Rolling Through Negotiations: First Nations Leadership, BJJ & Business Strategy
🎙 Welcome to Rolling Through Negotiations, the podcast where strategy and resilience meet negotiation mastery.
Hosted by Matthew Karakoulakis, one of Australia’s top lawyers, this podcast blends the principles of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), First Nations wisdom, and business strategy to help you negotiate like a pro.
Featuring insights from:
✅ First Nations leaders sharing traditional knowledge that strengthens negotiation techniques
✅ Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athletes revealing how discipline, adaptability, and mindset shape decision-making
✅ Top business leaders and legal professionals breaking down high stakes negotiation strategies
We explore how mental resilience, business growth, leadership, and personal development are all connected. Whether you're in the boardroom, on the mats, or negotiating in everyday life, Rolling Through Negotiations brings you powerful strategies, transformative stories, and practical tools to sharpen your negotiation skills.
Rolling Through Negotiations: First Nations Leadership, BJJ & Business Strategy
Rolling with Chris Penrose: Jiu Jitsu Black Belt & Top BJJ Referee on Overcoming Setbacks
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🥋 How do you stay calm, trust your instincts, and adapt under pressure, both on the mats and in life?
In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, we sit down with Chris Penrose, a proud Warumungu man, BJJ black belt, and one of South Australia’s top referees. From overcoming a life changing injury to shaping the next generation of martial artists, Chris shares his journey of resilience, learning, and giving back.
Key Takeaways:
- Stay Calm & Focused: Whether refereeing high stakes matches or negotiating life’s challenges, Chris highlights the power of breathing, staying present, and making clear headed decisions under pressure.
- Trust Your Instincts: Sometimes, the best decisions aren’t about logic they come from trusting your gut. Chris shares how learning to back himself as a referee and competitor has helped him make the right calls, even in controversial moments.
- Set Goals & Serve Others: From fighting his way back to Jiu Jitsu after a severe injury to mentoring young martial artists, Chris shows how setting small, achievable goals and helping others can turn setbacks into strengths.
Whether you're a martial artist, a business professional, or someone navigating tough decisions, his insights will give you a fresh perspective on resilience and negotiation.
Follow Chris Penrose on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/chris-warritya-penrose
Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you next time on Rolling Through Negotiations! OSS🔥
Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal 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.