mat help you navigate chaos, set boundaries, and negotiate with clarity?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew sits down with James “JT” Tomlinson, co-host of Bulletproof for BJJ, black belt under Lachlan Giles, and lifelong coach and movement expert. Together, they explore how the principles of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu intersect with negotiati...

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🥋 How do structure, discipline, and self-awareness create better leaders on and off the mats?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, we sit down with Thomas Rozdzynski, 3rd Degree Black Belt, Judo Black Belt, owner and head instructor of RŌL Academy of Jiu Jitsu, Host of The RŌL Radio, and Creator of RŌL TV. With decades of experience as a student, instructor, and leader, Thomas sha...

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🥋 How do you stay strong when negotiations start from a place of disadvantage?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, we sit down with Andrew Bacon, a proud Yamaji man, governance and cybersecurity professional, and advocate for Indigenous affairs to talk about the power of voice, self-awareness, and foundations that last.

From boardrooms to remote communities, Andrew’s work bridges ...

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🥋 What do you do when negotiations escalate beyond words?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, we sit down with Adam Evans, a strategic thinker, military veteran, and co-founder of Anywise Consulting to explore what balance really means when the stakes are high.

From leading complex defence projects to fostering agile, values driven teams, Adam brings over 30 years of leadership ex...

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🥋 What happens when a fighter, visionary coach, and savvy business owner shares the mental framework that turns setbacks into stepping stones for success?

In this new episode, we yarn with Jason Petropoulos, better known as "Argonaut"  a standout MMA fighter in the Geelong combat sports scene, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and co-founder of Adept MMA, Geelong’s premier mixed m...

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🥋 What happens when a lifelong competitor, coach, and mindset expert reveals the mental framework behind peak performance?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, we sit down with Gustavo Dantas, a 6th degree BJJ black belt, world class competitor, and founder of The BJJ Mental Coach podcast. With 35 years in Jiu Jitsu and a deep understanding of mental resilience, Gustavo shares how...

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🥋 How do you balance innovation, legal expertise, and the human touch in a fast changing world?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, we sit down with Alex Solo, co-founder of Sprintlaw, a law tech firm transforming the way small businesses access legal services. From launching a disruptive business model to navigating the rapid rise of AI in law, Alex shares deep insights on the i...

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🥋 How do First Nations leadership, resilience, and truth shape success in business, negotiations, and life?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, we sit down with Mervyn Fernando, a proud Dunghutti and Kamilaroi First Nations leader, dedicated Christian, and founder of Claystone Marketing, Indigenous Medical Supplies, and AIQCAI Institute of Ethics. Merv shares his journey from a f...

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🥋 How do resilience, identity, and love shape the way we negotiate in life and business?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, we’re joined by Uncle Lionel Dukakis, a Proud Gunditjmara Man, business leader, and survivor of the Stolen Generation. As Managing Director of First Nations Traffic Management & First Nations Labour Hire Pty Ltd, he has turned hardship into a ...

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🥋 What happens when a pioneer of Australian Jiu Jitsu shares decades of wisdom on resilience, strategy, and the deeper meaning behind the art?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, we sit down with Peter DeBean, a 6th degree BJJ Black Belt and the first non Brazilian to earn a Black Belt in Brazil. As the founder of the Australian Federation of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (AFBJJ), Pete has...

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 🥋 How do you stay calm, trust your instincts, and adapt under pressure, both on the mats and in life?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, we sit down with Chris Penrose, a proud Warumungu man, BJJ black belt, and one of South Australia’s top referees. From overcoming a life changing injury to shaping the next generation of martial artists, Chris shares his journey of resilience,...

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In this final episode of the Mediation Principles series on Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew breaks down what makes an agreement truly effective. Whether it’s a handshake deal or a formal contract, the strength of an agreement lies in clarity, accountability, and follow through. 

Key Takeaways:

  • Clarity is Key: Strong agreements are specific, actionable, and realistic, preventing misund...
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🥋 How Does Exploring Issues Shape Negotiations?

In this solo episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew explains the importance of exploring issues in mediation and negotiation. From identifying key topics to building trust, this stage lays the groundwork for meaningful agreements. Learn how asking the right questions and practising active listening can turn conflicts into partnerships.

...

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🥋 How Does a Clear Agenda Transform Negotiations?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew discuss the 
often overlooked yet game changing role of setting a clear agenda in mediations and negotiations. Whether you’re discussing family plans or tackling high stakes boardroom deals, learn how agendas pave the way for trust, clarity, and efficiency.

Key Takeaways:

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🥋 Why does a strong opening matter in negotiations?

In this solo episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew walks us through the essential role of opening statements in mediation and beyond. Learn how building trust, defining issues, and setting a positive tone at the start can strengthen your negotiations. 

Key Takeaways:

  • Build Trust and Set the Tone: A strong opening establishes rap...
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🥋 How can understanding mediation principles elevate your negotiation skills?

In this solo episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew dives into the transformative power of mediation and how its principles can be applied to negotiations in every area of life. From resolving conflicts to sealing business deals, Matthew explores how structure, empathy, and collaboration can turn...

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🐾 What can dog training teach us about leadership, discipline, and personal growth?

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, we’re joined by Hans Verbruggen, a certified NePoPo® trainer and a master of modern dog training techniques. From his early days growing up in Belgium’s rich dog training culture to becoming a global coach for sport dogs, government agencies, and passionate dog ...

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