Super U Podcast

How to Tilt the Room: The Art of Negotiation, Influence & Leverage with Ken Sterling Aug 20, 2026

What if the key to winning a negotiation isn't being the loudest person in the room—but knowing when to listen, when to pause, and how to build trust?

On this episode of the Super U Podcast, Erik Qualman sits down with attorney, entrepreneur, talent executive, professor, and veteran dealmaker Ken Sterling, author of Tilt the Room. Ken shares the strategies he's developed across law, business, technology, entertainment, and high-stakes dealmaking to help people influence outcomes without becoming aggressive or burning bridges.

Ken breaks down his Tilt the Room framework—trust, influence, leverage, and timing—and explains why successful negotiation is less about overpowering the other side and more about understanding people, preparing for the room, and creating relationships that last beyond a single deal.

The conversation explores how to:

• Build trust and rapport before you ever need leverage • Read the room and understand the people sitting across the table • Prepare thoroughly while staying flexible in the moment • Use silence and the "power of the pause" to your advantage • Stay calm under pressure instead of resorting to bullying • Avoid overplaying your hand when you have leverage • Give difficult feedback without destroying trust • Stay focused and fully present during high-stakes conversations • Approach negotiation as a long-term relationship rather than a one-time transaction

Ken also shares his memorable philosophy: "Never call someone's baby ugly." In negotiation and leadership, ideas can feel deeply personal—and dismissing someone's idea can damage the trust and influence you've worked hard to build.

From billion-dollar dealmaking principles to everyday negotiations at work and home, this episode is a masterclass in how to tilt the room without tipping the scales too far.

Tune in for practical insights on negotiation, leadership, focus, influence, and the human side of getting to yes.

Connect with Ken Sterling:

www.sterlingmedialaw.com

www.bigspeak.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kensterling/

https://www.instagram.com/ken.sterling/

Five-time #1 Bestselling Author and Motivational Speaker Erik Qualman has performed in over 60 countries and reached over 60 million people this past decade. He was voted the 2nd Most Likable Author in the World behind the Harry Potter series.

Have Erik speak at your conference: eq@equalman.com

Motivational Speaker | Erik Qualman has inspired audiences at FedEx, Chase, ADP, Huawei, Starbucks, Godiva, FBI, Google, and many more on Focus and Digital Leadership.

Master Your Mindset: Insights into a Competitor's Mind with Dr. Tom Mitchell Aug 13, 2026

What does it take to perform at your highest level—not just once, but consistently, when the pressure is on?

In this episode of the Super U Podcast, hosted by Erik Qualman, we sit down with Dr. Tom Mitchell, performance coach and former sports psychiatrist for the Golden State Warriors, to explore the mindset behind peak performance. Tom shares insights from his career working with elite athletes, coaches, and leaders, along with lessons from his book co-written with legendary quarterback Joe Montana.

Tom also pulls back the curtain on his time working alongside Chris Mullin, his experiences as a college basketball coach and the unique lessons that coaching taught him about leadership, resilience, and bringing out the best in others.

The conversation explores mentality, focus, and what it really takes to perform when the stakes are high. Tom shares practical strategies for staying present, maintaining confidence, handling pressure, and keeping your mind focused on what you can control.

Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, leader, or simply someone looking to perform at a higher level, this episode is packed with powerful stories and actionable lessons on developing the mindset to stay focused, overcome challenges, and become your best self.

Five-time #1 Bestselling Author and Motivational Speaker Erik Qualman has performed in over 60 countries and reached over 60 million people this past decade. He was voted the 2nd Most Likable Author in the World behind the Harry Potter series.

Have Erik speak at your conference: eq@equalman.com

Motivational Speaker | Erik Qualman has inspired audiences at FedEx, Chase, ADP, Huawei, Starbucks, Godiva, FBI, Google, and many more on Focus and Digital Leadership.

The Future Belongs to the Focused | Erik Qualman Answers Your Questions on Leadership, AI, Keynote Speaking & Success Aug 06, 2026

What does it really take to stay focused in a world full of distraction? In this special audience Q&A episode, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and professor Erik Qualman answers questions spanning leadership, AI, keynote speaking, business, personal growth, and the habits that have shaped his career. Topics include: • How Erik prepares backstage before a keynote • Favorite places and audiences he's spoken to around the world • Where he'd most like to speak next • How focus influences leadership and decision-making • AI, innovation, and the future of work • Lessons learned from writing bestselling books • Building a career around purpose, curiosity, and continuous learning • Advice for aspiring speakers, leaders, and entrepreneurs Whether you're leading a company, building a business, preparing for your next presentation, or simply looking to become more focused in your personal and professional life, this episode offers practical insights you can put into action immediately. Because the future doesn't belong to the biggest, the fastest, or the loudest. The future belongs to the focused.

