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
Mervyn Fernando on First Nations Leadership, Negotiation & Fair Business Deals
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🥋 How do First Nations leadership, resilience, and truth shape success in business, negotiations, and life?
In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, we sit down with Mervyn Fernando, a proud Dunghutti and Kamilaroi First Nations leader, dedicated Christian, and founder of Claystone Marketing, Indigenous Medical Supplies, and AIQCAI Institute of Ethics. Merv shares his journey from a freelancer to a business leader, how he navigates the challenges of entrepreneurship, and why truth is the most powerful force in marketing and negotiation.
🎯 Key Takeaways:
- Roll with the Punches: Whether in the boxing ring, business, or negotiations, setbacks are inevitable. Merv explains how staying composed, adapting, and keeping forward momentum are the key to long term success.
- Leadership is More Than a Title: Merv shares his transition from a solo entrepreneur to leading a team, discussing the balance between micromanagement, trust, and setting a strong example for others.
- Marketing as Influence in Negotiation: Merv reveals how the same three steps in marketing knowing your audience, crafting the right message, and choosing the right channel are key to successful negotiations.
Protecting First Nations Businesses from Black Cladding: Merv shares how learning every aspect of his business gave him full control, helping him avoid pitfalls like black cladding. He leaves us with a thought provoking question: Have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities negotiated a fair deal with this country?
Follow Merv on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/mervyn-fernando
Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you next Thursday 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.