Rolling Through Negotiations

Listening Before Leading: First Nations Allyship with Woodrow Eke

In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, we sit down with Woodrow Eke, an independent advisor working across place-based and self-determined community development, for a powerful conversation on allyship, leadership, negotiation, and what it truly means to walk alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities with respect and humility. Drawing on years of experience working within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led organisations, Woodrow speaks candidly about the importance of listening before leading, respecting cultural protocols, and ensuring that community remains at the centre of decision-making. He reflects on the responsibility of non-Aboriginal people engaging in Aboriginal affairs, sharing that true allyship comes not from authority, but from active listening, learning, and building trust through genuine relationships. Woodrow also shares his perspective on why Aboriginal communities continue to embody such deep compassion, care, and community minded leadership, and speaks to the importance of non Aboriginal Australians taking responsibility for educating themselves, engaging respectfully, and creating change through action rather than expectation. This is a deeply thoughtful and honest yarn about unity, leadership, cultural respect, and the power of walking together toward better community outcomes. Thanks for listening and until the next one, take care. OSS! Send in a question or comment via text. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2260781/fan_mail/new] Support the RTN Podcast: If you find the podcast valuable and would like to support the work we’re doing  you can shout us a coffee. [https://buymeacoffee.com/rtnegotiations] Every contribution helps us continue sharing important conversations around negotiation, community, leadership and resilience. Support is never required, but it is always deeply appreciated Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal views and lived experiences only, it’s not legal, financial, or medical advice. If you are triggered by any content discussed in this episode and need support, please reach out to the following resources: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 13YARN: 13 92 76  We acknowledge the Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, and to Elders past, present and future.

First Nations Leadership: Black Excellence, Self-Determination & Leading with Kindness with Claire Beattie

In this new episode, we sit down with Claire Beattie, a proud Yorta Yorta woman and Executive for Business Engagement at NAB, for a powerful and deeply grounded conversation on leadership, negotiation, and what it truly means to show up with purpose. Claire shares her perspective on Black Excellence, challenging deficit narratives and reframing First Nations identity through strength, resilience, storytelling, and connection. She speaks to the power of culture as a foundation for leadership, and how values like humility, deep listening, and community first thinking shape not only strong leaders, but strong negotiators. Drawing on more than two decades in the NSW public sector and her current role in banking,  Claire speaks candidly about the responsibility of leadership, the importance of creating space for others, and shares a powerful teaching passed down from an Aunty to be the “night sky,” not the star, creating space for others to shine. Thanks for listening and until the next one, take care. OSS! Send in a question or comment via text. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2260781/fan_mail/new] Support the RTN Podcast: If you find the podcast valuable and would like to support the work we’re doing  you can shout us a coffee. [https://buymeacoffee.com/rtnegotiations] Every contribution helps us continue sharing important conversations around negotiation, community, leadership and resilience. Support is never required, but it is always deeply appreciated Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal views and lived experiences only, it’s not legal, financial, or medical advice. If you are triggered by any content discussed in this episode and need support, please reach out to the following resources: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 13YARN: 13 92 76  We acknowledge the Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, and to Elders past, present and future.

First Nations Leadership: Owning Your Decisions with Joel Thompson

In this new episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew yarns with Joel Thompson, a proud Ngiyampaa man, former professional rugby league player, and founder of YAKKA. Joel opens up about his journey through professional sport, reflecting honestly on the challenges he faced as a young player navigating contracts, money, ego, and life off the field. Joel shares powerful lessons on accountability, growth, and what it truly means to take ownership. The conversation highlights real life negotiation moments from Joel’s career, including managing multiple contract offers, balancing competing opportunities, and the impact of navigating those moments without the right support, mentorship, and structure. Joel speaks candidly about what he would do differently, and how those experiences shaped his values today. Now leading purpose driven work through YAKKA, Joel reflects on why he has chosen to focus on impact, community, and creating opportunities for others. He shares insights on negotiating with yourself first building a calm mind, surrounding yourself with the right people, and aligning your decisions with your values and purpose. This episode is for listeners interested in leadership, personal growth, negotiation under pressure, and making decisions that align with your values and purpose. Thanks for listening and until the next one, take care. OSS! Send in a question or comment via text. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2260781/fan_mail/new] Support the RTN Podcast: If you find the podcast valuable and would like to support the work we’re doing  you can shout us a coffee. [https://buymeacoffee.com/rtnegotiations] Every contribution helps us continue sharing important conversations around negotiation, community, leadership and resilience. Support is never required, but it is always deeply appreciated Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal views and lived experiences only, it’s not legal, financial, or medical advice. If you are triggered by any content discussed in this episode and need support, please reach out to the following resources: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 13YARN: 13 92 76  We acknowledge the Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, and to Elders past, present and future.

