Kenrick Vaz

Negotiate Like a Donkey (Not a Peacock)

Want to win your next high-stakes negotiation? Stop trying to be the smartest person in the room. The flashy Peacock negotiator leads with expertise, confidence, and fast anchors.The humble Donkey negotiator? Patient. Steady. Inquisitive. Deceptively simple.And paradoxically—the donkey wins more. The Science of Strategic Humility 🎯📌 The Curse of Knowledge (Kahneman):Experts can’t imagine “not knowing.”Continue reading “Negotiate Like a Donkey (Not a Peacock)”

Navy Seal Mantras

What can the military teach us about resilience? A lot, it turns out. These 9 mantras used by Navy SEALs can help navigate everyday stress, tough decisions and personal growth. 1/ Embrace the suck↳ You’re not supposed to enjoy hard things. You’re supposed to finish them. 2/ Calm is contagious↳ Your presence matters. Composure isContinue reading “Navy Seal Mantras”

7 Habits of Effective Leaders

Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits were published in 1989.But in today’s world of burnout and “busywork” – they’re more relevant than ever. This is the cheat sheet I wish every manager, founder, and exec had on their wall. Because “high performance” isn’t about doing more.It’s about doing the right things, in the right way. If youContinue reading “7 Habits of Effective Leaders”

Reengage Quiet Clients

That quiet client?They’re not lost… They may just need the right nudge. Everyone’s busy.They may be overloaded. And you’ve slipped off their radar. But here’s the truth:Silence isn’t rejection. It’s an opportunity in disguise. The key is reengaging, without pressure.Just small, thoughtful nudges that rebuild trust over time. Here’s my simple 3-step reconnection plan: 1.Continue reading “Reengage Quiet Clients”

5 Levels of Listening

Most people think they’re great listeners.But they’re stuck at level 2. They nod.They make eye contact.They wait for their turn to speak. But they’re not really hearing you. The difference between good leaders and great ones? They’ve mastered the art of real listening. Because if you can’t listen, you can’t lead. You miss what yourContinue reading “5 Levels of Listening”

SMART Framework

Are you setting goals that stick? Or are you just dreaming? Many people set goals but struggle to achieve them. The SMART framework can guide you through setting goals that are not just wishful thinking but steps towards real progress. Here’s how to apply the SMART criteria: 1. Specific 🎯A goal should be clear andContinue reading “SMART Framework”

Before the Year Slips Away

There’s something quietly sacred about these last days of the year. The noise has mostly died down. The big celebrations are either behind us or about to happen, and in between there’s this soft, suspended moment where time feels slower, thinner, almost transparent. Like the year is exhaling. We arrive here tired. Not the kindContinue reading “Before the Year Slips Away”

Hot Springs, Arkansas

We didn’t set out chasing anything grand on this trip. No packed checklist, no rush to “see it all.” Just a simple idea: drive out, slow down, and let Hot Springs do what it’s known for—make you breathe a little easier. The journey itself eased us into that mindset. Our first real pause was atContinue reading “Hot Springs, Arkansas”

The Danger of Low-Hanging Fruit

I’ve been thinking about growth lately.(not just in business, but in life too) When you only pick the easiest opportunities:→ The quick wins→ The safe clients→ The comfortable projects You might feel productive at first.You fill your basket with early success. But there’s a hidden cost. Each easy win adds weight to your basket.Each comfortableContinue reading “The Danger of Low-Hanging Fruit”

Communicate

Poor communication will cost you big time— Here’s how to fix it: Most people think communicationis about saying more. It’s not. It’s about saying what matters—clearly, calmly, and at the right moment. But here’s the problem: We were never taught how to do this. So we: Ramble.Assume.Hold back.Talk in circles.Say one thing—but mean another.Over-explain.Interrupt.Misread.Guess. RealContinue reading “Communicate”