Submit your questions for Erik to eq@equalman.com

Five-time #1 Bestselling Author and Motivational Speaker Erik Qualman has performed in over 60 countries and reached over 60 million people this past decade. He was voted the 2nd Most Likable Author in the World behind the Harry Potter series.

Motivational Speaker | Erik Qualman has inspired audiences at FedEx, Chase, ADP, Huawei, Starbucks, Godiva, FBI, Google, and many more on Focus and Digital Leadership.

Leadership Starts at Home: Lessons from 100 Successful Fathers Jun 03, 2026

In this episode of the Super U Podcast, Erik Qualman sits down with Derek Notman and Adam Holt, founders of REBL Dads and co-authors of the new book REBL Dad. Drawing from conversations with more than 100 successful fathers, Derek and Adam share powerful lessons on what it means to lead with intention at home and at work.

The discussion explores the realities of modern fatherhood, especially for entrepreneurs and high achievers who are striving to balance career ambitions with family responsibilities. Derek and Adam discuss the inspiration behind the REBL Dads community, their annual gatherings on Necker Island with Richard Branson, and the insights that emerged from interviewing fathers from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Listeners will learn why intentional presence emerged as the most common trait among successful dads, how family values and communication can strengthen relationships, and why legacy is about far more than financial success. The conversation also touches on mentorship, vulnerability, work-life integration, and practical ways fathers can create meaningful moments with their children.

Whether you're a parent, entrepreneur, leader, or simply someone striving to make a greater impact in the lives of those you love, this episode offers actionable insights and heartfelt stories that will inspire you to show up more intentionally every day.

Learn More About REBL Dads:

Buy REBL Dad on Amazon

Website: rebldads.com

Email: media@rebldads.com

Connect with Derek: linkedin.com/in/dereknotman

Connect with Adam: linkedin.com/in/hadamholt

X: @REBL_Dads

Instagram: @REBLDads

facebook.com/rebldads

Five-time #1 Bestselling Author and Motivational Speaker Erik Qualman has performed in over 60 countries and reached over 60 million people this past decade. He was voted the 2nd Most Likable Author in the World behind the Harry Potter series.

Have Erik speak at your conference: eq@equalman.com

Motivational Speaker | Erik Qualman has inspired audiences at FedEx, Chase, ADP, Huawei, Starbucks, Godiva, FBI, Google, and many more on Focus and Digital Leadership.

Turning Adversity into Innovation with Rebel Cheese's Kirsten Maitland May 27, 2026

In this inspiring episode of the Super U Podcast, Kirsten Maitland shares her remarkable journey from a difficult childhood in England to becoming the co-founder and CEO of Rebel Cheese — one of Time Magazine's Best Innovations of 2025.

Kirsten opens up about growing up in foster care, joining the U.S. Navy at 16, building a successful career in tech consulting, and ultimately leaving it all behind to pursue a mission-driven business with her husband. She takes listeners behind the scenes of their unforgettable Shark Tank experience, including the intense pitch preparation, the emotional rollercoaster of filming, and what it was really like landing a deal with Mark Cuban.

The conversation also dives into entrepreneurship during COVID, scaling an e-commerce business from scratch, the future of AI and search, and why 74% of Rebel Cheese customers aren't even vegan.

This episode is packed with lessons on resilience, innovation, leadership, and betting on yourself when everyone else says it won't work.

Five-time #1 Bestselling Author and Motivational Speaker Erik Qualman has performed in over 60 countries and reached over 60 million people this past decade. He was voted the 2nd Most Likable Author in the World behind the Harry Potter series.

Have Erik speak at your conference: eq@equalman.com

Motivational Speaker | Erik Qualman has inspired audiences at FedEx, Chase, ADP, Huawei, Starbucks, Godiva, FBI, Google, and many more on Focus and Digital Leadership.

The Franchise Formula: How to Grow Faster with Dr. Tom DuFore May 06, 2026

What if you could grow a business faster without taking on all the risk, time, and cost yourself?

In this episode of the Super U Podcast, we sit down with franchising expert Dr. Tom DuFore, founder and CEO of Big Sky Franchise Team, to break down how franchising helps entrepreneurs scale smarter. With over 20 years of experience and more than 600 brands advised, including household names Tom shares the real mechanics behind turning one successful business into many.

We explore the three biggest problems franchising solves—capital, management, and time—and why it's become one of the most powerful growth strategies for entrepreneurs today. Whether you're a first-time business owner, a corporate professional looking for a change, or someone thinking about scaling your existing company, this conversation is packed with practical insights.