First Nations Leadership with Rachelle Towart, founder of Pipeline Talent and DreamJobs

n this new episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew yarns with Rachelle Towart, founder of Pipeline Talent and DreamJobs, and a leading voice in Aboriginal executive recruitment, leadership, and culturally safe workforce development. Rachelle shares powerful insights into what can go wrong in recruitment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, why merit is too often defined through narrow systems not built for mob, and how cultural authority, community leadership, and lived experience must be recognised as real leadership capability. She speaks about the importance of value alignment, authentic negotiation, storytelling as strength, and the need for organisations to move beyond tokenism and create workplaces where Aboriginal people can show up fully and thrive. This episode is for listeners interested in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, employment equity, culturally safe recruitment, and the power of respectful negotiation to create better outcomes for people, organisations, and community. Thanks for listening and until the next one, take care.  OSS! Send in a question or comment via text. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2260781/fan_mail/new] Support the RTN Podcast: If you find the podcast valuable and would like to support the work we’re doing  you can shout us a coffee. [https://buymeacoffee.com/rtnegotiations] Every contribution helps us continue sharing important conversations around negotiation, community, leadership and resilience. Support is never required, but it is always deeply appreciated Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal views and lived experiences only, it’s not legal, financial, or medical advice. If you are triggered by any content discussed in this episode and need support, please reach out to the following resources: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 13YARN: 13 92 76  We acknowledge the Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, and to Elders past, present and future.

Ending 2025 Strong: Goal Setting for Stronger Negotiations

In this solo end of year episode, Matthew reflects on the year that was and unpacks how goals, emotions, mindset, and preparation all shape the outcomes we negotiate in life. Drawing from law, mediation, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, spirituality, and everyday human experience, Matthew explores: * Why goal setting and negotiation are inseparable * How confidence, visualisation, and inner-game practices (like meditation, prayer, self-care, and BJJ) elevate negotiation performance * SMART Goals & OKRs explained in real-world, practical terms * How time, clarity, and relevance support goal achievement * The hidden role of procrastination, why we all fall into it, and how tiny steps can break the cycle * Why showing up, again and again might be the most underrated negotiation strategy * How repetition builds competence, and competence builds confidence As we wrap up 2025, this episode sets the tone for a powerful, intentional, and goal driven 2026. Whether you're negotiating contracts, community outcomes, family discussions, or your own personal growth, this episode will help you anchor your goals, harness your emotions, and step confidently into every negotiation. If everything in life is a negotiation, learning to set goals well might be your greatest advantage. 🎧 Listen now, subscribe, and get ready for an exciting 2026 with new guests, new insights, and stronger negotiations than ever.  OSS! Send in a question or comment via text. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2260781/fan_mail/new] Support the RTN Podcast: If you find the podcast valuable and would like to support the work we’re doing  you can shout us a coffee. [https://buymeacoffee.com/rtnegotiations] Every contribution helps us continue sharing important conversations around negotiation, community, leadership and resilience. Support is never required, but it is always deeply appreciated Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal views and lived experiences only, it’s not legal, financial, or medical advice. If you are triggered by any content discussed in this episode and need support, please reach out to the following resources: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 13YARN: 13 92 76  We acknowledge the Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, and to Elders past, present and future.