Rolling Through Negotiations

Hosted by Matthew Karakoulakis

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Episodes

120

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-GB

About the show

Hosted by Matthew Karakoulakis , one of Australia’s top lawyers, this podcast blends the principles of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), First Nations Leadership, and business strategy to help you negotiate like a pro.

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60 recent

August 19, 2026Episode 12037 min

Treaty, Truth & the Power of Cultural Negotiation | Uncle Charles Pakana

In this episode of RTN, Matthew welcomes back Uncle Charles Pakana, journalist, broadcaster and host of the Van Talks podcast, as the first returning guest to Rolling Through Negotiations. Together, they yarn about Treaty, truth-telling and the power of respectful negotiation in creating better outcomes for First Nations communities. Drawing on years of conversations with Aboriginal leaders across Victoria, Uncle Charles shares what he has learned from those at the forefront of Treaty negotiations, including the resilience, active listening and cultural leadership required to navigate complex conversations between community and government. Uncle Charles also shares a powerful firsthand example of cultural negotiation, where a significant concern was resolved in just 58 minutes through respectful conversation, giving everyone the opportunity to speak without interruption and genuinely listen to one another. For Charles, it remains one of the clearest examples of how First Nations culture can influence better negotiation outcomes. The conversation also explores truth-telling and the importance of turning truth into action. If you enjoy conversations about negotiation, Treaty, truth-telling, reconciliation, culture and creating meaningful change, this episode is for you. Connect with Uncle Charles: • Van Talks podcast: https://vicaboriginalnews.com.au/projects/van-talks/ Connect with Matthew: • LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/matthew-karakoulakis More RTN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rtnegotiations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RTNegotiations Thanks for listening and until the next one, take care. OSS! Send in a question or comment via text. 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. 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.

July 22, 2026Episode 11933 min

First Nations Leadership: The Power of Self-Determination | Gheran Yarraman Steel (Briggs)

In this episode of RTN , Matthew yarns with Gheran Yarraman Steel (Briggs), a Boonwurrung Traditional Owner, Senior Leader at RMIT University and President of the National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Higher Education Consortium (NATSIHEC). Together, they explore the role of education, governance and negotiation in creating meaningful change for First Nations communities. Rather than seeing universities as the source of Indigenous leadership, Gheran explains why education should strengthen, not replace culture, identity and self-determination. Gheran also shares his own remarkable journey, from leaving school after being told education wasn't for him to earning a Juris Doctor, completing an Executive MBA, and becoming one of Australia's leading voices in Indigenous higher education and governance. If you enjoy conversations about leadership, negotiation, governance, culture and creating meaningful change, this episode is for you. Connect with Gheran: • LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/gheransteel Connect with Matthew: • LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/matthew-karakoulakis More RTN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rtnegotiations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RTNegotiations Thanks for listening and until the next one, take care. OSS! Send in a question or comment via text. 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. 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.

July 8, 2026Episode 11835 min

Why Great Negotiators Don't Rely on One Technique | Tomo Hachigo, Co-Founder of Sprintlaw

Why Great Negotiators Don't Rely on One Technique | Tomo Hachigo, Co-Founder of Sprintlaw What if becoming a better leader had less to do with frameworks, gurus or negotiation techniques and more to do with being authentic, staying curious and genuinely connecting with people? In this episode of RTN, Matthew sits down with Tomo Hachigo, Co-Founder of Sprintlaw, to explore why empathy, authenticity and curiosity often outperform tactics when it comes to negotiation, leadership and building strong relationships. Having grown up in Australia and now based in Japan, Tomo reflects on why the move wasn't the dramatic cultural rediscovery many people might expect. Instead, it reinforced the principles that shaped Sprintlaw, an award-winning online law firm using technology to make legal services simpler and more accessible. Rather than offering quick negotiation hacks, this conversation explores the mindset behind meaningful conversations, better leadership and creating outcomes where everyone feels heard. If you enjoy conversations about business, leadership, negotiation and personal development, this episode is for you. Thanks for listening and until the next one, take care. OSS! Connect with Tomo: • Learn more about Sprintlaw: Sprintlaw • Follow Tomo Hachigo on LinkedIn: LinkedIn More RTN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rtnegotiations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RTNegotiations Send in a question or comment via text. 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. 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.

June 18, 2026Episode 11743 min

The Hidden Skill Behind Every Great Negotiator with Barrister Dr Michelle Sharpe

What if the secret to becoming a better negotiator isn't pushing harder, but learning when to step back? For decades, we've been told that success belongs to those who work longer, fight harder, and never take their foot off the accelerator. But award-winning barrister Dr Michelle Sharpe has seen the cost of that mindset firsthand. In this deeply insightful conversation, Michelle takes us behind the courtroom doors and into the human side of negotiation, advocacy, and high performance. From navigating high-stakes litigation to leading wellbeing initiatives at the Victorian Bar, she reveals why curiosity may be the most powerful skill any negotiator can develop. Together, Matthew and Michelle explore the hidden emotional forces driving conflict, why empathy can unlock outcomes that logic alone never will, and how the ability to recover after pressure may be the ultimate competitive advantage. They discuss the emotional realities of advocacy, the dangers of burnout, the importance of maintaining objectivity, and why understanding people often matters more than being right. This episode is a masterclass in emotional intelligence, resilience, and the art of staying human in professions that often reward the opposite. Thanks for listening and until the next one, take care. OSS! Send in a question or comment via text. 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. 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.

May 13, 2026Episode 11633 min

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. 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. 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.

April 22, 2026Episode 11542 min

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. 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. 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.

April 15, 2026Episode 11429 min

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. 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. 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.

March 20, 2026Episode 11339 min

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. 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. 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.

December 11, 2025Episode 11219 min

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. 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. 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.

December 4, 2025Episode 11137 min

Leon Filewood: Comedian, Lawyer & Community Development Expert on First Nations Leadership

In this new episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew yarns with Leon Filewood , a Torres Strait Islander comedian, legal practitioner turned community development expert, and senior consultant working at the intersection of major infrastructure, First Nations engagement, and cultural empowerment. Leon shares deep insights into why First Nations peoples must be recognised as rights holders, not stakeholders , and explains the spiritual, cultural, economic, and historical realities that shape how communities engage with the renewable energy transition. He speaks about the impacts of colonisation, the legacy of mission life, intergenerational trauma, and the ongoing struggle for self-determination and economic participation and why this moment in time presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for First Nations communities to lead. This episode is for listeners interested in justice, renewable energy, cultural intelligence, and the power of respectful negotiation to create better outcomes for Country, community, and generations to come. You can connect with Leon Filewood on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/leon-filewood-b4659b5a Thanks for listening and until the next one, take care. OSS! Send in a question or comment via text. 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. 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.

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