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
James 'JT' Tomlinson, Bulletproof for BJJ Co-Host: Negotiation, Chaos & the BJJ Mindset
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🥋 Can the mindset you build on the mat help you navigate chaos, set boundaries, and negotiate with clarity?
In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew sits down with James “JT” Tomlinson, co-host of Bulletproof for BJJ, black belt under Lachlan Giles, and lifelong coach and movement expert. Together, they explore how the principles of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu intersect with negotiation, emotional intelligence, and self-mastery.
From the dangers of going all out with no plan (the 'porrada” mentality) to the power of introspection and belief, this is an honest conversation about learning from your experiences, knowing your limits, and showing up with awareness.
Key Takeaways:
- Self-awareness is the foundation of any negotiation.
- You don’t have to go hard all the time and strategy matters.
- Belief systems shape reality, in training and in life.
- Chaos is natural and peace comes from learning to move through it.
This is a thoughtful, grounded chat between two lifelong learners who understand that every roll, like every conversation, is a chance to reflect, adapt, and grow.
If you don’t already follow JT’s work, you can find him on Instagram at @jt_tenacity and through the Bulletproof for BJJ platform.
🎧 New episodes every Thursday.
Thanks for tuning in to 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.