Tom also pulls back the curtain on what it's really like to own a franchise, what surprises people most, where they struggle, and why following the system is often the key to success. Plus, he shares firsthand lessons from his own experience as a multi-unit franchise owner.

If you've ever wondered whether franchising is the right move or how to take your business to the next level—this episode gives you a clear, honest roadmap.

Five-time #1 Bestselling Author and Motivational Speaker Erik Qualman has performed in over 60 countries and reached over 60 million people this past decade. He was voted the 2nd Most Likable Author in the World behind the Harry Potter series.

Have Erik speak at your conference: eq@equalman.com

Motivational Speaker | Erik Qualman has inspired audiences at FedEx, Chase, ADP, Huawei, Starbucks, Godiva, FBI, Google, and many more on Focus and Digital Leadership.

Why No One Knows About You (Yet) — And How to Fix It | KJ Blattenbauer Apr 29, 2026

What if the only thing standing between you and major media coverage… is how you tell your story?

In this episode, we're joined by KJ Blattenbauer, founder and CEO of Hearsay PR, a powerhouse publicist who helps overlooked experts become headline makers. With nearly 30 years of experience and clients featured in outlets like Forbes, Architectural Digest, Fast Company, and The Today Show, KJ knows exactly what it takes to break through a crowded media landscape.

She shares the real strategies behind getting noticed—whether you're an entrepreneur, author, founder, or creative—and why most people never get the visibility they deserve.

We dive into:

The simple framework to clarify your message and stand out instantly
Why most pitches fail (and how to fix yours in 5–7 sentences)
The follow-up strategy that dramatically increases your success rate
How to use AI the right way in PR (and where it falls short)
The truth about "pay-to-play" media—and whether it's worth it
Why you should start PR before you feel ready

KJ also breaks down how to think like the media, craft irresistible subject lines, and position yourself as the go-to expert in your space.

If you've ever felt like you have something valuable to share, but aren't getting the attention to match—this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to change that.

Five-time #1 Bestselling Author and Motivational Speaker Erik Qualman has performed in over 60 countries and reached over 60 million people this past decade. He was voted the 2nd Most Likable Author in the World behind the Harry Potter series.

Have Erik speak at your conference: eq@equalman.com

Motivational Speaker | Erik Qualman has inspired audiences at FedEx, Chase, ADP, Huawei, Starbucks, Godiva, FBI, Google, and many more on Focus and Digital Leadership.

Behind the Scenes of Hit TV (and a Viral Game You Can't Put Down) with Doug Weitzbuch Apr 22, 2026

Ever wonder what really happens behind your favorite TV shows?

Doug Weitzbuch has been in the room for it all—producing everything from Hell's Kitchen to Duck Dynasty—and in this episode, he shares the wild, unfiltered reality of the entertainment industry.

From getting chewed out by Gordon Ramsay to helping shape a cultural phenomenon, Doug takes us inside the chaos, creativity, and constant hustle of unscripted television.

We also dive into his latest venture, Housle—a viral daily game that turns real estate into a surprisingly addictive challenge and how he brought it to life outside of Hollywood.

Along the way, we explore:

Why some shows explode while others flop
The pressure (and freedom) of freelance creative work
What it's like producing 1,200 contestants for a single show
And how to stay grounded while chasing big opportunities

This episode is equal parts entertaining and eye-opening.

Five-time #1 Bestselling Author and Motivational Speaker Erik Qualman has performed in over 60 countries and reached over 60 million people this past decade. He was voted the 2nd Most Likable Author in the World behind the Harry Potter series.

Have Erik speak at your conference: eq@equalman.com

Motivational Speaker | Erik Qualman has inspired audiences at FedEx, Chase, ADP, Huawei, Starbucks, Godiva, FBI, Google, and many more on Focus and Digital Leadership.

Turning Willpower into a Superpower Apr 17, 2026

This audio clip from Erik Qualman's #1 bestselling book The Focus Project explores the true meaning of meditation. It challenges the idea that meditation requires a perfect setting (like sitting in the lotus position surrounded by candles) and instead reframes it as simply being fully present in any given moment.

5x #1 Bestselling Author and Motivational Speaker Erik Qualman has performed in over 55 countries and reached over 50 million people this past decade. He was voted the 2nd Most Likable Author in the World behind Harry Potter's J.K. Rowling.

Have Erik speak at your conference: eq@equalman.com

Motivational Speaker | Erik Qualman has inspired audiences at FedEx, Chase, ADP, Huawei, Starbucks, Godiva, FBI, Google, and many more on Focus and Digital Leadership.

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