At some point, sorry became a problem to be solved. Replace it with "thank you for your patience." Reframe everything. It sounded like confidence. It wasn't. Knowing when to apologise and when to stop making yourself smaller — that is the actual skill.

Most pitches follow the same structure: here is what I have, here is why it is good, here is what you stand to gain. The other side sits there thinking about one thing: what could go wrong. You are talking about the wrong thing.

Most negotiations fail on positions, not people. After years of negotiating frontline access in conflict zones and stalled contract clauses in boardrooms, I have found one question that changes everything: why is this important to you?

How you carry yourself is not a detail. It is the opening statement of every conversation you will ever have. On heels, posture, and the physical dimension of negotiation that nobody talks about.

A raised eyebrow. A flicker of surprise. The way they look past you for someone else. Power imbalances in negotiation are rarely about hierarchy. They are about the story the other side has already written about you before you opened your mouth. Here is what to do in the thirty seconds that follow.

There is a vocabulary reserved for women. Brands empower us, coaches keep us safe, retreats promise to heal us, all of it sold as strength. Look closely, and these three words do the opposite. They define you by what you lack, and slowly you start to believe them.

There is a vocabulary reserved for women. Brands empower us, coaches keep us safe, retreats promise to heal us, all of it sold as strength. Look closely, and these three words do the opposite. They define you by what you lack, and slowly you start to believe them.

"10 Negotiation Tips for Bold Women" by Fiorella Erni provides empowering insights and practical strategies for women to excel in negotiations. With over a decade of experience negotiating in war zones and training diplomats, UN, and NGO frontline staff, Fiorella offers valuable advice on self-awareness, preparation, and assertiveness. Through relatable anecdotes and expert tips, she guides readers to harness their negotiation prowess, stand tall, and confidently achieve their objectives. Don't miss this empowering read to unlock your negotiation potential and celebrate International Women's Day in style!