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
Kim Cousins, Roll or Die Podcast Co-Host: Lessons from One of Australia's Early Female BJJ Black Belts
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🥋 What does it take to become one of the first female black belts in a male dominated sport and how does that mindset translate to life off the mats?
In this episode of Rolling Through Negotiations, Matthew sits down with Kim Cousins, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and co-host of the Roll or Die podcast. With over 15 years on the mats, Kim reflects on the lessons that have shaped her from building confidence and community through BJJ to learning how to breathe, slow down, and adapt under pressure.
Key Takeaways:
- Breath is your anchor, slowing it down can shift your entire nervous system.
- Meet people where they’re at, negotiation and training both benefit from empathy and presence.
- Strategy is timing, knowing when to hold, when to move, and when to let go.
This is a thoughtful and honest conversation from someone who’s walked the walk and still shows up with a learner’s mindset.
🎧 You can follow Kim’s podcast Roll or Die wherever you listen to your favourite shows.
New Rolling Through Negotiations episodes drop every Thursday.
Thanks for listening, peace and love to you and until the next one, take care.
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.