In this episode of The Determined Society, Shawn French sits down with Kwame Christian, a bestselling author, attorney, corporate negotiation consultant, TEDx speaker, and host of Negotiate Anything, the #1 negotiation podcast in the world.

Kwame breaks down the real meaning of determination: making an agreement with yourself and keeping the promise, even when fear, conflict, or discomfort stand in the way.

But this conversation goes far beyond traditional negotiation. It dives into the psychology of people-pleasing, childhood conditioning, internal self-talk, emotional regulation, boundaries, and what keeps so many of us from speaking up for ourselves.

Kwame shares the origin of his compassionate curiosity framework, a simple but transformative method for navigating conflict without anger, defensiveness, or emotional shutdown.

Key Takeaways

-Determination is keeping the promises you make to yourself, even when it’s hard.

-Most people fear tough conversations because of childhood conditioning or people-pleasing habits.

-Conflict becomes easier when you use Compassionate Curiosity: regulate emotions, ask better questions, and approach the problem together.

-You can win an argument and lose the relationship. Focus on connection, not domination.

-Discipline grows when you celebrate the pride of honoring your commitments.

-Mastery comes from deliberate practice. Focus on the process, not the outcome.

Connect with me :

https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA

Kwame Christian

https://www.instagram.com/kwamenegotiates/

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In this inspiring episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with Greg Rosenbaum, SVP of Programming at South by Southwest and a 15-year veteran behind one of the most influential festivals in the world.

From dyslexia to leadership, Greg shares the personal and professional journey that shaped him, and how SXSW has become a global model for community, creativity, and connection across music, film, TV, technology, comedy, and education.

Greg reveals how adversity forced SXSW to reinvent itself after losing its long-standing convention center home, and why focusing on community over convenience transformed everything.

He also opens up about mentorship, parenting, discipline, creativity, and the mindset required to build a festival that helps thousands of artists, innovators, and storytellers share their work with the world.

Key Takeaways

-Reinvention happens when adversity demands creativity, community must guide every major decision.

-Dyslexia shaped Greg’s determination, discipline, and belief in incremental progress.

-SXSW thrives because it bridges industries, music, film, innovation, comedy, and education under one roof.

-The festival’s 40th year challenged the team to reimagine everything, leading to a more immersive, city-wide experience.

-Networking is the real “cheat code”, authentic connection accelerates growth faster than any strategy.

-Discipline in fitness and routine fuels creativity, clarity, and leadership.

-Presence is the foundation of great parenting, partnership, and professional impact.

Connect with me :

https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA

Greg Rosenbaum

https://www.instagram.com/sxsw/

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In this episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with Guerdy Abraira, world-renowned event designer, Real Housewives of Miami star, cancer survivor, and now author of her powerful memoir 'From Trauma to Trophies'.

Joined by her husband Russell, the two open up about identity, childhood trauma, cultural reinvention, marriage, betrayal, fame, survival, and the inner work required to reclaim your voice.

Guerdy shares intimate details about immigrating from Haiti to Paris to the United States, being separated from her family at just nine years old, building self-worth through service, navigating reality TV conflict, creating the Let Me Theory, and fighting, and beating, breast cancer with ferocity and grace.

Together, she and Russell reveal the truth behind healing, partnership, intention, forgiveness, and what it really means to win at life.

Key Takeaways

-Reinvention is a lifelong journey — from Haiti to Paris to Miami, every chapter shaped Guerdy’s confidence.

-Childhood trauma creates patterns of people-pleasing, perfectionism, and over-performing, until you decide to break them.

-Cancer forces surrender: losing control, facing mortality, and rebuilding identity from the inside out.

-The Let Me Theory empowers you to reclaim autonomy, set boundaries, and choose peace on your own terms.

-A strong marriage is built on intention, patience, presence, and seeing every version of each other with love.

-Being “too much” is a superpower, your energy, joy, and authenticity are your gifts, not liabilities.

-Self-worth is not material, it’s who you become, not what you own. Guerdy's trophies are her growth, her family, and her freedom.

Connect with me :

https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA

Guerdy and Russell Abraira

https://www.instagram.com/guerdydesign/

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